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Are YOU Model Material?
by Erin HessionTraits that increase your chance of becoming a well-paid model:
- Having the right look
- Having a great attitude
- Ability to get along well with others
- Having a great personality
- Having perseverance to follow through on all tasks
Getting Started... To get started, every model needs to have a portfolio, website and comp cards to get started in the industry. Portfolios are usually large black books with 8x10 or larger images (from a variety of looks or photo shoots) included in the book. This will show the casting director that youre able to pull off many looks and can achieve what he or she is looking to accomplish through their upcoming print ads or commercials. Photos in your portfolio should usually not be more than a year old, as your look can change through the course of time. Its recommended that you update your portfolio images at least once every six months to keep your portfolio looking fresh.
A modeling website is important because you need to let the world know that you exist and that youre looking for work. Your modeling website should include your portfolio, stats and contact information. Never give out too much information though, only your first name and e-mail address is required on most modeling websites.
Composite cards (comp cards) are an excellent way to market yourself to potential agents, casting directors, etc. Think of your comp card as your business card. The best comp cards Ive seen are about 5.5x8.5 in size, with a headshot on the front and 4 smaller images with 4 distinct looks on the back. Youll also want to include your stats, e-mail address and website information on the card as well.
Types of modeling... There are many different types of modeling depending on your overall look and what you want to achieve in your modeling career, including:
1. Petite or Plus size modeling - this is growing in popularity and the need for petite and plus size models for catalog and showroom modeling is gaining more and more interest. For petite models, you typically need to be between 54"-57" tall. For plus sizes, you typically need to be between 57-511 and wear a size 12-18.
2. Parts modeling - if you have great feet, hands or legs, you may want to consider parts modeling for companies that need photographs of great feet, hands or legs for the products they are selling. Your target market might be nail salons, jean companies, shoe manufacturers, etc.
3. Runway - runway modeling is for various types of people, but you are mainly judged on your presence once you enter the room. You need to maintain that stage presence for the designers when modeling their clothing on the runway to help them sell their designs more effectively.
4. Catalog modeling - If you are 58 or taller, with the "All American" look, youre a great candidate for catalog modeling. Not only is there a lot of work available in this field, but its one of the best and most steady-paying work as well.
5. Commercial/Advertising modeling - This can be extremely lucrative if you have a "real person" look. There are generally no age or height requirements for commercial modeling because the achieved look will depend on what the client is looking for. Commercial modeling is for print ads, billboards, brochures and commercials.
6. Showroom - This is great for new models because showroom models go to the designers location and display that particular designers fashions for an audience. Its more about how the clothes look and hang on your body so there arent a lot of requirements for this kind of modeling either.
7. Fit modeling - This type of modeling requires you to stand for long periods of time while the designer completes and tweaks his/her clothing looks. If you wear the exact size of the designers sample size, youd be a perfect model for fit modeling.
8. Editorial modeling - Editorial modeling influences fashion trends and is the most sought after type of work. If you are between 14-21 years old with a high fashion look, editorial modeling might be for you! Women are generally at least 59, slender, wear a size 6 or 8, and have measurements of 34x24x34. Men should be at least 60, slender, and wear a size 40 or 42 regular or long.
9. Kids modeling - All types and sizes of children are needed for kids modeling, TV commercials and catalog shoots. Children who are the designers sample sizes (size 5 or 10) usually end up with the most work since thats the most popular sought-after size by designers to showcase their clothing.
Once youve acquired some work through passing out your comp cards and showing your portfolio (in person and online) youll want to save copies of the printed ads where youve appeared. Youll need to tear out the ad (called "tearsheets") and place them in your portfolio or scan them in to place on your website so that future clients, agents and casting directors can see your past accomplishments!
So, if youve ever dreamed of walking the runway or modeling in photo shoots, send us an e-mail! While modeling is a hard business to break into, we have quite a few connections to help our models get connected to the right casting calls with the best portfolios and comp cards to help increase your chance of making it in the modeling industry. Check out our website at www.erinhessionphotography.com and click on "models" for more information.
Erin Hession owns and operates a national photography company, www.ErinHessionPhotography.com and she is the owner of the National Association of Better Bridal Businesses. (www.nabbb.com) She enjoys traveling and photographing weddings, events & models all over the world. Check out her site today!
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