Body Parts
There is a market for modeling your body parts, particularly hands, legs, and feet.
Commercial
Modeling for the purposes of advertising, such as in catalogues, magazine advertisements (print ads), and on television
Editorial
Modeling to illustrate and or accompany an editorial article or story (not an advertisement) appearing in a publication.
Erotica
Full nude modeling for adult magazines, adult web sites, etc..
Event
Modeling at conventions, trade shows, and other events. Models are used to demonstrate products, hand out materials, and answer questions.
Fashion
Modeling designer clothes at either fashion shows or in advertisements. This includes runway modeling
There are almost always strict height requirements: 5'8" - 5'11" for women and 5'11" - 6'2" for men.
Fetish
Fetish is a type of photography with subtle or erotic overtones and usually, leather, studs, collars, high black boots, and the like. Not necessarily nude, but sometimes is.
Fitness
Modeling your toned and well-conditioned body, usually wearing athletic clothing or using exercise equipment.
Glamour
Generally refers to Playboy (R) style nude modeling, but can also refer to swimsuit or lingerie modeling.
Petite
Commercial modeling for women who fall below the minimum height requirements of many agencies.
Plus Size
Commercial modeling for women who are 5'8" or taller and wear a dress size 12 - 14.
Swimsuit
Modeling bathing suits for calendars, magazine advertisements, etc..
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Modeling
Short guide for beginners in Modeling.
Many young people aspire to modeling. But how do we go about it ?, they ask.
The following is a short description of taking your first steps towards a modeling carer. It has been compiled from various industry sources, so I don't claim it to be the definitive guide to modeling !
Measure Yourself
It is generally accepted by agents and bookers that girls shorter than 5 feet 8 inches and boys shorter than 5'11" tend not to have the physical characteristics required by fashion magazine editors, top photographers and catwalk show producers. As a consequence, model agencies tend not to take on girls and boys who are shorter than these measurements.
If you are close to these heights it is certainly worth a try, but if you miss by a mile, you should save yourself considerable heartache and effort and try alternatives such as a career in television, management or public relations. There are of course exceptions to this rule.
Start a file and make a written note of all your characteristics. Girls should note height, weight, bust, waist, hips, shoe size, hair colour, eye colour, complexion and dress size. Boys should note, height, weight, waist, chest, inside leg, shoe size, hair colour, complexion and eye colour. Make a note in both imperial and metric measures (eg. pounds and kilos, inches and centimeters)
Get some photographs
This is often the first difficult hurdle for the aspiring model. If you can afford to go to a portrait or fashion photographer and pay him or her for their valuable time all well and good. Most young people cannot stretch to this expense, and quite frankly, if you have potential you will not find it difficult to persuade professional photographers to provide you with good pictures on a 'time for prints' basis. (more of which later).
For most people, snaps are the answer. You must find a friend or relative who will be supportive in your efforts and ask them to take some pictures of you. A good compact camera will do, but an SLR in the right hands will produce better results. Forget that idea to sneak down to the photo booth at the station!
If you can, find a white surface for a background (sheet?) and make sure that it is well covered by natural light if your friendly photographer has no lighting equipment. Take as many pictures as you can, both colour and black and white, but make sure that you include a few close-up head and shoulders shots (with and without make-up for girls) and at some full-length swim wear shots. This is not the time to try and hide anything, it will only waste everyone's time.
When you get the pictures developed, make extra copies of the best 3-5 pictures. Send the first set to the agency of your choice, keep the second set safe (with the negatives) and put the third set aside ready to send out to your next contact.
Get on the telephone.
Get hold of a copy of your local yellow pages and look up 'Model Agencies'. If you find none you may need to visit your local library to search further afield. If one of the listings catches your eye, or if one of the agencies suggests that they welcome calls from aspiring models, make a note. Otherwise make a note of the name and number of the last agency listed. The ones beginning with 'A' will be receiving the most calls and may not be too helpful.
Before you dial, give some thought to who you should speak to and what you are going to say. You should ask to speak to the person who handles new models. Don't tell them you want to be a model! calmly explain that a number of friends have suggested that you should consider modeling as a career and that you are ringing for expert advice.
This is where you have to be extremely careful. Some model agencies supplement their commission income by charging aspiring models inflated fees for the the production of a portfolio. If you can spare a few hundred pounds or dollars then you'll get some marvellous pictures to show your children. But beware, in these circumstances an agency representative may show plenty of confidence in your earning potential only up until the point at which you write the cheque! Furthermore, you'll need pictures by a range of photographers if your portfolio is to be of any use.
Of course, in the vast majority of cases you will be given fair and honest advice. It will probably result in the suggestion that you send in some pictures, but don't offer until you are asked. This is where your enlarged snaps come in. Make sure you make a note of the name of the person you speak to. If they show no interest or tell you that they're not taking on new models, thank them politely and move on to the next in your list.
Othewise you may choose to place your photos on Model Agencies' websites
Sending in your pictures.
When you get your first request for pictures you can put together your pack. Make sure you have a hard-backed envelope so that your pictures stay flat. Put them in a clear plastic slip, one with an open top and side.
Again you can email your pix to Agency:
Write a covering letter. Put it on top of the pictures in the slip. It should read something like this:
Dear Frank,
Further to our conversation, I enclose some pictures as requested.
I am (age) and my measurements are as follows:
(insert measurements) Bust waist hips height
I am currently (insert studying, working etc).
If you would like to see me, or you are able to refer me to a photographer on a 'prints for time' basis,
I will be pleased to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name Your address and telephone number and email.
Make sure you seal the envelope carefully and that it is weighed and stamped correctly for first class post.
Wait 7 days and if you haven't heard back then call or email again to check that the photos arrived safely.
If the agency shows no interest then have another set of pictures enlarged from your negatives and get back on the phone. The industry is full of horror stories from agents who turned down Claudia Schiffer, so don't be disheartened if the first 4 or 5 agencies do not respond.
If however you have made contact with 10 or more agencies without any response you should assume that for one reason or another, you don't have the look that they are currently seeking.
Your first 'Go See'
A 'Go See' is a trip to meet either a photographer, a fashion editor, an advertising agency, or perhaps a public relations firm. Professional models are sent on 'Go Sees' with their portfolios along with often may other models to 'audition' for a modeling assignment. A professional working fashion or photographic model might go on 20 in a month and get only one booking!
Your first 'Go See' will be to the first agency who ask to see you or to a photographer they recommend in order for you to pose for him or her in return for copies of the pictures.
It is most likely to be to the agency. Now think. The agent might have received 10 packs that day and chose yours. Great! But remember, he or she might see a new model everyday of the week. If you've got the appointment then they liked your pictures and feel that you have potential. Agents, photographers and clients all say that a professional model's personality, attitude to work and outlook on life are overriding factors in the choice of models for professional work. The higher up the ladder you get the more important this becomes. It's taken for granted that you look right. It's your personality that will now get you the repeat bookings.
Rumour has it that one of the world's most successful supermodels was sent home form a Pirelli Calendar shoot by the photographer for being a pain in the neck and moaning all day!
You might as well get it right from the start, and that means your first visit to the agency.
Don't overdo your appearance. No dinner jackets and no heavy make-up. It's a meeting. not a party. Wear something smart but casual. Girls should wear a skirt. You should take swim wear because they might ask you to change and give a twirl. Practice this beforehand but remember, they won't expect a professional catwalk!
Be yourself, but be confident without arrogance. This may be your best shot. If the interviewer takes a liking to you, he or she will want you to succeed. Don't get over friendly. After all it's a business deal with someone you have never met.
You'll probably be asked a number of questions that you hadn't anticipated. Think about your answers but be honest. Whatever the outcome, thank the person for their time and if necessary make a note of anything you think is important.
If you get this far you will not need this guide any longer. Good Luck.
Different Types of modeling
Print modeling has many forms and variations, including magazines like Vogue, newspapers, ad campaigns, promotional materials, flyers, cd covers, editorials and so on. Not all print is commercial or fashion work. There is also print work in the glamour, fetish, art and erotic markets. You must make sure that you, as a model, understand that “print” just means it will be in a publication. You also need to make sure that you want to be in the type of publication that is giving you work.
Because of how large and diverse the print category is, it is difficult to give a typical rate. Editorials in magazines, such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, or Surface, usually only pay $100 or so. Shocking right? Most the money in print is made in commercial work and advertising. Shooting for a well-known glamour magazine will pay usually between $500 to $1,000. Shooting for a company such as Dove, on the other hand, will pay anywhere from $1,500 to a few thousand dollars. In contrast, shooting a campaign for a company like Calvin Klein may pay in the million-dollar range. Shooting a catalogue usually pays anywhere from $500 per day to $3,000, depending on how well known you are.
The reason a lot of print work doesn’t pay so much is because of the exposure. Plus, the people in charge know that all models want to be seen, so they more often than not know that they can get models to work for little or no money. The exposure makes it worth it to the model.
Another type of modeling is runway modeling, which is a bit more straightforward. Runway modeling means you walk down a runway wearing clothing of a designer or a store. Runway show can be held in tents, in nightclubs, in malls, in stores, outside, in schools, anywhere -- you name it. Runway shows go from paying nothing, to paying thousands upon thousands of dollars. Most runway models are expected to be at least 5’10.” Although there are exceptions to every rule, chances are that if you aren’t 5’10”, it will be much more difficult for you to find runway modeling work. Runway modeling is also not only for fashion models. There are runway shows featuring plus size models, child models and mature models, as well as shows for wedding dresses and so on. Most, but not all, runway work is booked through agencies.
Fashion modeling is another huge category of modeling. Most fashion modeling is still controlled by the agencies. There are agencies throughout America in almost every city. In fashion, the agencies usually look for tall, thin girls who are between 13 and 26 years old although there are exceptions to this rule too and models such as Kate Moss and the others who in their thirties, still get fashion work. Fashion modeling includes print work, editorial, advertising and some catalogue work. Most of the work for fashion takes place in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo. Each country has its capital. For fashion modeling, the usual requirements are being thin, tall, young, having good skin and a good look. Fashion is one of the hardest areas of the industry to break into and it is also the most glamorized. The reality is that fashion involves a huge amount of work. More and more photographers are beginning to book models directly through the Internet, but the majority of the fashion work is still done through the agencies. To understand what is going on in fashion, simply go to your local store and look at all the magazines. Simply put, fashion means clothing.
Sport/Fitness modeling is another popular form of modeling. Being skinny doesn’t mean you can’t model. Sport and fitness is a perfect example of another avenue for models. If you want to be a sport or fitness model, check out things like FIT or Shape Magazine. There are agencies throughout the world that represent sport and fitness models but, through the Internet, models can connect with photographers directly who shoot this type of work. As a sport or fitness model, you will need to be in very good physical shape. You will also have to be very capable in the sport or sports that the image is created about. In other words, if you can’t ice skate, don’t try to book a shoot as an ice skater.
Next is casual modeling, which is modeling where you show up wearing some of your favorite jeans and a t- shirt and just be yourself. This is a favorite area for new and semi-professional photographers. Many times you will be asked to show up and bring your own clothing, makeup and whatever you need to do your hair.
Swimwear modeling is pretty self-explanatory. If you do this type of work, chances are that you will be wearing a swimsuit or a bikini. There are many catalogues and jobs that request beautiful women in swimwear. There are also many publications for models in bikinis and calendars too. Also, many photographers will request to shoot you in a swimsuit. The typical pay for this work varies due to the many variations of swimsuit modeling. It can be anything from shooting for a semi-professional’s book or doing a mainstream calendar.
Hair modeling is another area in the industry. There are many companies out there that need models strictly for their hair. There are also hair shows. Salons and/or hair designers need models for cut and color all the time. Hair shows tend to pay between $100 and $300 per day. Shooting for a hair company pays anywhere from a hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the company’s usage and client. You can be a hair model with any kind of hair, from long to super short. Many agencies book this work, but you can also find work as a hair model through the Internet or from watching the newspapers.
Parts modeling is next. If you have a strong part -- hands, feet, stomach, legs, back, lips, eyes, nose, you name it -- there are many jobs for you as a parts models. You can find online agencies for parts modeling. There are also online message boards for parts models. The pay for being a parts model also varies depending on the assignment and/or client.
Fine art modeling is usually nude but not always. As a fine art model, your job is to basically to use your body and face as a canvas. The painting is done in shadows and light. As a fine art model, your body is your tool. Often, fine art models are ballet dancers or models that have experience in yoga. A fine art model should understand how to use her body to create shapes. Being a fine art model is more interactive since you are the art piece. Fine art images usually get used in galleries, books, exhibits, and personal books or collections. Most fine art modeling pays between $50 and $100 per hour. Many fashion, commercial fashion, and advertising photographers will also hire and pay models to shoot fine art work.
An artist model is a model just needed to play a character. I have done this many times and it does not always require nudity. The pay scale is usually between $25 to $150 per hour. There are many painters who hire models to paint. Being an artist model has no requirements; it all depends on the artist’s vision. Many hire models who do it as a hobby and have another job, which often means that the work created may or many never be published or seen by anyone other than you and the photographer. To find this type of work, you can find various websites and messages boards where artists look for models.
Lingerie modeling is another traditional form of modeling and in this genre models will only be wearing underwear and bra or some other sexy, lacy garments. Lingerie modeling can be for a catalogue or it can be for a photographer’s book, website or portfolio. Lingerie modeling usually pays upwards of $100 per hour, but, if is to be used for a major print ad and/or campaign, it can easily pay in the thousands.
Glamour modeling is something in the style of Playboy and it may or may not include nudity. Often, glamour modeling is in swimwear, lingerie or fully nude. There are many websites that feature glamour models. Glamour models also can find work doing calendars, catalogues or pin up work. Most glamour modeling jobs pay between $75 and $100 per hour.
Then there is adult modeling and to do this type of work, you MUST be at least 18 years old.
One type of work in this area of modeling is art nude work. Art nude is where your body is the canvas and the picture is the painting. The work may consist of posing for photographs, paintings, and sometimes for art classes. Being an art model usually means that you are in shape, don’t have tattoos or body modification. You can find this type of work online as well as by word of mouth. Being an art nude model usually pays between $25 and $100 per hour. The images are usually used for art books, galleries, exhibits, and/or for portfolios or personal collections.
Nude modeling is a very large world. There is artistic nude, fashion nude, commercial nude, glamour nude, fetish nude, and on and on. The first thing you need to understand is the difference between them and, for example, there is a huge difference in a fashion nude and an erotic nude. Also, you need to make sure you are completely comfortable being nude and you should understand the type of image being created. Remember, a picture is like a tattoo -- it is forever; it is permanent.
Erotic Nude (artistic/fetish) means a nude photo that is sexual in nature or one that conveys a high amount of sexuality. Erotic modeling is a huge industry. Just as with any other industry, you have your good and bad elements in this one too. Doing erotic modeling can and will change your life. The images are forever and they will not go away. My advice is that you should never make a picture you wouldn’t want people to see. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you can honestly say you are fine with people seeing them and that you are really comfortable doing this work and you aren’t doing it just for the easy money that is attracting you. You need to be honest as to why you are doing it. Granted, some erotic modeling is beautiful and some fetish work is playful and tame, but then you have the extreme side of the industry that is not. You need to see the work beforehand; you need to speak to other models; you need to know what you are doing; you need to know who you are dealing with. The images will be used for years and years on the Internet, in magazines, and in books. As I said, think tattoos - they are permanent.
Adult nude (Video/Magazine/Web etc.) modeling is another massive market that thrives on the Internet. There are many variations such as magazines which usually pay around $500 to $1,000 for a shoot and websites which usually pay around $100 dollars per hour or $500 per a day. Models who do adult work need to be aware that the images -- the videos -- will never go away. They are forever. It’s tempting to believe that no one will ever know and, in fact, models are often told this by the person doing the shooting, but it isn’t true. Doing adult work is something that will be found out eventually so, if you are afraid of people finding out in the future, it would be best to avoid this work all together. Video work usually pays between $500 to $1,000 per video. As a model, you need to understand the difference between artistic nude and adult nude. You need to do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into and be sure that you are comfortable with it.
Acting is yet another form of modeling and there are a few types of work models can find in this industry.
Stage acting is primarily theater and performance art. It is best that you know how to read a script, and having some experience or training in acting is always a plus. Theater usually takes a huge amount of time and energy, but it is good for experience and exposure. It is also fun, but usually doesn’t pay much at all -- unless you become a Broadway star.
Film Acting usually mean work in feature or independent films. Be careful to always read the script and check out the director. As a film actor or actress, you can be any age and have any look. Film acting can pay nothing or it can pay millions. It all depends on the level of the production and the role you play.
Commercial acting is where you are acting to promote a product or store, etc. such as Coke or Macys. Commercial acting also pays anything from little to nothing but it can also pay millions depending on the situation. To be a commercial actress or actor, you pretty much just need a headshot and a resume. Commercial acting is open to people of all ages, all sizes, and all types. There are agencies and online message boards and online agencies for this type of acting.
TV Acting is for things such as sitcoms, soap operas, dramas, and so forth. Most of the work is in LA, but some is done in New York and other locations as well.
Models may also find work, depending on their talent and skill and look as singers, dancers, musicians, performance artists or as voice over talent
Many young people aspire to modeling. But how do we go about it ?, they ask.
The following is a short description of taking your first steps towards a modeling carer. It has been compiled from various industry sources, so I don't claim it to be the definitive guide to modeling !
Measure Yourself
It is generally accepted by agents and bookers that girls shorter than 5 feet 8 inches and boys shorter than 5'11" tend not to have the physical characteristics required by fashion magazine editors, top photographers and catwalk show producers. As a consequence, model agencies tend not to take on girls and boys who are shorter than these measurements.
If you are close to these heights it is certainly worth a try, but if you miss by a mile, you should save yourself considerable heartache and effort and try alternatives such as a career in television, management or public relations. There are of course exceptions to this rule.
Start a file and make a written note of all your characteristics. Girls should note height, weight, bust, waist, hips, shoe size, hair colour, eye colour, complexion and dress size. Boys should note, height, weight, waist, chest, inside leg, shoe size, hair colour, complexion and eye colour. Make a note in both imperial and metric measures (eg. pounds and kilos, inches and centimeters)
Get some photographs
This is often the first difficult hurdle for the aspiring model. If you can afford to go to a portrait or fashion photographer and pay him or her for their valuable time all well and good. Most young people cannot stretch to this expense, and quite frankly, if you have potential you will not find it difficult to persuade professional photographers to provide you with good pictures on a 'time for prints' basis. (more of which later).
For most people, snaps are the answer. You must find a friend or relative who will be supportive in your efforts and ask them to take some pictures of you. A good compact camera will do, but an SLR in the right hands will produce better results. Forget that idea to sneak down to the photo booth at the station!
If you can, find a white surface for a background (sheet?) and make sure that it is well covered by natural light if your friendly photographer has no lighting equipment. Take as many pictures as you can, both colour and black and white, but make sure that you include a few close-up head and shoulders shots (with and without make-up for girls) and at some full-length swim wear shots. This is not the time to try and hide anything, it will only waste everyone's time.
When you get the pictures developed, make extra copies of the best 3-5 pictures. Send the first set to the agency of your choice, keep the second set safe (with the negatives) and put the third set aside ready to send out to your next contact.
Get on the telephone.
Get hold of a copy of your local yellow pages and look up 'Model Agencies'. If you find none you may need to visit your local library to search further afield. If one of the listings catches your eye, or if one of the agencies suggests that they welcome calls from aspiring models, make a note. Otherwise make a note of the name and number of the last agency listed. The ones beginning with 'A' will be receiving the most calls and may not be too helpful.
Before you dial, give some thought to who you should speak to and what you are going to say. You should ask to speak to the person who handles new models. Don't tell them you want to be a model! calmly explain that a number of friends have suggested that you should consider modeling as a career and that you are ringing for expert advice.
This is where you have to be extremely careful. Some model agencies supplement their commission income by charging aspiring models inflated fees for the the production of a portfolio. If you can spare a few hundred pounds or dollars then you'll get some marvellous pictures to show your children. But beware, in these circumstances an agency representative may show plenty of confidence in your earning potential only up until the point at which you write the cheque! Furthermore, you'll need pictures by a range of photographers if your portfolio is to be of any use.
Of course, in the vast majority of cases you will be given fair and honest advice. It will probably result in the suggestion that you send in some pictures, but don't offer until you are asked. This is where your enlarged snaps come in. Make sure you make a note of the name of the person you speak to. If they show no interest or tell you that they're not taking on new models, thank them politely and move on to the next in your list.
Othewise you may choose to place your photos on Model Agencies' websites
Sending in your pictures.
When you get your first request for pictures you can put together your pack. Make sure you have a hard-backed envelope so that your pictures stay flat. Put them in a clear plastic slip, one with an open top and side.
Again you can email your pix to Agency:
Write a covering letter. Put it on top of the pictures in the slip. It should read something like this:
Dear Frank,
Further to our conversation, I enclose some pictures as requested.
I am (age) and my measurements are as follows:
(insert measurements) Bust waist hips height
I am currently (insert studying, working etc).
If you would like to see me, or you are able to refer me to a photographer on a 'prints for time' basis,
I will be pleased to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name Your address and telephone number and email.
Make sure you seal the envelope carefully and that it is weighed and stamped correctly for first class post.
Wait 7 days and if you haven't heard back then call or email again to check that the photos arrived safely.
If the agency shows no interest then have another set of pictures enlarged from your negatives and get back on the phone. The industry is full of horror stories from agents who turned down Claudia Schiffer, so don't be disheartened if the first 4 or 5 agencies do not respond.
If however you have made contact with 10 or more agencies without any response you should assume that for one reason or another, you don't have the look that they are currently seeking.
Your first 'Go See'
A 'Go See' is a trip to meet either a photographer, a fashion editor, an advertising agency, or perhaps a public relations firm. Professional models are sent on 'Go Sees' with their portfolios along with often may other models to 'audition' for a modeling assignment. A professional working fashion or photographic model might go on 20 in a month and get only one booking!
Your first 'Go See' will be to the first agency who ask to see you or to a photographer they recommend in order for you to pose for him or her in return for copies of the pictures.
It is most likely to be to the agency. Now think. The agent might have received 10 packs that day and chose yours. Great! But remember, he or she might see a new model everyday of the week. If you've got the appointment then they liked your pictures and feel that you have potential. Agents, photographers and clients all say that a professional model's personality, attitude to work and outlook on life are overriding factors in the choice of models for professional work. The higher up the ladder you get the more important this becomes. It's taken for granted that you look right. It's your personality that will now get you the repeat bookings.
Rumour has it that one of the world's most successful supermodels was sent home form a Pirelli Calendar shoot by the photographer for being a pain in the neck and moaning all day!
You might as well get it right from the start, and that means your first visit to the agency.
Don't overdo your appearance. No dinner jackets and no heavy make-up. It's a meeting. not a party. Wear something smart but casual. Girls should wear a skirt. You should take swim wear because they might ask you to change and give a twirl. Practice this beforehand but remember, they won't expect a professional catwalk!
Be yourself, but be confident without arrogance. This may be your best shot. If the interviewer takes a liking to you, he or she will want you to succeed. Don't get over friendly. After all it's a business deal with someone you have never met.
You'll probably be asked a number of questions that you hadn't anticipated. Think about your answers but be honest. Whatever the outcome, thank the person for their time and if necessary make a note of anything you think is important.
If you get this far you will not need this guide any longer. Good Luck.
Different Types of modeling
Print modeling has many forms and variations, including magazines like Vogue, newspapers, ad campaigns, promotional materials, flyers, cd covers, editorials and so on. Not all print is commercial or fashion work. There is also print work in the glamour, fetish, art and erotic markets. You must make sure that you, as a model, understand that “print” just means it will be in a publication. You also need to make sure that you want to be in the type of publication that is giving you work.
Because of how large and diverse the print category is, it is difficult to give a typical rate. Editorials in magazines, such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, or Surface, usually only pay $100 or so. Shocking right? Most the money in print is made in commercial work and advertising. Shooting for a well-known glamour magazine will pay usually between $500 to $1,000. Shooting for a company such as Dove, on the other hand, will pay anywhere from $1,500 to a few thousand dollars. In contrast, shooting a campaign for a company like Calvin Klein may pay in the million-dollar range. Shooting a catalogue usually pays anywhere from $500 per day to $3,000, depending on how well known you are.
The reason a lot of print work doesn’t pay so much is because of the exposure. Plus, the people in charge know that all models want to be seen, so they more often than not know that they can get models to work for little or no money. The exposure makes it worth it to the model.
Another type of modeling is runway modeling, which is a bit more straightforward. Runway modeling means you walk down a runway wearing clothing of a designer or a store. Runway show can be held in tents, in nightclubs, in malls, in stores, outside, in schools, anywhere -- you name it. Runway shows go from paying nothing, to paying thousands upon thousands of dollars. Most runway models are expected to be at least 5’10.” Although there are exceptions to every rule, chances are that if you aren’t 5’10”, it will be much more difficult for you to find runway modeling work. Runway modeling is also not only for fashion models. There are runway shows featuring plus size models, child models and mature models, as well as shows for wedding dresses and so on. Most, but not all, runway work is booked through agencies.
Fashion modeling is another huge category of modeling. Most fashion modeling is still controlled by the agencies. There are agencies throughout America in almost every city. In fashion, the agencies usually look for tall, thin girls who are between 13 and 26 years old although there are exceptions to this rule too and models such as Kate Moss and the others who in their thirties, still get fashion work. Fashion modeling includes print work, editorial, advertising and some catalogue work. Most of the work for fashion takes place in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo. Each country has its capital. For fashion modeling, the usual requirements are being thin, tall, young, having good skin and a good look. Fashion is one of the hardest areas of the industry to break into and it is also the most glamorized. The reality is that fashion involves a huge amount of work. More and more photographers are beginning to book models directly through the Internet, but the majority of the fashion work is still done through the agencies. To understand what is going on in fashion, simply go to your local store and look at all the magazines. Simply put, fashion means clothing.
Sport/Fitness modeling is another popular form of modeling. Being skinny doesn’t mean you can’t model. Sport and fitness is a perfect example of another avenue for models. If you want to be a sport or fitness model, check out things like FIT or Shape Magazine. There are agencies throughout the world that represent sport and fitness models but, through the Internet, models can connect with photographers directly who shoot this type of work. As a sport or fitness model, you will need to be in very good physical shape. You will also have to be very capable in the sport or sports that the image is created about. In other words, if you can’t ice skate, don’t try to book a shoot as an ice skater.
Next is casual modeling, which is modeling where you show up wearing some of your favorite jeans and a t- shirt and just be yourself. This is a favorite area for new and semi-professional photographers. Many times you will be asked to show up and bring your own clothing, makeup and whatever you need to do your hair.
Swimwear modeling is pretty self-explanatory. If you do this type of work, chances are that you will be wearing a swimsuit or a bikini. There are many catalogues and jobs that request beautiful women in swimwear. There are also many publications for models in bikinis and calendars too. Also, many photographers will request to shoot you in a swimsuit. The typical pay for this work varies due to the many variations of swimsuit modeling. It can be anything from shooting for a semi-professional’s book or doing a mainstream calendar.
Hair modeling is another area in the industry. There are many companies out there that need models strictly for their hair. There are also hair shows. Salons and/or hair designers need models for cut and color all the time. Hair shows tend to pay between $100 and $300 per day. Shooting for a hair company pays anywhere from a hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the company’s usage and client. You can be a hair model with any kind of hair, from long to super short. Many agencies book this work, but you can also find work as a hair model through the Internet or from watching the newspapers.
Parts modeling is next. If you have a strong part -- hands, feet, stomach, legs, back, lips, eyes, nose, you name it -- there are many jobs for you as a parts models. You can find online agencies for parts modeling. There are also online message boards for parts models. The pay for being a parts model also varies depending on the assignment and/or client.
Fine art modeling is usually nude but not always. As a fine art model, your job is to basically to use your body and face as a canvas. The painting is done in shadows and light. As a fine art model, your body is your tool. Often, fine art models are ballet dancers or models that have experience in yoga. A fine art model should understand how to use her body to create shapes. Being a fine art model is more interactive since you are the art piece. Fine art images usually get used in galleries, books, exhibits, and personal books or collections. Most fine art modeling pays between $50 and $100 per hour. Many fashion, commercial fashion, and advertising photographers will also hire and pay models to shoot fine art work.
An artist model is a model just needed to play a character. I have done this many times and it does not always require nudity. The pay scale is usually between $25 to $150 per hour. There are many painters who hire models to paint. Being an artist model has no requirements; it all depends on the artist’s vision. Many hire models who do it as a hobby and have another job, which often means that the work created may or many never be published or seen by anyone other than you and the photographer. To find this type of work, you can find various websites and messages boards where artists look for models.
Lingerie modeling is another traditional form of modeling and in this genre models will only be wearing underwear and bra or some other sexy, lacy garments. Lingerie modeling can be for a catalogue or it can be for a photographer’s book, website or portfolio. Lingerie modeling usually pays upwards of $100 per hour, but, if is to be used for a major print ad and/or campaign, it can easily pay in the thousands.
Glamour modeling is something in the style of Playboy and it may or may not include nudity. Often, glamour modeling is in swimwear, lingerie or fully nude. There are many websites that feature glamour models. Glamour models also can find work doing calendars, catalogues or pin up work. Most glamour modeling jobs pay between $75 and $100 per hour.
Then there is adult modeling and to do this type of work, you MUST be at least 18 years old.
One type of work in this area of modeling is art nude work. Art nude is where your body is the canvas and the picture is the painting. The work may consist of posing for photographs, paintings, and sometimes for art classes. Being an art model usually means that you are in shape, don’t have tattoos or body modification. You can find this type of work online as well as by word of mouth. Being an art nude model usually pays between $25 and $100 per hour. The images are usually used for art books, galleries, exhibits, and/or for portfolios or personal collections.
Nude modeling is a very large world. There is artistic nude, fashion nude, commercial nude, glamour nude, fetish nude, and on and on. The first thing you need to understand is the difference between them and, for example, there is a huge difference in a fashion nude and an erotic nude. Also, you need to make sure you are completely comfortable being nude and you should understand the type of image being created. Remember, a picture is like a tattoo -- it is forever; it is permanent.
Erotic Nude (artistic/fetish) means a nude photo that is sexual in nature or one that conveys a high amount of sexuality. Erotic modeling is a huge industry. Just as with any other industry, you have your good and bad elements in this one too. Doing erotic modeling can and will change your life. The images are forever and they will not go away. My advice is that you should never make a picture you wouldn’t want people to see. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you can honestly say you are fine with people seeing them and that you are really comfortable doing this work and you aren’t doing it just for the easy money that is attracting you. You need to be honest as to why you are doing it. Granted, some erotic modeling is beautiful and some fetish work is playful and tame, but then you have the extreme side of the industry that is not. You need to see the work beforehand; you need to speak to other models; you need to know what you are doing; you need to know who you are dealing with. The images will be used for years and years on the Internet, in magazines, and in books. As I said, think tattoos - they are permanent.
Adult nude (Video/Magazine/Web etc.) modeling is another massive market that thrives on the Internet. There are many variations such as magazines which usually pay around $500 to $1,000 for a shoot and websites which usually pay around $100 dollars per hour or $500 per a day. Models who do adult work need to be aware that the images -- the videos -- will never go away. They are forever. It’s tempting to believe that no one will ever know and, in fact, models are often told this by the person doing the shooting, but it isn’t true. Doing adult work is something that will be found out eventually so, if you are afraid of people finding out in the future, it would be best to avoid this work all together. Video work usually pays between $500 to $1,000 per video. As a model, you need to understand the difference between artistic nude and adult nude. You need to do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into and be sure that you are comfortable with it.
Acting is yet another form of modeling and there are a few types of work models can find in this industry.
Stage acting is primarily theater and performance art. It is best that you know how to read a script, and having some experience or training in acting is always a plus. Theater usually takes a huge amount of time and energy, but it is good for experience and exposure. It is also fun, but usually doesn’t pay much at all -- unless you become a Broadway star.
Film Acting usually mean work in feature or independent films. Be careful to always read the script and check out the director. As a film actor or actress, you can be any age and have any look. Film acting can pay nothing or it can pay millions. It all depends on the level of the production and the role you play.
Commercial acting is where you are acting to promote a product or store, etc. such as Coke or Macys. Commercial acting also pays anything from little to nothing but it can also pay millions depending on the situation. To be a commercial actress or actor, you pretty much just need a headshot and a resume. Commercial acting is open to people of all ages, all sizes, and all types. There are agencies and online message boards and online agencies for this type of acting.
TV Acting is for things such as sitcoms, soap operas, dramas, and so forth. Most of the work is in LA, but some is done in New York and other locations as well.
Models may also find work, depending on their talent and skill and look as singers, dancers, musicians, performance artists or as voice over talent
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Adult Performers
We welcome adult performers to contact us about building a website. However; here are some of the realities you will have to take into account:
1. We typically have 10 to 12 sites on the waiting list. If you absolutely have to have your site up in the next 3-4 weeks you are better have to look somewhere else because it isn't going to happen. Expect 6-8 weeks, although we can get a coming soon page up and you can begin accepting email addresses for your mailing list.
2. We do not do amateur websites or websites for amateur performers. You will need a good video filmography before we can undertake building your site. Unfortunately, because of our workload we are only accepting professional clients and referral clients.
3. You must provide your image content in digital format (CD-ROMS or you may upload image files directly via FTP). If you have books of chromes you will have to make arrangements for having them scanned as our workload no longer permits us to perform this service. Videos in VHS or DVD format are okay.
4. You must be somewhat familiar with the Internet in order to maintain your website. You do not have to know html code but you should know how to do link exchanges and how to market your site. This does not mean you are on your own. It just means you should be familiar with how to build traffic to your site. After all, this is the key to making money! If you have never answered an email before we may not be the right solution for you.
5. It is not a must, but you should have a high speed connection to the Internet (DSL or Cable). We can get you set up to do webcams but a high speed connection is required plus a camera. We can take care of the technical part. STILL Interested? Send an email with you name and a phone number and we will get back to you ASAP.
1. We typically have 10 to 12 sites on the waiting list. If you absolutely have to have your site up in the next 3-4 weeks you are better have to look somewhere else because it isn't going to happen. Expect 6-8 weeks, although we can get a coming soon page up and you can begin accepting email addresses for your mailing list.
2. We do not do amateur websites or websites for amateur performers. You will need a good video filmography before we can undertake building your site. Unfortunately, because of our workload we are only accepting professional clients and referral clients.
3. You must provide your image content in digital format (CD-ROMS or you may upload image files directly via FTP). If you have books of chromes you will have to make arrangements for having them scanned as our workload no longer permits us to perform this service. Videos in VHS or DVD format are okay.
4. You must be somewhat familiar with the Internet in order to maintain your website. You do not have to know html code but you should know how to do link exchanges and how to market your site. This does not mean you are on your own. It just means you should be familiar with how to build traffic to your site. After all, this is the key to making money! If you have never answered an email before we may not be the right solution for you.
5. It is not a must, but you should have a high speed connection to the Internet (DSL or Cable). We can get you set up to do webcams but a high speed connection is required plus a camera. We can take care of the technical part. STILL Interested? Send an email with you name and a phone number and we will get back to you ASAP.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Auditions
Auditions Now Open!
Gender Models is always looking for attractive models from all walks of life.
We are seeking models who are not shy about being in front of the camera. Our shoots vary from lingere/swimsuit to adult.
All prospective models can be paid up to $3000 a day and we will take care of your travel and lodging.
Interested models should email us with any questions.
Models must be over 18 years old.
Please Email: GenderModels@gmail.com
Gender Models is always looking for attractive models from all walks of life.
We are seeking models who are not shy about being in front of the camera. Our shoots vary from lingere/swimsuit to adult.
All prospective models can be paid up to $3000 a day and we will take care of your travel and lodging.
Interested models should email us with any questions.
Models must be over 18 years old.
Please Email: GenderModels@gmail.com
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