Starting a Career as a Fashion Model
In order to enter into a career as a fashion model, the first thing that you'll need is an attractive figure and appealing looks. If you don't already have these, it's going to be that much harder to break in. It isn't all that difficult and most people can manage it, if they try right and try hard enough. If you are going for strictly a photographic modeling career, your standards can be dropped a mite, since today's imaging technology can work miracles in erasing blemishes and altering the final appearance of a photograph.
As in any industry, there is a fine line between success and failure in modeling. To have a chance of becoming a successful model, you first need to think and act like a successful person; or as they say, act like a winner and the world will treat you like one. Once you begin to see yourself as a successful model you'll naturally start doing the things to make it happen. Not to sound like it's that easy, of course; it does require work but so does working a nine to five job. So, now that you're thinking of yourself as a successful model, let's get to some basics you must know.
If you plan to model, especially as a high fashion or runway model, you need several demanding physical attributes. The standard is that you need to be at least 5'8" tall or taller. Your body weight and proportions need to flatter your height; fashion models notoriously diet and exercise all their lives. You need to have a good skin complexion without lots of pimples or blemishes, and you need to have relatively little body hair and to tan well. Your hair should be in good shape with no excessive split-ends or damage from over-dying. Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white; the only acceptable option here is having a dynamite smile.
Look closely in the mirror and be brutally honest with yourself. We all have limitations; and the fashion industry has developed unbelievably high standards. Some of these things listed above you can work to improve and some, like your height or your skin tone, you were just born with. Even if you don't have all these model attributes, don't give up hope; there are other opportunities in modeling not specifically related to walking a runway or getting your photo in a glossy magazine. In addition, you've probably already considered extensive cosmetic surgery - this is a given in the fashion industry.
The next thing is of course to get noticed and get recruited by a name brand modeling agency. Actually, it's good to keep in mind that these agencies need you as much as you need them. They are constantly on the look out for fresh young faces and if you're hanging out in the right places they might spot you out all by themselves. But it isn't a very good idea to hang around and wait for that to happen. These days to get noticed you have to be proactive and push things yourself. Your first step in this direction would be to get a list of agencies that recruit models and send your professional portfolio of photographs to them. Simple photographs should serve the purpose well enough, so you don't have to spend money on creating an expensive portfolio. Agencies also often have open castings that you can attend to get selected. Find out from the agencies in your area when they have these and when they are planning their next event.
Another leg up is the movie and film extras agencies. It's very easy to get cast in one of these agencies, and anything like a byline can only help. Another possibility is to gain experience working as a live model for small businesses. Perhaps a public appearance at a convention or a local event at a department store can help beef up that portfolio.
The real action starts after you've been picked up by one of these agencies through your smart networking. You may have to relocate and live away from your family, or at the least you will have to travel the world. It may take time to get your first major job, and you have to be both patient and disciplined until then. Make sure that you attend all the casting calls, and show up for shoots on time. The top stars in this career can get away with having people wait on them, but you can afford no such luxury when you're starting out.
Present yourself in a natural and relaxed way; confidence is half of the game. The agency that takes you in will be presenting you to their clients for consideration in modeling needs. If you are relaxed and simple, your chances may be much better at getting selected than if you are heavily made up, put up artificial postures, or are trying hard to impress. Just as this is true of almost anything, being relaxed and not worrying too much about what's going to happen will be the most common sense approach.
If you're going to be a model, you better learn to love the camera and the studio environment. It goes without saying that you don't hesitate to show yourself off. Fashion models get body coaches and practice poses to find out what type of posture suits them best and try to do those. Every fashion model is a little bit of an exhibitionist, so you might as well decide now that you like to be looked at. For instance, take it as a given that a fashion career will include some nude modeling along the way.
The kind of work of a fashion career demands a submissive disposition. You will have to be where they tell you, wear what they tell you, and move and pose how they tell you. The photographer, filmer, or director will be in charge, and you'll have to be good at following directions. Modeling and acting are intimately intertwined, so get used to the idea that you are a performer and not just an ornament.
You Want to Be a Fashion Model?
Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model? Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job? The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.
But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS. Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world. But if you are willing to "pay your dues", the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective. Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.
Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the "perfect" people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure. Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the "perfect" people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.
That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e. the petite, the "plus size", the teen, the "mature", and yes even the retiree crowd. Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products. And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for! To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.
There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies. There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.
Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved. But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.
How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser
Many dream of entering into the glamour of a fashion career. Most dreams of such careers as fashion model or fashion designer. However a career in fashion merchandising can be very rewarding and self satisfying. It may not be easy to become a fashion merchandiser however with the right training and experience it can come about without much trouble for those who are willing to dedicate themselves to their career.
You might have a natural flair for being a fashion merchandiser. You will normally know if such a career is right for you. You may have felt it from a very young age as you have entered into dress shops or other clothing retail outlets. You have admired the way the clothes were put on display and respected the sales girl at the counter. Your friends may have admired your taste in clothing and frequently asked for your advice on what type of clothing they should wear.
If you are thinking of a career in fashion you might also want to think of ways in which you can be educated in the finer details of fashion merchandising. Often if you want to get into the high end of the market you may be expected to have a degree, diploma or at least a certificate to indicate that you have studied some of the more complex issues related to fashion merchandising.
From a perspective of fashion you might study areas of fashion designs, running a fashion boutique, textiles and the history of fashion. From a business perspective you might learn how to manage a business, including accounting, analyzes market trends and how to make sales. You might even study human resources so that you might know how to recruit, train and manage your staff. Personal development courses will also be of interest and most beneficial in an area which concerns customer relations.
If you are taking fashion merchandising seriously you will want to keep up with the latest trends in the world of fashion. The world of fashion is in a constant state of change. Perhaps the most significant change over the last ten years is the introduction of the internet. Online marketing has become vital. Even those who do most of their work offline will normally need to know something of what is happening online. Many fashion gurus are now using the internet to assist them in their occupation. Indeed internet marketing has opened up a completely new world of how fashion is promoted and sold.
A career in fashion can open up many doors to other related occupations. One such occupation is that of being a webmaster. By webmaster it is meant that the owner promotes a website. It can be quite easy for you to set yourself up on a website as long as you make yourself aware and educated in marketing. On the internet you can display your own products or you can become an affiliate marketer and promote other people's products. There can be a lot of satisfaction in setting up your own website and displaying your own range of products or products owned by those you represent.
To get started with fashion merchandising on the internet it is good to become aware of available resources. There are sites that can provide you with an online education, sites that can provide you with the necessary infrastructure and sites, which will enable you to promote your products online. You can even extend yourself from the internet to off line activities and promotions. There is a lot of variety and a lot of opportunity to extend yourself into a lucrative and satisfying online fashion merchandising career.
A Career in Fashion Modeling
While surfing through TV channels, you probably have come across a model in an ad or a fashion channel with a svelte and appealing figure, and a great deal of poise. And, for the umpteenth time you may have wished that you could be one. It's not just the attention that makes an individual want to be a model, but also the money involved.
Modeling is not confined to traveling to exotic locations, being pampered, attending celebrity parties and earning thousand dollars a day. Although most people like to be in the limelight, rub shoulders with the fashion circuit's who's who, and indulge in the best cuisines of the world, modeling is much more than that.
Requirements
If you plan to take up modeling as a career, you need to acquire demanding physical attributes. You need to first rate yourself. Gauge your weaknesses and your strengths. Not everyone is perfect, but you can work on your flaws and improve on your plus points. For example, your height should be at least 5 feet 8 inches or more, and your body weight should be in proportion to it.
Fashion models are notorious for their unusual diets and exercise regimes that they need to undergo to maintain the exacting body proportions required by the profession. The skin should be healthy and without any, or very little, blemishes. Your hair should be in good shape without any kind damage or dehydration in evidence. Even your teeth should be straight and white, and not crooked or flawed in any manner. A million dollar smile would do half your job.
Models lead a fun filled and exciting life. They have lavish lifestyles, and hop from one lovely locale to another. However, aside from all the fun, modeling demands dedication, commitment and genuine interest. The work timings can be erratic, and models are required to balance their work schedules, as well as their personal health. Models especially require ample sleep, good and nutritious food, and exercise to keep fit. Their profession demands that they maintain their health and complexion, and adhere to a good regime of personal grooming.
Modeling
once you enter the modeling arena, the next step is to get noticed by a modeling agency. Don't forget that the agency needs you just as much as you need them. They are always on the look out for fresh faces, and if you are at the right place at the right time, you can land yourself a lucrative modeling assignment. Don't expect assignments to just walk up to you. You need to make an effort to search for them, and give people a push. You will have to send out your portfolios to modeling agencies that recruit models.
It is important to make your portfolio simple yet effective; however you don't have to spend a lot of money to create an expensive portfolio. Usually, agencies have open castings where newcomers have a chance of being selected. Experience in the related field, whether in print, ramp or television ads, is an added advantage.
Movie and film extras agencies also hire models for their movies. You can also work as a live model at a local departmental store, or even make a public appearance at a local event. This adds up to your experience and helps you to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the profession.
Entering The Fashion Circle
After being hired by one of the agencies, you may have to shift base to another city, or always be on the move. This would also mean living away from your family or traveling a lot. Since initially it may take a while to get a major break in the profession, you need to be patient and determined, until you succeed. Attend all casting calls and shoots. Although established models are known to keep people waiting, but you being a rookie cannot afford such antics. With dedication and perseverance, you are sure to succeed.
