When asked “How do you become a model?”, most people would say that “looks” are the biggest asset for models. And they are not entirely wrong. You see, looks are the most important value proposition in the modeling industry. However, becoming a supermodel and pursuing a successful modeling career takes more than just looks. First you need to know what sells products, and then understand the essence of the company. That’s why industry giants pay the greatest attention to models like Giselle Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Jerry Hall.
Below are the basic requirements you must meet to have a chance at a modeling career. Following these will help you better understand how to be a model and what it takes to stay at the top. Keep scrolling!
What does a model do?
The first thing a model does is go to castings. Whenever a designer or photographer wants a new look for their collection, they call modeling agencies and ask them if any of their models have the “look” they want. For example, the designer may need a girl with red hair and freckles or a guy with a certain body type.
Sometimes designers may want to project an image of perfection. Therefore, they will choose models that have no physical defects. This would be the case if the designer wanted a model for a high fashion project.
At other times, designers opt for models that are not quite perfect but are more in line with real-world standards. For example, you might be chosen if you have a great smile that goes well with clothing aimed at younger people, or if your thick eyebrows suit something designed for an older audience. In short, a designer could ask for anyone from thin to average to heavy, as long as the model has a certain look that complements his vision of what he is trying to create.
In addition, there are different types of models depending on their work and the audience they appeal to. Go to the next section to learn all about them.
Types of models
Fashion is a broad field and style preferences vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, there are five important categories of models as mentioned below:
Beauty/Glamour Models
Beauty or glamor models sell the idea of the product. You should ideally have attractive, soft, smooth and clear skin. Beauty models are hired to make products look good. Their main purpose is to be pretty and show what a product does for the consumer when they buy and use it.
Sometimes beauty modeling can be as simple as just having perfect skin or hair, and the product is shown as an accessory that you can use to keep up with your beauty.
Runway/fashion models
A runway model shows how the designer’s clothes will look on someone and how they should fit. For example, if there is a new line of women’s jeans and jackets. You could introduce a thin and tall model that represents the target audience. It also turns out that extreme sizes do not limit clothing.
For yoga pants, sunglasses, or cute hats, the designer might choose a model that looks more mature but also sporty and hip. Her style has a younger feel, but her age makes her attractive to an older audience. In this case, it’s not about what they wear, but how they wear it.
The audience should be able to look at the catwalk model and imagine themselves wearing the clothes. Therefore, it is important that you bring the right model to wear your creations so that people can see how you want it to look on them.
Editorial/print models
An editorial model presents clothing from designers and international fashion houses on the covers of high fashion magazines. These jobs take place in studios or at off-site locations.
Body types/diversity models
The beauty and modeling industry has now diversified. Models come in all shapes, sizes, ages and colors. Models used to be mostly tall, white women with steel abs and long legs. But today the field has opened up to a more diverse group of people.
You’ll also find ads that don’t use a single model, but instead show depictions of different sizes and shapes. It helps show that people of different shapes and sizes can wear the clothes.
Commercial models
Commercial models are usually very attractive and have special skills that help sell the products. The purpose of commercial mockups is to demonstrate the proper use of products. They could explain how much better their product is than the competition, or they could simply show off the products you know and love. They show how purchasing the product can improve your life. The main purpose of commercial models is to show you how great their product is.
Once you’ve decided on the type of model you want to become, you can work on the core skills required for the job. Check out the next section to learn all about them.
10 tips on how to become a model
Learn to walk gracefully
Models are usually expected to walk the runway with style and elegance. It means getting rid of any strange movements you may have, such as letting your hands hang at your sides or swinging your arms back and forth. Instead, practice getting into things and pretend you’re on a runway by strutting instead of walking. This is also taught in model schools.
Work on your facial expression
Learn how to emote photos to help you sell a product better and appear more impressive on the runway or screen.
Tan
Alternatively, if you don’t want to tan, use a bronzer or other spray-on tanning product. You can also choose products that darken your skin naturally.
Your clothes should fit your body
They should look like they are the right size. Be careful not to dress unprofessionally when meeting with casting directors or producers. Avoid clothing that is too large or ill-fitting, as this can make you appear much larger than you are on camera or in a photo.
Wear the right amount of accessories
If you’re not sure what the “right amount” means, ask your photographer or stylist for advice.
Hair should be clean and styled
If you have curly hair, try to style and care for it so that it looks good on camera or in photos and is not unruly. If you have straight hair, pay attention to the volume of your mane and keep your hairstyle neat.
Practice posing
You can do this in front of a mirror to see how you look when you’re in front of the camera, taking photos, or participating in modeling competitions. Memorize poses that highlight your best features, but don’t be afraid to try new things because sometimes even new poses can look great.
Try to look natural and friendly
You don’t want the camera to take a photo of you looking angry, sad, or tense because these emotions are not very attractive. The general idea is that models should always look happy and confident in their photos. If you’re not confident in your abilities, act like you are.
Make sure your photos are well edited
You can hire someone to edit your photos, or if you’re comfortable, you can edit the photos yourself. The photos should be edited so that the background appears as neutral and tidy as possible. This allows the viewer to focus on you and your face.
Build your portfolio
Have about thirty to fifty of your best photos ready when you go to a job interview or modeling audition. Use a model portfolio that looks simple and professional but showcases your personality well to get a modeling contract.
In short
Becoming a model isn’t as glamorous or easy as people might think, but the modeling tips in this article can help aspiring models. First, remember that modeling is about more than just being pretty for photos – it’s about selling products and looking natural in front of the camera. And don’t be afraid to practice posing in front of a mirror until you feel confident enough to walk the runway elegantly or sell a product with confidence. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and become the best model you can be!
