You are here:
Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Modeling
Advertisement
Question
Hi. My name is Niccolle. Ever since I was about 4 or 5 I have wanted to be a model. I have entered a couple beauty pageants, and received several awards. I wanted to do more pageants, but they began to get too expensive and we became unable to afford them. So my question is how can I get a future in modeling without paying all the money to go to modeling school? What does it take to be a model? Please get back to me whenever you can. Thank you for your time.
Hi Niccolle,
Beauty pageants are not generally considered as a direct route to modelling. So there really is no need to carry on with them unless you want to do it just for fun.
You should never pay for modelling school as a good agency will teach you all you need to know. In fact, you shouldn't really pay for pictures as the agency should advance you the money or they should put you in contact with a testing photographer (where the photographer wants a model for free and you want pictures for free). So the next question is, how do you get a reputable agency?
Compile a shortlist of agents either around your area of the major cities (NYC, Miami or LA). Send them a letter of introduction with a head and full length shot- no need to be professional pics as Polaroid etc will do. Also send your stats- height, bust, waist, hips, shoe size, hair and eye colour. Remember- never ever pay to join an agency, they should be making money out of customers and not you.
Hope this helps Niccolle
X
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | The answer I was given about my question was very helpful. Thank you so much. This is the best information I have gotten about modeling in my search so far. Thanks again!! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Felicity Gain
Expertise
The pitfalls and how to avoid them How to get a free test with a photographer Should you ever pay for test shots How to get on the books of an agency What is a casting How to maximise your chances of success at a casting The different types of modelling and what you would be suitable for How to ensure you sign with a good agency How to earn extra money to support yourself during the early years How to find an agent abroad How to walk on a catwalk What is showroom work and how to get the job What shots to use for different types of casting Model work available to models who fall outside typical phuysical statistics Different working environment in different countries and strategies to use.
Experience
I am currently a model and have 13 years experience in both editorial and commercial modelling. During this time I worked for catalogues, TV commercials, advertising, advertorials, catwalk, editorial, front covers and showroom. I have also diversified into other areas of fashion as a stylist and fashion journalist. This has given me a greater depth of understanding into what clients are looking for at a casting.
Publications
Company Magazine, Bartercard Bulletin, Tramp Magazine
Education/Credentials
Central St. Martins, 2007- 2008, fashion journalism and fashion stylist.
Past/Present Clients
Dior, YSL, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Versace, N-Peal, GUS, Freemans and many others. Please ask if interested.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.