Let’s face it – at some point or other, you have dreamed about being a model. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, super hot or not, everyone has thought about how great it would be to open doors with a smile.

Well, in today’s world, you don’t even have to have a killer smile to be a model! You just have to have a unique look that can sell product.

What Sells?

Well, sex. That’s what everyone would say.

The correct answer is relatability. Being able to relate to an ad makes you want to buy the product.

Let’s say you’re sitting around in your sweats, drinking a beer and snacking on chips. You’re flipping through a magazine and suddenly, a super skinny supermodel is in front of your face petting a cat, dancing around, and trying to get you to buy cat food.

Based on how you feel, are you going to buy that cat food? No! Not today, not ever! You throw a chip at the magazine and keep reading.

On the next page, there’s a dude with the wrinkled clothes and mussed up hair. He’s hanging out with his buddies on the sofa drinking beer and shoveling chips into his mouth. It’s not a mirror, but it may as well be! You make a mental note of the shaving gel he’s selling because hey, that guy reminds you of you.

Advertising companies have finally started catching on that we don’t just want to see what we all strive to become – i.e., good-looking, sexy, successful. We also want to see what we are. That opens up a myriad of looks, shapes, and sizes that the companies have to find to represent all demographics of life.

In other words, that rumpled guy on the couch? He was a model.

Okay, now do you have hope that there might be room in the modeling industry for you? Then read on...

Types of Modeling

There are several different types of modeling. Study these descriptions to determine which one is right for you.

• Print Model

The print model is any model that you see in photographs. This can be your beautiful skin care girl, the young child eating a bowl of cereal, the rugged man climbing a mountain. This is a very broad category because as we discussed above, almost every type of model is needed at some point.

• Runway Model

The runway model is a high fasion model who walks up and down a runway showing off the fashions of a particular designer. The trend has always been for the runway model to be tall, usually 5’9 or higher if female or 6’ and above if male. Take heart – occasionally, in the past few years that "rule" has been broken.

Often, the runway model will have classic features such as high cheekbones and full lips, but as the focus should be on the clothing and not the model, designers often stay away from looks that would distract from their designs.

• Body Part Model

No, this is not the nude model category. A body part model is a person that has an exceptional body part that can be photographed for commercial purposes – ie. Exceptional hands, feet, legs, even ears!

• Nude Model

Not for the faint of heart! The nude model is used for medical or artistic drawings or photographs. Also, of course, for the porn industry. It’s very important when you do nude modeling that you learn exactly what you’re being photographed for. You don’t want to believe that you’re booked for a job educating about breast examination only to find yourself up on a porn site!

• Fit Model or Showroom Model

This form of modeling was invented for designers to work on their clothing. They actually have models with a standard size specific to their project come in and wear their clothes. The purpose of this is for designers to see how the clothing looks and flows on a real person as opposed to a mannequin.

• Trade Show Model

Auto show girls were once well known for their role as trade show models. These women would dress in gorgeous ball gowns and pose on platforms next to the latest vehicles. Now, auto show models wear more approachable outfits and are at the shows to educate consumers about cars.

Trade show models are used for any type of trade show and are there for the purpose of putting a good face forward to represent a company.

How to Get Started

Alright, you’ve decided what angle of modeling you’d like to pursue. Now it’s time to get prepared.

Research

You wouldn’t try to be an accountant without knowing how to add, would you? It’s very important that you study up on modeling so you can be the best you can be..

• Go to your local bookstore or library and find everything you can on the type of modeling you’re interested in. Study it in detail and write down questions you haven’t found answers for.
• Watch television and read magazines! Their are non-stop runway shows and photographs out there for you to evaluate. Keep your eye on current trends and decide where you can market yourself best.
• Speak to an expert. Call around to agencies and ask if they can refer you to someone who can speak with you (for free!) about modeling. The agent might even be happy to answer a few of your precise, prepared questions.

Physically Prepare

We’ve already covered the fact that you don’t have to be drop-dead gorgeous anymore to be a model but you do have to take care of the assets you have.

• Start working out, eating right, and caring for your skin.
• Evaluate your hair. Do you have a hairstyle that is perfect for today’s market or are you stuck in the 80’s? Ask your friends then hairdresser for an honest evaluation and do what needs to be done.
• Start gathering outfits that will be appropriate for interviews and go-sees. Modeling interviews are different from regular interviews. You’ll need clothing that is body conscious and appropriate for the image you want to project.

Create a Portfolio

It’s time for your photo shoot! Every model needs a "book," or a set of photographs to take with them when they go on interviews. Now that you know everything there is to know about your branch of modeling, it should be a cinch for you to put together your perfect portfolio.

• Gather pictures of models in your chosen branch of modeling. You will want to recreate or simply gain inspiration from these shots.
• Decide what you can afford. Potential models can spend anywhere from a couple hundred to a thousand dollars on photo shoots. Keep your receipts because if you get enough work as a model, you can write the photos off on your taxes.
• Meet with photographers. If you live in a large city, odds are there are several photographers that are looking to build their portfolio as well. They are often willing to shoot for free in exchange for the rights to use your pictures for their book. Just be sure to bring someone with you when you first meet for safety reasons.

Find an Agent

Although you can get work on your own by going directly to advertising companies, it’s much more effective to work with an agency. They are experts and can save you lots of time and money. Just be sure to avoid any agency that asks you for money before you make any!

• Call local advertising companies. Find out what agencies they work with for their models.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau. Find out modeling agencies in your area that have complaints against them and keep the list handy. There are several legitimate modeling companies and just as many companies eager to scam you out of your money. Make sure you’re paired up with a good one.
• Send them copies of your pictures and let them know you’re interested in working with your agency. Always be certain to use a contact number that has an answering machine or voice-mail! Agents are too busy to try to track you down!

Good Luck

Like anything, modeling takes hard work, perserverance, and knowledge. You must have a thick skin, educate yourself, and then go for it with all you’ve got!