[Cesar Chacon from El Paso, TX, USA]

Nowadays, having a wonderful image has become almost an obsession for many people. Who is capable of jeopardizing their own health, for the opportunity of being gorgeous. On one hand, trying to look perfect everyday will probably drive you crazy. On the other hand, a person with good looks (and this is scientifically proven) is more likely to be successful. As a result, people in fashion industry are referred to as “superficial” or “vain”. Thus, one of the most criticized careers: modeling, although people say that it as easy as “being cute” and posing for no reason. Is actually a very demanding job. For instance, have you have ever dreamed about walking down the runway, or appearing on magazine covers?. If you have, you might want to read the steps below; that would guide you from: analyzing yourself and choosing what to wear, to enrolling in a modeling school and choosing the right photographer.

The first thing you have to do is analyze yourself in the mirror. Remember that if your relatives usually tell you how cute or how handsome you are; as much as it hurts: it does not count. Because these people and even if you are not beautiful, they would not dare hurting your feelings. Now put attention to the person in front of you, do you have a long neck?, a sharp nose?, deep blue eyes?. What is important is that you know your physical features, so that you can fit in a category. In modeling, there are two kinds of acceptable images; there is formal look and exotic. Both of them depend a lot on the eye of the beholder. Perhaps someone might go crazy about you; while others will not even lay eyes over you. In addition, you should focus on your skin condition; scars as well as other body marks are not well accepted by employers. To improve the appearance of your skin you should use the proper products depending on the type of skin you have. It is recommended that you take at least eight glasses of water a day; this would help moisturize your skin and would help your stomach digest food. Be patient, do not try to rush improvements on your appearance. Your body is very important too; and you want to look your best don’t you?. I suggest you go to a physician and ask for a healthy diet that helps you stay in shape. Anyway the idea is to look natural, avoid: using color contact lenses, painting your hair, wearing too much make up, etc.

The next stop is to examine your wardrobe. If you do not have a defined style, you are in big trouble. Buying a few magazines that contain a fashion section might help you take the right decisions. In case, that you do not have “high-budget-wardrobe”; do not worry. A great ability of a model is designing an outfit with the items that you have without ending up looking like a fashion victim*. For me it is a myth that you have to buy expensive clothing in order to look like a million dollars. Of course, it is usually very classy. One of the common mistakes that beginning models make is wearing clothing with a huge sign announcing the brand name. Even if it is a classy trademark; it is a terrible idea to look like walking advertising. However, consider the fact that you can get a remarkable “retro”* look; simply by browsing through your parent’s clothing. And being aware of what’s hot, and what is not.

After you have gotten an idea on how to dress it is time to bring the measuring tape into the scene. According to askmen.com, the optimum measurements for a model are:
Standard Modeling: 5’9’’, 34b bust, 24’’ waist, and 34’’ hips.
High Fashion Modeling: 5’7’’ to 6’, size 7, 32-35’’ bust, 22-25’’ waist and 33-36’’ hips.
Petite Modeling: 5’ to 5’8’’ tall, and a 5 to 7 size.
Plus Size Modeling: 5’7’’ to 5’11’’ and size 12 to 14.
Male models: 5’11 to 6’2’ and a 40-42’’ jacket should fit you.
Commercial Modeling: No special measurements required.
If you are above or below those measurements, you have little or no chance at all of being hired. It might sound cruel to you, but you have to understand that the success of the sales depends a lot on the impact you make on the potential buyers. Thus, it is very important that you are honest about your measurements, because if you get a job and your clothes do not fit you will be embarrassed and regretful.

As you continue learning about modeling you will notice different types such as: there is fashion modeling ( Ex. Where you walk down the runway), and commercial (Ex. TV commercials where average looking people is commonly employed). The first one involves as much image care as the other one, but includes abilities of specific walking and posing. Yet, commercial modeling also involves specific skills like acting, interpersonal skills, amongst others. Choosing one of them should not be very hard for you; since they have such marked differences between each other. I think that both are exciting and fulfilling; and that each offers you an appealing path to success.

Another issue in modeling is rejection. Nobody is used to it; sometimes people in the business might be too hard no you. Occasionally you will have a harsh time pulling yourself together after a self-esteem wrecker critic. The agents and/or the persons in charge of hiring models; usually want to see if you can handle pressure. I have heard anecdotes that after being torn down by an employer; models often break into tears. Unlike other jobs, receiving a negative response from this kind of people, is a whole other experience. For instance, having to wait for a call that will never be made is a marvelous way of getting a “no”; instead of being humiliated in front of a bunch of people. Coping with pressure; and determination are basic skills that you need to have in order to get somewhere.

Modeling is not a cheap career. You might need dental work; or plastic surgery to be accepted by an agency. This does not mean that you have to reconstruct yourself; if you do not have what it takes to be a model, then neither a plastic surgeon, dentist, aerobics instructor, nor dermatologist will be able to change that. However, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of undergoing plastic surgery, or making any other radical change on themselves. Other things that could consider are joining a gym, visiting a spa regularly, or consulting an image advisor. Of course, none of these suggestions is cheap, but if you can afford it, and adopt them; they would look very good on your resume.

After that, you should look for a modeling school. This is crucial for your career, because there will learn the basics of modeling; as well as other survival skills to stay in the business. Try looking for a well-known institution; be very aware of suspicious schools. Ask as many questions as you can, and request some telephones of references. Then call to verify the information. Be very concerned about compromising, and be sure that the work implied suits you.

The following step is to choose a photographer. You have to be very careful; because there is people out there that want to take advantage; or abuse you sexually. One thing you want to avoid is hiring a portrait photographer. Since his type of photo shooting is very different from commercial photography. Therefore, you will have wasted you money as well as your time. A good idea is to look for photography they are often willing to help beginning models. Remember that once you have contacted someone, and want to make an appointment. Be sure to let someone close to you know that you are there and to tell them that you will call them after the shoot. Also, it is recommended that you set up the meeting at a public place. In addition, bringing your own clothes, your own make up, and what ever makes you look your best; is a great idea. Commercial photographers are a great option; because their objective is to sell an image. Which is your primarily goal to achieve.

Once you have picked your photographer, the next step is to build your portfolio. Also called “composit”; a portfolio is a collection of photo shoots taken in several locations. It features you wearing different outfits; and standing in different poses. Before you start going to photo shoots; you should consider skimming through a few magazines for different poses that you could do. Do not worry; no one can sue you for copying a pose. And who knows?, you might find one that shows the best you have. Anyways, common outfits worn in portfolios are: swimsuit, fashion, luxurious, amongst others. Remember that having it updated, and in good condition; could be the difference between being unemployed or not.
Now that you have an idea of what you need to become a model, you can picture how hard it is to maintain a spot in stardom. It takes preparation, dedication, determination, and being passionate about your job. You cannot judge a persons job by looking at it; you must understand it, and appreciate the effort that makes it possible to accomplish.

Glossary
Fashion Victim: Person confused about what is the latest thing to wear, that ends up wearing an inappropriately combined outfit.

Retro: Look that resembles the clothing used in the 80’s or sooner.

Sources
http://www.fashionindia.net/how_to_be_model/
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/austin/15_austin.html