How to get into modelling

“What I love the most about modelling is that it opens you a lot of different doors of opportunities and takes you to many different places, which then put you in touch with various people and cultures.”    Karolina Kurkova (http://www.karolina-kurkova.info/karolina_kurkova_biography.html)

Although modelling can be a tough and competitive industry, it can also bring many rewards; from a lifestyle and career that you have always hoped for, to a stepping-stone into acting or simply as a way to supplement your income and gain in life-experience. Choosing to enter the world of modelling should be an exciting decision – if you ensure you make your decision from a well-informed perspective.

On the internet and in various publications, you will find an abundance of “How to become a model” articles and words of advice; but you need to source your information carefully. Check the motivation of the site or author; is the article about modelling asking you to spend money or submit information or photographs, without any assured outcome? If so, then look elsewhere. In time, you will find who to trust by reading the ‘about us’ section of the site or researching the background of the author so that you can be sure they are offering genuine advice on modelling; for the right reasons and not solely for commercial gain.

The first thing any aspiring model needs to deal with is obtaining a portfolio of images. The hope of being spotted by an agency that will cover the cost of this is, sadly, very rare. The cost of a modelling portfolio can be huge and if finances are an issue, the best alternative is to ‘exchange’ your modelling with a photographer who wants to build his portfolio in return. The idea of ‘TFP’ (Time For Prints) suits our modelling and photography very well.

Your modelling portfolio is the most important item you will invest your time and effort into; it will show you and potential modelling agencies or model bookers, how well you will fit with the ‘look’ they are seeking. A selection of professional images should show your ability to change your look to suit a variety of modelling requirements.

Once you have your modelling portfolio, you will want to ensure it is seen by modelling agencies, online model bookers, magazine editors and advertising agencies.