Help & Advice
So, do you have what it takes?
Ask yourself some basic questions and be totally honest with yourself. Do you really feel you’re good enough to be a model? Stand alone naked and look in the mirror for a few minutes & ask yourself that question again.
Still yes?
You probably look upto someone, someone you admire, can you be just like her? She has made it. You're just starting out. You are about to represent you, so start NOW!
How?
Eating healthily, drinking plenty of water, stop smoking "But it keeps my weight down" then go to the bloody gym! As I said, start now. Toning your body. It's one thing looking slim but are you really toned? You may dress like an A-list celeb, but remember people will see you almost naked, people that have been in the industry a long time & know what they want from a model. There are thousands & thousands of girls & guys just like you, all wanting to be the next household name, yes competition is that fierce. Pay attention to your Hair, Skin, Nails, Teeth etc, it does matter. Can you compose yourself? look like you have pride in yourself? eloquent in speech & posture? Remember the Agent or at any casting you attend will make their mind up about you pretty much within the first ten seconds. This is where you sell yourself, you gain your extra points, you use everything you possibly can to win this person/persons over & get the job. There are prettier girls there? So what! Not every casting is about who is the most stunning to look at. The attractive 'Girl next door' look often wins over the stunning blonde sat next to you. Don't let this put you off.
Tattoo's, Piercing’s etc are still a huge turn off as far as Agents are concerned, so think wisely about your body. OK Piercing’s can be removed & Tattoo's airbrushed, but that’s assuming they take you on in the first place.
Don't waste your money on your 'book' initially. If an Agency has asked to send in some pics, simple snapshots are best & never over do the make up. The 'Book' can come later, once you start earning. Your Agent will advise you on this.
Has your Agent asked for money up-front? Or asked for money for Pictures up-front? Forget it, never ever part with money to an Agent. If they charge you they are not the agency for you, and so many 'Agent's' rip wannabie models off from the start.
Glamour Modeling
18 to mid twenties, height doesn't matter as you can't judge a persons height from a photo. You must be in proportion, curvy as opposed to skinny & reasonably attractive. For topless modeling, could you stand topless in front of some half a dozen people all looking at you? Are your breasts firm & pert? Likewise is your bum in proportion?
Fashion Modeling
Girls can start here as young as 13, but a totally different criteria needs to be met. Again shelf life is upto mid twenties. The absolute minimum height is 5'7" for females for editorial work but ideally 5'9/10" for the catwalk/runway. You only have to watch a fashion show to look at the models, waif-like size 6-10 but the more waif-like girls tend to get the work. We at Xintense steer clear from the fashion model as we do not condone the stick thin appearance & the lengths some girls go to maintain that look.
For men 18-23/24 is the average requirement, around 6'-6'4" is the average male fashion model although some slightly shorter still apply. Athletic without the body builder physique, narrow hips & a strong face, bone structure.