What is modelling ?

Modelling is a huge industry - with as many "experts" as there are people to ask.
It is too big and merges into other areas, such as acting. The industry is like an iceberg, reveals only the tip to the general public. What we refer to as "modelling" has split into two industries. One part, the real industry, is not much changed. It is bigger - adding new markets like TV, Music, Video and Internet sites. In this part, if you have the looks, get the contacts and work hard, you can succeed at modelling. Part two is new, and ominous - this is an industry that earns the bulk of its money from preying on the dreams of those who would be models. Many people dream of modelling, they are attracted by the prospect of easy money or the glamorous lifestyle, Most of those who dream of modelling will not. - Modelling is unique in that...

No amount of "hard work" will overcome any potential.
No amount of "potential" can overcome any work...as in lazy

Should you become a model? (is modelling a right choice.?)
Despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the modelling profession, it's hard work. It's tedious. It's filled with rejection, ups and downs; it is a lifestyle, not an 8-5 job. Not all jobs pay well. Unless you are seriously committed about modelling, willing to work at it on your own time, live a healthy life style, etc., you will not succeed as a model. You have to understand that there are lots of other people who want to be models. They are doing everything they can to be successful. Are you willing to put the time and energy into competing with these people, 24 hrs a day? There are many realities that prevent people from becoming models. Most of us do not really have any idea what we look like. Your look defines your market.  Mar 4 Anonymous
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Do you have what it takes to be a model?
Are you tall and slender and unusually attractive enough that you are as good or better looking than most other models? Be really honest with yourself about this. Beside looks do you have the tenancy, patience, aptitude, interpersonal skills, communication skills, stamina, confidence, business skills, etc.? If you think you do, then go for it! Despite its drawbacks, modelling can be fun, exciting, and adventurous. Be sure to maintain realistic expectations however, the odds of becoming a highly successful or famous model are slim. Famous models: Recently we had Madhu Sapre, Mehr Jesia, and Milind Soman now it's Bipasha Basu, Lisa Ray, and John Abrahim there are not many at the top!

Measurements

The best measurements for modelling are 5'9" , 34b bust, 24 waist, 34 hips. If you are within one inch of these measurements you will be very versatile to model almost anything. High Fashion models are typically 5'7" to 6' tall and an extremely thin size 7 with 32-35" bust, 22-25" waist and 33-36" hips. They are not necessarily classically beautiful. PETITE measurements would be 5'5" to 5'8" tall and a size 5 to 7. The model MUST have a well-proportioned body. PLUS SIZE models are 5'7" to 5'11" tall and wear a size 12 to 14, have a well-toned and proportioned body with a thin face, good skin and beautiful hair. Always provide very accurate measurements to the agency and to customers. (Helps to save embarrassment if you get hired for a job and the clothes don't fit because you were not honest). For a man, heights should be 5'11" to 6'2" and you must fit in a 40-42" jacket. For men - there are also guidelines for certain areas of success.  Mar 4 Anonymous
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The Initial test for an aspiring Model

Send your photo and resume to reputable coordinators or it is always better to meet personally. Setup an appointment and you will find out very quickly if you have what it takes. They don't have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full-length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress, swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes! If they don't like the photo you won't get an appointment. If they like it you will be invited for an assessment. If you don't have what it takes they will tell you on the spot. (They want quality models). If rejected don't give up yet! Each coordinator/agency is different and has different expectations and requirements from their models. Always ask about any immediate physical changes (haircut, weight loss, skin treatment, dental work etc.) and work on it for the future. Some coordinators/established models offer good training (in the form of workshops/courses) for local fashion shows and print work. They should not ask for money up-front for classes or training. There are often local jobs you can do. At local events, you can usually meet contacts that will help you along. Many local or first jobs may not be in front of the camera jobs, but they are public contact and exposure. This can be a great way to gain confidence and experience.

How to get started?  Mar 4 Anonymous
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An agency or coordinator should represent models. The model must have a portfolio. The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee (15 to 20%). Be warned about agencies/coordinators who ask for money up front! Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator should provide you with a few photographers name. Choose the right photographer you want. Pay the photographer for the photo shoots not the agency/coordinator. The agency/coordinator provides you with safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They provide their clients with "Professional" models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully to maintain a long business relation. Constantly changing them gives you a reputation of being flighty and unprofessional.

What is Portfolio?

It's a collection of your modelling pictures. How many pictures you need varies. You should only keep strong pictures. Models should aim for quality not quantity! Avoid using 2 pictures of the same shoot (same look) Black and White is the favorite of the industry. 9 by 12 inches are the standard size. Your agency will require you to buy an 11 by 14 inches for their book (portfolio). A basic but versatile portfolio should have a casual headshot, styled headshot, body shot (conservative swimsuit or lingerie), a fashion shot (sexy), action shot, an editorial shot and even a catalogue shot. As you gain experience replace the older pictures with newer one. Keep your best picture at the end to leave a lasting impression! Do not wear jewelry for those prints, it takes the attention away from you. The wrong choice of undergarments may show panty line or bra straps and will distract the viewer. Tailor your portfolio for your strengths and the type of modelling you are doing.  Mar 4 Anonymous
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Choosing a photographer

Avoid "portrait photographer" they often don't understand the need of the fashion industry. See the photographer's portfolio. Do you like it? Does it represent the style and format your looking for. There are photographers who specialize in models. Be concerned about photographers who seek to take nude pictures of you or claims to be working on a swimsuit calendar. Photographers should be professional and respectful and you should bring a friend along. Always be cheerful, you never know when you might get a free shoot or a free picture or an extra roll done at no extra cost! If you bring your own clothes to the shoot, always bring extra. If the photographer for example like your look and decides to do an extra roll you will be ready to benefit from it. Keep an open mind; photographer s loves to do editorial shots.

You have everything, what happens next?

Well modelling is like a business, you need to pay rent and advertise, that's the commission you pay the agency / coordinator for promoting you and finding work for you. Your investment is your portfolio. You have been sitting around the house for a few weeks now waiting for a call? You finally get one! It's a "go see". Your agency/coordinator called you, usually on a short notice you have to meet the client. You bring your portfolio; it's like a resume for a job. They look at you and your book. You give them a comp card (like a business card) so they can remember you when you leave. You later find out if you get the job or not. If you get the job, the agency charges the client, then keeps a commission and pays you. After the job is done you might get pictures from the session. That is the best thing to have in your portfolio (referred to as tear sheets). And then the cycle repeats itself. On the job show your great personality, this is what will get you repeat business! Also keep in touch with your agency/coordinator; visit them once in a while to show interest.  Mar 4 Anonymous
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There is no dearth of jobs in modelling these days. Job prospects are available to models :
• In product advertising
• Featuring in music videos
• Doing live fashion shows
• Showroom displays or garment fairs
• Opening a school for models
• Setting up a model co-ordinating agency
• Acting in television programmes or films
Career options
Modelling can be mainly classified into Television modelling, Print modelling/Still modelling, Ramp modelling/live modelling, Show room modelling, Advertising modelling etc.
Television modelling: This involves modelling before the Movie camera, to be used for Television commercials, cinema, video, internet etc. Modelling for video or films often includes some acting or dance and is mostly conducted on location. To make a successful television model you need a flair for acting.
Print modelling: Models generally pose for still photographs, to be utilized in the press advertisements, brochures, magazines, catalogues, calendars etc. Models for print media have to work along with ad agencies and photographers.
Show room modelling : As per the name it take place in the showrooms. Models work generally for the exporters, garment manufacturers and the big garment retailers to display the latest trends of fashion to the buyers.
Ramp or catwalk modelling / Live modelling: Requires models to display the garments and accessories in front of a live audience. This can be at an exhibition or a fashion show, or at a showroom or point of purchase. Ramp or catwalk modelling / Live modelling: Requires models to display the garments and accessories in front of a live audience. This can be at an exhibition or a fashion show, or at a showroom or point of purchase. Ramp modelling, thus, requires long hours of practice. Performing in a live show before an audience can be very stressful. It requires tremendous confidence and poise. Ramp models should have a good posture, walking style and body language.  Mar 4 Anonymous
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Advertising modelling: This is the one where both print & electronic media has equal importance. It is in order to promote or popularize a product. Advertising models appear in press advertisements, on posters, in TV commercials and advertising films. Advertising modelling is open to models of all age groups. Basic acting skills and a photogenic face are must.