BE A MODEL

Do you fantasize about becoming your country's next top model? Join the club - there are tons of girls just like you. And who can blame them - top models appear on magazines, travel all over the world and date hot music stars and actors. Myjellybean.com gives you the straight facts on what it takes to be a successful working model.

THE BASICS - PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

There are some "must-haves" for any girl who wants to become a model. You must:

Have healthy hair and straight teeth

Have fairly clear skin (a few pimples is no problem)

Have a toned and well-proportioned (meaning fit and athletic, NOT skinny) body

Have good posture

Have body confidence

HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

Do you "measure up" as a potential model? Check out these guidelines:

To be a runway model (the highest paid kind of modeling) you need to be at least 5'8" tall (at minimum!)

Girls 5'5" to 5'7" tall are used for "Commercial Modeling" (which includes print and TV)

Girls 5'4" and shorter can do "Petite Modeling"

However tall you are, if you've got the rest of the qualities to be a model, you may contact any reputable agency and ask them if they represent girls of your height

WHAT EXPERIENCED MODELS SAY YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

According to the girls at the top, to survive in the modeling industry you need these attributes:

Ambition

Modeling is hard to break into, so if you want a career in modeling you can't just sit around hoping to get discovered. You have to work hard to make it happen.

Intelligence

To succeed, a model must be an intelligent business person. She must know how to be selective and not just sign with the first agency or photographer she meets with. She must know how to act professionally at castings and clients meetings. She must be smart enough to turn down the drugs and alcohol (which unfortunately are part of the modeling world) that can wreck a girl's looks and career.

Confidence

People who book models are looking for someone who is self-assured. No one wants an nervous-looking model selling their product. Modeling is also full of rejection, even for top girls, so you need a lot of confidence to deal with being turned down.

Independence

Models must often travel away from friends and family for a job, or to pursue their career. You must be comfortable being on your own for long periods of time.

Organization

For keeping track of the dates, times and locations of your appointments.

Strength and Endurance

A model is sometimes on her feet all day in the freezing cold or the hot sun. She must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good. Eating healthy and working out at a gym three times a week is a must.

GETTING STARTED

Find a Reputable Agency

If you think you have all the qualities to be a successful model, the first step for you is to locate a reputable agency in the nearest big city. Check out the list of the top 10 New York modeling agencies on Models.com - these are the best agencies, and some have branches across the country. You can contact them and find out if they have an office near you.

Give Them a Call

Once you have found a good agency branch in your area, phone them. Ask if they have an "Open Call" day when they see new girls for auditions. Most large agencies will do this at least once a month, and some hold open auditions weekly. Ask the agency what you should bring to the Open Call. Generally, you will be asked to bring about 5 snapshots - full length in a dress, bathing suit and headshots. You do NOT need a professional portfolio for your first meeting with an agency.

If the agency doesn't have open auditions, ask them if you can book a meeting to come visit them. When visiting any agency, always bring a parent with you to protect your rights. An agency may ask you to send your pictures in by mail, before agreeing to meet with you in person.

Put Your Best Phone-Self Forward

When talking to an agency representative on the phone, be patient, be polite and be mature. Even if you are talking to the receptionist, be your sweetest self - you never know who has influence at the agency. Ask the person specific questions, such as "What should I wear to the Open Call?", "Who should I address my envelope to?", "What kind of pictures are you looking for?" and "How long should I expect to wait before you call me?"

Be Persistent!

Getting signed by an agency can happen quickly for some girls, but for most it takes several tries and auditions. Some of the top supermodels of today had to send their pictures to several agencies before being given a contract. If an agency turns you down, don't give up! Each agency has their own "look", and their "no" could just mean you don't fit their image. If being a model is important to you, keep on going to agencies until you find the right fit.

BEWARE OF SCAMS!

Be VERY careful not to get SCAMMED during your search for a modeling agency!!! If an agency you visit is affiliated with a modeling school or tries to sell you courses, then run away, girl! Reputable agencies will train you for free. If they charge you anything at all, it's a sure thing it's a scam. Don't listen to promises of "you just need to take one course, then we guarantee you work." It's a lie. Want proof? Not one single person from any of the major modeling schools has EVER become a top model. So don't waste your money on this rip-off!

Also, NEVER pay a photographer to create a modeling portfolio before you sign with an agency, no matter what they promise. Your own snapshots are fine and a reputatble agency will decide from those whether or not to sign you. Agencies may have a certain look, and if it's not the one you spent money to get, you're out of luck and probably out of big money. However, AFTER you get signed by a good agency, you can expect to pay $300 to $500 on your first test shoot with their professional photographer, stylist and make-up artist. You should end up with about 6-8 good shots, showing versatility, for your portfolio/book, from your first paid test. This is what you will take on the casting calls/go-sees your agency sends you on.