How to become a model: Q & A's

Q 1: Are models born or made?
Q 2: What are the different modelling categories?
Q 3: So, how do I find out if I have modelling potential?
Q 4: Are there height restrictions to becoming a model?
Q 5: What is a Z-card?
Q 6: What is a portfolio?
Q 7: How do I get Z-cards and portfolios?
Q 8: What is a casting?
Q 9: What is a call back?
Q 10: What is a wardrobe call?
Q 11: Is there a standard commission rate that the agency takes from your earnings?
Q 12: Do I have to pay tax?
Q 13: What comes after genetics?
Q 1: Are models born or made?
A: Different modelling sites will give you different answers to this question depending on what they are looking for in their models. If an agency is looking for someone with the minimum requirements of a height of 5,9 feet and Grecian god good looks, then you need to be born like that. However, there are many different categories of 'model' and you just need to find the one that you slot into.top↑
Q 2: What are the different modelling categories?
A: Well there is obviously the super model, which is what most of us associate with the word, 'model'. However, not all models, who are earning a decent living, fit into this very narrow group. There are character models and plus size models. Models are usually also categorised for the type of work for which they would be most suited, whether it is runway modelling or catalogue work. You simply need to work out where you fit and target modelling agencies that you think would want your 'look'. This way you will be able to avoid the initial rejection of not quite being 'what they are looking for'.top↑
Q 3: So, how do I find out if I have modelling potential?
A: The easiest way to do this is to apply to various modelling agencies and see who you get a response from. Remember to 'pitch' yourself to the people who you think would be most interested in you in order to avoid initial disappointment.top↑
Q 4: Are there height restrictions to becoming a model?
A: The height restrictions only depend on the type of modelling that you want to do. Fashion models are generally required to be at least 5ft 7, or from 1.71m for women, and 1.84 metres for men. However, if you aren't this tall, you could be a photographic model or beauty and glamour model, for which height restrictions don't apply as rigidly.top↑
Q 5: What is a Z-card?
A: A Z-card is a simple piece of card that shows you off to your best potential. It usually has your name, your measurements and you in a variety of pictures that display your versatility as a model. This is what you would leave behind with the directors, casting agents and clients when you go to a casting.top↑
Q 6: What is a portfolio?
A: A portfolio is a collection of photographs, usually in a file or book form, that also shows off your versatility as model, albeit on a larger scale. Your portfolio is almost like a visual curriculum vitae or resumé and therefore increases and grows as your work increases, because you are always adding to it. You may also be asked to take it along with you to a casting, however you will not be required to leave it behind.top↑
Q 7: How do I get Z-cards and portfolios?
A: Your agent will usually give you advice on how to get these, as they often want to ensure that they adhere to a certain level of quality, layout and style.top↑
Q 8: What is a casting?
A: A casting is like an audition or a job interview. This is when you go before the director, casting agent or client so that they can see whether they want you for the job or not. In order to have a successful career, you need to ensure that you are available to go to as many castings as you can. The more that you go to, the more chance you have of getting work. Castings are lengthy processes and you need to have patience. Often you will have to sit and wait whilst many (sometimes hundreds) other models go in before you. A good idea is to take a book with so that you don't get too bored.top↑
Q 9: What is a call back?
A: This occurs when the hundreds of potentials have been whittled down to a select few, but the client can't decide who they'd like to use yet. If you're one of the select few, you will be asked to go to a call back, which is in essence a second casting. You've already made it through to this stage, so there must be something that they liked about you. Use this knowledge to give you the confidence to nail down the job!top↑
Q 10: What is a wardrobe call?
A: The wardrobe call is necessary to fit you with the clothes that you'll be wearing in the commercial. It only happens once you have been 'booked' for that particular shoot. This means that you wont need to bring your own clothing, however, they may ask you to bring shoes or a specific item of clothing.top↑
Q 11: Is there a standard commission rate that the agency takes from your earnings?
A: There isn't an industry standard, so each agency structures their commission rate differently. Most agencies will take a percentage of your earnings, but you should know what this will be before you go on a job.top↑
Q 12: Do I have to pay tax?
A: As long as you are earning an income, you have to pay tax. This applies to students as well.top↑
Q 13: What comes after genetics?
A: This is where some models have their downfall. Genetics is important, but it's certainly not everything. There are a lot of other faces out there that producers and clients can use if you can't 'produce the goods'. Other than having the 'right look', your job is to make life as easy as possible for the art director and photographer.top↑

So:

Rule number one:always be on time.
Rule number two:know how to give the emotional expression that you need to, on cue.
Rule number three:be consistent - don't come as a different personality each time you're on a shoot. People always need to know what they can expect from you.
Rule number four:always give of your best as you never know who might see the results.
Rule number five:let your fantastic personality, energy and vitality shine through so that they remember you and want to work with you again.

The modelling industry is very competitive. There are hundreds of 'pretty faces'. You need to make yourself stand out by being something more - a great personality; a person full of vitality, energy and confidence. If you learn to cultivate this attitude, it will also shine through your work.

And lastly, don't get discouraged. Someone, somewhere is going to want your 'look'. The main purpose of your job as a model is to advertise products, and these products need to be advertised to the vast majority of 'ordinary' people out there. Advertisers aren't always looking for the perfect body or hair. So whilst it's important to eat healthily, exercise and look after your skin, these are things that you can always work on. In the meantime, find your little niche and be confident that you've got what it takes to make it work!

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