The Safe Way To Start A Pro Modeling Career

Stephan Beakey is the owner/director of Barbizon School of Modeling of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, since 1976. Her school produced the top winner, Audrey Anderson, at the Barbizon Competition held in Washington, D.C. Audrey later won the "Cover Girl" competition. Audrey has appeared on the cover of "Mademoiselle" magazine as well as many national and international advertising campaigns. Stephan Beakey has been associated with Modeling Association of America International since 1992, and is serving as MAAI's president for 2000-2001.

How often we in the professional modeling industry have heard, "My daughter is so beautiful. Everyone tells me she should be a model." The main question is where to begin. Being beautiful, handsome, cute and talented is not enough. There are many facets of this industry that can be misleading. Many unenlightened parents, teens and adults are preyed upon by fly-by-night agencies, schools, photographers and scouting firms that promise instant success, only to discover after investing large sums of money that they should have done some research.

It is important to learn some basic skills about taking care of yourself and being independent. Don't expect an agent or booker to be your caretaker. You must prepare to invest in your career. An agency can introduce you to clients, send you on "go-sees" and auditions, but what you do during those visits will determine your success.

Where to Begin: Many agencies agree that training is important. For one, it helps to identify an individual's strong and weak points. It will boost your confidence, teach poise, interviewing and auditioning techniques which are vital in any business. But in modeling, where competition can be fierce, high self-esteem and knowing how to present yourself to an agent or client can mean the difference in being hired or turned away. Getting rejected just one time can shatter your motivation and desire to continue pursuing your dream.

Finding a good training facility requires a little homework. The school should be licensed by your state, be in business several years, be in good standing with the local Better Business Bureau, and be able to provide proof of success stories and satisfied customers.

A school or coach will not make you into a successful model--only you can do that. However, a school can give you the necessary tools to get started, identify your type (See story next page, 'Finding your type') and steer you in the right direction. Many schools have their own agency, and getting started is much easier with them because they may be more willing to work with you.

Looks vs. Personality: Physical attributes account for a small part of what it takes to be successful. Begin by examing your priorities. If you are in school, maintaining your good grades should be a priority. You will not be able to take advantage of any offers for auditions during school hours unless you are an A or a B student. Do you have a supportive family able and willing to take you to auditions and assignments? Do you possess a strong commitment, good work ethics, a pleasant and easygoing personality? Do you take criticism well? No one wants to work with a difficult person.

Girls who have not been away from home or are attached to a boyfriend will have difficulty adjusting to being on their own and making their own decisions. It is important to learn some basic skills about taking care of yourself and being independent. Don't expect an agent or booker to be your caretaker. A beautiful teenage girl who had recently graduated from high school was signed by a foreign agency and sent abroad. Once there, she ate so much pasta, she gained weight and the agency sent her home. Another girl recruited by an Italian agency expected to be flown first class, picked up in a limo, and to stay in a hotel with her boyfriend. That is not the reality when starting out.

Building Your Portfolio

Start by identifying your look and getting professional photographs that leave a lasting impression.

PHOTOS BY UDO SPREITZENBARTH • MAKEUP BY RANDOLPH BLAKE

Agents and Agencies: Once you have decided that you have the determination for this industry, the next step is finding the right agency for your type. Most agencies have open call day. These are specified dates an agency sets aside to see new faces and talent. Call ahead to find out their schedule and what type of models they represent. Arrive within the specified time (no appointment necessary), bring professional photos if you have them or good, clear head shots and full-body photos. Be professional in your appearance, and don't overdress. Don't chew gum or bring food, friends or relatives. An agent will want to speak to you, the potential model. This is where you can display your confidence and skills.

Some agents will show interest in you right away, but others will need to have a discussion with everyone involved in booking talent. If they tell you, "We already have someone who looks just like you," it can mean one of two things: 1) They do already have someone like you; or 2) They are politely sending you on your way. Don't be discouraged. Try other agencies. Most have specific types they are looking for. If you are not right for any agency, talk to some professionals to find out if you are taking the right approach. Keep an open mind; be willing to change your look. Some girls refuse to cut their hair, lose weight or make other alterations in their appearance. They will never make it in this industry. It is all about change. Study magazines. Do you look as though you could step off one of those pages?

Modeling requires a high degree of personal maintenance--watching what you eat, working out, polishing finger- and toenails, eliminating body and facial hair, avoiding scratches and bruises, abstaining from body piercing, smoking and drinking (don't even think about drugs or associate with anyone who does), and getting plenty of rest (the camera never lies).

Agents and bookers (the people who get you work) are busy making sure everyone is working. Agencies make money when you do. Avoid agencies that want money up front to represent you. That's illegal. An agency does not provide or charge for training; only a licensed school can charge for training.

You must be prepared to invest in your career. An agency will arrange a photo shoot with a professional photographer, and you will be charged for the photographer's fee and for the prints that will become part of your portfolio. Some people feel they are so gorgeous the agency should pay for their photo shoot. But that is simply not the case.

Signing with an agency does not guarantee success or work. An agency can introduce you to clients, send you on "go-sees" and auditions, but what you do during those visits will determine your success.

Scouting Firms and Conventions: You hear an ad on the radio or TV, there's a "Model Search" in your town. You arrive full of anticipation, this is your chance to be discovered. There are literally hundreds of people assembled seeking the same dream. You are selected, asked to part with some money, and to show up for their "convention" in a few weeks or a month. Bring a couple of photos for the agents to see. And that's where your career comes to a screeching halt. No one showed any interest in you and you wonder why.

A few questions to ask yourself: Were you the right type and height for the agents that were present? Did you project a confident, professional image? Were your photos what the agents were looking for? Did you know how to walk that long runway (ramp)? If your answer is no to most of these questions, there is a better approach.

There are very good and legitimate modeling conventions that have been well established and are well attended by a variety of agents and casting directors. I have been personally associated with the Modeling Association of America International (M.A.A.I) for the past 10 years. M.A.A.I. is now in its 41st year of existence and, as this year's president, I have seen many achieve great success. Your school or agency will invest months to prepare you for this exciting and challenging event to assure you are ready to meet the agents, have a professional portfolio or head shot, grill you in auditioning skills, perfect your runway technique and advise you on your hair, makeup and wardrobe. Now you are ready to choose a convention to attend and possess the confidence to do your very best.

Find your type and jumpstart your career

Not all models are tall, slim and gorgeous. Here are some of the various model types and their characteristics: 1. Fashion Print and Runway: Female 5'8" and up. Male 5'11" to 6'3". Good bone structure, toned body and in proportion. Clear skin. Nice smile. 2. Commercial Print: Most can fit into this category. Height is not a criteria. Think of all the ads in magazines, newspapers, periodicals, catalogs and TV, and you can probably visualize yourself in one of those ads. Age is not a factor, either. However, you still need all of the above attributes. 3. Specialty Models: Body builders for fit magazines and catalogs. Body parts (beautiful hands and feet are difficult to find). Lingerie models. 4. Plus Size: Today, many agencies consider a plus size starting at size 8 or 10, height 5'8" and up for fashion print and runway. As with fashion print, maintaining a well-proportioned and toned body is key to being successful. 5. Fit Model: Must be a perfect size where manufacturers make patterns and fit clothing directly on a model. In New York City, it can be a full-time job. 6. Promotional Model: Men and women, usually age 16 and above, can work quite steadily introducing new products to the consumer. Must be outgoing, have a good speaking voice, enjoy meeting new people. Promo models work at trade shows, conventions and automobile shows. Most of the jobs are on weekends, affording you to have a normal job or be in school. 7. The Model Actor: You must know how to do a "cold reading," slate for the camera (by identifying yourself and where you are from), take directions, get into character and project your voice. Take acting lessons, get involved in school or community theater. No age, type or height limits.

 

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