Becoming a Fashion Model By Bob Pardue http://www.bobpardue.com You have dreamed of becoming a model for ages but just never quite learned how to get started. Well, here is a quick guide for fashion model newcomers to get you started in turning your dreams into realistic goals. Let's get going. ‌. Models go through the modeling calendar in search of the one assignment capable of making their long-term career. At the top of the list is invariably runway & fashion modeling taking place at all important modeling capitals of the world. Designers think of a definite look and feel for a product or service, and models represent the best of what the product offers to buyers. It could be the latest fashion wear, designer bags, lingerie, top-of-the-range shoes, or just about any product to hit the market. Maximum Opportunities Exist For The Bold And Beautiful If a beautiful or handsome person is capable of posing for the camera or walking the ramp, maximum opportunities will pursue the candidate. The fashion world is highly competitive spreading a lot of buzz and gossip around products and services meant to reach wide audiences. It is important to remember agents and scouts are constantly looking out for the right model for a product or assignment. With some amount of experience, models are able to promote almost any product with flair and conviction. The most lucrative and high-paying jobs exist in this market. It presents maximum opportunities simply because the product and service list is endless. Fashion And Runway Modeling Industry Prefers The Young Look Editorial modeling assignments always tend to represent a young and vibrant look, so candidates representing fashion wear must be between 14 to 24 years old. The “lookâ€? is more important, which is why agencies and fashion houses are flexible in terms of finding the best model for a particular campaign. Some well-known models have stood the test of time lasting years in the highly competitive field simply because they were able to sustain a youthful look and body appealing to the runway & fashion modeling industry. Agencies Look To Fulfill Specific Fashion-Based Criteria Clients dictate the feel and look of a modeling assignment. If clients have specific ideas for promotion to a definite audience, they demand and get the right models for the assignment. The agency comes in by keeping on its rolls models catering to needs of different clients. For instance, the latest designer handbag may require a slim teenager with short hair slinging it across her body.
Agencies will have several portfolios for the clients to choose from. It is therefore important for models to recognize if they have the looks and fulfill other basic criteria. Girls must be around 5'8" tall (1.73 cm) with figure measurements of 34-24-34 inches. Males must be over 6 feet tall with inside leg measurements of 33” and chest size 40”. Candidates must have clear skin, well-groomed hair, manicured nails, and healthy teeth. So, to summarize, here is the list of qualifications – Be completely honest with yourself, the agency representatives will! a) You need to be at least 5'8" tall or taller b) You need a slim build c) You need to have a good skin complexion without lots of pimples or blemishes and good bone structure d) Your hair should be in good shape (no excessive split-ends or over-dying damage) e) Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white (a dynamite smile) Okay, if You Fit All of the Above – Now What? Now that you have honestly assessed your attributes, it's time to be prepared before making contact with model managers or talent agents. There is always something new to learn but these are five basic tips to get you started out right .. 1. Watch Professional Runway Models Watch fashion shows on TV and take notes of the different walks each supermodel makes. Record the show and watch it over and over. Take the time to visit a fashion show in your area and focus on models that stand out the most. 2. Videotape Yourself Walking Practice walking everyday for a couple of hours in at least 3-inch heels. Make a video of yourself while practicing the two general categories of walking the runway which are hands on hips and free arms. When walking with hands on hips, place your hands on your hip bones and keep your elbows pointed straight out to the sides. Relax your hands by spreading your fingers in a natural position. When walking with free arms, allow your arms to move naturally as you walk and keep them close to your body. Keep wrists, elbows and hands relaxed and joints flexible while walking.
3. Posture of a Runway Model Have you ever noticed the good posture that supermodels have? This is a modeling must and a physical criteria that says a lot about the model. Spend a little time each day improving your posture by walking and standing straight up. Always walk with your shoulders back and keep them steady so they won't bounce or dip as you walk. As you walk down the runway, keep your chin slightly tilted because usually everyone is sitting and looking up at you. 4. Keep Eyes Focused When you're walking the catwalk, don't let your eyes wander and never look down. Focus them on something other than the lights straight ahead of you, such as an object on a wall. 5. Show Confidence One of the main keys to a successful career is showing confidence and you gain this confidence by learning all you can about the modeling industry and plenty of practice. By practicing these basic modeling tips listed above daily, you will get the confidence you need to become a runway model. It will show in your walk and also how you handle a stressful situation such as tripping or falling. Now that you know becoming a runway model involves a lot of training, practice and hard work, and you are still interested "Don't Give Up" and "Don't Get Discouraged" when you are turned down. Keep contacting talent agents and show that self confidence when you go for an interview. Believe me, they can tell!! Starting Off With Fashion Modeling Aspiring models are looking for a lifestyle in runway & fashion modeling. High-paying assignments are part of the lifestyle, but models will not succeed unless they are competitive and have the will to succeed. Now that criteria and prerequisites are known, aspiring models can register online or through local agencies. Prerequisites include making themselves available for test shoots. Basic initial costs may include portfolio photographs clicked in a fully- equipped photo studio associated with a modeling agency. Models must be prepared to travel as international assignments are common. This sums up the first portion of my book. You can get more information here about how to become a model. Don't stop learning and don't stop practicing. See some of the resources below to get going today!
Resources Books by Bob Pardue How to Become a Model – Career Choices How to Become a Model – Modeling Agencies How to Become a Commercial Model