edu LIBRARY

First of all, I’d like to thank those who read my articles and who took the time to write me an email. It’s a real pleasure to be able to help and I hope the following advice answers the questions I’ve been getting in the last few weeks. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to find out more about!

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Model: Magda Kulpinska

I feel like a lot of people and even new models think that it’s enough to decide to “be a model” and then work magically arrives. Or that being a model consists of having a glamorous life where your agent handles your agenda full of profitable bookings. While this is true for some, it takes time and hard work to get there.

Getting Started

Good looks aren’t enough. You need to have a book. But, even once you have a decent portfolio it doesn’t mean it’s going to do the castings for you. You have to physically go and do those castings. You have to have a showcase for your work (a website, blog, modeling profile, Instagram, Facebook page, etc). You need to get yourself out there and make yourself known. The right people need to find out you exist, or rather, you have to get yourself in front of those people and give them a reason to book you.

Looks, charm, knowing how to present yourself, a good book, and now we’re talking. One casting won’t be enough. You might have to do five, ten, or even more to get just a single booking. Now do the math – how many bookings per month do you need in order to pay rent, eat, etc? Perhaps now you’re getting a better idea of the effort it takes to make modeling your day job. It’s not impossible but it won’t happen overnight nor by itself.

How to Build Your Portfolio

Model: Magda Kulpinska

The first step into the world of grown-up models is getting a decent book.

You might have signed with an agency, and if all goes according to plan, they’ll invest in tests with a good photographer (that you’ll reimburse over time with the work you should book as a result). But, what if you don’t have an agency?

You’ll have to learn to tell a good photographer from a mediocre one. Don’t listen to boasting. Ask professional models which photographer they recommend and which photos got them bookings. Try to  find out which photographers should be avoided. What is a reasonable rate for a test shoot in your area? Don’t overpay but don’t expect things to be done for free either. Like any business you’ll have to invest, especially in the beginning, but also later on because you’ll want to show potential clients new test shoots every now and then.

So, what does a good book look like? Check out some big names in the industry. Look at the portfolios famous agencies put together. Your pictures need to scream “book me!” Clients (not you) need to feel like you’re the perfect model for the job.

And how can you find a good photographer? Check Instagram and Facebook. Who do the really good models in your area shoot with? Check out the tags. Check makeup artists and hairstylists too. Check out folks on Model Mayhem. Research online fashion magazines and look at the credits.

Your work doesn’t stop there. The one thing that can most help your career is you!