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A model is a person employed to display merchandise, such as clothing or cosmetics through a variety of media. In keeping with society's somewhat narrow concept of beauty, most female runway models are extraordinarily tall and thin. This gaunt ideal no doubt sends a troubling message to the vast majority of women, who are not 5'11 and 105 pounds. It also poses health risks for the models themselves due to strict dieting, especially if candidates aren't naturally lanky. The male side of modeling is no less rigorous: the most successful male models are often thin or extremely muscular. Female models typically earn more than male models for similar work. Modeling opportunities do exist for people of other sizes and shapes. These jobs often aren't as prestigious or well paying, but insiders report that they are fairly lucrative. There are also specialty-modeling jobs such as body doubling for actors and "hand modeling" for jewelry.
Jobs
Agent: Markets and manages talent. Negotiates contracts and jobs for models.
Fit model: Serves as a live person with real contours and a shape for manufacturers and fashion houses. Fit models must be the "average" size and maintain certain measurements.
Print model: Appears in catalogs, magazines, or anything that appears two-dimensional. Print models usually represent the average or most common size for that category. For example, there are petite models, large-size models, girls' models and regular fit models.
Runway model: Takes it to the catwalk and adds a third dimension to designers' creations.
Specialty model: Recruited for particular body parts such as long fingers and well-manicured nails. For example, women with well-proportioned feet are needed for shoe advertisements. Advertisements of stockings, pantyhose and razors require women with nicely shaped legs.
The Scoop
The first step to becoming a model is to visit a modeling agency. Insiders advise aspiring models to steer clear of "agencies" that are really schools offering expensive courses. Modeling schools provide training in posing, walking, make-up application and other basic tasks, but not necessarily job opportunities. Many agents actually prefer beginning models with little or no previous experience and discourage models from attending modeling schools and purchasing professional photographs. Agency selection is an important factor for advancement in the industry because the better the reputation of the agency, the more assignments usually available to the model. However, competition is extremely fierce at the top agencies.
A reputable agency, one insider notes, will train you for free since they only stand to benefit if you really have what it takes. A good strategy in modeling is to interview at a big agency because you will likely receive a very honest assessment of your potential. Before you approach an agency, you should have head shots, profile views, full length and ¾ length shots. If an agency is interested, they will arrange for a more extensive photo test. Once models begin building their "books," they often use several different photographers to capture a wide range of looks because it is critical to have an excellent portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of the model's previous work that is carried to all interviews and bookings. A composite card (or comp card) contains the best photographs from a model's portfolio along with his or her measurements.
Models must gather information before a job. For example, they should learn the pay, date, time, and length of the shoot from the agent. In addition, models must know if hair, make-up, and clothing stylists will be provided. It is helpful to know what product is being promoted and what image they should project. Models use a document called a "voucher" to record the rate of pay and the actual duration of the job. The voucher is used for billing purposes after both the client and model sign it. Once a job is completed, the cycle begins again as models check with their agent and look for the next booking. Almost all models work through agents. Agents are the link between models and clients. An agency usually receives 25 to 30 percent of the model's earnings in return for the agency's services. This fee is often negotiated with top models, but inexperienced models do not have any leverage so they are charged higher commission fees. Agents also may have different fees depending on the type of job. A one-time job will carry a higher percentage fee than a yearlong contract with Calvin Klein. Agents scout for new faces, advise and train new models and promote them to clients. A typical modeling job lasts only one day, so modeling agencies differ from other employment agencies by maintaining an ongoing relationship with the model. Agents find and maintain relationships with clients, arrange auditions called "go-sees" and book shoots if a model is hired. They also provide bookkeeping and billing services and may even offer financial planning services. Because models are self-employed, they must provide their own health/retirement benefits as well as maintain detailed records of income and tax-deductible expenses. Models may have to set themselves up as their own company -- and pay income taxes on a quarterly basis.
How to Become a Model
If you are female
You have to be between 5'8 - 5'11ft
Age 14-22
Have a well proportioned body
Excellent Skin
If you are Male
You have to be between 5'11 - 6'2
Age 18-26
Have a well proportioned body
Excellent Skin
