What it takes to be a model

Beauty & Fashion

What it takes to be a model

Do I have to attend modeling school to be a model?
It helps, but it is not necessary. Modeling school usually teach you about hair styling, skin care, runway techniques, pose and modeling profession. You do not have to attend a modeling school to gain the knowledge. But, you should have some understanding of modeling before going out. Any reputal agency that signs you up should train you for free.

What do you need to be a model?
An aspiring model should be at least 5'7" tall with clear skin, healthy hair, straight teeth and a toned and well proportioned body. A model also needs to be!

Ambitious: You won`t become a model by sitting at home watching tv. You have to get out there and sell yourself.

Intelligent: To succeed a model must be an intelligent business person. You must know how to spend and invest money wisely. (Modeling is often a short lived carrer.) You will need to be able to conduct business with agents, photographers, clients etc..

Confident: You must be able to sell yourself to a client before he/she will allow you to sell his/her products.

Be able to handle rejection: All models at some time in their carrer has to face rejection. You can`t take it personally you simply don`t meet the expectations of the client.

Independence. Models have to travel a lot and sometimes have to move away from their families. You will have to get use to being on your own for a lot of the time.

Discipline. A model must be organized in order to keep track of the different dates, times and locations of appointments so that she can show up at appointments and go-sees on time.

Stamina. A model is sometimes on her feet all day. She must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good.

Be able to take critisism: A lot of models are hounded by the press and often called horrible names. This is a high price to pay for fame and will have to take it in your stride.

A portfolio: Don`t go and waste your money on having a portfolio done until you have seen some agencies. They will help you put one together.

Do get a friend or family member to take some photos of you in different angles. Full length, head shot, with/without make-up, different poses.