The modeling industry is one of the hardest industries to get into, it takes a lot of hard work and it doesn't happen over night. You have to be prepared to face rejection and to learn how to not get hurt by constructive criticism. Many different models have found their success through different routes, it is different for all people. Not every one is going to have the same opportunity and things might be easier for one person than the other but this doesn't mean that you don't have what it takes, you just have to work harder to get what you want. Never give up! I have been rejected numerous times, and to be honest it hurt at first, but then I realized it doesn't mean I can't follow my dreams it was just that I wasn't what they were looking for at that time. It meant I had to work harder and it only made me stronger. There is always going to be competition in everything you do but one thing you have to remember is that no two people are the same and everyone is different which makes each individual ave something unique to offer. I truly believe in following your dreams because you should never let anything stand in your way or prevent you from being what you want to be. Here are a few ways that have helped me get my foot in the door, but remember for a career in modeling there is not set path to follow.
Know your goals
The more you know what you are going for the easier things will be for you and that way it is easier for you to seek the appropriate agency. You will get much farther and be more effective if you are organized and set realistic goals. You should know what type of model you desire to become and make sure that you fit all the requirements before you spend all your time and money into the training, etc. For example, if you want to be a runway model and you don't fit the height requirements then no amount of hard work and training will make your career as a runway model. In this case you may want to consider print modeling or commercial modeling.
Training
I feel it is a good idea to take a course to gain more knowledge, build confidence and poise. I have taken a couple modeling courses over the years and I always found them to be educational and fun. The courses teach you confidence, posture, posing, runway, make-up application and it gives you a good understanding about how the industry works so you are better prepared to enter the world of fashion. Therefore, if you take your modeling career seriously, it is important that you get the training, experience and practice that you need to become better at what you want to do. You will hear many success stories from models who have gone to modeling schools or modeling camps and for me these courses have helped me grow professionally as well as independently and just like any business knowledge is key.
TFP- Networking
Networking also plays a very important role in the modeling industry. Get to know people, talk to people and ask a lot of questions. Often you hear stories of models who have started their career because they knew someone that was already in the industry. This is why I find TFP very good because you are getting to know different photographers and knowing someone in the business can help you get started in the modeling industry. TFP is important because although you are not getting paid for TFP shoots but your getting to know the photographer and they may consider you when they do get paid shoots. In this industry experience is helpful but not necessary which is also why TFP is a good idea. Another positive about TFP is that you are also getting to practice poses and get different ideas from the photographer. Just like anything these days skills, practice and experience will always make you better. Remember the saying "Practice makes perfect!" Every TFP shoot that I have don't I have just thought of it as a bonus for me because I was getting the chance to practice in front of a camera, learn different styles, poses and ideas, as well as get free prints to help me build my portfolio.
Create a demand
It is very important that you create a demand for your look and abilities. In order to do that, you have to have images that will make you stand out above everyone else. Be creative! Look through magazines to find different ideas and pose that you like. Also, it is always good to shoot with different photographers because every photographer is different so none of your shoots will be similar. Like I said before, everyone is different and has something unique to offer, so show it off!
Photos - Comp Cards / Portfolios
Having comp cards is also a good idea, they are like your business cards. Comp cards can have about 5 or so photos on them as well as your statistics and they are used to show your versatility and experience. Comp cards are a very successful marketing strategy that has been used for years by agencies to send to directors and photographers to advertise their models. They should include at least one head shot as well as a full body shot. Your comp cards should reflect the type of work you seek and can do. If you seek fashion modeling, then make sure your fashion images are on your comp cards. Portfolios are also important for a model to have. Portfolios are books for models to have which display numerous images of them. Your images that you choose for your portfolio should be a variety of different images because models take their portfolios with them to all shoots and casting calls to show off their level of professionalism and range. Always be sure to keep photos and your portfolio up to date. It is very important that you have current photos because your look is always changing and most places wont accept submissions of photos older than 6 months.
Researching
Once you have got your portfolio and have started networking you need to start researching on reputable agencies. It is important that you find out all the info that you can about the agency and search it on the net and also talk to people and see if they have heard of them. You should find out how long the agency has been in business and see if you could find any success stories from the agency as well as read about their corporate profile. Be aware that there are a lot of scams out there so I strongly advise you to do your research and be cautious. Just remember that real modeling agencies don't charge you for casting your information, they don't hire scouts on the Internet, and most modeling agencies don't have a motto. Keep in mind the old saying "If it is too good to be true, it probably is!" I am not trying to scare you I just want to warn you so that you do not get caught in a scam. It's just so easy for a scammer to take advantage of someone when they are blinded by their dreams, so please don't be afraid to ask questions and research before giving out your personal information.
Get noticed - Don't wait
Once you have researched modeling agencies, then don't wait for something to come to you....go get it yourself! Send your comp cards to the agencies that you are interested in, attend go see's, call agencies and schedule appointments. Opportunities don't just happen, you have to go get them and they include a lot of hard work.
