5 Steps to Becoming a Model

Want to be a part of the glamorous and sexy modeling industry? Let's start with identifying the competitive and complex insides of this industry with some realistic tips.
Step 1: Understanding the Type of Model You Are Fashion Model A fashion model is a model that is often hired to promote apparel and clothing. The most typical type of fashion model is a runway model who works in a fashion show. Requirements for a fashion model include: Height requirement: Female 170cm / Male 180cm Meet specific clothing size measurements and long legs are preferred
Event / Promotional Model An event model works at either a convention or a trade show. In Singapore, this is the most common type of model. They are often seen in car shows, IT shows and all types of roadshows. Requirements for an event model includes: Pleasant looking Meet specific characteristics requirements to demonstrate a product. (e.g., Fair skin for skin whitening products, long hair for hair products)
Face / Print Model A print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs found in magazines, newspapers and all other forms of advertisements. To be a successful commercial print model, there may not be any specific requirements. However, you must be comfortable providing a variety of looks, emotions or body postures during a photo shoot.
Specialty / Body Parts Model A specialty model only models a part of his or her body (e.g., hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet.) Such models are often used in photo shoots for products such as jewelry, watches and shoes. Requirements for a specialty model include: Flawless body parts. No scars, blemishes or wrinkles on specific body parts to be modeled.
Step 2: Building Your Portfolio As a model, you need to promote yourself. You will need professional photographs of yourself to start off your portfolio. You can either engage a professional photographer or collaborate with photographers on a TFCD basis. TFCD / TFP, (Time For CD / Time for Print) is a collaboration between a model and a photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or prints of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time. You can join websites like clubsnap.com or modelmayhem.com to network with hobbyist, freelance or even professional photographers to collaborate for a TFCD photo shoot. Guidelines to Building Your Portfolio Always use a professional photographer. Make sure you screen the photographer's portfolio before agreeing to a photo shoot. If you do not like what you see, often you will not get something you like. Never work with only one photographer. It will be best to work with several photographers to gather a variety of style for your portfolio. Use only the best photos. Do not include all your photos with similar poses and backgrounds in your portfolio. Use a variety of pictures, including different angles, body postures, profiles, hair styles and expressions. Dare to be different!
Step 3: Do Your Homework Do not expect modeling jobs to land on of your doorsteps. The modeling industry can be extremely competitive and bitchy. It might appear glamorous and breezy to be a model, but the actual fact is that a lot of research is required and there can be many pitfalls. Modeling Agencies Research reputable modeling agencies. One reputable resource is the Association of Modelling Industry Professionals (AMIP). In Singapore, we are able to find just a handful of accredited modeling agencies on the AMIP website: http://www.amip.sg/agencies.htm There are several small scale modeling agencies but make sure to do your homework to avoid getting scammed. Black and White You need to study legal documents such as engagement letters, model release forms, talent agreements, etc, to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Avoid situations where you are tied down exclusively to one agency and the agency is unable to get you any modeling jobs. Monkey See Monkey Do Spend time looking at magazines and modeling websites. The main aim is not to follow exactly what other models do but to learn from them and enhance your own image.
Step 4: Join an Agency It is not mandatory to join any modeling agency. However major modeling jobs are often offered via agencies. Be extremely aware of scam agencies. A prominent example will be a suspicious modeling "scout" who approaches you in MRT stations or Orchard road telling you that they want to engage you as their model. Always do your homework and research modeling agencies, their projects and clientele listing. Avoid any agencies that require you to: Pay upfront fees. May it be signing fees, membership or evaluation fees, a real agency will never require you to pay any money upfront. Paid courses or photo shoots - If the agencies require you to pay for makeup, modeling courses or photo shoots to build up your portfolio. They are more than likely interested in earning your money rather than acting as your agent to get modeling deals. Too good to be true - There's no such things as guaranteed jobs or high initial salary. If the agency sounds suspicious or too good to be true, bail out immediately.
Step 5: Improve Yourself! In modeling, you are the trump card to making an impact! Start looking gorgeous! You will need to start proper grooming and a skin care regimen right away! Eating right and exercising regularly is also highly recommended. Essential skills also include the ability to apply basic makeup, posing comfortably in front of the camera and having reasonable fashion sense. You can also improve yourself by attending courses that teach you how to apply makeup, modeling and how to dress properly. Conclusion Not everybody will emerge to be the next top model especially in countries like Singapore where advertisers still favor Caucasians over Asian models. But never give up, work hard to pursue your dreams and protect yourself on your way to becoming a successful model. Credits: Model : Novia Lim, Welna Yeo, Angela Kiyomi Photographer: Satch, Leng Keong, Jeff Boyle

This article is also publish on The Temasek Review
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