Here are 10 things I learned when I was breaking into the Modeling Industry. These might be known to some, but I get many young girls asking me for help who are looking for tips. Hopefully these can help any of you who are starting out!

• You Don’t Need To Pay For “Training” ~ There is allot of on-the-job training in the Modeling Industry. For legitimate modeling jobs, you are selected based off of your “look,” your title (if you have earned a title of some kind), the requirements of the assignment, or from networking. Many companies will swear that you need to pay for their training to become a model and book gigs. You do not need to. If you think you’ll benefit from paid trainings then go for it, but it’s definitely not required to enter the Modeling Industry.
• Have A Portfolio With Different Looks Not Just Glam ~ You want to show agencies, companies, casting departments that you offer a variety of looks, you can mold to what the character is, you can pass for different ethnicities and/or you’re versatile. Get creative with it! Include ethnic wear, business looks, characters, indoor shoots, outdoor shoots. Think about your hobbies. Incorporate them into a look for your portfolio. For example, are you a boxer? Have photos of you in your boxing gear and set up the scene! Are you good at Aerial Yoga? Have pictures of you posing while practicing Aerial Yoga! These types of photos will show what you have to offer and can still look awesome or glamorous!
• Building Your Portfolio For Free ~ Trade Shoots and Collaborations are great for building your portfolio starting out. Trade Shoots aka TFP Shoots are “Trade For Prints” or “Time For Prints” photo shoots. The Photographer will shoot you free of charge, you’ll discuss what the theme etc will be and once it’s done, you both get new photos for your portfolios. Usually this is offered from Photographers that are also building their portfolios or have photography as a hobby. But some others will collaborate with you if you have an interesting and different concept in mind.

• Allot Of Things You Can Do Yourself ~ You can reach out to photographers (legitimate modeling/photography websites, social media, friends of friends, photography websites etc), you can reach out to makeup artists, hair stylists, designers – you can put together a shoot yourself and if all parties are okay with a Trade Shoot then everyone saves and wins! You can also print things like headshots, other photos, business cards all on your own without having someone charge you for them to do it. Utilize your nearby Office Depot or library. Places like this allow you to take your saved image and print for little cost. For business cards, sites like http://www.vistaprint.com are great for getting bulk cards very cheap!
• You Can Be Shorter And Still Model ~ Many people believe you have to have a height of 5’10” or higher (for women) to model. Yes, for some TV Modeling Shows or for most runway shows around the world there is a height requirement and you have to be taller. But there is still a whole world of modeling for the rest of us! Many modeling agencies have “Petite Divisions,” there are so many assignments that have shorter height requirements, many fashion shows as well have a shorter height requirement but just require tall high heels, there are numerous opportunities with stock photography companies/stock photographers, almost all Print Modeling doesn’t have height requirements and networking will also increase the odds of you being considered for projects maybe you thought you couldn’t get. So don’t be discouraged!

• Have A Solid Headshot That Makes An Impression ~ Your headshot can, in many cases, be casting agents’ first impression of you. Research what makes a great headshot, the Do’s and Don’t’s, and what casting departments want to see. This will be something you submit to people and for projects when you self-submit, it’ll be what you leave behind at auditions with your resume and it’s a photo that will be seen allot (probably the most out of all your portfolio), so make it a good one!
• Don’t Try To Copy Someone Else ~ Being yourself is important. Don’t try to be someone else or something you’re not. Being yourself shows you’re unique and have something “different” than what everyone already knows and sees. Generally speaking, the world doesn’t want another Tyra Banks or Megan Fox. We already got that. Give something new.

• Network ~ A Bollywood celebrity once told me, “People are more likely to work with those they know verses others they don’t know.” Networking and creating good professional relationships and letting these contacts know what type of work you’re looking for can only help in your career.
• If You Don’t Know Them, Don’t Go Alone ~ Breaking into this industry, don’t let the excitement and big dreams lead you to trust everything and everyone. Allot of scams can happen and allot of times people can use you being new to trick you. Don’t trust easily. When meeting photographers, agents etc, especially for the first time, go with someone. Your safety should always be your first priority.
• If In Doubt, Don’t ~ Similar to my last point, if you are doubting the legitimacy of any project or person, don’t do it. Never feel the need to be desperate or that you absolutely have to do something if you feel uncomfortable. Guaranteed, there is much more work out there. There is definitely enough work to go around in this business. It is never worth it if you feel uncomfortable.

❤ Best of luck to you!  🙂