Models 101: How to Start Your Modeling Career

The most common question that modeling agents and scouts receive from aspiring models is, “how do I become a fashion model?.” There is so much information in books, on websites, and swirling around in modeling forums that it can seem very confusing and overwhelming to a new model who is just starting out. Here are 5 simple steps to help you get started.

• 1. Take Some Basic Snapshots (Polaroid) In the beginning, the only photos you need to present to modeling agents and scouts are some basic snapshots otherwise called Polaroid.  They are looking for a nice face shot (smiling and not smiling), left and right profiles of your face and body, a full length shot and a back shot. Wear form-fitting clothing like skinny jeans or leggings and a simple tank top or t-shirt.  If you are comfortable wearing a swimsuit, then include a few swimsuit shots as well, either a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit is fine. Male models need to show the agents their fitness level, so it is recommended that male models wear swim trunks or boxer shorts, or wear jeans without a shirt in at least one of their photos. 

• 2. Get Evaluated by a Professional Model Agent or Scout Most new models start their quest because their family and friends have said “you should be a model,” or they are the prettiest girl or guy in the school. They may have even won some local modeling competitions or pageant.That’s a great start, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into what the agencies are looking for. It is essential that you get your modeling potential evaluated by an experienced model agent or scout before you invest too much time or money into your pursuit. This step can get a little tricky. How do you determine whether the agent or scout who is evaluating you has the experience and knowledge to help you?Also, many new models find that they live in a smaller market where many of the agents are affiliated with a modeling school or photography studio. As a result, they may not be getting an accurate evaluation if the “agency” is more interested in selling courses or photo shoots.It doesn’t mean that the agent isn’t good or that the courses or photo shoots they are offering are bad; it just means that you need to think about what is motivating them to tell you whether or not you can be a model.

• 3.  Get as Much Exposure as Possible
• Many agencies specialize in only one particular area. Some may only represent high fashion (editorial) models. Others may only represent commercial models, or plus-size, petite, or child models. If one agency is unable to represent you don’t get discouraged, it’s important that you get seen by as many agents as possible and on a routine basis.  If you live in one of the major markets you may be able to attend an open call or go-see at the agency. If you live outside one of the major markets the best way to get exposure is to send your photos to as many agencies as possible.It can be a very time-consuming and expensive endeavor, especially if you are making copies of all your photos and then mailing them. The cost of prints, envelopes, and stamps can easily add up to over a thousand dollars. Another option is to email your photos–but with thousands of photos being emailed to model agencies every day, it is very easy to get lost in the mix.  To increase your chances of being signed by an agency, it is important to work with people who have experience and direct connections to all the agencies in a wide variety of markets. ModelScouts.com is a great place to start and offers the most legitimate and cost-effective way for you to get the exposure you need to be seen by many agents around the world and in the quickest way possible.

• 4. Know the Best Modeling Market for YouThe term “market” refers to the various geographical locations in which models work and earn a living. “Market” can also refer to category your particular look falls into such as the fashion market, commercial market, plus market, or petite market.  Internationally New York, Paris and Tokyo are various “markets,”. In Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa are rising continental “market” that new models may want to break into before making a plunge. While the supermodels you see in major magazines and walking the runways for top clients generally work in every market, there are many successful models who only work in one or two markets. So, even though you may not get represented by an agency in Paris or South Africa, you could very well be perfect for Tokyo, Singapore, and other Asian markets.  An experienced agent can help guide you to the right market for your particular look.
•  5.   Be Persistent Becoming a professional model is a process. It rarely happens overnight. Even the models who say “I was just walking down the street one day and the next I was on the cover of Vogue” are exaggerating.Becoming a professional model takes time. Many of today’s top models didn’t get signed to an agency the first time out of the gate. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen was turned down over 40 times before she was finally signed to an agency.Stay positive and remember that just because an agency wasn’t able to represent you today, it doesn’t mean they won’t be interested tomorrow. Trends change

Mode1 Launches Africa’s Next Super Model contest

A dream come true… For the first time ever, Mode1 Model Management is organizing it’s first modelling contest in Africa offering thousands of girls (between the age of 16 and 22), the opportunity to achieve their dreams and follow in the footsteps of top models of African origin who are making their marks in the world.

We are super excited about this new competition said Yomi the Director of Mode1Management and we hope we can discover future stars that will inspire more Girls to believe in themselves and step into the world of modelling. Africa’s Next Super Model will be just not a competition he said, but also serves as a database which will allow agents and agencies to find models profile more easily in different parts of Africa.

The competition is open to potential models across the globe with an African heritage and casting are set to hold across 5 African countries from the month of April 2020 through to July.

Following the casting and online public vote, 30 winners will emerge and subsequently trained in catwalk and other modelling etiquette for the grand finale to be held in October 2020 in Ghana.

The perfect combination of professionalism, elegance and beauty…

The winner of the ANSM 2020 will have the opportunity to win prizes and endorsements worth £10,000 alongside an international modelling contract with Mode1 Models www.mode1models.com. For more information on how to be a part of the ANSM competition please log on to www.africasnextsupermodel.com to create a free modelling profile. Please note all models must be at least 5ft 8in and of African Heritage.