Before applying to an agency
10.26.06 - 04:41am
When looking for an agency take care, there are a lot of agencies out there that will try to exploit you.
First, do not hand any money over - never hand over any money upfront until you have checked out the agency!
A respectable agency would not take money and could fund you until you start making money. Check out the atmosphere at the agency it should be professionally run and if everyone is busy working you know that you are in the right place. No matter how much you want to be a model it is not worth putting yourself in danger.
You could be asked to finance your own folio photos and this can be normal, but make sure if you are doing this that you will be getting professional quality images.
Location
Your best chance of getting noticed is working in a major city (London). Make an appointment with agencies in London before you try local ones. Working in the city will increase your chances of you becoming a professional.
Getting spotted
Go out and be seen model scouts discover hundreds of new models each year on the streets. The most common places to get noticed are Piccadily Circus and Oxford street but people get noticed every day on trains, in shops - even in Macdonalds.
But if you really want to be seen go to all the fashion events that are on through out the year. The best place is the clothes show in December where scouts from all agencies are on the prowl for the next big name. Be careful though. If any one does approach you claiming to be a model scout, ask for their card and don’t give any personal details away.
Presenting yourself
First impressions always count. If you are going to visit an agency there are a few simple guidelines you should follow.
You should be at least 5`8″ for fashion but for other work height isn’t so important.
A size 8-10 dress, measurements of roughly 34″, 24″, 34″.
This is just a guide line but it gives you a rough idea. Don`t worry if you don`t fit into this range there are a lot of agencies that are specifically for petite or plus-size models.
There are also specialist agencies for “parts,” which deal with hand, foot and hair models. Wear flat shoes, fashionable but simple clothes that show off your figure and wear as little make-up as possible (if any at all).
Be as natural as you can be and do not try to present yourself the way you think a model looks - they have professionals to make them look the way they do.
Preparation
Find out what you need to bring with you. Photos, a portfolio if you have one.
Don’t be late and make sure you have everything they ask you to bring. Their working day is very hectic and by having every thing prepared will save them and you time.
If you don’t have what it takes to become a model, Its not your fault. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t beautiful - you are who you are. Modeling is just like any other job, not everyone can be an actor or brain surgeon and not everyone can be a model.
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