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modeling articles

Modeling Library :

So You Want To Be A Fashion Model?
By Jon Arnold

Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model?  Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job?  The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.

But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS.  Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world.  But if you are willing to “pay your dues”, the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective.  Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.

Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the “perfect” people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure.  Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the “perfect” people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.

That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e., the petite, the “plus size”, the teen, the “mature”, and yes even the retiree crowd.  Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products.  And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for!  To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.

There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies.  There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.

Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved.  But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge, experience, information, and findings.  You can read more about Fashion Modeling careers at his web site at http://www.jag-info-resources.com/modeling/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Arnold

Child Acting Scams and How to Spot Them
By Michael Russell

Most parents think their child holds all the potential in the world to become the next big child star like, Gary Coleman or Raven Symone. For this reason many parents easily fall victim to scam artists that claim to be legitimate acting or modeling agencies. If you don't know how the scenario goes here it is: a company runs an ad claiming to be looking for talented children for commercials, television shows, movies and print ads, then you arrange a meeting at a hotel or some rented out office space so they can "evaluate" your child. Who can blame a parent for think that their child has the chance to grace the covers of magazines, be a movie star or a national commercial star.

After these "acting and modeling agency" scouts lure you in with their persuasive ads, they have you come to a hotel where they have you sit and listen to someone talk about the fame and fortune your child can get from acting and modeling, they're just getting you excited when they do this. They sound even more legitimate when during the hotel meeting, they weave some children out for not having what it takes and deciding to keep your child, bringing your hopes even higher for your child. Once they tell you that your child was kept for having "what it takes" they then ask you for an "investment" for your child to go further.  Most of these scam agencies ask you to pay multiple fees, the most common "fees" they ask you to pay is for a session with "top talent agencies from Los Angeles and New York City".

Just when it seems like this is your child's big break you head to the meeting to find nobody there and just when you call the scam artist "talent agents" back about the situation, their contact details are useless and you've just put your self in debt between the $3,000 $4,500 range. Now don't get me wrong here, these so called acting and modeling agencies do provide acting and modeling "lessons" but they do not guarantee your child any acting or modeling jobs, at least 99% of the time. So if you fall for these scams, you will more than likely not be able to get your money back because they will tell you that they didn't guarantee your child any work.

A new way that modeling scouts try to get your money is by going out and finding your child at local shopping malls and other public locations. They approach you and tell you how good your child looks and how they could possibly be a big star, then they give you a card and a short monologue for your child to go home and practice before they visit the "agency".

The common question that is asked is how to spot these scam artists who claim to be acting and modeling agents, it's quite simple when you call the "agency" or when you're approached by a "scout" ask them for their credentials, ask them to list some of their clients and possibly give you their contact information for verification. Most likely if you know how to spot a scam when you see one, you won't have to worry about being ripped off by these guys.


Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acting: http://acting-guides.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Fashion Models - Start Your Engines
By Bob Pardue

How to Promote Yourself as a Freelance Model

If you would rather promote yourself ...

Some models would rather promote themselves instead of listing through an agency. Nothing wrong with this but it does require more work on your part.

If you are signed with an agency, they promote the business, they talk to the clients in your behalf, they set up the shooting dates, they take the heat if you don't make it to the session, etc.

But, there are many models who are "loners" in the pool of modeling and want complete control over who they work with and why.

If you are one of these models, read on ...

There are several ways to promote yourself. I will try to mention some ways for you to promote your modeling talent and a step by step format to follow.

First things first ..

In self promotion, the first step to take is putting together a professional portfolio.

Once you've followed the portfolio guidelines from above, it's a good idea to have comp cards and business cards made.

A) Business Cards - Your business card should have as much information on it as possible. It's not expensive to have extra words listed and this way you can include things other than the name and phone number.

For best results and at just a little extra cost, I would suggest putting your photo (preferably a headshot) on the card. People don't tend to throw away photos as quickly as they do just cards. Below the photo (or on your card if you choose not to include the photo) you should list ..

Your name, contact phone number, email and don't forget to put your web address on the card 
You may want to also include in bulleted form your attributes (i.e. height and weight), special skills and the type of modeling you specialize in (your modeling strength area)

B) Composite Cards - You'll definitely want to get composite cards (comp cards) made to hand out to possible clients / agents and to leave with clients or photographers you work with. A comp card is one of the least expensive pieces of printed promotional material but packs a big punch in saying, "I'm a professional model".

Here is a basic layout of a comp card ..

Front - Photo covering the front of the card (I suggest a good, strong headshot here) along with your name in bold letters.

Back - From four to six photos showing different looks (indoor and outdoor) in a variety of outfits with at least one good body shot (swimwear or tight-fitting clothing).

The back of the card will list important information about you and your stats including ...

Contact information (Who to contact, phone, email, web address, etc.)
 
Height 

Weight 

Bust size / cup size 

Waist size 

Hip size 

Dress size 

Shoe size 

Hair color 

Hair length (short, shoulder length, long)
 
Eye color 

Type(s) of modeling jobs preferred (i.e. commercial, fashion shows, catalog, promotional, etc.) 

No need to feel overwhelmed with the details of getting your comp card ready. There are many companies online who have versions and templates online which will help you every step of the way.

Remember too that there are many different versions of comp cards so it's all a matter of personal preference as to which style you choose.

C) Modeling Websites - When it comes to websites, I could probably write complete chapters on the subject but I will try as best I can to simplify this part.

Your website - Paid or Free?

Should you pay to have your own website created or go with one of the free web listing services online? Your choice in the type of web promotion you do depends upon your level of experience and the amount of budget you have to work with.

If you are, in actuallity, an eccentric millionaire and are just pursuing modeling out of boredom, by all means hire a professional web designer and start from scratch to build a website that other models will be in awe of! But, even if you go this route, there's the promotional costs and time to think about; time that could be better used to improve your modeling abilities and make contacts with clients who need you for their photo projects.

I personally feel that it's better to start but using a few of the online services (paid and free) to get your name out there. You can do a search and find many listing places but two sites that seem to have lots of buzz at the time of this writing are ..

One Model Place & Model Mayhem

Both of these sites offer a basic free package or a paid premium package. Either way, this is a less expensive way to get your feet wet and find out if you've got a look which is in demand.

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A word of warning about putting your model photos online

Remember to stay safe when placing your photos online. Don't provide too much personal information about yourself or location untill you've thoroughly checked out the person who is contacting you.

If you are under 18 years of age, put your parents' email address in the contact section and have them deal with any incoming offers.

Never, Never meet a photographer or potential client alone. Take a parent or friend (preferably male) with you untill you are completely satisfied that you're in a safe environment. I cannot stress this enough!!

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There are other ways to promote yourself on or off the Internet such as contacting local upscale clothing or department stores for fashion shows or catalog work, jewelry stores if you offer hand modeling, hair salons, etc.

This is your starting point in becoming a real model. See if you can come up with more creative ways to promote yourself as a professional model.

Remember, you can have the most awsome beauty & talent in the world but if nobody knows where to find you ... It'll all be in vain! So, get off your backside and go to work!!

Bob Pardue is a professional fashion model & teen lifestyle stock photographer. His work has been published worldwide. Bob Pardue Model Photography

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Pardue

The Use of the Fashion Model's Zed Card
By Jason Ramirez

A Zed Card (Comp Card, Zed Card, or Model Card) is the number one marketing tool for a model. They serve as a model's portfolio, business card and interview. A comp card typically contains a collection of 2 or more pictures and the models basic stats - height, eye color, etc. - printed on 2 sides of an 8.5" x 5.5" piece of card stock (12 pt stock.) Comp cards have been around for many years as the essential marketing tool for a model and they will retain this standing because they are an inexpensive way to effectively and professionally showcase a model’s ability. Composite cards are used on three major levels - they are used at first by models, then by agents and lastly by the agent’s clients.

Level 1 - Models use composite cards to promote themselves to modeling agents. When a model attends an open call they will typically meet with the agent, have their portfolio reviewed and briefly be interviewed. Open calls are mostly busy, so not a lot of time can be dedicated to each person trying out. When the interview is over, the model leaves their composite card behind - never their portfolio. When the open call is over the agents will gather to discuss the turn out. This is where the composite card comes in to play. When the agents are discussing who they liked and didn't, they can refer to the composite cards. This card is the only reference that the agents have to your portfolio and ability. A good card is going to leave a much better impression of professionalism, experience, ability and expertise than a snap shot or nothing at all.

Level 2 - After a model has been contracted with an agency, it becomes the agents responsibility to market the model (that doesn't mean the model should stop promoting themselves.) You will notice that agencies usually displayed their comp cards in racks on their walls. This is done for the same purpose that an art gallery displays art work. The intention of displaying the composite cards is to give any visiting client a visual catalog of the talent that are available, and in turn making the modeling agents task of finding materials and promoting their models easier. Although this aesthetic pleasing display is this an effective method to boost bookings, it is not the primary marketing method. Agents primarily send composite cards via mail to photographers, producers, art directors, magazine editors, other 
modeling agents, and many other potential clients.

Level 3 - This stage is for the ones who pay the bills - commonly referred to as the "clients." Once the comps have been sent to the clients, it is entirely in their hands to decide who they want to use. Yes your agent should put some good words in for you, but ultimately it is the clients decision. From this point the client may choose you directly, or they may want to meet you. But either way they are going to pursue you further only because they have seen your look - and this is almost always first seen on your composite card. Clients usually retain an index of all of the cards that they have received so they can refer to a visual guide when selecting models. Some clients may have anywhere from 100 - 1000 models indexed in their company. This is why you need a good, professional comp card that makes a great first impression.

The ultimate success of a comp card is going to come down to the quality of the photography that appears on it. The quality of the photography stems from the quality and talent of the model along with the professionalism and creativity of the photographer and his or her team. The better your photography is, the better your zed card will be. On the front of your card you will want an eye-catching shot that sets the stage for the type of model you are. For markets like Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Kansas City a smiling shot works great since these are commercial markets. However, markets like New York, Los Angeles and Paris will be best approached with a high fashion photo on the front.

Most importantly good production is key. Good production will make your photos look better, and bad production will bring the quality way down. Bad production makes you look as unprofessional as bad photography.

Jason Ramirez (Born in Chicago, IL, 1982.) The Peak Agency LLC owner (01’ - 05’)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Ramirez

How to be a Successful Model If You are Not Six Feet Tall
By Anastasia Dorohova

When you think of modeling, do you picture 16 year old, waifish thin and very exotic looking girl? If so,think again. Even though the modelng business is oversaturated with the most beautiful women in the world, an average-looking person can still have a nitche within the business.

Fashion modeling is the most prestigious category of the modeling industry, because about a dozen of fashion models have actually achieved the status of celebrities.Fashion modeling industry is not open to everyone and has very strict standards: height, weight, age and measurement requirements. Fashion models have to stay very thin to fit the clothes they are modeling, and even though many people in the industry might deny it, the pressure to have zero body fat is enormous in the fashion world.  If you are tall and thin and lucky enough to have an agent who’d send you to castings (meetings with clients or photographers who can potentially hire you,) be prepared to do about six meetings a day, which wouldn’t necessarily result in any jobs.

If you are lucky enough to actually get a modeling job, most editorial projects (such as magazines) don’t pay a lot, and it takes an average fashion model a few years to build up her portfolio to start getting big fashion campaigns and other high-paying modeling gigs.

Travel for fashion shows or for editorial work can be exhausting, and many young women have trouble coping with pressure, related to the industry and its standards. Therefore – drug use, eating disorders, unfinished education and other issues, mentioned way too frequently in the media.

Not everything about the world of fashion modeling is dark and hard, but unfortunately, there are very few models who can actually make it to the top and enjoy the fame and fortune it offers. The biggest problem of fashion modeling today is competition. Because the industry has been raised to its highly prestigious status, it is simply impossible to provide all gorgeous hopefuls with enough work. This is why many aspiring fashion models give up modeling after spending six months in a tiny model apartment in Paris or Milan, watching their hungry roommates steal their food or do drugs.

I remember leaving home at 17 and going to Milan on a contract with a big fashion agency. I lived in a two-bedroom apartment with five other models, who all had eating disorders to some degree. Some girls did drugs. The atmosphere overall was extremely competitive, which reflected the way fashion modeling operates in general. The way my roommates greeted me was always the same: “So, are you working tomorrow? What are you shooting for? How much does it pay?”

The most common misconception about modeling is that the industry revolves around fashion.  Closer look reveals, however, that fashion modeling is not the only option for someone who tries to be a model.

You can choose many different paths in her career, focusing on one direction or trying out a few.

Commercial, fitness, fit and showroom, glamour and fetish, artistic, convention and parts modeling could be easier, less competitive and healthier options for the aspiring models.

“There is simply more money in commercial print. You can make $3000 a day,” says Frank Marsi, commercial photographer, “You can also work much longer, there are commercial models in their late thirties.”

Have you seen cell-phone ads? They usually feature good looking, but not outrageously gorgeous people. This is how commercial models look like. Catalogues, some billboards, most advertisements and TV commercials use commercial models. As long as there is advertising, there is a need for people who look right to sell the product.

The height and weight requirements in commercial modeling are not as drastic as in fashion, and they very from job to job. A catalogue, for example, would require a taller model for clothes to look good, but an anti-balding shampoo ad would feature a middle-aged gentleman, who’d be the perfect model for that particular product.

I remember shooting for a commercial job for a pajama catalogue about a year ago. All I had to do was sit on a sofa wearing a pajama and pretend to be reading. I made $1300 that day.

To become a commercial model, you would need a composite card with about five pictures that look natural and pretty. Start by finding a good local commercial photographer, who’d shoot your photos.  Then you can visit modeling agencies and show them your photos. Always check up on the photographer’s or agency’s reputation by asking for references, before committing to anything.

To get into the world of TV commercials, the best option is to send your headshots to casting directors who cast for commercial work. If they like you for a commercial role, you’d have to audition. If you do get the part, the pay could be anywhere from $10000 and up.

Fitness modeling is obviously for the fit. Protein bar ads, health shakes ads, sports clothes ads, fitness magazines – they all use fitness models. Muscle And Fitness magazine photographer Brian Moss finds most of his models at fitness conventions and contests, although he sometimes looks for his models on the internet.

Moss says that fitness modeling is easy to break into, if you have the right look.” I found this girl once and told her she’d have a cover in a year. She ended up doing two covers,” Moss says.

Fitness models should have great muscle definition and work out regularly. “There are many girls, there are many beautiful bodies, but there are very few beautiful girls with beautiful bodies. I mean, athletic, of course,” Moss says.

The pay for fitness magazine shoots is about $150 a day. “You shouldn’t confuse publicity with money,” says Moss. Magazine jobs could lead to doing commercial fitness work, which pays more.

The best place for a fitness model to start her career is to get involved with contests and fitness conventions, info on which could be found on the Internet.

Fit and showroom modeling could be somewhat boring work, but it pays well. Showrooms pay about $300 a day and fittings pay $100-$200 an hour. Showroom models show the clothing samples to clients. Generally, showroom work is booked through agencies and it is very seasonal – it’s busy after the fashion show season.

I’ve done a lot of bridal showroom work, where I tried on a lot of wedding dresses for a week or so. The work was exhausting, because you have to stay on your feet for the whole day, but I was happy with the pay.

Fittings involve trying on samples of designer clothing, having your measurements taken and telling the designer how does the garment feel. Fit models have to be a specific size.

Michelle Rogo, booker from Fit agency in New York says that the best part about being a fit model is that “you are in a comfortable atmosphere all the time, without too much hostility or competition.” Female fit models range from size four to size 14, but size eight gets the most work For males it’s the medium size that fits the most.

Fit models can keep working for a very long time as long as they keep their measurements. “Our oldest model gets the most work and she is in her 50’s,” says Rogo.

I do fit modeling quite frequently. It’s not the most glamorous of industries, but the pay is certainly worth it. I have a company that hires me for a week of fittings couple of times a year and I am always looking forward to these weeks!

The best way to become a fit model would be to visit your local fashion design school. Calling modeling agencies and asking if they have a fit division helps, too. More independent-minded fit models can try calling clothing companies directly.

Glamour, fetish and artistic modeling are for the brave among us. If you decide to model in these categories, be prepared to take your clothes off. There is a big debate going on about the differences between those three styles, but generally, glamour photographs involve at least partial nudity and lingerie, artistic photos are usually black and white and require full nudity, while fetish is everything in between, sometimes involving leather, chains and/or fishnets.

To model in these exciting, but risky categories, you have to be at least 18 years old. There is more work for females, so male models should probably concentrate on other areas. Modeling agencies aren’t the best source of unconventional or nude work, so you might want to check out some web resources, such as glamourmodels.com or garageglamour.com. When dealing with web photographers, don’t forget to ask for samples of their work and references, because safety is very important.

For those with exceptionally beautiful body parts, such as hands, feet, etc. there is parts modeling. To get into this huge and well-paying market you would need photos of your best body part to show to modeling agencies in your area. For more information, visit partsmodels.com

Modeling can be very fun, exciting and well-paid work that doesn’t have to involve starving and breaking your high heels while walking to millions of castings. If you really want to model, you are likely to find your niche in that business. And remember, the most important qualities that make a good model, regardless of the category she or he chooses to work in, are: confidence, patience, persistence, and punctuality.

Good luck!

Anastasia has enjoyed a very successful modeling career in major European capitals of fashion, as well as in the United States. She walked the catwalk for Prada and was photographed for Maxim and Glamour.

Anastasia is a published author of  Diary of a Model - book, based a true story of glamorous photoshoots and fashionable parties. A must read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the business!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594534977/qid

For more about Anastasia’s life and career visit   http://www.anastasialand.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anastasia_Dorohova

How to Create an Awesome Model Portfolio
By Bob Pardue

Most parents think their child holds all the potential in the world to become the next big child star like, Gary Coleman or Raven Symone. For this reason many parents easily fall victim to scam artists that claim to be legitimate acting or modeling agencies. If you don't know how the scenario goes here it is: a company runs an ad claiming to be looking for talented children for commercials, television shows, movies and print ads, then you arrange a meeting at a hotel or some rented out office space so they can "evaluate" your child. Who can blame a parent for think that their child has the chance to grace the covers of magazines, be a movie star or a national commercial star.

After these "acting and modeling agency" scouts lure you in with their persuasive ads, they have you come to a hotel where they have you sit and listen to someone talk about the fame and fortune your child can get from acting and modeling, they're just getting you excited when they do this. They sound even more legitimate when during the hotel meeting, they weave some children out for not having what it takes and deciding to keep your child, bringing your hopes even higher for your child. Once they tell you that your child was kept for having "what it takes" they then ask you for an "investment" for your child to go further.  Most of these scam agencies ask you to pay multiple fees, the most common "fees" they ask you to pay is for a session with "top talent agencies from Los Angeles and New York City".

Just when it seems like this is your child's big break you head to the meeting to find nobody there and just when you call the scam artist "talent agents" back about the situation, their contact details are useless and you've just put your self in debt between the $3,000 $4,500 range. Now don't get me wrong here, these so called acting and modeling agencies do provide acting and modeling "lessons" but they do not guarantee your child any acting or modeling jobs, at least 99% of the time. So if you fall for these scams, you will more than likely not be able to get your money back because they will tell you that they didn't guarantee your child any work.

A new way that modeling scouts try to get your money is by going out and finding your child at local shopping malls and other public locations. They approach you and tell you how good your child looks and how they could possibly be a big star, then they give you a card and a short monologue for your child to go home and practice before they visit the "agency".

The common question that is asked is how to spot these scam artists who claim to be acting and modeling agents, it's quite simple when you call the "agency" or when you're approached by a "scout" ask them for their credentials, ask them to list some of their clients and possibly give you their contact information for verification. Most likely if you know how to spot a scam when you see one, you won't have to worry about being ripped off by these guys.


Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acting: http://acting-guides.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Last Modified: 11/29/06