Unlike many other professions, there isn’t a certain course or qualification you must gain to become a successful model. For instance, to qualify as an accountant or a dentist - there is a sure-fire roadmap a person can follow. The road map can be broken up into stages and if one follows those stages step by step and studies and passes the exams, there should be no reason why they won’t become the qualified accountant or dentist they set out to be.
Although it may not be so obvious, there is a roadmap to preparing to become a successful model. There are certain steps a ‘wannabe’ can take, the difference is that when the end of the roadmap is reached, there are other factors involved other than passing or not passing a final set of exams which are not always in your control.
Why is there so much uncertainty in the success of a career as a model?
Whether or not you become a successful model depends on whether or not clients want to book you. Model agents have a good idea of what their clients need and want but each individual person is different and an agent cannot promise that their clients will book you, as the agents do not make that decision.
Becoming a successful model can also depend on trends. The fashion industry can covet a certain look for a season or two and then make a complete turn-around the next season and be wanting a totally different look. For this reason some fashion models may be bang on trend for a short period, getting lots and lots of bookings that die off with a change in trend.
What is the roadmap to preparing to become a successful model?
1. Genetics
The first ‘test’ you must pass – which unfortunately, you have no control over whatsoever, is the test of your genetic make-up. To represent you, most model agencies will require female applicants to be an absolute minimum height of 5’7” and a maximum height of 5’11” and male applicants to be between the height of 5’11” and 6’3”.
2. Health and fitness
Preparing to become and remain a successful model means keeping healthy and staying in shape. This means following a beauty regime for skin, hair and nails, regular exercise to keep fit and toned, a healthy diet and beauty sleep.
3. Personality and attitude
A can-do attitude is needed to prepare to be successful in every career and that includes modelling too. No one likes a ‘diva’, there are plenty of models for clients to choose from and if you are difficult to work with, a client probably won’t choose you a second time around if they find you difficult to work with. A certain level of independence is also required to be a successful model. Travelling alone to different locations on a day-to-day basis is to be expected to attend castings and shoots. An enthusiastic personality, confidence and a positive attitude are infectious. Believe it or not - being a successful model isn’t only about how you look! It’s also about how you react to people and situations. If you are resourceful, fun and smart and make the most of every opportunity you are presented, you have the makings to go much further!
4. Finding an agent
Before you begin your search on finding a suitable agent, considering the type of work that you would like to do and where will help you to apply for representation to the agencies most suited to you. At this point (whereby you are simply applying to agencies for representation) there is absolutely no need to spend any money on taking photos or building a portfolio! The only photos agencies need of you at this point are a clear head shot and a clear full body shot. A friend or family member can take these photos for you – they are not expected to be of a professional nature. When you have found an agency, they will help and guide you with building up a portfolio.
5. Investing time and money
Those who are able to fulfil and feel comfortable with the above points, need to work on building a book of impressive photos. Clients will not be able to make an informed decision to book you without seeing examples of your work. Just like becoming a hairdresser or an accountant - it takes time and money to acquire the training/experience and the tools to enter the industry i.e. a hairdresser or carpenter must invest in the training/kit/tools in order to gain and even apply to gain work – the same is true in the modelling industry too! Once you have found a suitable agency to represent you, they will guide you with training and creating an impressive portfolio. However, you must be prepared to initially work on unpaid test shoots and invest in paying a photographer/makeup artist/stylist to work on test shoots too in order to gain pictures for your book.
6. Professionalism
Once you have found a suitable agency to represent you, preparing to become a successful model takes organisation. Your agency can help you to be organised up to a certain point, but you must take responsibility for this too. A key part of the work is being in certain places at certain times, which can be challenging. It isn’t the same as attending a 9 to 5 office job where you travel to the same place day in, day out. Planning your day ahead, including your routes, wardrobe and general diary really can make the difference of whether or not you are booked for jobs time and time again.