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Q. "How do I become a model? How do I get started? What do I do first? How do I know if I have what it takes?"
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The best way to begin is to find out what agencies are in your location. Find out their policies for seeing new people. Start taking practice snapshots.
Keep copies of the best ones to bring in on your interviews. The shots you take should be geared towards your interests. Fashion agencies only want a headshot and full-length photo, preferably non-professional with no makeup for submission. You don't need a portfolio to get started, but a cardsize will be a minimal requirement. Other agencies may ask for a variety of amateur or professional portraits, which show the types of modelling you, wish to do. Keep your photos current (no less than one month old) when submitting to fashion agencies.
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Q. "Does age matter?"
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There is no age or time limit for commercial modelling. When it comes to commercial print work the ages can range from 6 months to 60 or more
years. Fashion modelling has strict age requirements and they range from 16-28 years of age. Ask different agencies what work is in demand. Find out what specialty you want and then explore what's available.
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Q. "What is it going to cost me?"
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The answer is not as simple as it should be. Firstly, if you plan on being competitive in the fashion modelling market expect to pay for it. You must
have investment capital to succeed in the mainstream modelling industry. Expect to spend thousands to break into fashion modelling. It's no free ride and even if an agency says they will pave the way by fronting you the money (if you have an exceptional look), they will have you pay it back.
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Q. "What qualities do I need to be a model?"
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The Right Look. The most important modelling quality is having the look that an agency can market. Each market from Delhi to Mumbai to overseas has a certain look for fashion modelling. Look at the top models; do you look good enough to compete for jobs with them? If not then perhaps you do have the looks for other types of modelling. Each different aspect of modelling from commercial to glamour to adult modelling has different requirements. Contact your local agency to find out what they are looking for.
Intelligence. To succeed, a model must be an intelligent businessperson. They must know how to spend and invest money wisely. Also, they must know how to conduct business with agents, photographers and clients.
Confidence. Clients are looking for someone who is self-assured and whom they think can sell their product. A model must be able to sell themselves before they can sell a product. It is also important to be able to handle the rejection that every model must face. No model could meet the expectations of every possible client.
Independence. Because models must sometimes travel away from their friends and family for a job, or move to a big city to pursue a full time career, it is important to have a great deal of independence.
Organization. A model must be organized in order to keep track of the different dates, times and locations of appointments so that they can show up at appointments and go-sees on time.
Stamina. A model is sometimes on their feet all day. So they must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good.
Location. You must be close to the market where you can obtain assignments. With the exception of Glamour modelling, if you don't live within 2 hours of a mainstream market then you will not be able to find work.
Reliability. This cannot be stressed enough. If you are not on time repeatedly for an assignment or go-see, you will be dropped by an agency. If you cannot be on time you cannot be a model.
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Q. "What fees should I expect?"
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Another way agencies make money is to impose monthly fees. Generally, you should avoid any agency that requires monthly fees. The exception is for "online or glamour" agencies. It costs money to provide listings for models that may or may not continue modelling over time. Models can expect small fees for listings over a period of time and this is a good way to get yourself noticed.
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Q. "Should I sign an exclusive contract?"
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This is a tough question with many different opinions and answers. If you plan on surviving in the fashion industry, the answer is yes. But, only with established agencies, i.e., ModelsGuru.com, ELITE, etc...
The rest of the modelling world is tougher to answer. If you plan on entering a glamour career, then the answer should be no, in almost all cases. Signing an exclusive contract in the commercial, glamour or other related fields would almost certainly limit your ability to obtain work. Ask other models and agencies that are signed with an agency before deciding.
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Q. "Do I need a portfolio?"
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All models must obtain a portfolio and unless a photographer is willing to trade their time for you to get prints, then it will certainly cost some money. How much you pay depends on how much demand there is for you. Before you pay any fees or sign any contracts ask a lot of questions. No fashion agency will guarantee work, even for mainstream models. The client decides whom they want, and the agency acts as the go between. The same is true for online and land based modelling agencies. Although they cannot guarantee work, they are often asked by the client to provide models for them. This gives these types of models more opportunities to obtain paying work.
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Q. "Should I go to modelling school?"
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Some agencies do not make as much on commission for their models due to their geographical location or lack of available work. Some of these agencies will require you to go to "modelling schools" While some schools are necessary (only for the very young models), most are a blatant rip-off and should be avoided.
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Q. Do I actually need a modelling agency/coordinator?
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Yes! You Do. Professional models should be represented by an experienced, reputed modelling agency/ coordinator. This is the age-old rule of modelling world. You are also going to follow this rule because modelling agencies/coordinators help you to get assignments, provide you safe working environment, negotiate of your behalf and look after legalities of the paper work for your assignments. They are the best allies you can have on your side.
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Q. How to choose a good modelling agency/coordinator?
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This part requires some thinking, investigation and time. Never choose your agency/coordinator in hurry. Frequent changes of agency/coordinator do not give you a professional outlook.
First collect information about reputed agencies/ coordinators in your city itself. Choosing an agency/coordinator from your own city will be very helpful in long run, as you will have plenty of opportunity to interact, discuss your work with them very easily. This arrangement will be comfortable and cost effective.
Before approaching any agency/coordinator, make some inquires about the agency concerned. If you have any friend in the industry, he/she is the best person to help you to get some information beforehand. Setup an appointment and visit them with your resume and portfolio.
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Q. How to judge a good modelling agency/coordinator?
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During your meeting answer their questions clearly and confidently. Ask about their models and their present assignments. Ask for the names and contact numbers of their models and call them to verify the information provided by the agency/ coordinator. Be warned if somebody offers you a very good offer with very high payments. Nobody can make you a star celebrity overnight merely by his/her efforts. You definitely need more than that.
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Q. What precautions should I take before signing my contract with my agency/coordinator?
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Avoid signing any contract on your first meeting. If you like the agency/coordinator, take one copy of their contract and read it very carefully preferably at your place. Be concerned if they use any pressure techniques to sign the contract. Always remember to read every paper before you sign and keep one copy of every paper you sign with you. If there is any doubt about any clause of the contract, clear your doubts before signing. These small but very important precautions will save you from unnecessary legal disputes.
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