The most important part of your modeling career is to make a good start which involves making the right choices about your personal presentation. Read below to determine the category most suitable for you and how to become a model. The following information is to give a directional approach in your efforts to become a model and achieve your goals.

Basic Requirements-Fashion Model

To start with, if you want to be a fashion or runway model you should be tall, slim and exceptionally attractive. It gives you additional advantage if you have patience, aptitude, communication skills, confidence and business skills. The age range is usually 14-21 give or take a year. Fashion industry criteria for best models are 5'8" to 6'  size 6-8 with 32-35" bust, 22-25" waist and 33-36" hips. Always remember, this industry requires your perfect figure to present their creations. Your beautiful face is an additional advantage to modeling agencies hiring models. If you do not meet this criteria, don't threat. There are many other modeling jobs you can qualify for such as TV commercial jobs, magazine modeling jobs or childrens modeling.
The above criteria is changing fast...recently on "Good Morning America", they had a plus size model posing in swimsuit...also on "Fox and Friends" they had a plus size model in bikini.

Thin or skinny models is fading out and realty is setting in...real people do not have 'coke bottle' figures.
 

Basic Requirements-Print Model

To be a print model for catalogs, product ads, store advertisement, clothing ads, etc., the criteria is not as strict. Many companies are looking for "real people" types of all looks and sizes to advertise their products and services. For clothing ads and catalogs 5 '6" or over is preferred, but with a "catalog model" look as opposed to a "high fashion" look. This type of modeling work uses a lot of kids and teen models.Take a look in your typical department store catalog or weekend advertising supplements, such as Sears, JC Penny's, Kmart, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Target,  etc., to familiarize yourself more.

Basic Requirements-TV commercial/Video/TV Series/Film Actor

Now, here is where you will be judged more on your personality than your looks. All ages and heights/sizes are used. We all have  seen our favorite commercials and sitcoms and wondered how  the actors got the part.  Maybe it was because they had the right look or talent. It may have been being in the right place at the right time. Or maybe it was because they got up the nerve to go on an audition and the director said " Hey, I like that guy". What will it be for you? Did you know  that most (if not all) of first time actors have no lines? One things for sure,it's not going to happen by itself. You need to put in the work, a lot of work , and with a little luck maybe, just maybe, you could be next!

1. "Not one top model I've worked with in 20 years went to modeling school." - Susan Wehmann Agency

2. If you have any skin or hair problems, get rid of them beforehand, preferably consulting beauty specialists.

3. Try to get a closer look at modeling world. Flip through magazines, watch fashion show reports, etc. Try to talk to established models if you can, but remember that their opinions are purely personal and are not necessarily correct.

4. When signing up with the agency, make sure you discuss every aspect of your relationship and the types of jobs that you agree to perform.

5. If you plan to change your looks, consulting your agency is mandatory.

6. Always maintain good ethics in your behavior and opinions when communicating with other models and agency representatives.

7. Clothes you wear to casting shouldn’t be bright, multicolored or branded. The same concerns bikini castings. You should wear a two-piece, monochrome bikini.

8. Always take a make-up kit, a shawl, a make-up removal lotion, and hair-clips to a job or a casting. You will be working with a make-up artist, but sometimes you may be allergic to his cosmetics.

9. If you are offered to perform a type or amount of work which hasn’t been previously agreed upon, you should politely explain that it hasn’t been mentioned in your contract and call your agency to clarify the situation. Don’t make any independent decisions. It may harm your career, your reputation and your agency.

10. Always carry a copy of your portfolio with you. Take new shoots every six months.  If you want to obtain professional photos, refrain from using pictures taken by “friends” or photographers with shady reputation. Try to keep track of the way your agency uses your photos. The agency has no right to use your photos without your consent, if your contract doesn’t indicate otherwise. Don’t forget to update your portfolio with tests, demonstration photos, ads, interviews, etc.

11. "Never pay an agency for photos - pay the photographer." - CBC

12. Do not allow pictures that your friends take to be in your portfolio. While you don't need to spend BIG BUCKS on professional pictures, you can find a photographer that will work with you on your budget.

13. "You should be suspicious if an agency asks you for money upfront. Legitimate agencies don't charge fees. They simply take a percentage of your earnings." - Mary Giles, Parenting Magazine

14.  "Avoid modeling agencies that require you to use a specific photographer. This can mean that they are splitting fees, and trying to lure you in to sell you the overpriced cost of the photos." - Carl Messineo, Attorney, Partnership for Civil Justice

15. "Don't believe promises of work. The most a modeling agent can do is sent you on auditions. Don't do business with an agency that makes inflated promises." - Ford Models Inc.

16. "go sees" First, search for auditions in your area. If you live in a small town, your best opportunity is to audition in a nearby city. Modeling agencies hold go sees and open casting calls periodically. Every major city has modeling agencies affiliated with the modeling industry.

17. Modeling might seem easy. Although your physical appearance is the first characteristic modeling agents consider, models and preteen models with training and experience are the most sought after. Taking modeling classes from a professional modeling workshop will train you how to improve your existing skills. It will also help you learn the guidelines you will need to follow when your trying to get a modeling job. Having a professional portfolio and gaining some basic instructions is important if you are considering modeling as a full-time career.

18. All models must mail out a professional portfolio package (comp card, headshot, ZED card) to modeling directors and modeling agencies. Models are required to go through various modeling photo shoots to create a modeling portfolio. Putting together a portfolio is an absolute MUST for all modeling agenciesl! The portfolio should include a number of photos and a resume. Comp Cards or ZED cards are popular types of modeling portfolios, usually contain 4-7 body poses. Some established modeling agencies have reliable connections, which could lead to a modeling job right away. Your resume must include your current contact information, your height, size, weight, measurements, previous training and recent work.

19. Modeling agencies hire based on your modeling exposure and experience. The key to your success is to select a well-established photographer that can capture your best features to help create a more exotic look.

20. HAVE PATIENCE & Be SMART!! While you might be excited and ready to work, you will need to have patience. There are jobs out there. Just be sure to search and research your agencies. You should never have to pay them ANYTHING upfront. They make their money with you make money.