How to become a fashion model

Posts: 316 Location: Maine, USA

Oops

Posts: 316 Location: Maine, USA

I recently read an article in ELLE Girl about model Portia Freeman. It detailed her discovery, as well as transformation into an 'acceptable' model. Apparently, she had poor skin, hair, eyebrows, etc. Her agent sent her to a dermatologist, and she was thoroughly groomed before they considered her 'ready'.

I often read about models struggling to keep their skin in top shape. They have dermatologists on speed-dial, cortisone injections to eliminate troublesome acne and apply a myriad of beauty products to maintain their appearance. Many of them smoke, which does great damage to skin cells, especially in the face. While most models are blessed with beautiful features naturally, I think it is ridiculous to proclaim they are pre-packaged perfection from the get-go. There is always a process of 'fixing' them before they are presented to the world. Skin, eyebrows, hair, nails, muscle tone, etc.

And speaking of scars and birthmarks....If you look at model Jessica Clark (http://www.fmd1.com/ModelNickpage.asp?id=2557&name=Jessica_Clark), for instance, you will see she has a diagonal scar on her right cheek, which as not been hidden. Pick up the most recent issue of ELLE (UK) and you will see lovely Ruslana Korshunova in the editorial section. One particular close-up photo reveals that she has multiple moles on her face and chest. Some other beautiful models who have noticeable moles or freckles (which are basically tiny birthmarks) are Diana Dondoe, Erin Wasson, Tiiu Kuik, Jodi Broadhurst, Martina Chromekova, Morgane Dubled, Cindy Crawford, Niki Taylor, Rosemarie Wetzel, Marisa Miller and Cintia Dicker.

And what about teeth? The May issue of British Glamour has Sylvia Rozina Mann proudly displaying her imperfect teeth in an editorial. Other models come to mind with less than perfect chompers...Elizabeth Jagger, Georgina Cooper, Karen Ferrari, Louise Pedersen, Adriana Lima, Kate Moss and Susan Eldridge.

Scars, birthmarks, moles, fine lines, crooked teeth....these are some of the things that individualize one model from the next. I, personally, am glad when these marks are NOT airbrushed. Airbrushing can be overdone many times, I think. Sometimes I feel as though I am looking at a cartoon character, because the individual details and characteristics of the models have been erased.

I agree with deebee, paragon and tina that confidence and a positive attitude are essential qualities for a model to possess. Karolina Kurkova and Gisele Bundchen come to mind. They are happy, bubbly, friendly, beautiful girls. That kind of presence can take you a long way in the world. Wink

Posts: 5 Location: Los Angeles, CA

What usually goes on in an open call?
Are there usually dozens and hundreds of girls typically?
If an agency declines you, will they close the doors to you indefinitely?
If an agency is interested, then what happens?

In Los Angeles,
Mlle

Posts: 522

What usually goes on in an open call?
You step in, give your name, sit down, wait till they call you and t

Are there usually dozens and hundreds of girls typically?
LOL no! That's what it looks like at a casting for Milano Moda Donna...
This depends on the agency, then it may happen that a "dozen" of girls are waiting with you but that's all Very Happy

If an agency declines you, will they close the doors to you indefinitely?
This can't be said... Sometimes they ask you to come back in a year or so. Especially if you are very young or they have full house

If an agency is interested, then what happens?
They sign you?

Posts: 5 Location: Los Angeles, CA

alx wrote:

What usually goes on in an open call?
You step in, give your name, sit down, wait till they call you and t

Alx, you didn't finish this statement!
I've got a new question...
I was at Wilhelmina the other week and they returned my pictures. Yet I feel like I can model, I know I have the potential. Should I keep going back until they tell me to either stop or sign me? Or, should I work on myself and call/send/go to other agencies and work on better, presentable photographs?

Hmmmmmmmmm...?

Posts: 522

uhmmm, can't remember what I meant to write.
Oh no! Don't hassle them if they sent the pictures back to you. In most cases they return your photographs if they don't want to sign you.
Go on and try other major agencies if you're sure that you have what it takes to be a fashion model.
I suggest you to send "genuine" pictures of yourself (less or better no make up, full body, close up, profile.....), polaroids are mostly welcome.

Posts: 1

Can anyone tell me why polaroids are normally prefered?

Posts: 600

Hi lulla,

My guess would be that they are less likely to have been manipulated compared with conventional photographs and certainly compared to digital pictures. I may be wrong on this - but it's a thought.

deebee Wink

Posts: 522

... that's the main reason.

Posts: 2

people have being coming up to me and saying you should try modeling but i dont know how to get into it! im in my picture do u think i might be good anought im only 13 years old Neutral