What you need to know about Modelin
What you need to know about Modeling
You will learn just about everything you need to know about modeling and more.
1 Photographic or Print Models:
There are two types of print models, one is the fashion print model. The fashion print model is featured in fashion and beauty magazines as well as catalogues that come to your home. The other type of
print model is the commercial print model. Now do not be confused with the TV commercials, commercial print models do not appear in fashion magazines, the commercial print model appears in advertisements
for banks, insurance companies, laundry detergents, coffees and furniture commercial models.
2 Woman Fashion Print Model
For a woman you should be at least 5'9 to 6'1 you must wear a dress
size 4-6-8. Now keep in mind if you are 5'9 and you are wearing
a size 8 you are too big, if you are 6'1 and wearing a size 8 then
that's okay. Let me just interject a personal opinion here. If you
do not fit into this height and size category then you are not immediately
disqualified. When I was modeling I was not the thinnest model,
nor was I the most beautiful, I always knew there were thinner and
more beautiful women on the runway but I felt good about myself
and was having fun doing the modeling jobs and I was glad to be
in the modeling profession. So you must keep this business in perspective,
being the most beautiful or the thinnest in no the most important
part of your life. Okay enough preaching lets go on. The other physical
attributes necessary to be a print model are simple: beautiful skin,
beautiful eyes, great shaped mouth/face, beautiful teeth and a well-toned
healthy body. You must also have a photogenic face and the only
way you can find this out is to have photographs taken of you and
let the local agency decide.
3 Woman Commercial Modeling
The physical attributes that you need to possess, for women: You
must have nice skin and an attractive face and normal body type.
You must be well groomed, have a natural smile and a way about you
that is believable in front of the camera. No height requirement,
no dress size expectation. There are thousands of commercial print
models making great money all across the country and longevity of
there careers far exceed the longevity of there counterparts in
the fashion print modeling area. The female commercial model plays
the role of mommy, doctor, decorator, businesswoman and more.
4 Male Fashion Model
Your height should be 5'11 to 6'2, your jacket/suit size should
be 38-44Regular, you should also have nice skin nice and teeth,
good hair, great smile and a well toned healthy body. You must also
be photogenic Having photographs taken and submitted to us or your
local agencies can only determine this.
5 Male Commercial and Print model
Height 5'8 -6'2, suit size should be average, attractive smile,
normal body type, well groomed and a natural believable way in front
of the camera are important. Again, male commercial models can make
great money for many years playing the role (in print) of the Daddy,
the business man, the banker, the doctor, the husband and on and
on.
6 Runway Modeling
The second most popular type of modeling is runway. Runway modeling is the art of walking down the runway like a cat, like a slinky sexy cat that cannot be interrupted. The best runway models have an air of confidence and indifference that cannot be matched. These gorgeous women walk effortlessly, slowly and like they have no-where-to-go-that-should-be-of-any-interest-to-you-attitude. Yet they can sell clothes. Watch Style on Cnn or E TV on Saturdays and you can see these marvelous models in action.
Women: Minimum of 5'9 (but preferably 5'10) up to 6'1. You must wear a size 2-4-6, you must have nice skin, and a well toned healthy body, great teeth and a great way of moving down the runway with grace, style, confidence and attitude.
Men: 6' to 6'2, your suit size must be 38-44Regular. You should have good skin, great smile, a well toned buff body. You must be able to move on the runway with ease, confidence and attitude.
Learning the correct way to carry yourself on a runway is essential for all runway models. It takes many hours of practice to perfect the style needed for a successful career in runway modeling. Your model's walk could make or break your career. Carrying yourself with a look of confidence will be to your advantage when dealing in any area of the modeling profession. If you project a professional look and attitude the client will treat you with respect and more than likely book you for the assignment.
On the runway it is important to be smooth, graceful and light on your feet. Place one foot in front of the other with care. You should not bounce, waddle or lose your balance. Your body should be slanted slightly backward with your shoulders relaxed. Your hipbones should be parallel to the floor and knees slightly bent. Your arms should usually be down at your sides in a relaxed manner. When walking, you should not swing your arms any further than your body. Your hands and finger's should be held with grace. If you place your hands on your hips, make sure that your thumbs are pointing forward and your fingers are held together pointing back. If your arms are held out, be sure you're your fingers are held in a " mannequin" style.
Your turns should be performed with the utmost care. They should be smooth and poised. Remember, choppiness cannot be accepted. If you cannot complete a good turn without stopping, losing your balance, being graceful or spotting (which helps you keep your balance), you may not want to choose a career in runway modeling. It is the turn that shows the clothing. If you cannot make outfits look great; no client for any fashion show will book you. You should practice your turns regularly. (Dance classes are helpful for coordination and gracefulness.)
Eye contact is extremely important in runway modeling. When you
look people in the eye, you involve them in the show. While doing
this, you become less distant and begin to develop a rapport with
the audience. If the people like you , they will like the clothes
and they will buy. Then you will be in a very good position with
the client. It is essential to arrive fully equipped to all fashion
shows. Not every client will supply the models with everything they
will need. Always ask what is provided and what is not.
7 Television Commercial model
Again, as in print modeling there are 2 types of television models:
the fashion model and the commercial model. The fashion TV model
will be seen in commercials for cosmetics, perfumes, lingerie and
clothing stores. The commercial TV model will be seen in commercials
for laundry detergents, banks, furniture, dietary supplements and
various services. You should be able to tell the difference while
watching TV, the fashion models are all drop dead gorgeous and the
commercial models look more like the average person and they talk
and act like normal, average people. Which category do you fit in
to? Most of the major TV commercial producers hold their casting
sessions in NYC or LA. So if you are not in one of those markets
you will only have the opportunity to audition of local TV spots,
for instance the local department store of the other local services
and shops. Do not expect to be cast for a national Cola commercial
in your hometown. The physical attributes necessary for TV commericals
are the same as the fashion print model segment. The same is true
for the commercial TV model, basically attractive normal looking
men and women who can play the role of mom, dad, banker, baker,
or shopper.
8 Promotional Modeling
I am sure you have all been to a store and been approached by a woman carrying a bottle of perfume and show asks you if you would like to try this fragrance. This is a promotional model. You have probably been to a home show or car show at your local convention center and seen attractive women and men standing in many booths inviting you to take a look at the product she or he is working with. This is a promotional model. Or maybe you have been on your way into a concert or sporting event and a man offers you a sample of a new fruit juice. This is a promotional model. Promotional models
do not have their photographs taken to appear in advertisements, they do not walk down fashion runways and they do not appear in TV commercials. They are attractive, enthusiastic men and women ranging in age from 18-45 who are hired by thousands of companies to get a new product into consumer's hands, in the hopes that you will try the new product, like it and then buy it. You do need to be attractive, well groomed, energetic, and dependable and enjoy talking with people.
9 Modeling Rates
Now we will move on to modeling rates, how much the model earn for these different modeling jobs and the tools of the trade you will need to be a model.
Print bookings pay $125 - 420 per hour or $600-$1600 per day. Remember most models in cities other than NY or LA only work a few hours a week.
Runway models are paid $125 - $300 per show.
There are many non-union commercial produced all across the country and for these the models are paid anywhere from $50/hour to $200/hour.
The promotional model earns $12 -$45 per hour. Trade show models get paid $200-$400 per day.
10 Tools of the Trade
Print model: You will need to have a portfolio and a composite (or comp) card. A portfolio is a book of photos of you. Many different photographers must take these photos on many different days. Your portfolio takes months to build up and is never completed because you are always changing and getting better and therefore you are always shooting with different photographers recommended by your agency.There are many photographes in the world that will try to sell you a portfolio" for several hundred dollars. Be weary, do not do it! You will most likely have to pay for your first shooting (which is called a testing because you are testing your ability to be a model). This first testing may cost anywhere from $100 to $400, depending upon what you are getting. If the photographer is shooting 4-6 rolls of film (color and/or bw), and provide a makeup artist, and a stylist (someone who brings clothes for you to wear) then the higher amount of $400 and maybe a little more is acceptable. If you are hiring your own makeup artist and bringing your own clothes then the lower amounts of $100- $250 is the range.
Your agency should know the best photographers for the best price; some like us get photographers to do group rates to help the new model. You should never do your first or even your second testing without a makeup artist. Once you have learned to do your own make up for photography then maybe you can do it yourself. Many photographers don't even allow seasoned professional models to do their own makeup. A makeup artist can really change your look for the better.
So once you have done your first testing you must let your agency select the appropriate photos to be enlarged for you book, which is another name for your portfolio. Then your agency will recommend the next photographer for you to test with and this is how your portfolio is built. Each testing photographer at the beginning of your career will shoot 3-4 different looks. Once your portfolio has 6-8 photos in it then your testings may become more focused and you may only shoot one look per testing but it will be styled to the most minute detail.
This process of testing again and again may cost more than that photographer I was describing earlier who wants to "sell you a portfolio" for several hundred dollars, but this process of testing again and again is the professional way to go. As you continue to test you will be learning new things each time and grow into a good or maybe even great model.
Now on to your composite...A composite or card is generally a 6"x 8" card that has 5 photos on it as well as you stats, name, size, measurements, hair and eye color and any special talents like, dancer, good hands, all sports. Your agency will select the photos, which will appear on your card and will arrange for printing 200-500 copies. You will need to pay for this. If it is a color card you can expect to pay $225- $500.
Your card is what the agency sends out to prospective clients for you. You will also bring your card and your book with you to every go-see (which is an interview) and you will show the client your book but you will give them your card to remember you by. The client will call your agency to let you know if you got the booking.
You will NOT need a portfolio because the runway client does not care how you look in photographs. The runway client is only interested in 3 things 1, how you look in person; are you thin and toned, is your skin beautiful, are your nails well groomed. #2 do you fit the clothes and carry them well, and #3 do you move well on the runway, are you graceful and confident. It is important to arrive at the go-see looking terrific.
You should have your hair and makeup done, as you were about to do a fashion show. Be sure to wear hosiery and a neutral colored bra, as you will most likely asked to try on at least one outfit. After you have the outfit on, come out of the dressing room and begin to model the outfit for the client, keep moving and make smooth turns.
The client will see if the clothes fit and that you can move with the grace of a runway model. Many times the client will conduct a group go-see, where many models will be interviewed at the same time. These can be very nerve wracking as not only are you walking in front of your potential client but you are also walking in front of your competition, the other models.
The only way to learn how to move on the runway is to ask your agency to teach you or for us to recommend a good runway teacher. Once you have learned the basic moves you need to practice, practice, and practice. If possible practice in front of a mirror.
Suggestion: Ask your agency to put you into fashion shows even if you do them for free. Go to a local clothing store and offer your services, tell them you are starting a modeling career and that you would love to model for them in their fashion shows for free. The only way you can become a professional runway model is to put yourself on the runway as much as you can. Watch other models and mimic their moves and style.
As I said you do not need a portfolio to be a runway model but you do need a composite card. If you are going to be just a runway model then you can make a comp card by doing one testing and then have your agency help you pick out the best shots. I recommend that you have at least one full-length shot of you walking towards the camera wearing a skirt so the client can see how you walk and that you have nice legs.
You need a comp card to present yourself as a runway model so that you have something to leave behind with the client after the go-see. The client needs to know all your sizes, like height, size, measurements, bra size and shoe size. Your comp card is the professional way to remind the client as to who you are. Most runways shows last 20-40 minutes, however, the models must arrive at least one half hour before the show and they are hair and makeup ready. After the show you should assist in hanging up your clothes and then you are free to leave.
There is also a form of runway modeling that is called informal modeling. Informal modeling is walking around a store wearing different outfits and you are usually carrying a small sign with the designers name on it. As you move around the store you stop customers and inform them of the outfit you are wearing and in which department they can find it. This pays $150- $300 per show and usually these informals last 3 hours.
To become a busy runway model you need to be the right size, have the right looks, move extremely well and be a real pro. By this I mean, you need to have a great shoe bag which contains all the basic shoes that your clients require, as the models usually wear their own shoes, a variety of hosiery and undergarments, basic costume jewelry and hair accessories.
TV model
You do not need a portfolio or a composite. The clients are more
concerned with how you look on video and how well you can speak.
The one tool you need to be a TV actor/model is an 8x10 headshot.
This is a black and white photograph of just your head and shoulders.
Your hair should be worn down and styled in your normal fashion;
your makeup should be simple and natural.
If you want to be an actor for TV commercials you should contact any casting companies in your area and ask if they conduct any acting seminars or workshops. By attending a seminar you will have the opportunity for these casting directors to see how you are on camera. Then ask your agency to send you out on any and all casting calls that you might be right for Ask your agency to recommend a photographer who specializes in actors headshots.
Once you have the shot you will need to make 25-50 copies. Your name will appear on the front. On the back is your agency name, your height, size, hair color, eye color and special talents you may have. Along with any acting schools/seminars you have attended and your acting resume(what TV commercials you have done, industrial videos, drama productions etc). There is a union for TV actors called AFTRA/SAG, once you have done one union commercial you must join the union. This is costly and you should seek the advice of your agency.
Promotional
model
You do not need a portfolio, a composite or a headshot. The client
who hires you for a promotional job doesn't care how you look in
a photograph or on video. This client is looking for models that
are attractive and enthusiastic and like to talk to people. As a
promotional model you may be giving out samples of shampoo, soft
drinks, candy bars or soap. You may be dressed as a costume character
or wearing khakis and a t-shirt provided by the client. This promotional
work takes place on the weekends, in the evenings and even during
regular work hours.
11 Homework
While at home; practice your runway stance, walk and turns in front of a video camera. Put some music on and set up a mirror so you can watch yourself move. You should try and do your turns over and over again so they are set in your mind. Pay close attention, how are your hands, face and body movements. Do you look like a model? Are you graceful? What do you need work on?
You should prepare for you head shots. You should make faces (smiles, serious, pouts) in the mirror and see how your face changes. You should try moving and tilting your head from side to side finding your best angles. You can drop and raise your chin to see your bone structure change. You can fold your arms across your chest, angle your shoulders or even turn you back to the mirror then turning your face toward the mirror. All of this will make you more prepared for the photographer and you will already have your favorite movements. Take photos of your self, how are your hands, and what do they look like, how is your posture etc.
12 Recap and Glossary
- Office Hours: Monday- Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Contact Name: Ann Crosby
- Phone Calls: Please remember to check in with the agency only if you are accepted with the agency.
- Composites: Always makes sure the agency has plenty composite cards on hand. Order more when necessary.
- Commissions: The agency takes a 10% commission on all bookings.
- Bookings: Jobs for print, runway, promotions, TV or Film. If you accept a booking you must follow through with the job, no excuses. If you do not show up for a booking, it will be you last.
- Photographers: All models are expected to "make rounds" to show their books and drop off composites to photographers and ad agencies.
- " Go-Sees": Remember to follow through on a go-see. A client cannot book you if they do not see you. If you accept a go see, you must show up.
- Taxes: Models are considered self-employed. Everything you purchase that you need in order to pursue a modeling career, saving you receipts, it's a tax deductible. You will be provided with a 1099 earning statement at the end of the year only if you earn of $600.00
- Promotional modeling: Hosting and greeting at conventions, trades shows, sample marketing and demonstrating in stores. Outgoing personality and being dependable a must. No height requirement. Models should have a composite cards made.
- Sample work: Barbie Promotion, Car Shows, Liquor shows etc.
- Runway: A catwalk or runway is used. Models or 5'9-5'11 are required to model the designer's clothes. Local retail and vendors look on as models show off latest designs.
- Print: Catalog/editorial/commercial work. Models 5'8 and up normally. There are exceptions for this though.
- Fit: Fit models are a preference of the designer for height and size. They display the clothes of the season to the distributors for the fashion designers. Models are used as live Mannequins as the designers make new lines.
- Plus: 5'9-5'11 over size 10-18. Petite: 5'2-5'3 very rare but there is a market for that.
- Voice Over: (VO) The audio part of television commercial done separately from video or a radio commercial.
- Video: Can be non-union or Union: Better known as SAG or AFTRA. If you do a union job once you do not have to join, but the second one you must. Release: On your vouchers it authorizes the client to use your photographs for advertising purposes; with out a release, a client cannot use the picture.
- Rounds list: A list of names of photographers in which the agency uses.
- Rounds: A specific time set for visiting photographers, showing them your book and leaving your composite. Composite cards A selection of four photographs and a headshot, which vary in style, expression and clothing.
- Portfolio: A Black book containing test shots and tear sheets of yourself. Size is 8 by 10 or 11 by 14 (Can be purchased at any art supply store)
- Mini Book: A 5 by 7 version of your portfolio/big book. You should have two mini books.
- Contact Sheet: Rolls of film developed onto one 8 by 12 glossy easy viewing.
- Tear Sheet: The advertisements in which models appear that tear out of magazines, newspapers, etc. to use in their books. Models are responsible for getting these from the clients. You are responsible to get two copies- one for yourself and one for the agency,
- Testing: The trail pictures to see how you will photograph. Most first testings are up to the model to pay for and range from $200-$500 and makeup is normally an additional charge.
- Semi-nude: Modeling partially clothed: done at your and the agency's discretion (double rate)
- Travel; Time: The pay you receive for the time you spend getting a booking outside the metropolitain area (25 miles or more from the city).
- Voucher: A time sheet, which issued by the model to be paid for a booking. It shows the time, date, rate, client, product and job performed by the mode. It had three parts; one for the model (pink), one for the agency (yellow) and one for the client (white). The model and the client also must sign it and the model must return a copy to the agency.
- Weather Permit: A booking to be done on location where the weather is important to the booking; IE: weather permit/rain= booking is cancelled it rains and it will be rescheduled.
- On hold: Clients has model on hold for a job. Booked: Client has booked the model. You're hired.
- Tote Bag: A bag (nylon, canvas or leather) large enough to carry all materials needed for you bookings. It should be taken to all jobs and contain make up, hair accessories, extra pantyhose, shoes, dress shields a scarf, hair curlers, safety pins, two slips (short and full-length), deodorant and anything else you might need.
- Datebook: A calendar book to record all booking information and appointments. Please be sure to write everything down the agency gives you for information including date, time, contact person, telephone number, directions and wardrobe.
- Cell phone/Pager/beeper: Allows us to reach you faster for checking
your availability, go-sees and bookings,
13 How to be a successful model tips
- Always cooperate with the clients, photographers and other modles.
- Remember to always smile!
- You should be on time for everything.
- Be prepared for all of your assignments and remember to bring everything that is required of you to have and then some.
- You should never argue with the clients. If there is a problem regarding rates or anything else, the agency will handle it.
- Report leads and business back to the agency.
- Do not gossip about anyone or anything, which might be going on.
- Do not discuss one photographer with another photographer or client about work, clients, etc) ยท Never "cut up " or say anything derogatory about another model or agency.
- You should not discuss leads or bookings with models from other agencies. Do not under any circumstances; reveal your "go-see" List to models at any other agencies, photographer's etc. Anything you hear in an agency should be considered privileged information. If you do not follow the rules, you will not remain a member of an agency.
- Be professional at all time; in the agency, on an interview and at a booking/job
- Always dress the part of a model when representing the agency.
- Remember to be polite an articulate to all clients, photographers and other models.
- Perform every job as well as you possibly can, as this will result in repeat bookings.
- Always be on time for you interviews, castings and go-sees; do not keep a potential client waiting.
- Do not discuss fees with the Client: The agency handles that.
- Do not speak about personal problems on the job or with a client.
- If you are unable to carry out a booking because of illness, do not replace yourself: call the agency as soon as possible and other arrangements will be made.
- Do not bring personal company (husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, children or friends) to a job or on an interview.
- We suggest that you do not date any clients.
- Do not give out your telephone number
to any clients or photographers. If they want to reach you, they
should contact the agency
How to find an agency representation in your area
Submit 3-5 snapshots (one close up and one full lenght) to the modeling agencies in the largest city near you. include your statistict, height, dress/suit size, measurements along with your name, address daytime phone number and any modeling experience you may have.
If an agency is interested in representing you they will call you.
For a resource listing in your area including
- modeling agencies
- casting companies
- photographes
Bellow you will find the procedure for contacting a photographer.
1) Introduce yourself to the photographer.
2) I am calling to set up an appointment to discuss a possible testing with you.
3) After establishing that you will be having a testing with a photographer, find out the cost of the session and what does that include. Pictures, locations, copies of photo's, makeup and Hair, styling etc.
4) At the time of the shoot be prepared and act professional and remember to be exciting and creative. (Bring your ideas that you have put together for your portfolio)
5) Remember, do not forget you appointment and be prompt. After having your testing, follow these guidelines: When you receive your contact sheets, select 2 or 3 of the best shots to enlarge to go into your portfolio. If possible, do this with the help of your photographer.
1) Choose only one photo per outfit/background.
2) After you prints are ready, put them in a portfolio.
3. Enclosed in your portfolio, you should have a short resume: A. Name B. Telephone numbers C. Height, D. Weight E. Eye color F. Hair color G. Dress size, H. Shoe size I. Any experience you might have
4. Put all your contact sheets in the back of the book for the agency to see. You should contact all the modeling agencies in your area and ask the agency what the procedures for reviewing portfolios are. Please follow all agencies reviewing procedures or you will not be considered a professional model.We hope that this information the we have compiled for you helps you bring your desire of becoming a professional model to reality. Remember, relax, have fun and be professional and good luck.
1. Photographic or Print models
2. Woman fashion print model
3. Woman Commercial Modeling
4. Male Fashion Model
5. Male Commercial and Print model
6. Runway Modeling
Women
Men
7. Television Commercial model
8. Promotional Modeling
9. Modeling Rates
10. Tools of the Trade
Print
model
Runway
model
TV
model
Promotional
model
11. Homework
12. Recap and Glossary
13. How to be a successful model
tips