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FROM: Jennifer Allen
RE: Modeling Information
Added 060405 0128hrs

Hello there. I would like to know how I can become a model. I am told that I am very attractive and that I should look into becoming a model. I feel that I am ready, and would like to work with your agency. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Allen

Hello Jennifer,
Before we begin, there are two things that we want to clarify for you. First, we are flattered that you want us to represent you and that you trust us with your modeling career, but we are not a modeling agency, as we are not licensed for that, do not make money from booking models into work, and are not in compliance with the Florida laws that govern agencies. We do not manage models, either, as we cannot legally make money by booking models into work, and any professional who works for free would have serious credibility issues. We are a resource site which teaches models how to market themselves, promote their career, and give them the resources to manage themselves.
The second thing that we would like to clarify for you is the definition of modeling. You mentioned in your letter that people find you attractive, and that this is why you would like to model. Did you know that it is a common stereotype that all models are "drop-dead" gorgeous, glamourous, and sexy? The stereotype doesn't fly in real life. Models can have average or unique looks, too. If you have a look that a company could use, then you can model. Modeling is actually a form of visual marketing; we have a saying around here that modeling is marketing, and it is true! The best models, of course, have a greater range of looks, which makes them more flexible and marketable in the industry. More often than not, you find the stereotypical "beautiful model" who goes out an invests in cosmetic enhancements for their "career", and it limits the range of looks that they have. This, of course, limits their marketability as a model.
There are steps that you need to take if you want to start a modeling career, and no, you really don't need to go through a modeling agency to do it. You will find that, ultimately, you will get out of your career what you are willing to put into it. This means time, investments of money, hard work, and a little use of the gray matter upstairs. Educating yourself (hint: Read our site!) is the single best thing that you can do to empower and supercharge your modeling career.
You can do the old fashioned thing and let an agency guide and represent you in your career, but what fun is that? Letting an agency run your modeling career often limits it. To be honest, the only one who can do your career justice is you. You will always be your own best interest. With an agency comes politics, and you will need to realize that the bookers are working with many more models than you. It is not only possible for models to work independently, but many do it all of the time now. Smart independent models cover all of their bases, however, and often do work with several agencies on a non-exclusive basis.
So, what is an aspiring model to do? Well, first you need to read up on modeling, and you can do it all on this web site!
After you've learned a bit, here are some of the steps that you will need to take to get your career started.

1. Learn about model scams so you don't waste time and money

We have detailed information on model scams on Independent Modeling. Generally, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Additionally, most "modeling opportunities", such as things that are advertised on television, radio, and the newspaper, end up being scams. Modeling managers? Well, how can they make money if it isn't legal to do so without an agency license? Are they going to work for free? I didn't think so, either. Modeling agency wants you to work with a special photographer? Watch out! It is against the law for a licensed modeling agency to make money with modeling photography or by referring models to photographers. Wow, a model search? Think again! We have yet to see a model search which is not a scam- if you find one, let us know. What is often advertised as a "free" model search often costs the model a lot of money with little prospects of any real work or agency representation. Read the fine print and do your homework. The professional model clarifies all information and verifies references. Clarify and Verify!

2. Find a photographer

We recommend paying for a good one and getting what you need. If you don't want to invest in good career tools, you can take the more difficult route of playing TFP chairs (i.e. trying to build a modeling portfolio with free test shoots). This is often not cost-effective due to the fact that you waste a lot of time, get lots of pictures that are not professional quality, and might even pick up bad advice and habits from photographers who may not be professional. Yes, professionals may offer TFP's to people with undeniable potential, but don't expect it. If you must go the TFP route, check their references and look at the quality of their work. More often than not, however, you'll get what you pay for, which is not much.
Some professional photographers offer model testing at reduced rates, and this is often worth checking out. We have many different photographers listed on our site. Oh, as in step one, don't forget to Clarify and Verify, either! Know who you are dealing with!

3. Put together your portfolio

You need at least ten looks which demonstrate your range of looks as a model. Why ten? You need at least five to six for your composite card and an additional four to five to start you portfolio. Don't know what I'm talking about? Go back and read over this site again.

4. Start your career

Now that you have quality tools to market and promote your career, you can now go to go see's and book jobs. Congratulations, you are a working model! If you've read over our site, you'll know what to do.
Good luck with your new career!

-IM-

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The agency way is no longer the only way of having a professional career as a model. There is no arguing against common-sense and proven business practices. Modern professional models think for themselves, network, and book work both as independent models and by using agencies as one of many sources of jobs. This is the future of the modeling industry.

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