It is never too early to get into the modeling profession, and the ideal time for an interested young person would be while still at college. Colleges in America are great places where likeminded young people get together, form clubs of mutual interest, including modeling clubs, and this creates a great support system for somebody who wants to get into modeling.
Have you dreamed of becoming a professional model all your life? Do you have posters of Elle Macpherson and Naomi Cambell and other supermodels up on the walls of your college dorm? We suggest you stop dreaming, and see what you can do to make your dreams a reality - for the best models are already rich and famous by the time they reach your age, 20 to 22. You should seriously start planning on a serious modeling career while still in college. Here's how you can do it.
Step: 1. Join Your College Modeling Club
Many colleges have modeling clubs where the students interested in fashion and modeling hang out together. They organize fashion shows, discuss fashion topics, and offer each other career tips, practice ramp walks as a group, organize early morning group runs and so on. You should make your college modeling club your first step into serious modeling. Have a great time and make great friends while you are at it! You can use the social media, networking platforms like LinkedIn and model search websites like http://www.modelsearchamerica.com/.
Step: 2. Study The Modeling Profession
There are so many things that go into being a model. The right height, the right body shape, the right look. And there are so many different types of models - fashion models, runway models, plus size models, commercial models, swimsuit models, promotional models. Chose one that fits your best. And learn a little about the lifestyle of models and whether you would be comfortable with all the constant glamour, glitz and attention seeking.
Step: 3. Create A Fantastic Portfolio
Hire a professional fashion photographer, plan with him the various ways in which you may bring out the best in yourself, the various camera angles, the props that would add color to the shoot, the clothes that fit your best, the shoes, the makeup - don't leave out any detail. Get great shots taken of yourself in every angle, full length shots, close ups, body shots. Try to give that unique look that just defines you. Your shots should be such that they make the people watching the photographs sit up and take notice. Prepare a fabulous portfolio, just like a supermodel.
Step: 4. Join The Best Modeling Agency
The best modeling agencies are very choosy about picking their models, and it won't be easy for you to beat the heavy competition that is usually involved in the model search. But if you have just made a wonderful portfolio, have great looks and attitude to match, you have nothing to worry. Present your modeling portfolio or "book' to the agency and provide them your contact details. You may do this by email. But the best option for you would be to participate in the various open casting calls or model search events conducted by the agency, and show the casting agents how great looking and how talented you are. And if you are indeed talented, you will certainly get your chance - for in the fashion industry, true talent is a rare commodity. And don't forget to have a look at the website Model Search America, the largest free online database for current modeling jobs in 2014. It might get you your first break!
Sarah is a student and the head of her college modeling club. She is, needless to add, an aspiring supermodel and has participated in many model search events across the country. She came across a great website recently, Model Search America, a wonderful treasure trove of information related to modeling, and wants you to know about it. You can find more of my modeling success tips on http://www.modelsearchamerica.com/.
