Some people will tell you that to become a male model, you need to stay in shape, have great skin and be in the right place at the right time.  These things are true, to an extent.  However, being a male model is a job just like any other; in order to truly succeed, you have to be dedicated, confident, have a good work ethic, be able to work well with others and be able to take direction.   Male modeling is a competitive business, but, if you have these qualities and are willing to stick it out for the long haul, you can make a good living as a male model.

Once you have these basic characteristics down, you can start working on some of the other factors that will influence the success of your modeling career:

Body Size/Type – You want to be in the best physical shape that is healthy for you.  Your body is a tool that you need to keep in the best working order to do your job to the best of your ability.  Having said that, though, stay away from drugs.  They may sculpt your body, but, they won’t guarantee that you will work and, in the long run, will cause permanent damage to you long after your career has ended.   I’m sure, ideally, you picture yourself as the next Calvin Klein underwear model, but, in reality, male models of all shapes and sizes are always needed.  Your body type will help determine if you are better suited for runway, print or commercial modeling work.

Skin – Keep your skin healthy!  Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to flush toxins out of your system.   If you are going to tan, use a spray tanner, don’t smoke and minimize your alcohol consumption – the sun and alcohol age your skin.   Moisturize daily and, if you have acne, use acne prevention products.  If it is severe, your doctor can prescribe treatments that will clear your skin up in no time.

Zed Card – You need a few professionally taken (not by your friend in your backyard) full body and headshots pictures to go on your zed card (this is your business card in the industry).  Your contact details, measurements and resume go on the back. This card is used to promote you and should represent all of your different “looks”.

Skill – Depending on the type of modeling you want to do, you need to know how to do it!  Take   classes aimed at runway work, posing for the camera and acting.  Always be prepared!

Representation – Meet with several different agencies and do your research before signing with an agency.  You want someone you feel comfortable with and who has a good representation.  If a modeling agency asks for money up front or wants you to use their “exclusive” photographers to get all new shots when you don’t see a problem with yours, beware!  Good agents make commission money off of booking jobs for their clients, not with scams that take advantage of their clients!

Networking – Even when you have an agent, you can’t rely exclusively on them for work. Go to industry events, hang out with people in the industry and look for modeling job opportunities on your own.  Even with representation, it is still your career and you are still in control and the driving force behind your success.

Be A Hot Male Model For Life

Remember, people in the industry that need male models are normal people.  They want to work with someone who is likeable and professional.  Keep that in mind with every aspect of your career and you will do great!   Don‘t believe me?   Check out the movie “Zoolander” with Ben Stiller.  Even though it’s a hilarious, satirical take on the world of male modeling, everyone in that industry (even the hand models) take their job super seriously, as should you!

If you are looking to become a male model or improve your modelling career then you should check out our free guide here.

Too short to be a runway model? Bigger than a size zero? Your dreams of being a model are no where close to being over! There are so many different types of modeling careers out there and at least one will fit perfectly with you! Check out this article for some of the most common specialty types of models!

A job as a model encompasses everything from the runways of Milan to the cardboard cutouts of people holding up a product in the grocery store. This is great as it means no matter what your look, body style or career goals, there is a job opportunity out there for you!

# High fashion modeling – this is runway work for top designers and the high fashion magazines. The models are very skinny (size zero) and are between 5’9” – 6” for women. In order to do high fashion modeling, you need to be able to convey emotions subtlety for your print work, as well as be able to walk the runway very well and travel the world, often at a moment’s notice.

# Commercial modeling – this portion of modeling covers everything from the Macy’s catalog print work to the cardboard cut outs at the store. All types and sizes of models are needed! It is important you know how to pose for the photographer to get the image they want.

# Corporate modeling – models used for corporate purposes are also used to sell something, but, it is usually a corporate image as opposed to an actual product. The models will be dressed more business professional than high fashion.

# Lingerie/swimsuit/r-rated modeling – obviously, this type of work is very revealing and the model must be comfortable with this as well as be in excellent shape (although, they can be curvier than the fashion model).  There are laws against photographers taking pictures of those under 18, so, in order to do this type of work (legally) you need to be over 18!

# Fitness modeling – modeling in this category not only requires you to be in great shape, but, in awesome shape with defined muscles. You do not need to look like a body builder, but, you do need to have definition.

# Plus size modeling – even though this may be the average in America, size 14-16 models are considered plus size. There is plenty of work out there for plus size models and, as the world backlashes against the super skinny unhealthy images of some models, this category continues to grow.

# Body part modeling – Hand models, ear models, feet models, etc. fall into this category. If you have amazing body parts, you will always have work!

# Promotion modeling – these types of models attend events and tradeshows and give out free samples or entice consumers to buy whatever product they are representing. Examples are models handing out apple sauce samples at the fair and women giving out free shots of a certain type of liquor at a nightclub.

# Demo modeling – models, as they are good looking people, are used to demonstrate a product in a public place. The model’s pretty face reels the folks in and the great product demonstration convinces consumers to buy!

# Commercials – commercials are a great way to earn a lot of money for only a day or two worth of work. Working on a commercial requires some acting skills which can easily be gained after taking a commercial acting class or two.

You Have Many Option To Have A Career In Modeling

As you can see, there are tons of ways for you to work as a model! Train for the field or fields you are interested in, work hard, don’t give up and you can make your dreams come true!

The modeling agency you sign with is a huge factor in determining the success of your career and how often you work. But, modeling isn’t like acting, which has union approved agencies. How do you know which agency to sign with? This article will help you chose the right agency for you!

You’re in great shape, you have flawless skin, an aura of confidence surrounds you and have great photos for your portfolio. You are definitely ready to work as a model! But, how do you get a job? Although you can network within the industry and maybe get a few modeling jobs thrown your way here and there, the only way to truly have a great modeling career is by being a member of a great modeling agency. But, how do you do that? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1.    Find agencies in your area. Check out model search events. Usually, there are several modeling agencies in attendance looking for fresh faces. Even if you don’t find an agency that wants to sign you, you will definitely be given some great advice on how to further your career. However, be wary of model search scams that are more interested in signing people up for modeling classes then helping models break into the industry. Trust your gut, and, if you are younger, take a parent with you. You can also go the old fashioned route and look in the phone book/on-line for modeling agencies near you. Give them a call and ask if they are accepting new models and, if they are, the process for applying.

2. Meet with the agency, get a vibe of how they operate and check out their reputation. If they want you to completely change your weight, hair color, etc. to sign with them, listen to their advice, but, don’t take it as gospel. Modeling agencies opinions vary just like everyone else’s. These days, the internet makes researching someone’s reputation a snap. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who want to take advantage of those with dreams of breaking into the modeling industry. If you find anything negative on-line about the agency you are thinking of signing with, think again. Although complaints of not getting work might be the model’s problem, any other issues with asking for money upfront are a concern, as well as agencies who constantly change their names (why would they do that unless they were hiding from someone?). However, just because you can’t find any dirt on an agency on line, doesn’t automatically make it reputable. At the end of the day, trust your gut.

3. Before you make your final decision, read the fine print of your contract and be comfortable with it. Is it exclusive? How much commission will the agency charge (this varies and may depend on how much you are willing to give them)? How long is the term of the contract? Are there any hidden fees? Are there any requirements such as classes or certain photographers that must be used? How can the contract be terminated?

Selecting The Modeling Agency – Be Careful

The modelling agency you sign with will represent you, so you want them to be professional and behind you 100%. When starting out in your career, keep in mind that, unless you are incredibly lucky, you are going to have to work your way to the top (but, isn’t everything that’s worth having worth fighting for?).

The top modeling agencies in your area may not roll out the welcome mat for you, but, some of the smaller agencies may see your potential and welcome you with open arms. Just because you have to start small doesn’t mean you have to end up there! Try your best and don’t give up and soon those top agencies will come looking for you!

You have an agent for your modeling career; now you just sit back and let the job offers roll in, right? Wrong! You need to have your own back and be out there hustling for jobs, too! This article will give you some ideas on how to find jobs for yourself!

In a perfect world, you are a member of a fabulous agency that works hard to find every modeling gig out there for you. However, the reality is that even if you are lucky enough to have a great agent, they have other models they represent and, even when your agent is trying their best, you might slip through the cracks. At the end of the day, having an agent is not enough to get the most modeling jobs. Below are some of the other avenues you should try.

Networking – Attend social events in your industry. You will meet directors, designers, casting directors, other models and up and comers in the modeling industry. You want as many people as possible to know you so that when a job comes up that you would be perfect for, you are the first person that pops into their head.

On-Line – There are several modeling sites on the internet that you can sign up for (usually for free) and post your pictures. Casting directors will post modeling jobs up there and you can submit (this is where some sites charge a fee). Do you research before signing up with any on-line site and make sure they deliver on their promises and are reputable. Craigslist is also an option for looking for jobs; however, be careful as anyone can post jobs on Craigslist. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are suspicious of an interview, have someone come with you and wait in the car, or tell several people where you are going.

Study – You might have a great look, but, if you do not know what you are doing in front of a photographer, a camera or on the runway, you will only go so far. While you are waiting for your dream job to come along, make sure you are learning as much as possible about your craft. You can never learn too much!

Check the contract you have with your agent in regards to work you get on your own. Most of the time, if you find the work, you do not need to pay your agent’s commission, but, if you use your agent to finalize the contract or negotiate for you in any way, you will have to pay the commission.

Just Because You Don’t Get A Modeling Job Don’t Give Up On Your Modeling Career!

A modeling career has its ups and downs. Nothing is more frustrating than at the start of your career when, no matter how hard you try, you can not get your foot in the door. Often, you will need to reevaluate specific goals you had for your career. Maybe you are not succeeding as a runway model because you are only 5’5”; maybe you can not get work as a high fashion model because you look more “girl next door” than exotic model. This is ok!

One thing that should not change in your quest for modeling work, though, are your values. There are many professional, good intending people in the modeling industry, but, there are a few people who are only looking to take advantage of young, innocent models. Decide early on in your career what you will and won’t stand for and then stick to your guns!