Guide to Becoming a Model – with Capri Models

Lots of people want to become a model, but some are more successful than others. Capri Models explains the right steps to take to give yourself the best chance of finding success as a model.

Step One – Decide if you really want to be a model

Think about the reasons for wanting to become a model, and though it might be hard, try to assess yourself realistically for model potential. Are you taller than average, do you have exceptionally clear skin and are you photogenic?

Step Two – Make sure you have support

If you’re under eighteen, then you can’t be a model without your parent’s consent, so you need to discuss it with them, and make sure they’re on side. The chances are they’ll probably get as excited about the idea as you, and will help you on your way.

Step Three – do some research

Read up on the industry, what’s expected from you and what you can expect. Find out about the major modelling agencies, how they work, where they’re based and what their guidelines are like. You can also contact a modelling support company such as Capri Models, who can give you an independent assessment for modelling potential and help you put together an action plan.

Step Four - Submit your photos to an agency

Read their guidelines carefully and make sure you follow them to the letter and don’t forget anything. Then you’ll have to wait to see what they say. It’s fine to submit to a few agencies at once, but only do as many as you’ll be able to take rejections. Rejection is part of life for a model, and no reason to give up too soon.

Step Five – Be professional

If you’re lucky enough to get invited in for an interview, then try to stay calm and just be yourself. If you’re under eighteen your guardian will need to go with you. Answer all the interviewers questions honestly, and try not to babble. If they offer you a contract then check it our carefully and read the small print.

For more advice how to become a model go to Capri Models website.

From the mouths of babes – Modelling quotes collected by Capri Models

I hate flowers - I paint them because they're cheaper than models and they don't move.

Georgia O'Keeffe

The leading cause of death among fashion models is falling through street grates.

Dave Barry

So everyone has that problem, models have that problem, too.

Heidi Klum
 

Models now need to promote themselves, think like businesswomen and diversify their careers by doing other things. Chances are very slim that a mere model will become a household name today.

Tyra Banks

Most of the models have this thing I call slouchy sexy, not only in the way they dress, but in the way carry themselves. I don't think they would look hot in one of my dresses. They are more into A. Wang. Most of my clothes are nerdy sexy.

Chloe Sevigny

Today it is not the classroom nor the classics which are the repositories of models of eloquence, but the ad agencies.

Marshall McLuhan

I'm not photographing the model in the classic sense; the model is playing a part in my photographs. It's more like theater. I always work with models I know, and I let them participate in deciding how to act their part.

Kim Weston

The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.

Karl Lagerfeld

Case Study of A Supermodel – Kate Moss, by Capri Models

Kate Moss is arguably the most famous supermodel in the world. She rose to fame during the Heroin Chic model movement in the 1990s and despite waves of controversy over the years, remains one of the most highly demanded models to this day.

Picture from http://letterecattoliche.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/kate-moss.html

Kate grew up in an unassuming family in Surrey, but was spotted at an airport when she was only 14 years old by the founder of Storm Model Management. Following a black and whiter ‘grunge’ photoshoot when she was sixteen, Kate went on to become famous for her contrast to the supermodels of the time, who tended to healthy, tall and curvaceous.

She has won many awards over the years, including ranking highly in several ‘Sexiest Women’ lists, modern muses and rich lists.

Kate Moss has worked with many of the leading international fashion  brands, including Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Rimmel and Bulgari. She has been on the cover of countless magazines, including Vogue, Vanity Fair and the Face.

Kate has branched out from modelling and has been a fashion icon for the boho-chich movement and has even designed her own collection. She has also launched fragrances and body lotions bearing her name.

Kate’s personal life has been a focus for controversy and media interest, with partners ranging from Johnny Depp to the infamous Pete Doherty. She’s now married to Jamie Hince, the guitarist for The Kills. Her drug use has often been in the headlines, and while a cocaine scandal temporarily caused negative publicity, it doesn’t appear to have affected her earning power, which is higher than ever.

Don't wait! Register with Capri Models to become a top model!

Which are the best cities to be a model? Capri Models does a virtual tour of the fashion capitals of the world…

As with many things, location is a key factor in the success or failure of a model. Proximity to jobs means you can get there faster and cheaper, and in the fast moving fashion industry, quick turnaround is often a deal breaker. As a general rule, big cities offer many more opportunities than smaller places, as the clients and agencies are concentrated there.

There are four major fashion capitals in the world: Milan, New York, Paris, London. Capri Models explains what each of them is about.

Opportunities for modelling in Milan

In 2009 Milan was declared the top economic and media capital of fashion. There are a great many world famous Italian fashion brands which have their main headquarters located in the city, including: Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. Milan Fashion Week is held twice a year and is one of the Holy Grails for catwalk models.

Modelling in New York

The only recognised fashion capital outside of Europe, New York is a metropolitan city that never sleeps and is home to the cutting edge of innovation is style and culture. New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009 is held in February and September every year – and was originally the first ever fashion ‘week’.

Becoming a Model in Paris

Paris has a long standing history as a centre of art and fashion and is home to several prestigious fashion houses. It is known for the classic timeless elegance of the designs that are born there. It has an up market high fashion shopping district where all the most exclusive labels can be found.

A major centre for fashion and modelling - London

 

London has a long history as a trendsetter and leader in world fashions, and in recent years has been named as the number 1 fashion capital of the world thanks to the ascendency of Kate Middleton and the London Olympics. The vast majority of the international modelling agencies have their main UK offices in London and it is the base for hundreds of fashion photography studios and the supporting teams, including the best photographers for glossy magazines.

The major modelling agencies are mostly based in Central London, around South Kensington and Leicester Square, including: Elite, Storm, Premier Model Management, Models 1, BMA Models and Next Models.

Become a top fashion model with Capri Models! Register today!

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Capri Models advice for modelling interviews

So, you submitted your photos to a modelling agency and they’ve invited you in for an interview. Congratulations! You’re already further than the majority of aspiring models. This article gives tips and advice on how to give yourself the best chance of shining in the interview and impressing the agent into wanting to sign you up.

Note – if a modelling agency has signed you up without meeting you in person, they are almost certainly not a genuine modelling agency.

What to wear

 

The objective is to show how versatile you can be as a model, and that means being a blank canvas, so the keyword here is subtlety. Wear something simple, smart and comfortable. Simple means that your personality won’t be too in their face; smart will demonstrate that you’re mature and are taking the process seriously in a professional manner; and comfortable means that you won’t be fidgeting or struggling because of your dandy but impractical outfit.

Avoid brand names and don’t overdo it on make-up. They will want to see what you look like naturally, and if you pile on the cosmetics they will probably ask you to wash it all off. Better to go with a light foundation, clear lip gloss and maybe a touch of eyeliner or mascara.

How to act

Try to stay calm, be yourself and be professional. It’s natural to be nervous and the agents will be used to that. Make sure you listen carefully to what they ask and answer truthfully – don’t try to just tell them what you think they want to hear. They’ve done this hundreds of times and will be able to spot it a mile off. And even if you could fool them, it would only come back to bite you in the bum later. Nervousness often makes people babble. If you find yourself doing this then pause, take a few deep breaths and try to bring whatever you’re saying to a neat conclusion.

Other tips

Prepare yourself early, give yourself extra travel time and make sure you arrive at least ten minutes early. There’s nothing more stressful than arriving late and rushing in all hot and bothered and flustered. Bring something to read in case they keep you waiting, a bottle of water and whatever basic make-up you need to freshen up. And don’t forget to smile!

If you want to break into modelling with Capri Models, then visit our website and register today!