You must be a natural size 12, 14, or 16. The women who work full time are these sizes, no questions about it. There are magazines and designer runway shows that embrace larger women as models however, those that take on modeling as their full time job are the size I noted.
A good model is fit, healthy and happy. (read: does'nt live, breathe and die for modeling). She has a life outside of her work which she leaves at the door. However when the camera shoots her, she is warm, inviting and INTERESTING to look at because of the life she leads. I've been told, it's all in the eyes, as they're the windows to the soul.
YOU DO NOT NEED need a professional/expensive portfolio to show the top agencies in your area.
What you do need is:
-1 or 2 simple digital head shots. Shot in natural light. (no heavy make up! Use make up to enhance what you already have...beautiful, clean and fresh skin).
-1 or 2 full body shots in a bathing suit
-1 or 2 shots in a business look
-1 or 2 shots in a casual setting (doing what you love!)
Agency:
Go the the closest major market 10-15 miles from your home if you are not living in a major (NY, LA, Miami, Chicago or Dallas) market already. If you drive any further than 15 miles, you will be driven crazy by the commute for last minute "go-sees" where clients check you out for an upcoming shoot or runway show. You do a lot of these to get one job...so be sure you understand this starting off.
In that major market, ONLY choose the top agency and it's closest competitor. Unless you live in NY, LA, Miami, Chicago or Dallas, choose the top three and leave it at that. All the work in these markets worth your time and effort will flow from the top to the two below them. The bottom feeders (as I call them) will try to get your money anyway they can and run!
Go-See's:
Once you've picked the top agencies in your area, check out their website for "open Go-See" Days. There will be a specific day and time when new girls will be seen each week. Make sure you get your nails done, have a clean and figure flattering simple outfit on, proper bra that supports you well, hair brushed and swept off your face, minimal if no makeup, show up on time (with someone you trust), sign in, smile, manners manners manners, have 3 sets of your digital shots printed to 8x10 dimension (you may meet three people who will want a copy of what you have), have them neatly in a manila folder, and have your contact information stapled on the back (typed).
Contact info:
your name
your age (real)
hair color
bust measurement
waist measurement
hip measurement
dress size
jean size
shoes size
cell number
email address
mailing address
Manners:
Write a thank you note to everyone you meet, follow up and follow up again until you hear of their decision.
Be smart:
if you don't get picked by the top or top three agencies, know you tried and regroup. It could be a matter of timing. If so inclined, take what you learned through the process and visit back in 6 months with the suggested changes (not including changing yourself drastically or spending a lot of money).
Caution:
if you are ever asked to spend a lot of money, report them to the Better Business Bureau in your area and see if they have a history of this type of practice, then turn them in! I cant stand these schools that get innocent girls to spend thousands of dollars on a hope and a dream.
Thousands and thousands of beautiful girls walk through FORD each week, and only 1 or 2 are ever picked each month if that.
good luck!
Posted at Thu Jan 07 2010 08:14 PM
