Get Started as a Model (5 Expert Tips)
At Model Link Nepal the number one question we receive is “How Do I Become a Model?” Becoming a model can be easy, or it can be difficult, depending on how you approach it and the people with whom you associate.
Here are 5 expert tips to get you started on your modeling career.
1. Get an Honest Evaluation by Experienced Professionals
It is very important to get the opinion of more than one agent or scout because many agents and scouts specialize in just one particular area. Some only represent editorial (high fashion) models, and others may only represent commercial models, child models, plus-size, showroom and fit models or petite models. Just because one agent can’t represent you, it doesn’t mean that another agent won’t. Getting the opinion of several different types of agents is the best way to find out if you have what it takes to be a model.
2. Get As Much Exposure As Possible
The more exposure you get to agents, scouts and clients the higher the odds become that you will be successful in finding representation and ultimately booking jobs. When you are first starting out the most important exposure is to the agents and scouts. Why? Because they are the ones that have all the clients. They are the ones who are going to promote you and get you booked for jobs.
There are several ways you can get exposure to the agents and scouts:
– Email your photos to the agencies – This can be fast, but often not effective. Almost all of the top agencies that post an email address on their website post a generic email that is rarely, if ever, checked.
– Send your photos out by mail to hundreds of agencies – This can be a very costly and time consuming method.
– Attend a modeling convention – Modeling conventions can be a lot of fun and a great way for new models to get exposure, but they’re extremely expensive.
– Create a profile with Model Link Nepal has direct connections to all the top modeling agencies in the world. At Model Link Nepal you will get the exposure you need to agencys representing over 100 of the world’s most powerful agencies. Model Link Nepal welcomes high fashion, runway, commercial print, plus-size, petite, showroom and fit models of all ages, sizes and heights.
3. Don’t Spend Money on Expensive Photoshoots
When you are first starting out it is not necessary to spend money on expensive photoshoots.
All the agencys really need to see in the beginning is simple snapshots. They just want to see how you look naturally with very little makeup and simple clothing.
If the agencys feel you have potential they may then recommend that you invest in professional photos that are appropriate for your look and the market for which you are best suited. Some agencies may even offer to cover the expense of a professional photo shoot that you can then pay back once you start booking modeling jobs.
4. Modeling Schools Are Not Necessary
You do not need to go to modeling school to become a model. To become a fashion model you either have the look the agencies are looking for or you don’t, modeling classes will not make a difference.
We do not have anything against modeling schools and some of the better ones can be very helpful in teaching poise, style, makeup and hair techniques. We just don’t think they should be calling themselves modeling schools, but rather, finishing schools.
However, we do recommend that aspiring fashion and commercial models enroll in acting workshops if possible. Learning proper auditioning skills and how to work on set, with cameras, etc. will give you an edge over your competition.
5. Only Work With Legitimate Modeling Agencies
Finding a legitimate modeling agency can be a difficult endeavor. How do you know who to trust, does the agency have your best interests in mind, or are they just trying to make money by selling you unnecessary courses or photoshoots? It can be a daunting task to try to wade through the mine field of legitimate and Illegitimate agencies. It can also be downright dangerous if you find yourself hooked up with some shady characters.