How to Become a Model: Understanding the Need of Portfolios

When it comes to the world of modeling, one of the most earliest of steps that you will take will be to make a portfolio that is of course if you are serious about pursuing it as a profession whether full-time or part-time. All the experts in this industry believe that if a model has a good portfolio it does wonders for his or her career and catches the attention of the “big fish” when it comes to modeling agencies and scouts. This is what brings us to the next matter of importance which is that if you are particularly new to this field of work with no prior experience that it can be rather difficult for you to conjure up the perfect portfolio to help take your career to the high road with all the fast cars.

What Type of Model Do You Want to Be?
The first and the foremost matter of priority should be for you to know which type of modeling you want to make a career out of, remember that this is important because it will be rather difficult to change your niche once you are in the game. Decide on this before you book a portfolio shoot. Now, we know you are a little confused at this point so we are going to elaborate a little.

The Debut Shoot for your Portfolio
This line of work needs some kind of investment on your part to begin with. A portfolio consists of pictures of you that would look appealing to modeling agencies so that they will want to sign you on. This portfolios cannot have pictures that you take from your regular cameras which is why you need to book the services of a professional photographer at this point. Use this opportunity to dress up for the kind of modeling that you want a career in and make a portfolio with the help of the pictures you get out of this debut photoshoot.

The Photographer for your Debut Shoot
Don’t hesitate to be creative when it comes to the photographer and don’t even think about settling for one whose work you don’t like. When you hire one, make sure he understands how to get the best pictures and understands the concept of light.

The Quality of your Debut Shoot
This is one of the major factors that play a role in the making of your portfolio. Remember that the sole reason for hiring a professional photographer for your debut shoot is so that you have good quality pictures to work with. If that weren’t the case then there was nothing stopping you from putting up pictures your friends take of you with their mobile phones but that is not what the modeling agencies want to see. This is why we suggested that you hire a professional photographer. Now the problem with this is that you can hardly find one these days as almost every 20 something year-old labels himself a photographer if he owns a DSLR. So, what you need to do is look at the previous shoots that the photographer has been a part of. If he is a well-known photographer then chances are that he will have his own website with his own portfolio for you to see and judge.

Now we know that you see the important for any individual in any sort of profession to have a portfolios where they can display the work that they have been a part of previously so the employers know the kind of work they will receive should they hire those individuals.

Why It is So Important for your Portfolio to be Perfect
You need to remember that if you make a portfolio without having a general idea about the kind of modeling you want to get into, the aftereffects could be catastrophic in a sense that nobody will want to sign you on. A portfolio like that tends to look rather cluttered and messy which is something modeling agencies do not admire in a model. They want confident people who have a vision of precisely what it is that they want out of a career. This is why you need you pay attention to the overall effort you put in while making a portfolio.

The Pictures You Finalize for your Portfolio
Now you have been part of a photoshoot and you know how it feels like to work with a professional photographer which is something you will be doing a lot of down the line but what you don’t know is that there is still a daunting decision that lies ahead for you to make. You probably have a dozen photographs to work with by now which means you have absolutely no idea which ones should be the winners that go into your portfolio.

Imagine this, if the big food franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken was about to have a photoshoot to debut their new line of burgers, would they simply go get one from their branch to photograph? Of course not. What they would do is that they would hire skilled people from all over the world that would make the burgers in a manner that was appealing to photograph and knew how to best work with the lighting to achieve the kind of result that was desired. If they were to go with the kind of pictures that you can take from everyday mobile phones or rookie DSLRS then not you nor anybody else will want to look twice at their advertisement. What we are trying to tell you here is that a lot of factors go into play when one decides what pictures or videos are suitable for one’s portfolio and this isn’t a step that you can simply just “wing it” because that would mean the same would happen to your career.

What you need to do is set your standards high, don’t settle for pictures you don’t like yourself because if you don’t, how will an agency or a client like them?

This is precisely why you need to ensure that the winner pictures that make it into your portfolio are the ones that have the ability to wow the judges and make them stare at it for a while before they yell out that you are perfect for whatever runway or photoshoot project they have at hand.

If you let a single bad image make it into your portfolio, believe us, the agencies will never forget and neither will they let you.

There are only two kinds of pictures that should make it into your portfolios, the ones that are great and the ones that are amazing. Place the ones that are great on the left hand side and the ones that are amazing on the right hand side of your portfolio.

First Impression is the Last
Drill it in your head that like in every profession it is so, your first impression as a model will be your last. Your impression in this industry will be your portfolio and if it fails, people won’t even look at you twice and what you do want is for them to know your name by the kind of first impression that you leave.

When you apply to a particular modeling agency the first and the foremost thing that they and your potential clients will do is look at the pictures in the portfolio that you submit and whether or not they decide to sign you on for projects solely depends on how impressive your portfolio is. This is why it is so important that your portfolio looks perfect because it could either make or break your career.

Questions You Need to Ask When Making a Portfolio
It is no secret that people often hire the services of professionals when it comes to making portfolios for their modeling careers as it is a gamble they think is too risky to take on by themselves and you can do the same but there are a few questions that you need clarify the answers of before you get the process started and they are as follows.

What Will the Dimensions of the Photographs be?
Sizes for portfolios usually vary, whether it is 9×12 or 11×14, you need to figure out which ones are a popular trend so that you can design your portfolio accordingly. You see, things like these you can’t possibly know on your own which is why when you hire the services of professional portfolio makers, you can be assured that they have the answers to all your trend related questions and everything else for that matter. Remember that the size of the photographs decide how many get to be in your portfolio so don’t make it so there are too many cluttered on each page and are so small that the modeling agency can’t decide whether you are worth signing on or not. Too many pictures in every possible angle present on your portfolio makes you look kind of desperate and though at this point you are because you are a beginner, we don’t want the agencies and clients to know that.

How Many Pictures Should There Be in My Portfolio?
At this point you might have dozens of beautiful pictures that you feel should be in your portfolio but remember that when it comes to modeling, the agencies prefer quality over quantity which is also what you and the service you hire to make your portfolio should focus on.

The important thing to remember here is that the sole reason for making a portfolio is to show the modeling agencies and potential clients that you are physically able to portray new characters, ages and can pull of any kinds of clothes that the client wants you to model in which is why they are looking to hire you or any other model in the first place. This is what your portfolio should focus on. You do need expert opinion on this matter which is why it is best advised that you ask this questions to your portfolio makers so they can work accordingly.

All you need is four good pictures out of which two can be headshots and two can be full length pictures that show them your figure and you are golden.

Is One Photographer Enough or Do I Need to Work with Two?
What you need in your portfolio is a variety of pictures that portray you in not one but in several characters, what better way to do that than to hire more than one photographer? Any good portfolio making company will tell you the same. Do this if you have enough resources to spare as the benefits will be bountiful.

Every photographer comes with a set of skills and a vision which is why you need more than one working with you on your debut shoot. The reason for this is in the future when you are a successful model, you won’t be working with one photographer but rather many which is why it is so important that you are captured by different photographers so they agency can see new sides of you and can tell that you are a diverse model capable of handling hardships down the line.

Do You Do B&W Pictures?
Black and white pictures are the most common type of pictures found today. The express elegance and sophistication which is why if you are hesitant about including some great B&W pictures in your portfolio, don’t be. As you know not all ads on TV are in color, many people have made great advertisements in B&W only. Don’t be afraid to add a couple of B&W shots into your portfolio, just make sure that the photographer on your project is more than capable of taking them.

Now that we are clear on why it is so important to create a portfolio and how you can create the best portfolio, we know that you are ready. If you decide to take on the project of creating your own portfolio, just remember that the risks are rather great whereas if you take the help of a professional portfolio making company then the results will be guaranteed. Remember to pick a reputable company so your portfolio is a success.

 

How to Become a Model: Warnings

In the fast evolving world that we live in, modeling is one of the many professions that is constantly the hub of the media’s attention. The career itself is often portrayed to the masses as an extremely glamorous career where the fun part is that you get to wear nice clothes, wear fancy shoes and meet all the famous people of the world that normal people can’t even get close to. Though most of that is true, people don’t understand the amount of efforts models put in their careers to take to the next levels and there are a lot that they sacrifice to get there. This begs the question: if you are a beginner model, what challenges do you face in the face of success and fame?

When you are only putting your foot in this career for the first time what you need most is to be the center of attention of someone that recognizes talent and knows what to do with it, whether it is an individual that does it or a modeling agency. This kind of talent doesn’t require you to go to school to learn it, either you have it or you don’t. What you do need is a portfolio that says it all for you.

When you are attractive, tall as well as skinny too the first ever dream of a career you have is modeling, whether you conjured it up on your own or your loved ones suggested the profession to you. It is a rather difficult road to success, we must say but not an impossible one.

When you are a newbie the things that you start your career with are photoshoots and runways which is how you get discovered by the “big fish” of the modeling industry. This of course means that you have to make your work your number one priority which can often leave little to no time for your family and friends and that is only just the beginning of the career for you. Though this can sadden you to an extent, we can assure you that your dominating emotion will still be the excitement of doing new and exciting projects.

Following are a list of warnings for you to keep in mind.

The Reality of the Lifestyles of Models
We know that you assume this life to be glamourous right off the bat but the reality is much different and often disappointed. When you are a beginner you are often short on funds which can lead you to finding residence in what is called a very crowded “model apartment” where you live with other aspiring models who can’t afford apartments for themselves. Usually the person that lives with you in this home is an older much more experienced woman or man that is responsible for booking jobs for you and although this can be a sweet and comfortable arrangement to begin it, it doesn’t take it very long to turn into a nightmare. We must warn you that not all the people in this industry are as nice as they seem, most people expect you to do indecent activities with them such as sexual acts or drugs in order for them to give you your big break. For some models this is an ideal situation but that doesn’t mean it is morally acceptable. This does make it by definition prostitution.

 

Creepy Photographers are Common in this Profession
Photographers are no saints and can often prove to be quite dangerous for new models. If a photographer becomes rather interested in taking just your photos or try to get close to you in an unhealthy way then you know that that is your cue to get as far away from him as possible. Stories like these, if they catch the attention of the media which they often do because “sex sells” your career as a model will be over for good. It doesn’t matter what kind of financial background you belong to, if you have natural talent then all you have to do is flaunt it without having to bare yourself for sexual favors and fame itself will follow your lead.

The Compromises
This profession takes a toll on you both mentally, emotionally and physically. The media constantly pits one model against another and even though they are both equally successful, it angers them enough to want to one-up the other in the form of unhealthy competition which ruins them both mentally. What the media gets out of it is entertainment which is its sole reason for starting this war in the first place. This type of stress has led to many well-known models out there to be bulimic and anorexic. It is quite easy for models to resort to depression and anxiety because their schedules need them to always look better than everyone else despite how little rest and sleep they have gotten the night before. We understand how unhealthy this can be but there is literally nothing we can do to prevent it except hope for models to carefully monitor their diet and fitness plans to incorporate everything without really missing anything.

Not All That Glitters is Gold
Nothing is as glamorous as it seems. Though it might feel like modeling is all about the fancy perks you get, when you are backstage of a runway, things can get so intense and crowded that models have been known to throw up or faint. It’s not all about looking like a Barbie doll, what is important is how strong are you and how skilled you are at handling crowd like that with ease without breaking a sweat or losing your calm.

The Perfect Girl
It’s quite known to everyone in this line of business that fashion is often known to be a world of illusion. Models lose weight and become as skinny as they can to look like the idea of “the perfect girl” that people instill into the minds of people. But are the sacrifices really worth it? This world is enchanting which means that once you are under its spell, it is hard to break free. Once you know what it feels like to be a model, you will keep wanting more and want success beyond your or anyone you know’s wildest imagination.

The Assumptions
When a person looks at the models on runways or fashion shoots he assume a lot of things. They assume that it is an effortless profession with more pros than cons but what he doesn’t realize that it is one of the toughest professions out there because of the competition that is involved in it.

It is an intense life which you know even if you are a beginner. Before you get into it for the long haul you need to ask yourself if the pros outweigh the cons for you. There are difficulties in every career but that doesn’t mean that they should back you down from a fight. We wish you all the luck in the world.

How to Start Your Career as a Singer

Evolving Your Singing Skills

We live in a world that doesn’t stop for a second whether technology is concerned or socializing is. In a world like this, artists themselves are given a chance to not only work on their own and create a brand but also a chance to launch themselves more easily which is something artists in earlier days were deprived of. But this naturally means that the artists trying to make a name for themselves in our fast evolving world have a lot of expectations hanging over their heads which means that they have to do a lot more than just simply being discovered by the “big fish” of the music industry. The main thing that we are trying to tell you here is that it takes a lot more than dedication to be successful in this line of profession. You have to be in love with it if you are adamant on getting somewhere as there won’t just be one hurdle in your way but rather many. Here we will help you figure out precisely what it is that you need to do in order to get your act together and then in turn be on your journey to be the successful singer that you have always dreamt of being since you can remember.

Your Singing Style and Type
Before we start off we need you to understand that this will be one of the most crucial part of your journey as this will determine your future. What you need to do right now is to figure out what kind of a performer you aspire to be. For most people this step of the journey is fairly easy to take but for some it is rather difficult as they haven’t yet thought their decision all the way through. We are here to help you in both cases, you must figure out your niche before we go any further with your singing career. Part of this also includes finding out what your vocal range is like and knowing what kind of singing you are actually capable of. This will just save you a lot of disappointment in the future.

Singing is not something that you can just do from the inside of a studio because there are many aspects involved. Part of figuring out further about what your skill set entails is to find out what type of a singer you want to be first like we mentioned earlier on. Whether you aspire to be a solo artist, a lead singer or a backup one, you need to know this beforehand. Like we mentioned that there are a lot of factors that are involved which you need to consider first like your ability to perform in front of different crowds or your ability to perform in front of anyone at all. Many other factors include the following.

• Your ability to differentiate between good and bad music.
• Your ability to sing to the tune.
• Your ability to feel the rhythm.
• Your ability to sing accurately what you hear only once.

Singing Lessons
Despite you thinking that you have all the basics covered when it comes to singing, it doesn’t ever hurt to hire a professional coach that is capable of taking your singing abilities to the top to explore new possibilities. With the help of the right vocal coach you can improve your techniques and focus on your weak spots in order to eliminate them in their entirety. You will not only get a chance to practice different vocal ranges but will also get a proper chance to experiment with it and see what it is capable of doing that you otherwise could not do on your own. When you do this you will not only see visible changes in your vocal range but will also see improvements in your confidence levels.

Relax, we don’t mean that you jump right into finding a vocal coach especially if you are not comfortable with it because we also have an alternate solution for you. What you can do is take online lessons that are available online abundantly so you can have your pick from the litter. Do this as long as you are being careful as the internet can be a scary place for people who don’t know their way around because they can often find themselves becoming targets of malicious sites with little time to actually prevent them from causing actual harm.

Sheet Music
What you need most in the music industry is to not be passed over because you are an amateur. You need everyone to treat you like a professional which is precisely why it is so important for you to be ready to sing whatever material is put in front of you which obviously means that you need to be able to read sheet music and that our friend, is no easy task but it is one you must accomplish. It is always better to be cautious than to be sorry and embarrassed in an industry where it is all about the first impression that you make. This is why it is important that you do everything in your power to learn how to read sheet music whether you have to take help from a friend or hire a professional to teach you.

Your Instrument
An artist that can’t play an instrument is an artist that is co-dependent on other artists who can actually play. You must have seen in talent shows that judges always prefer artists who bring their own instruments to play and this is precisely why you need an instrument too so that you can be known as a multi-faceted artist that can perform solo without anybody’s help. This won’t only give you an advantage over your competitors but will also make your performance comparatively more enjoyable.

What you need to do is find out what you need for a live performance. Can you perform without a piano or a guitar? If not then you need to pick one that you find most suitable to your singing style and learn to master it with any means necessary.

Your Research
In any line of profession research is the one thing that helps you figure out precisely what it is you need to do in order to get ahead of the people that are your competition. In order to do this, you need to watch as well as thoroughly analyze the performance patterns of your favorite artists with the help of their live performances.

This can be beneficial to you for a couple of reasons. Yes you can figure out what your next move should be in your career but you can also figure out what are the right steps to take and what are the wrong ones because you have at your disposal examples of great artists that broke through the top of the Top Charts. How did they get to where they are today and how can you get there too? What obstacles did they have to face and how can you avoid them altogether? These are the questions you need to find the answers to with the help of this research.

As we mentioned that research is the key to success in any career, now you know why we said it. With the help of all the examples that you have you can make better career choices and achieve your goal faster than the ones that came before you.

Mastering the Art of Performance
When it comes to performance, know that mastering it can take some time as it is one of the finest forms of art out there. Following are some of the factors that will help you achieve your goal.

Frequent Performances
Practice makes perfect, right? What you need to do to get yourself on the right track in order to build your stage self-esteem and confidence is to perform as much as you can which will often mean taking up on gigs you don’t really care for. But what you do need to remember that this is just a piece of the very big picture which is your successful career as a singer. Therefore you need to expose yourself to all kinds of singing gigs whether it is as a lead singer or a backup one. Perform at nightclubs, bars and we will even go so far as to say that you should do some karaoke.

College and University Parties
Whether it is a frat party or a varsity game, colleges often look for fresh new talents to organize a concert with which is your way in. Figure out what you need to get in order to have a performance like that on campus and then go for it.

Backup Singing

Most singers and songwriters out there need singers to play backup on their demo albums. Use this opportunity to gather some much needed singing experience and exposure. While doing this, closely monitor the artist to see how they run things. Once you’re done, add this experience to your portfolio.

Don’t Shy Away from Auditions
This is a major part of anyone’s singing career. What we suggest that you do is audition as much as you can in order to get comfortable with the idea of it and to build up your confidence levels. By doing this quite regularly, you won’t have your wits scattered all over when it is time to audition in front of producers and managers that can potentially make or break your career. This practice will also get you the experience you need when it comes to performing in front of people and what is more is that you will also have built up a massive network of fellow artists and in this industry the more contacts you have the better.

Your Very Own Demo CD
Just because it’s the old fashioned way to do it doesn’t mean that it works any less better. It is important that you record a demo of your own and carry it around with you at all times so that you can present it to the right person at the right time. This could always come in handy when you are performing at college gigs as you sell it to those attending and increase your popularity amongst the youngsters and as you know, they are the trend setters. If they like what your demo has to offer then they will talk and there is a chance they might also share your demo around. They get good music, you get more fans.

Now coming to the technicalities of the matter. You obviously don’t want to put on every song you have ever recorded on to your demo. What you need to do is pick an average of 4 to 10 songs that showcase you to the best of your abilities and show what your vocal range is capable of.

Don’t think that you need professional help to record a demo as we are quite well aware that people are often short on resources when starting out. You can easily record a demo in the comfort of your home with the help of some quality applications.

How to Network
While it may seem like a harmless topic that can easily be overlooked it is actually one that requires your utmost attention if your goal is to be as successful as you have always dreamt of being. Following are a few factors you need to consider.

Linking Up with Fellow Artists
This is an essential step because if there are 10 musical events happening in your vicinity in a month you can’t possibly know about them all on your own. By making acquaintances you surround yourself with people who are constantly aware of one event or another. This way you can learn about all the events that you can take part in and benefit from. What’s an added bonus is that you meet some very likeminded people and form long lasting friendships and who knows, maybe even relationships.

What you need in order to be as successful as you want to be is to be constantly surrounded with people who are in the same line of profession as you because this will expose you to better opportunities and increase your chances of being discovered by someone that can help your career.

Booking Agents
This where your investigation skills need to kick in. You need you find a booking agent but not without your fair share of research first. Once you have found a reputable booking agent your next step is to perform whatever chance you get. In this career your popularity is solely based on how the audience sees you and perceives you. If they love you then naturally they will demand for you more which means bigger more prestigious gigs. But this can only happen once you start small which is why it is so important for you to get in touch with a booking agent.

Local Media
By now you probably know how important publicity is when a career in the light of media such as singing is concerned. What we suggest you do whenever you have a performance coming up is that you publicize it on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even Snapchat. The reason for this is that these platforms give you a chance to connect with an even bigger audience and once they know about you they are going to come rushing to your performance with a bunch of friends by their side. Word travels fast which is why we need you to get a head start at it.

You can benefit from these platforms in more ways than one. We live in a world that is controlled by the internet and the applications that we have mentioned for you are used by most people in the world. Why do you think you find out what Taylor Swift had for dinner before even she has had a chance to see it? Internet works in fast yet somewhat mysterious ways that you can use to your advantage.

This will help you build a following before you have even had a chance to perform live. Wouldn’t that be something? Before you know it, people from all sorts of newspapers will be on your door begging for an interview. Good for them but also good for you because for an artist, exposure is never a bad thing.

Make Connections Inside the Music Industry
What you need to do next is to make sure that your demo is perfect and once you do that, you need to send it to all reputable record companies, manages as well as agencies. Don’t panic if you don’t already have their contacts and details at your disposal as they can easily be found online all you have to do is search.

Don’t assume that the best option for you is only to be discovered by big record labels. When distributing your demos you should also distribute them to smaller labels as they too can help you form the kind of connections that you need to take your career on the road.

Remember that the first impression you make should be a lasting one as it is how people will remember you for a very long time. It doesn’t matter what the position of the person you are meeting is, whether it is a musician or a manager you need to maintain a level of calm so that they can see who you actually are instead of the person you come across as when you are a nervous wreck.

Media Kit
It is first important that you know what exactly a press kit is. In this industry these are often known by media kits and these are a package that contains self-promotional material for not only an individual but rather the organization that they originate from. What you need to do is provide these kits to your audience whether they are local populace or potential managers. It will be simply a taste of who you are as not only an artist but also a person and this will help people connect with you on a human level. You will no longer be someone on a pedestal too far up to reach, you will be one of them. It is easier to relate to someone when you feel like they are a part of your environment and understand it just as much as you do. You need to use this emotion to your advantage. These kits are prepared rather strategically as only the qualities you want people to know and love you for are highlighted in these kits.

We would also like to say that if you are afraid that you might not get them right then you should hire professional help to help you make the perfect media kit for promotion.

Your Website
This is not only the most important but also the easiest step that you will take in your journey to success. What you need is a medium online that gives your fans access to your music and what better way to do that than to make your very own website?

It isn’t difficult to make a website in today’s world as it is free which is why the first thing anyone does when they are either selling their work or trying to be discovered is that they make a website so people know where to find them should the need ever arise.

Making a website would mean that you are marketing yourself in a rather economical manner. There are some things you need to keep in mind though which are your contact information, sample songs, and reviews. If you remember to include these on your website, it is good to go.

Social Media Platforms
As we mentioned above, if there is anything that keeps people glued to their phones and ever so connected with the world it’s the internet. But the internet simply can’t be fun on its own, can it? No. There are social networking applications that make the internet so addictive, apps like Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. On these sites people often market their brands and benefit like that so there is really nothing stopping you from doing it either. Here your Hail Mary will be the “share” button. Once somebody likes your song what they will do is that they will share it among their contacts which means that without having to put in much effort of your own your song will be getting marketed among people of all ages and countries.

These apps will help you in the longer run as they will publicize you before you even have had a chance to perform.

Agent
It’s a difficult career path which means that if there is anything out there that will ease it for you it’s an agent. This could potentially increase the number of opportunities that you receive in your career. The difficult part however is to actually convince a reputable agent that you are a worthy client to take on.

You need to impress the agent that you want to hire with commitment, dedication and skill because these are the only things that matter out there. Once you have an agent in your team then things will seem considerably easy to handle as they will figure out how to get you performance gigs while you can actually focus on your singing and on improving your vocal range.

Contract
This is the final step of the procedure. Once you are discovered by a record label, they will want to put you under a contract. Though to must people they aren’t open to negotiation of the terms of the contract but then again it all matters on aware the artist really is. You know of the struggle which is why we need you to pay close attention to the contract before you sign over anything.

There are numerous clauses and penalty fines that if overlooked upon can destroy your career within a matter of months. Talk to the agency and discuss all aspects of your contract before agreeing to anything and if the circumstances allow, negotiate to add some of the terms that you are comfortable with as well.

Remember that despite how glamorous the lifestyle of a singer might look from the outside, it is one of the most difficult career paths out there. The reason not many make it all the way through is that not many have the courage to stand back up on their feet after a bump in the road. Tread with patience and awareness and you too shall find your name written among the stars someday.

How to Become a Model: Understanding the Agencies

Since the modeling industry is a rather competitive one, the best of the best modeling agencies are constantly if not always looking for new talents as well as aspiring models that haven’t been discovered by their competition yet so that they can make them and in actuality themselves a star again as well. What we are trying to tell you here that as a model if you find the right modeling agency, you hit jackpot where your career is concerned.

The benefit with being discovered with a well-known modeling agency is that it helps you build up your portfolio with the help of the constant opportunities that you are offered. This then leads to and opens up a lot of career doors. One day you could simply be doing shoots and the next day doing catwalks as well as advertisement campaigns. If you want to be and can strive hard enough for it, you can become a goldmine girl for a modeling agency which basically means that they agency will only be taking 20% of all the money you make out of the gigs that you do.

We know that you are a little scared because this is all so new and one single step that if is taken wrongly could potentially end your career but the thing you need to remember is that all the big supermodels you see on TV these days started small somewhere. The main thing here is that they started somewhere which is what you need to do too because when you are in a business like this you need to take small and steady steps and not big leaps. You can start from point 1 and immediately jump to point 9, you have to climb the ladder to success on step at a time.

You might not know these stories but we are about to tell you how some of your most well-known actresses and models were discovered so stick around and make some popcorn.

1. Kate Moss who now earns a total of $4.5 million a year was discovered at JFK airport.
2. Gisele Bundchen who earns a total of $44 million a year was discovered in a mall in Brazil.
3. Adriana Limo who earns a total of $9 million a year was discovered after she did entered a Ford modeling competition.
4. Kate Kloss who earns a total of $5 million a year was discovered in a charity fashion show.

The whole point of sharing this information with you was so you understand the importance of modeling agencies. When these models entered this business on their own they were next to nobodies but with the help of the right set of grooming tools and the right modeling agencies, they are now in the list of the top models of the world. You can be a part of that elite group but you have to first understand the factors that go into play when gaining the attention of a modeling agency and convincing them that you are worth signing.

Are You Instagram Famous?
As we mentioned earlier that the modeling industry is as competitive as any other that revolves around marketing which is why you will constantly find one movie actress pitted against another trying as hard as possible to ensure that the latter’s fan following isn’t bigger than the formers which is why when a modeling or a talent agency goes out to find new talent, they pay much more attention to the Instagram popular divas who don’t have to compete against anyone to build a fan following themselves and can simply do so without anyone’s help.

Competition might get you places but it will never get you as high as pure talent will. This is something that speaks to modeling agencies on a personal level which is why in the starting of your career you need to ensure that you are wat they call “social media active” and up to date with all the trends and styles because once you are, your Instagram page will be a success in no time at all. Once you build your fan following, modeling agency scouts will be all over it trying to figure out a way to land you.

This doesn’t mean that you resort to cheap tactics to become famous which is what most fashion crazed women do. Don’t bare yourself for attention, instead of this let your talent speak for itself.

Since we live in an age where technology is everything, we have a list of tips that we have gathered from the top modeling agencies themselves that will help you get an idea as to how to be signed so get your notebooks out and start taking notes, ladies and gentlemen.

Research
This industry is all about keeping up to date with who’s who and what’s what. You don’t do your homework one day and you will miss your exam the day after. This is why most modeling scouts out there suggest that you do some research on the top modeling agencies to know which one it is that you are fishing for. Once you find out a name, you are to then look up their contact details so you can get a lay of the land and see what their hiring process is, anonymously of course.

Don’t Waste Your Money
When most newbie models are entering the industry they make the grave mistake of spending big bucks on private professional shoots so that they can add those pictures into their portfolios. We agree on the importance of portfolios but we aren’t going to go so far as to say that you need to waste all that money on big shoots of your own because that’s what it is: a waste of your time and resources. Most modeling agencies will settle for everyday pictures or simply a 6o second video that shows them what you look like and really it is just that simple so don’t make it heavy on your pockets.

Opt for Simplicity
When you take a picture for your portfolio don’t go for a lot of makeup and over-styled hair. That can put a damper on things. What modeling agencies want to see is what you look like. It is sort of like the base that a building is going to be built upon later, building being makeup and hair. When you over-style your hair and go overboard with makeup then it is difficult to make out your cheekbones and features.

No Need for a Middle Man
You might have heard that the original meaning often gets lost when there are too many messengers involved which is exactly what happens when a model has a middle man that is scouring through modeling agencies for him or for her. They often tend to delay processes for their own personal gains which is why you need to take matters into your own hand and contact the agency yourself. We say this because we understand the importance of time and how crucial it is to jump precisely when an opportunity presents itself and that someone else can benefit from it if you aren’t quick enough to avail it.

Your Persona
Despite what people might tell you, being a model isn’t all about looks. Although looks do play a major role in landing you a role in top modeling agencies, it is your intellect that helps you stay there. This is why we suggest that you share your thoughts and your dreams in captions under your Instagram posts so they can act as a social portfolio of you when a scout comes looking. Don’t hesitate to post goofy pictures of yourself because it doesn’t matter unless you look gorgeous and your caption isn’t dumb. This will also help you bank more followers not only on Instagram but also on your twitter page.

The thing that most people crave for when they are a part of industries like these are a voice which though previously wasn’t possible, it now is with the help of all the social media sites that literally everyone uses. Use your social media platforms to talk so that people know who you are and when they can relate to you, they will want to follow you.

The Legal Side of it All
Contracts are a major part of your career and they come second to portfolios as they define the terms and agreements of your employment in a particular agency. This is why we suggest that before

Before you get swept up in your potential modeling career, read the fine print on your contract. Most agencies out there will add specific parts in a contract to ensure that if you ever want out of the contract before your term is over that you can’t just because you signed a contract.

Though it can be rather exciting to have received your first ever contract but one single clause and you will be stuck forever which is why since you are new to the modeling industry and all the agencies, we feel the need to elaborate some of the aspects of your contract that you need to keep an eye out for.

The Contract Term
This is the first thing that you need to keep an eye out for which is how long you are committing yourself. The standard contracts with modeling agencies require you to do a minimum of three to seven years before leaving. Our reason for paying attention to this detail is because it could potentially define your future in a manner so big that you probably hadn’t imagined. If during the contract term you become unhappy with the agency and want out, you can’t possibly do that because of the legal complications which would mean that you have to simply as these new age people would put it “suck it up”, move on and endure until the contract expires.

This becomes even more complicated if modeling is your part time job because often breaking a contract in the middle of your term means that you have to pay a hefty fine which usually stops most people from ever signing out in the first place. This is why for a newbie, it is exceptionally important to ensure that the years that you sign up for, you can actually commit to the agency for. For starters we would suggest that you negotiate yourself into a two year deal to see if you are cut out for the commitment or not.

Termination and Escape Policies
At the start of the negotiation when you are negotiating the terms of your contract, we suggest that you ask the agency what their policies on termination are and what you are allowed to do if you are not happy with their services or with the earnings that you make while you are associated with them. This might sound like we are asking to ensure that you have an escape plan but in reality we just want you to have a backup plan so you don’t let anyone walk all over you.

To further explain this, we want you to understand that most modeling agencies out there have an escape clause that says that if a model isn’t happy with the services say after 4 months into the contract of a year that she can terminate the contract without any legal complication or fine.

The only reason you will know if or not there is such a clause is if you have awareness of this sort of thing which after reading this we are sure you will have. So make it a priority to discuss this clause before you sign any contract. You can also use this negotiating period to ensure that you get a good deal as you haven’t yet signed on.

The Exclusivity of Your Contract
Most agencies when hiring ensure that the models know that once they sign on with them, they can’t take on any projects without their knowledge which means bye-bye freelance work. When you are under an exclusive contract like that it means that you will not be able to take on any work unless the agency that you are working for says it is okay to, after which a percentage of your earning goes to them. Though this is how it usually works, you can work this clause out of your contract at the time of negotiation.

The reason for this is that it can limit you from many opportunities out there. If you are glued to one company and a better one approaches you for a one-time project, what are you going to say? You aren’t going to say no because if it isn’t you on the cover of that magazine it will be someone else that is probably your competition. In this industry you take opportunities as they come your way but you don’t do it unless you are absolutely sure that your agency allows it in your legal contract.

Percentage Commissions
As we mentioned earlier on, when an agency hires you obviously there has got to be something in it for them too and there is. Once you are signed on by a modeling agency, a percentage of your earning goes to them which is usually 10% or above. These are also terms that are to be negotiated at the time when other terms such as escape clause and exclusivity are being negotiated. This is your time and you need to make the most of it before you are stuck in a legal contract that forces you to pay a percentage of your earnings to the agency that you don’t think is fair at all.

Payment: When and How
The worst situation that you can be a part of is a gig that you aren’t sure is going to pay either when or how. Before signing your contract, discuss the terms of payment and suggest a mode that you feel is comfortable for you. If you are working with an agency that is a franchise of a union then you can benefit from that majorly as a job like that usually pays up within 10 to maybe 30 days after the day of your shoot which means that you don’t have to wait longer than a month. Most agencies out there make models wait for months before actually finalizing payments which could potentially sink your ship if you are a beginner. This is why it pays to have knowledge like this.

There are also clauses in contracts that allow agencies to withhold payments until the client pays up but you can eliminate that if you negotiate at the time of signing the contract. We suggest that if you are a beginner then you should refrain from signing with any agency that doesn’t pay within a month of the shoot.

We know and understand that it is a lot to take in and remember but the thing is that this is an industry in which knowledge is everything. We hope that with the information that we have provided you, you understand the importance of portfolios, shoots, agency scouts and contracts along with all the legal loops you possibly could get stuck in due to the lack of knowledge and that now you will take wiser steps towards success.

How to Become a Model: Mastering the Basics

Modeling is a form of art that has always been appreciated from as long as we can remember. It is how you showcase not only dresses but also your body. It is used as a mode of marketing by many different industries whether it is a clothing brand, a shoe brand, or simply for any form of advertisement you see on your televisions.

Becoming a model is no easy business in fact we will go so far as to say that it is one of the toughest profession out there that is solely based on your form and physique. Let us take a look at all the factors that will help you master the very basics of becoming a model.

Eating Habits
You might have heard from most people that either have lost weight or are trying to that starving yourself is the way to maintain a weight but that is simply the barbaric route to success which lasts about as long as it takes to get there. Just because we are asking you to eat doesn’t mean we are suggesting junk food. Quite the contrary, really. We suggest healthy food with a lot of exercise. When you starve yourself and lose weight that way, it doesn’t only show on your body but also on your face. However when you eat healthy and exercise to lose weight then your body speaks about it by itself. A healthy body shows.

Exercise Regime
Now when we talk about exercise, we don’t necessarily mean that you have a go at the gym all by your lonesome and work out for 30 minutes before you are out the door eating your usual junk food again. What you need is a fitness instructor that specializes in working with models and has had plenty of success with them. Since modeling is something you do solely with your body, it makes it all the more important to make sure that it is not only fit but perfectly toned too. This is something you can’t do without the help of a proper fitness instructor. Once you do have a fitness instructor, the first thing you should do is sit him down and tell him precisely what you want the outcome to be so that he can chart the perfect exercise course for you to get there precisely when you need to get there.

Foods
We have mentioned earlier on that you need to incorporate healthy foods in your diet but what is also crucial is how much of it you eat over what you eat. We know that veggies, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains as well as proteins are healthy for you if you are trying to maintain a weight or if you are trying to lose some and should be the very base of your diet plans but often people overlook the quantities of these they consume. You should maintain a healthy balance between vegetables and fruits because even they if consumed more than the normal amount can help you gain weight and put a halting stop to your diet plan.

The things that you need to avoid as much as possible are sugars, empty carbohydrates, starches and unhealthy fats because they can make you lethargic.

Fluids
When it comes to fluids you should make sure that you drink a lot of water, in fact we suggest that you carry a small water bottle where ever you go to ensure that you are never dehydrated. The sole reason for this is so your skin retains that healthy glow that will give you an extra oomf while modeling. And though it might put a damper on your mood, know that alcohol is bad for you when you are on a strict exercise routine which is why you need to limit the intake to a minimum.

Appearance
When you are aspiring to be a model you should know how importance your appearance is especially because your whole career revolves around how well you can carry yourself. This is why it is important that you have a strict diet plan that you follow religiously and are well-groomed at all times because you never know who might recommend you to the next big modeling agent and kick start your career. This of course entails that your hair and skin look stellar at all times. We don’t mean that you have makeup applied on your skin at all times, no. What we do mean is for you to have a health and beauty routine so good that your skin doesn’t require makeup. Modeling doesn’t have to do a lot with makeup and makeup is just an added bonus. What really matters in this profession is how gracefully you can move around and how comfortable you are in your own skin. Confidence is what will get you places when modeling is a profession in question.

Skin
Though it is equally important that you are well dressed and well styled but what is also important is what you eat and how you eat it because it plays a major role in how healthy and glowing your skin and hair.

Your main priority should be making sure your skin glows and is healthy as well which is why we suggest that you wash your face not only in the morning but whenever you feel it getting clogged up by your face’s natural oil that will help prevent acne which is a major NO-NO in the modeling industry. Exfoliate at least once every three days and always remember to take your makeup off with the help of cotton buds and a cleanser that is light on your skin before you sleep. Makeup can be quite heavy on the skin as products that are heavy duty with it comes to concealing clogs the pores which stops them from getting oxygen which in most cases leads to terrible acne breakouts that take weeks to get rid of.

Hair
This is probably going to gross you out a little bit but it is no secret that most modeling agencies out there prefer if you have a little greasy hair because it opens up their options and enables them to do a lot with it so it would be okay if you minimally showered. You do have to keep away from ironing you hair or blow-drying it without proper heat protectant measures because with the lack of these your hair can start to look rather dry and unattractive and for modeling what you need is the kind of hair that shines so bright, people envy it.

Matching Body Goals to Types of Modeling
When you are working out an exercise routine with your fitness instructor you are fully aware of the type of body you currently have as well as the type of body that you want. Different types of modeling gigs require different body types so the way we see it you have two option and they are as follows.

1. You can go for a size zero body type that can land you modeling gigs of every type.
2. You can go for particular body types that will land you only particular modeling gigs.

Now, when you are starting your career as a model your first priority should be to be a part of every gig that matters so that you can be noticed by the big fish that could sign you up for modelling gigs that will make sure the whole world knows who you are. If you go for a particular body type that would somewhat limit your options but let us discuss different body types further so you can take this baby on the road.

Plus-Size Model
If you have or are aiming to have a full and curvaceous body type then you can be a plus-sized model. It is nothing to be ashamed of. This does however limit your options somewhat but there is a huge demand for plus sized modes lately as people are demanding diversity so you never know how big a success you can be.

Runway Model
The models that you usually find on the runways modeling designs and catwalking are at the very least 5 feet 8 inches tall and are small breasted. The men however are usually around 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall. So if you are aspiring to be a runway model, you need to first make sure that you qualify by these standards.

 Print Model
The most common height for print models is 5 feet 7 inches but what matters more is how beautiful and graceful you look. This is where hair and skin come into play. If they are glowing and beautiful then height is a factor that can perhaps be overlooked.

Underwear Model
The requirement for this type of modeling is that women have large breasts and small hips but that men have broad shoulders coupled with a slim waist.

Alternative Model
Believe it or not this is a type that exist and can be helpful to you if you do not want to conform to any mainstream standards of beauty. There are agencies out there that hire such models that do not choose to conform and can fit anywhere really.

Other Models
If you are interested in modeling but don’t have or want the body type for it then you can always be either a hand, hair or foot model.

Know All There is to Know About The Industry
Whether you do so with the help of books or with the help of new contacts that you build, we need you to learn all thee is to know about the modeling industry. Read new books, blogs and articles. Even watch reality shows if you must just as long as you are building up knowledge about all the important agencies and the important modeling gigs that you need to keep an eye out for.

There are books that you can find online that will help you better understand how this industry works. The only way you can make a name for yourself here is if you know precisely how it works so that you can find your way through it towards the very top.

This is a difficult step as it requires a lot of research but it is all worth it in the long run. Fashion is all about keeping up with what designer is trending and why and of course if a designer is trending that naturally means the model that is their lead is also trending. It could very easily be you one day but only if you stay up to date with reputable designers and modeling agencies because one wrong step can flush your entire career down the drain.

Difficulties down The Road
Since you are now becoming a part of the modeling world it is important that you know and realize that you aren’t the only one there with raw talent. There are going to be more pretty faces and well-toned bodies than you can count which can cause you to be easily overwhelmed. Nobody said this was easy, right? But just because this career path isn’t an easy once doesn’t mean that you can’t excel at it at your own pace which is precisely why we want you to keep your hopes high even when you fall down or stumble.

When the difficulties increase that means you are levelling up and the only thing that will help you succeed is how patient you are all throughout.

That said, there are a few technicalities that we want you to remember when putting one step into the modelling world. Your whole career should be documented on a portfolio which is how potential modelling agencies find you and vet you to see if you are worth hiring. This is why you need to make sure that your portfolio is constantly up to date with every little modelling gig that you do. Without a portfolio, you are nobody.

We know that it is a daunting business, modelling. But we want you to know that if you are careful and follow the right path you will be successful in no time so just be patient.

How to Start Your Career as an Actor

When it comes to acting and kick starting a career, it’s hard to plan and to execute that plan, you need guidance. Obviously actors who have a planwill do much better than those whose only plan of action is to wing it and hope for the best.

The truth is that in case you’re new to acting business, and particularly entire idea of the entertainment business, then you’ll have to do some research and find out about what this career decision involves, what sort of preparing you’ll need and what’s the best choice of actions to make for you to succeed.

Do you know how many actors in total work and how many don’t? Statistically 95% of them don’t get work all year and only 5% do! So your aim is to be in that 5% that get work no matter how big or small it is, you have start somewhere. And how do you get to that 5%? By planning and working smart.

Take it from us. No brilliant agent ever starts a business without doing statistical surveying and making a plan of where this road is going. This is the same.

Below I’ll give you some generalassistance that can aid you to figure out what it takes to begin an acting carrier.

Make Sense of Things First
Anyone who develops an interest in acting wants to know a way to start a carrier through it in an effective and efficient way. It’s not in everyone’s goal to wonder around aimlessly from audition to audition not knowing if they are progressing or not.You have no idea how many people I have met who wanted to become an actor, but never went after their dream.

The consideration of starting an acting carrier has gone to many people but when it really comes down to doing it, there are three types of people:

1. People who aimlessly pursue the dream of getting rich and well known with no         way or know-how about how to do it;
2. Those who abandon it at just that, only a fantasy and nothing more;
3. And those who set reasonable objectives and taught themselves on the best way to accomplish them, slowly and carefully.

 

Ask Yourself

• Are you passionate about acting enough to actually bear all the hardship that comes with the profession?
• Are you willing to give up on your regular life and go broke for a while? Because no one becomes an acting sensation over night.
• How good are you at coping with rejection? Because no matter how good you are, you will be getting it a lot.
• Will you be able to maintain 2 other jobs while finding work as an actor?

These are a few of the things that you will have to face if you want to become an actor and fulfill your dream. This is a fact that the entertainment business is a harsh world and acting is certainly not an easy job so you have to be ready at whatever it throws your way.

Don’t take this the wrong way, we are not trying to bring you down but this is crucial knowledge for someone trying to get into acting.

Make a Portfolio
Portfolios are a must for any creative field and acting is no exception. You need a way to showcase all the work you have done and all the work that you are capable of. When you apply for a job, while you audition, they have your portfolio in front of them and they are paying the both of you (you and your portfolio) equal attention because they have invested millions in the project and they will only find the person best for the role they want you to play so portfolio is a must.

Obviously you can make a portfolio yourself but we recommend taking the help of a talent or a professional agency who knows what they are doing and have a good record of making portfolios. Have a variety of portfolios because not every job that comes your way will be the same so try and make your portfolio as diverse as possible. Also it is always a good idea to keep your portfolio in different formats. Have a photo portfolio that can be used for any modeling jobs, a demo reel to showcase your acting skills, audio recordings so you can have voice acting jobs because there is no telling where this job will take you so you be ready for anything and be open to new experiences.

Important Points to Remember
We have barely scratched the surface yet but don’t worry about it, just remember these key points and you will be on your way to starting your own acting carrier in no time because time is very important especially for an actor.

The Film Industry: Just so you know what to expect, you need to learn about the industry to know how to play this game right and get ahead of everyone else.

Before Acting: Before you start you carrier, you need to make your very own carrier business plan that will ensure that you don’t starve in between jobs.

Small Steps: Start small, take up an acting class, test your passion, enjoy it. This will help you get an idea about the profession and also help your resume/portfolio.

Experience: The most important thing is experience. It will take you to places you cannot imagine.

Stability and Growth:Always work towards learning and be open to new things. It is what will give you an edge over everybody else.

A Couch: Find a couch willing to change you and bend your mind into impossible things so you will always push yourself towards greatness.

Get A Website: It’s always a safe backup to have an online website because you won’t be able to take all your portfolio everywhere with you, an interactive website is always a better alternative.

This is a profession like any other and like any other profession, there are no sure rules to success but with this guide you will surely be able to understand what’s what.