Having been a New York and International Model for many years, I have first hand, intimate knowledge about the modeling world. I have been asked how to get started in modeling so often over the years; I thought I should put my advice in writing for those who may be interested.

The first section here will discuss where to start and how to get into the business. The second part will tell you how to avoid being taken advantage of by exorbitant fees and empty promises….how to escape the pitfalls.

The Modeling World

There are several types of models and various forms of modeling. Each type has a variety of “looks,” so there is a demand for a multitude of different looks and types of models. However there are certain basic requirements.

A high fashion photographer’s model (my type) must be at least 5’ 8” tall…I just made it! She must be picturesque – this does not really mean, “born beautiful,” rather, very photogenic and possessing the ability to “play” up to the camera...to give the feeling or expression that the client or product needs. Many high fashion models are known not for “their beauty” so much, but for the image they create in front of the camera. While there are the requirements of height, weight and body proportions, successful models develop a special chic that model agencies like. Sometimes, a good model agency will help you in developing your “look.” Get a camera out, study the magazines and see what “look” you have or can create. (Keep the pictures simple.)

A "commercial" model (usually, but not always, from a different kind of agency) who can “runup and down on a beach in a TV commercial clutching a Coca-Cola bottle, does not have to be very tall necessarily, but must have a good personality and be able to project it in order to sell the product. Such a model might also be used in the product’s print ads as well. (There are some “fashion” agencies that also have a “commercial” division and some models can overlap in both areas.)

A Runway model – can be quite famous, but most often, not, and they are handled by still another type of agency. A “highfashion” agency sometimes has models that can do runway work for special events, usually to tie the fashion show model in with the print ads for the same client. These “fashionrunway” models have many different looks. They are successful because of their ability to “do the walk” with flair, grace and confidence…as well as, of course, to fit the clothes of the designer they are working for. Some runway models work exclusively for a runway model agency or for only one designer. The agency would expect you to be at least 5’ 8” or more.

There is big business for the “average-every-day person model.” There are agencies that handle only “every-day people” types for print ads and TV commercials for clients who want to reach a specific market. They don’t want the high fashion model look at all. This type model can be any age, any size and any look. But there must be a “fit,” with the product if you know what I mean! You have seen the magazines and TV commercials filled with the “real person” look. Don’t underestimate the money this type model can make either!

There are a few specialty type models, too, such as, hand models, feet and legs. There are very few specialty models, though, as most of the time a model within the agency can fill the bill for the client. But there is hardly ever a fashion model that has small hands for hand modeling. So this agency will have one great hand model who takes very good care of her hands or she is out!

And, the good news is that all types of modeling can make good money. One type may be more glamorous than another, but that does not mean they are making more money at it than some of the more obscure ones.

So, have you decided yet where you might fit?
If so, what do you do next?

Well, here’s what I did. I went directly to New York from Miami. I selected two model agencies and called them cold to see what they would say. I had been told by many people in my home town that I should go to New York and be a model (I had been doing some small a mount of local modeling). So I did it, and got very lucky. In hind sight I was extremely naïve, since it wasn’t my “look” that could have been a problem, it was my age. I was twenty-six and the mother of a 1 ½ year old son. I didn’t know that I was already too old to start as a high fashion model. They told me “you may be 26 but you look 19.” So I WAS accepted and continued modeling until I was thirty-eight, an unheard of age for a fashion model in those days. More later on the steps to do this.

I’m sharing my “Horatio Alger” story with you for encouragement to demonstrate how anything is possible. Don’t put stops on yourself. What’s the worst that can happen? Maybe you won’t make it in the big time, but you’ll have a great experience trying…and you’ll remember it all your life. And, who knows .. .? I have always said, “I would rather try and fail than to sit back in my rocking chair at age 95 and wonder what would have happened if……” There will be none of those “ifs” in my life! You learn something from everything you do or try. In my mind “a failure is not a failure if you have learned something from it.” This is how I have learned and grew over the years….by never being afraid to try something new.

OK, so you say jumping into the big time right away
is not for you. What then?

Would you feel better starting small to build up confidence? Perhaps all you want out of modeling is just a little fun. Here are some ways to look into it.

I will exclude for now the possibility of going with a local model agency. I’ll talk about that later, since that’s a totally different world and has some pitfalls you need to watch out for.

The easiest way to get started in modeling in your local area is to approach a small dress shop. Tell them you are interested in getting started in modeling and that you would model for them free of charge, just for the experience. Walking around in the store, showing the front and back of outfits to people is all you have to do here. Also, maybe you might suggest that the store make a deal with a nice local restaurant for you to parade among the tables at lunchtime with their outfits on. It would be a nice touch for the restaurant, good advertising for the store and added experience for you. After a little time doing that, you can then go to your next fashion or department store with the word “experienced” on your application for a paid modeling job.

Now, such department stores and fine dress boutiques may pay you to model their clothes at lunchtime in country clubs, hotel lobbies and restaurants. You need poise and confidence while you walk. Don’t try to copy someone else’s walk. If you are a fuller figure, remind the store that the live public will relate to that.

I know someone who went to a Country Club, convinced them to consent to her putting on fashion shows during lunch,…mostly casual clothes around the pool. Then, went to dress shops and made a deal to show their clothes for a certain fee.She wound up with a nice business with several models she hired.

What about joining a local agency?

First, there are a lot of local model agencies that are primarily schools. They might have some contacts and some “modeling job offers,” but basically they make their money by you agreeing to take their courses and have pictures made by a photographer of their choice, which can be very expensive. Some of these “agencies” will put an ad in the paper saying they are looking for “new models.” You, the applicant answers the ad and are told that you have a good look, but need training and pictures for a portfolio, which, of course, are available through them.

There are some good local agencies that really do have connections to good assignments for photographic models, fashion shows and television commercials. These are usually affiliated with a larger agency, often in New York. If they are not affiliated, they could have good connections with local businesses.

Now, despite these pitfalls, I’m not totally against signing up with a modeling school, as long as you know where THEY are coming from, and you make your decision based on all the facts.

Here’s what I see as the benefits. You will learn poise and grace, and receive lessons in hair styling and make-up, yes, even manners. They teach you how to camouflage your “weak” spots and accent your best features. All this will stay with you for life. You will learn beautiful simplicity of Look and Style to build confidence and experience. The training will stand you in good stead in modeling or in any other walk of life you choose. Such modeling schools accept people of all ages, as well.

“I want to try the big time in NY…how do I do this?”

You don’t have to go to modeling school to become a NY model…in fact most NY models have never done so. They were either in the right place at the right time and were “found,” or they did what I did…just go there and take a chance. Sometimes a qualified local modeling school/agency can help you make contact with agencies in NY.

Here’s what to do.

*You can call NY agencies from your hometown. A fashion agency will ask how tall you are, how much you weigh and your age. (Remember that, if I had called, I would have been told I was too old at age 26). If you pass on these opening questions, you will be asked to send pictures…they do not have to be professional ones. Then, you’ll wait.

*You can go to NY – call the agencies and advise them you are in town, you have a few pictures, and would like an appointment to see them. Some agencies have a certain day of the week that they see people. If, during your appointment you are told you have a good look, but are not the particular type they are looking for, don’t leave without asking them which agency they think you would be more suited for. Then call that one.

If accepted, a top agency will take you under their wing and see that you get “test shots,” (pictures for your portfolio), most often at no cost to you. The agencies have photographers that need models to test lighting, new techniques or an idea they want to try. The model gets the pictures free and the photographer has no model expense for his testing. Make sure you do not sign a model release after this kind of test without your agencies approval. This would allow the photographer to use or sell them on his own. This has been know to happen because the model is new and has no idea she is not to sign a release. If he wants to use the pictures he must call the agency and make a deal in your behalf.

If you have questions let me know.

Here is a list of a few of the NY Model agencies, all in Manhattan. There are many more but they have either popped up since my hey day in modeling, or I’m not familiar with the kind of agency they are.

Let me add that some agencies have several divisions. Most have a “print division,” a “TV talent division,” and some have a “runway division.” You do not have to fit into every division to be accepted or successful.

Wilhelmina Models Inc.
Ford Model Inc.
Elite Models Corp.
Funny Faces Today Inc.
Plus Models (larger size models)
Zoli Management Inc.

I would love to hear from you.

I wish you the best,