How to become a model?

Things to know before starting modeling

Want to know how to become a model? Do you dream of being the next Gigi Hadid, gracing the cover of Vogue? Modeling as a career has become a much-vaunted choice now with thousands of aspirants chasing the dream of becoming the next supermodel. Those days are over when you could depend on your luck to get spotted, the chances of that happening are one-in-a-million now. To become a model, it takes discipline, effort, and perseverance. You need to plan, prepare, and follow a strategy to stand out and get noticed. We have spoken to several successful models and agencies and put together a list of tips below that you must follow to break into the modeling industry and kickstart your modeling career. So here's how to get started in modeling:

To know how to get into modeling, first, you should know which type of modeling suits you. 

Top modeling categories:

Runway Modeling: Runway models take part in runway shows and have to change clothes and makeup regularly. Runway or Ramp is a platform where the models showcase the clothes and fashion accessories during a fashion show by walking on it. A runway model is hired depending upon the experience he/she has.

Plus Size Models: Those individuals whose measurements are larger than editorial fashion models can be categorized into plus-size models. They involve in advertisements of plus size clothing, cosmetics, fashion accessories, etc. Plus size models are increasingly taking part in fashion editorials and becoming part of the fashion industry. More designers are considering making clothes for the plus size market.

Fitness Model: A fitness model has a well-defined body with toned muscles. These models have less fat, and they weigh more as they have more muscles. Magazine advertisements often use these fitness models; however, some of them also work as fitness trainers, and some take part in fitness related competitions as well.

Glamour Models: Glamour models agencies don't have strict requirements concerning the model's body, and it depends on place to place what preferences they keep. Broadly it focuses on the sexual appeal of a person, and these models can be seen in calendars, men's magazines, lingerie modeling, and music videos.  

Alternative models: Those unconventional models who fall into having different physical features, and who prefer doing punk, goth, and fetish shoots are alternative models.

Parts Model: Parts model are employed based on a particular body part. I can be hands, legs, chest, lips, etc. Although the demand is mostly for attractive parts, there is also a demand for un-attractive parts as well. Some agencies solely represent models who are hired for their body parts.

Promotional model: A physically attractive model whose aim is to attract customers to a product or service by directly interacting with them is a promotional model. They provide live experience to the consumers by giving information about the product. They can be seen in trade shows, events, shopping malls, clubs, and other public places.

You cannot get into every type of modeling there is, you have to follow certain steps to know how to be a model. They are:

Develop your skills

Study and understand posing. Practice runway walking. What separates a pretty model from another model is going to be their posing ability and their walk. Modeling is an art. Whether it's binge-watching season upon season of America's Next Top Model, scanning the pages of Vogue, watching YouTube tutorials, reading modeling ebooks like glamour shots photography or finding a favorite model. Posing and walking on a runway is very awkward at first. Practice. Here is a modeling tip for you: Have a friend shoot photos of you to get comfortable with posing, both in front of a camera and another person. Or start smaller and put a camera on a tripod and practice by yourself until your confidence grows before you start your journey to become a fashion model.