fashionSTYLE Magazine

Talks to Cultured Couture

Thurssday, January 4, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Truth About

Becoming a Model

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

 

How can I become a model? The question that resonates throughout the inboxes of every modeling agency, casting director and fashion magazine editor. Men and women, boys and girls, cat walk thin and plus size voluptuous. Every shape, size, ethnicity hair and eye color, all with the same desire, to grace the catwalks of Milan. I don’t think an opportunity ever goes by when an aspiring Tyra doesn’t ask. How can I become a model?

 

My first and immediate response is, “what type of modeling are you interested in?” There are as many types or categories of modeling as there are young people trying to make it in the business. Although

I won’t address every category, I will touch on a few areas that come to mind when dealing with this question.

 

Runway model – That’s easy. A casting director from Philly once told me, “You can never be too tall or too thin!” Imagine, five foot seven to six feet and double zero to size four. That is the collection industry standard. But don’t fear there is always room for the determined model that doesn’t necessarily fit into that ridiculous mold. For our PINK fashion Show, there were designers that specified larger contoured models. Bathing suit and lingerie designers need models that can fill out their collection without the

assistance of support padding. So if you’re not a six foot double zero, there is hope.

 

Catalogue – Are you ready to grace the pages? JC Penny’s, Sears, any major retailer that provide a weekly circular or a hundred page catalogue, a preference for those that weren’t blessed with the industry standard body type but one of the most difficult types of work to get. Signing with an agency is a must to get the better jobs.

 

Promotional Modeling – You wear a brand tee shirt (or less) and promote a product. It’s that simple. You’re a beautiful person with a great body, terrific smile and bubbly personality this could be a starting point for your modeling career. Google “modeling jobs” and sign up for any of the websites that will email you promotional modeling jobs. There is always work in this area but be careful. There is the other side of promotional modeling. The “Shot Girl” at the corner bar or seedy club, you can easily sell your soul for a buck and leave feeling disappointed or even violated. I once interviewed a model that said it was common place to take a male friend with her on jobs because she feared for her safety. Choose your

work carefully.

 

Body Part Modeling – Got great legs, the perfect lips or beautiful feet? Who knew that Megan Fox and Sanaa Lathan had club thumbs? Everyone has a flaw and when you are in front of the camera all the time, you become increasingly aware of what your flaws are. That’s where part models come in. Whether you are the legs in the openings sequence of Pretty Woman filling in for Julia Roberts or the nude stand in for Natalie Portman in The Black Swan, there is always work in this category. Again, the bigger jobs usually go through agencies.

 

OK, so what are your real chances to earn money as a model? For answers, we went to the source. Vanessa Banks is a model that was first introduced to us at a Philadelphia casting. She wasn’t the tallest,

the thinnest or even the most unique looking model at the casting but we quickly learned that she was clearly the hungriest. Ms. Banks told us that she models as often as seven days a week and spends time promoting her brand on those days that she isn’t in front of the camera. Print, commercial, runway, body part even small parts acting in film. Ms. Banks does it all. So when asked directly. No BS, how much should a model expect to get paid? Vanessa was brutally honest. She said most models can expect to do way more free gigs than paid ones. Keep in mind that paid doesn’t always mean that you get a check. Some shows will pay you with product, clothes, make up accessories or travel expenses. “The big paying, $1,500 per hour gigs that were the claim to fame for the super models in the 80’s and 90’s are all but gone.” There are models that still command super salaries but those shows are few and far between. A model can expect to make $50 to $200 for most paid jobs. That includes New York Fashion Week and most major fashion events.

 

I proposed these same questions Jacqueline Miller, President of City Model and Talent, Islandia, New York:

 

fSM – How do you get started in the modeling business?

 

Jacqueline – The best way to break into this industry is to do research!!! I cannot stress this enough. The more research you do will result in finding the best company that will work with you and for you.

 

Every agent, every casting/scouting company, every photographer and every model will have their own opinion and story of the best way to get started, but there are many ways to become a model. You just have to choose the right approach that works for you.

 

If you know someone, a model for example, you should pick their brain and ask lots of questions and learn from the people around you. Although, keep in mind that different models will have had different experiences. Take what you think relates to you and formulate your own plan.

 

fSM – If I’m not 5’7” – 6’, Size 00 – 04, What are my chances at modeling?

 

Jacqueline – You do not have to be 5'7+ or size zero to be a model in this industry. There are a lot of casting agents and directors that look for the typical/everyday woman AND man to model their products. My company, City Model and Talent focuses more on the everyday model/actor/actress because that is what the consumer can relate to...everyday average looking people.

 

Do not lose hope in this industry because it is forever changing.

 

fSM – If I sign with City Model and Talent, how many “Go See’s” will I have in an average week?

 

Jacqueline – Great question, although this can vary depending on who is asking the question. Here at City Model and Talent we have clients ranging in age from a few months old to 70 years. On a weekly basis we receive 50-60 castings and each casting is looking for something different; whether its age specific, gender specific or a certain ethnic background.

 

fSM – How much money can I expect to make on a job?

 

Jacqueline – Each casting pays differently. Although when you are booked for a job you will be told what the hourly or day rate is plus if there is a commission to be paid out which can vary. Please know

that some opportunities are not paid but the exposure can be priceless and you could get future paid jobs.

 

So that leads us back to the original question. How can I become a model? The model part, that’s easy. Modeling for a living? Far more difficult. Ford, Wilhelmina, IMG, NEXT, elite and Trump all have open castings as do most top agencies. It’s always a good place to start to get a lot of your questions answered.

 

We conclude by saying; get a legitimate model management agency to represent you, it will make your life a lot easier. If you can’t get signed, don’t give up. There is enough modeling work for everyone but like Vanessa Banks, you have to be willing to put in the work. You will have the opportunity to travel the country, modeling in the in the industries top events and making a living doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Style Magazine's 2011

PINK FASHION SHOW

Monday, October 31, 2011

 

We would like to thank everyone that made our 2011 PINK FASHION SHOW  at the Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick, NJ a huge success! It was an amazing time and we are currently scouting out locations for our upcoming shows so stay tuned!

 

Here's a little behind the scenes look at how the show came together:

 

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Head over to our Facebook Page to check out pictures from the event and current FSM news while we get our new site together. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter!

 

Interested in being a part of our next fashion show? Email us your information and let us know what you do (designer, media, etc.).