To start off, this article is written by a model. I have been in the industry for 9 years. I am a male model, but my tips can be utilized by women try to break into the business as well. I will not be mentioning my name - simply to avoid unwarranted attention. Please take the time to visit my sponsorship page - http://shopsba.com ...
Anyways, the first step to becoming a model is to seek representation or get an agency. If you are going to take modeling serious and want to make a living doing it - then being located in a major city is necessary to start a career in the profession.
The cities that are best for modeling in America are:
New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco.
There are a handful more smaller markets, but I wouldn't quit your day job if you live in one...
If your from a different country - any metropolitan area will suffice to begin a career in modeling.
Ok, so location is a must. Now it is time to find an agency. Find the top agencies located near you. Sending photos can get lost in the shuffle. And greatly reduces your odds of being picked up by an agency. Go to an agency in person during open call hours (call them for information on this). No offense, but be prepared to be objectified - that is the name of the game. Personality matters though, so be approachable and friendly. If the open call doesn't go well go to a different agency. Height requirements are important, but can be overlooked ( it helps to be gorgeous :). There is a lot of different types of modeling jobs. People need not be tall for all of them.
It's important to know that agencies vary. For example, a runway model shouldn't bother getting representation with an agency that specializes in fitness or lifestyles type models.
My advice for people that are having too much trouble breaking into the industry (even after being very persistent) would be to reevaluate their vanity and take that energy and put it into something that is good for mankind. More times than not, a teacher will make just as much money or more than a full-time model. If vanity is in your bones though and you want to stand out, maybe try and pursue acting or something. Television commercials can pay extremely well. Most times they pay more than modeling jobs.
Remember modeling isn't all about how good looking you are. Or how good looking you think you are. Confidence is necessary, but being modest is good business sense if you know nothing about the industry. This will allow others to warm up to you and allow you to develop the skills you need to book castings.
Modeling is also marketing. That is what agencies do - they market your look. If an agency has a lot of models similar to your "look" it will be difficult to get work - it could be the reason they decided not to represent you. Don't take rejection personally. It will save you a lot of emotional turmoil.
What do you mean "look"?
Your "look" basically means do you have blue eyes with blonde hair, or are you light-skinned African-American?
