Getting training, getting representation, getting work... what it takes, and how to have fun...

If you or someone you know is aspiring to get into this industry as a model or actor/actress, the most important thing that will determine your success is your level of motivation and work ethic. Contrary to what many folks think, it is not just about your outward appearance!

You need to have a "breaking down the barriers" attitude, and a willingness to constantly learn and persevere when you are not chosen for the part you audition for. Staying consistently positive will reap big rewards later down the road. This is an industry where you climb your way to the top, and it takes an initial investment. One thing leads to another, and pretty soon, you will be "on a roll."

Training

Is it necessary to invest in a modeling school? The answer is no. However, if you know absolutely nothing about this industry, it is very helpful. Formal training has helped me tremendously, in that it gave me insight into what to expect, the language of the industry, and how to prepare myself for it. It also lead me to job opportunities and representation. If you have never had someone in the industry teach you about such things as resume' writing for acting and modeling, runway techniques, correct makeup application, skin care, hair care and design, acting for television, fashion, photoshoot preparation and posing, fitness or speech, you may be a step or two behind someone else who has.

It would be a good thing to learn (and keep learning) from an experienced model or actor/actress, or go through a trustworthy training program at a modeling and/or acting school. Keep your skills sharp by practicing them regularly. Staying active in the industry obviously helps too! Then, constantly look for ways to improve, and get honest feedback from your agents or other experienced talents whom you respect and respect you.

Goals

Just like anything else you are trying to suceed in, you have to have goals. You should have an overall goal of what you would ultimately like to concentrate on in this field. And then you should have smaller goals to lead you in that direction.

Find out what steps you need to take to reach your goals. Do what it takes to accomplish each step, including how to overcome obstacles. One of the obstacles I personally face when seeking work is the long-standing height preference of 5'7" to 6'0". I am fortunate, however, to be a part of a petite modeling agency that has a vision to change the standards in the industry. Since the most challenging area would be runway and high fashion, I will focus on commercial print, promotionals and acting.

If your goal is to play a principal role in television ads, take some acting classes or workshops, practice memorization, speech and acting techniques everyday, and send some 8"x10" black and white headshots and resume's of yourself to your local casting agencies.

If your goal is to pursue various print modeling opportunities, put together a portfolio from photoshoots and have composite ("comp") cards made, and submit these to various reputable modeling agencies along with your resume's.

Getting work

Before anything else...conduct yourself as a professional! This is a business, and you are applying for work, just as any other place. You can do a job that is needed, and someone is going to use your work and talent to generate revenue. Although it is important to have fun, keep your professionalism in mind. This is what agencies and clients look for.

Representation by agencies helps get you into auditions or right into commercials and print. Clients contact them looking for talent, and they also are in contact with casting agencies so that they are the first to learn about auditions. They serve as the "go-between," matching clients to talent. They may be Union or non-Union, and they will take a percentage of your pay (20% usually) for representing you. You also have the option of doing your own research and keeping your eyes and ears open for the casting and modeling opportunities in your area. You can do this via your local newspaper and the internet. Many times, however, the casting agency and client expect the auditioning talent to be affiliated with an agency, and the agencies will have the most comprehensive knowledge of the opportunities in your city.

You can find major modeling and casting agencies in your local Yellow Pages, on the internet, and by word of mouth. You may contact them by phone to get more information, or better yet - mail them your photos and resume's or visit them in person with these items to represent you.

When it comes to a modeling portfolio, it is necessary to have professional images taken. You can locate professional photographers experienced in modeling photoshoots via the internet or by word of mouth from agencies or other models. If you do your research, you can find photographers who will do TFPs to enable you to build a portfolio - meaning you can trade your time for free prints. Photographers who are interested in TFPs are often seeking to build their portfolios. Make sure you find a reputable and experienced photographer before jumping into it, however.

Your portfolio would ideally reflect various "looks" to show your versatility. You are portraying different roles in each. Each person's portfolio will vary. Composite cards are comprised of these images and, depending on how you want to market yourself, can include a look that is casual, high fashion, glamourous, fitness or athletic, business, formal, or swimwear.

Having Fun

The most fun is to be found is the camaraderie in this field. It is a huge fallacy that all models and entertainers are "stuck up" and egomaniacs. Especially when you begin, you are in the same boat as many others. I was pleasantly surprised with how down-to-earth and friendly many of the people are. This is a great time and place to establish working relationships with other people who have similar interests and goals as you.

Once again, attending a training program or even just a workshop will give you this opportunity. You aspire to be an entertainer or to help clients sell...you might as well practice your extraversion by being outgoing with others with similar aspirations here. You can also establish valuable contacts and friendships within the agencies who represent you.

Some thoughts on auditons: my personal experience has taught me that it is basically throwing the dice! That doesn't mean you should not audition or that you should go into these calls with a negative attitude. However, realistically, you and possibly hundreds of other people are vying for a role in a commercial or a spot in a magazine ad that can only be filled by one or two or ten people. Rejection is inevitable. You have to learn not to take it personally and try again when the next opportunity arises. The client has hired the casting agency to assist them in finding "that look" or "that personality." If you don't match their expectations, you will eventually match someone else's...but only if you keep going!

When you have a determined mindset and do everything you know you are suppossed to do, you will be confident that you can sell whatever product, message, or storyline a client seeks to sell. This confidence will show in your photos, your performance, your work ethic, your personality, and everything else associated with this business. Stay grounded, energetic, and confident. This is what sells, and the clients, agencies, and customers know it! And you will have fun giving them what you have to offer.