5 Must-Do Steps to Become a Model

If You Really Plan to Become a Model – Make It Happen!

Stock Photo by Bob Pardue, Copyright ParduePhotos.Com - All Rights Reserved


There are many women and girls who want to start an exciting career and become a model so there is no shortage of competition in the modeling industry. You have to make your mark and plan if you are serious. I’ve watched many of them come through my photography studio and see the same story.

Their dream is that the next new female American model could be them. Modeling agencies are always looking for the next hot teens and young women  for talent, fashion, commercial work and runway modeling assignments so there is hope for the right person but you also need to be realistic and learn some basic steps before you jump in with both feet. Here are five…

Step 1> Evaluate Yourself
You need to realize that there are a number of looks that agencies are looking for when they consider females to become models.

You need to do a face and body evaluation in the mirror before you make your plan. Indeed, not everyone needs to look like the runway fashion models that are seen worldwide on magazine covers and billboards.

There are models of every shape and size that are on the books of the various female modeling agencies around the world. So, what type are you? Do you look like the runway gals or are you more of an outgoing commercial type? Look at yourself, ask friends and family, a model photographer, other models, etc. and then decide where you will start as an amateur model.

Step 2> Consider Your Options
In addition, to become a model there are a number of different avenues that you can consider. You might become a runway model or a fashion model. These are pretty popular choices and almost everyone is familiar with them. They are also the most competitive.

Or, you might want to become a model whose focus is on her hands or her legs or her hair. Having a career in the commercial industry is yet another option if you have a great personality and can bring up facial expressions and “sell” with your looks.

Step 3> Study and Learn
The third step you need to take to become a model is to find every modeling book and website you can. By looking through these, reading them and practicing the tips given, you will learn how to talk, walk and act - helping you to attain your dream of becoming a model. Some is done in makeup and during the photo shoot. Watch this video as a girl is transformed into a model …

Model Course
In order to further help you on your quest for a career as a female model, you should plan to take some courses in modeling. Many local universities offer drama or sometimes modeling classes for very little expense.  These courses will allow you to fine tune your expressions and body language as well as how you carry yourself at a stand still.

In addition, you will need to learn the basics of how to hold your head and how to talk so that you will be taken seriously as a model. In modeling classes, you will often be able to make contacts that will help you on your journey to becoming a model.

Step 4> Pose for Photos
I can’t stress this enough! In your quest to become a model there is absolutely nothing that will prepare you more than keeping yourself in front of the camera of an experienced photographer. You can find photographers on places like Model Mayhem (This is to my profile on MM) and others who will shoot with you in a trade situation whereby both the model and the photographer gets pictures for their portfolios.

Once you set up and pose for five or six modeling shoots, you’ll start to relax in front of the camera and create “believable photos” to present to the modeling agencies or other interested parties. Which brings us to the next step – making contacts.

Step 5> Applying to Modeling Agencies
As stated above, a good model agent can propel you to new heights in your career. Some models try to go it alone as a freelance talent but making connections on your own can sometimes take a long, long time. But, that of course is your decision.

Don’t just go in to try and get signed when you finish reading this. Follow the other four steps first so that you’ll be ready to do an interview and present yourself as someone the agency wants to work with.

One big advantage of hiring modeling agencies to represent you is that you will get your name and face out there in front of the most people in the shortest amount of time.

To get you started, I have listed a directory of modeling agencies here …

Make Sure the Model Agent is Legit
Finally, a quick word of advice to new female models – When contacting modeling agencies, managers or photographers be sure and check them out thoroughly before going to meet them. There is a safety rule here – Always take someone with you and let others know where you are going to do the interview or the photo shoot.

If you follow these steps and the precautions I hope you will realize your dream and become a model and I hope to see your photo in an ad, in a commercial magazine or maybe on the runway soon! Good luck!!