Tips to Break in the Modeling Industry

On a day to day basis. I work with some of the most beautiful people in the world.And I have found that each and every person whether male or female that I work with has the same mentality. They feel that just because they are attractive.That is their entitlement to becoming a model. And unfortunately that's not true. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. You can always find an attractive person.But just like anything to model it takes god given talent. Anyone can be beautiful. I am asked on a daily basis by men and women on how they can break into the modeling industry. Well here are some basics that you must know before you invest in photos or modeling schools.There are various types of models. You must know where you fit into the industry before you set out to become a model.

High Fashion Models:High fashion models can be seen in Elle,Vogue,W and many others as well as in runway shows for haute couture or designer collections. They also model in catalogs,print ads and television commercials for designers,cosmetic and other glamorous products. Ultra high fashion models have looks that are either extreme,unique,sophisticated or exotic. European markets are prone to more extreme looks of the ultra high fashion models which appeal to the very trendy,avante garde,fashion conscious consumers. Other high fashion models have a more accessible look that falls between ultra high fashion models and general fashion,but usually have at least one feature that gives them a memorable look. These models have the potential to become a celebrity or super model because their widespread appeal.High fashion models are tall. The women are usually between 5'8 and 5'11 and usually wear Misses sizes 8-10. Most female high fashion models are between 13 and 25. Very few females models maintain high fashion model status beyond these ages,however, there are some exceptional models who continue into their 40's.

General Fashion Models:General Fashion models have universally appealing good looks but are not high fashion enough to qualify for high fashion editorials. You may see these models in middle-of-the-road magazines like Redbook and Good Housekeeping. General fashion models are often seen in catalogs and general clothing advertisements for companies like Mervyns,Sears and Target.Most general fashion models appear to be between 18 and 25. Also included are Contemporary Women(who appear between 28 and 44)and Classic Women(who appear over 45). The majority of men in this category range from 18 to 28 years old and may be seen in underwear and bathing suit ads. Those men who appear between 25 and 35 model sportswear and formal wear.Men who appear between 32 and 45 often model business clothes.

Commercial Print models: represent products other than beauty or fashion. They are used in print ads,packaging,sales displays,product catalogs and live promotional work. There are two types of commercial print models:Straight and Character.Straight Commercial models range from average(real people)to attractive types. They are chosen because they appeal to specific consumer markets based on age,marital status,income,etc. Character Commercial models most often appear in print ads and television commercials. These models can be funny-looking or offbeat characters. They are often exaggerated examples of real people. Character models may also be impersonators or imaginary characters such as Uncle Sam or leprechaun. Real People models:There are no height,weight or visual requirements for casting and print. This is because the assignment may call for "real people"i.e. non-models types.

Petite Models:Petite Models wear sizes 3-7 petite and are usually 18 to 25 years old. Petite models appear in catalogs,print ads,TV commercials. Occasionally,they may receive high fashion print assignments. Petite models are coming more into Vogue now but it is still a struggle to get them into runway shows. My recommendations for petites:start looking for other petite models and then as a group,approach petite clothing companies and create showcases. Naturally,you'll need to hook up with a choreographer but these can be found at other runway shows or by asking manufacturers or local clothing outlets like Macy's who they use.

Parts Models:If a model has particular appeal in body parts,e.g.hands,feet,back etc.they must take snapshots or Polaroids of these parts,date the photographs and place name on the photographs. These shots are needed for buyers who seek Part models. If the parts are superior in appearance,the model will need to locate professional photographers to photograph the body parts. Hand models: have attractively shaped, smallish hands with no blemishes or skin problems. Nails have a healthy color,are without curves,ridges,blemishes.Cuticles must be perfect. Nails must be natural,not sculpted. Most hand models wear a size 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 glove and 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ring. Male hand models wear 8 to 10 glove.Leg models: must have beautifully shaped,straight,slim,long legs with attractive feet and without veins,scars or other blemishes. Female foot models:must have graceful,flawless feet with attractive ankles and lower legs. They must wear size 6 narrow or medium without blemishes or protruding veins. Teeth/smile models:must have perfectly straight,white teeth with a beautiful smile and attractive lips. Gums must be healthy,pink and not extremely large.

Beauty Models:are used for face and hair products. They must have a well proportioned,attractive face with symmetrical features,good bone structure.Skin must be flawless with fine,nearly invisible pores. No blemishes,no circles or darkness under the eyes. Eyes must be wide set,expressive and beautiful. Lips are neither too thin nor too full. Neck should be long and slim.Hair should be healthy,thick,shiny,easy to manage. Hair should be virgin(not permed or colored). For men a strong jaw line and an even hairline are preferred.

Plus Size Models:Plus or large size models wear Misses 12 and up. Plus models have well proportioned,full figures.Plus sizes wear between size 12 and size 18. Measurements are between 34-25-37 and 40-31-42. If your size exceeds these measurements you are not qualified for Plus size modeling. If your waist is not at least 9 inches smaller than your hips and chest,you are not qualified for Plus size modeling.

Swimsuit Models:need an attractive slender figure with a 34B bust or larger. Models with naturally darker skin or light tan are preferred. The models figure should have smooth,attractive contours. Swimsuit models should not have bony or angular shoulders,visible ribcage or hipbones. Their figure should be well toned and without cellulite or excessive muscles. Swimsuit models usually have figures that are slightly rounder or more athletic looking than typical fashion models.

Lingerie Models:need an attractive figure with a full 34B bust or larger. Skin must be flawless,without much body hair,freckles,moles or scars.Models should not be overly tan. The model's bones in the rib and chest should protrude. The model must not be very muscular.

Body Models:Nude or Figure models work in print work,videos and films. Nude models range from 18 to 24 with few exceptions. Figure models must have an excellent figure with a well developed bust line. Looks range from wholesome to sexy to mildly exotic.

High Fashion women's measurements:
Bust:32 to 34,cup A,B or C,36 max if small cup size.
Waist:25" in. max.
Hips:35" in. max.
Height:5'8-5'11
Weight:115-130

Men's fashion measurements:
Suit:40 regular
Shirt:15-15 1/2 x 34-35
Waist:32-34
Inseam:32-34
Chest:38-40
Weight:145-165
Height:5'11 to 6'1
Physique:well built

Male high fashion models are often between 14 and 35 years of age.

Keep in mind the followings points when taking your pictures:

Do not wear makeup or hairspray
Do not pose
Background should be plain white wall
Use regular 35 mm color print film(any camera)or digital
Wear a one or two piece swim suit

When taking your snapshots you should make sure they are in the following sequence:

From the shoulders up:
Forward with no smile(hair up & hair down) two shots
Forward with smile one shot
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

From Bust up:
Forward with no smile(hair up & hair down) two shots
Forward with smile one shot
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

Full length:
Forward no smile(two shots)
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Back shot(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

The following photos are acceptable:

Clear facial features
Little to no makeup if amateur
Head to foot
Head to waist
Head and chest
Head and shoulders
Profile face
Profile body

Clothing includes:Sporty,casual,swimsuit,formal,club wear etc.

Remember to always include your basic measurements with your photos. If you are female your measurements must include age,height,bust,waist,hips,hair color and eye color. If you are male your measurements must include your height,chest,waist,inseam,hair color and eye color. You should have at least one clear head shot and one clear body shot. Your head shot should clearly show your entire face,and your body shot should give the agency or perspective employer a good idea of your build and body type. I would suggest that women wear a swimsuit and men a swimsuit or boxer shorts.

These are the basics of Model 101. If you are really serious about becoming a model. I would suggest that you educate yourself fully.And please be cautious of get quick schemes. You will never have to pay to be a model.