How to Become a Model and Get Listed

Getting Started and Finding an Agency

Model Photo Copyright Bob Pardue - All Rights Reserved

---

By: Christie Heinrich

 

When Bob Pardue asked me if I could possibly expand on the “How to approach the Agencies” article, I knew that I certainly could. However, I wasn’t quite sure if that was entirely the topic that needed addressing.

First of all, I think that Mr. Pardue has already done a fine job indeed when he explained that models need to dress in a classic and simple style and keep make up to a minimum when interviewing with the agencies. This advice will never steer you wrong!

His advice about listening to what the agents tell you is key as well. (Oh, and never EVER go to bed with your make-up on! Bob doesn’t mention this, but it’s also priceless advice that shouldn’t be missed! LOL!)

Overall, I think Bob does an impeccable job here. So, instead I’m going to change things up a bit and give you a free Private Model Consulting Mini Crash Course right here on the Bob Pardue site!

--So here’s the situation: You have decided that you want to become a model and you don’t quite know where to start. Or perhaps you have already done a few jobs locally and are dreaming of making that big jump to New York, Hollywood, or Paris! How do you do it?

If you are in the first mentioned group you will need to take the very first step on that yellow brick road which is…

1.) Get Listed Locally

Being listed locally will help and prepare you in so many ways.

You will go on auditions, meet other models, experience what it’s like to spend your weekends shooting for 9 hours straight instead of being at the football game with friends… Is that a sacrifice you would be willing to make?

You will also find that IF you are successful, it’s a lucrative afterscool job that can provide you with a nice start in life. Balance, however, is the key.

And if you decide that if you don’t like modeling at any time while in high school, you are always free to quit. That’s the beauty of being listed locally. You haven’t invested in any sort of great move. You’re simply living at home, going to school, and occasionally showing up for an audition now and then.

How To: Find out who the agencies are in your area.

Their websites will usually have information on how to submit photos and / or the times & days of their open calls. Follow these guidelines precisely and do not telephone to follow up. They will call you if they are interested. Trust me.

Follow the golden rule and always take a parent with you at any meeting! Never go alone! And remember that an agency makes their money when you make money! An agency should not charge a fee to represent you!

2.) Making the Jump to the Major Market

The first thing to do is to choose 1 major market and plan to live there on your own at your own expense for 8 weeks. For the purposes of this article let’s say NYC.

Now, make a list of all the agencies that represent models in your age range. Go to the websites of these agencies & LOOK at their models. Do any of their models look similar to you? Do MANY of their models look similar to you? How so?

If many of the models at many of the agencies in one particular market look similar to you, chances are you will work in that market. If the opposite is true, chances are that you won’t work in that market.

Whether the agencies reject or accept you is a matter of them making money, not a matter of whether you are pretty or ugly. Pretty and ugly has nothing to do with it in any way.

How To: Follow the submission guidelines on the agency websites.

Include a letter that states the dates when you will be in town. Make sure your phone number is on your comp card as well as “In Town From ____ to ____”

A fully furnished apartment with Internet can be found relatively inexpensively from various rental companies or on Craigslist. I would recommend this so that you can concentrate on yourself and your personal mission rather than crazy roommates and whatever else.

Will it be expensive? Yes. Will it be a wild experience you’ll never forget? Yes! Will you get repped by an agency and become a supermodel? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not.

Use those 8 weeks to meet people. Network. Do all the photo tests you possibly can with all the photographers you can possibly meet in a city like that! (Stay safe of course!) Go meet all the big agencies and LISTEN to what they have to say! If they want to represent you, WONDERFUL! If they say no, then have a back-up plan. Live life while there! See the museums in between. Perhaps off set some of the costs with a small job.

At least you will have had the experience if it doesn’t work out!

The bottom line is that the idea of sending out your pictures to the Major Market Agency and having them “discover” you and bring you to New York and put you in the model apartment and make you a star really doesn’t happen too often. I’m not quite certain it ever did.

You have to help them help you. So, in a nutshell…

A) Save for an 8 week stay in a Major Market

B) Send Out Your Materials to Agencies

C) If You Do Not Hear Any Response At All from Any Agency, Seriously Consider Not Going to the Market for the 8 Week Stay

Modeling is an exceptionally competitive business. However it has given me a wealth of experiences that I wouldn’t change for the world.

Christie Heinrich has been in the Modeling Industry since the age of 14. Today she teaches one on one modeling lessons, and is writing a modeling How To book.

Find out more at http://www.PrivateModelConsulting.com

Keep up with Christie on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/christiesbook