A Models Guide to Getting Signed.

     A MODELS GUIDE TO GETTING SIGNED. 

   Do you feel like you have what it takes to be a signed model, but aren't sure how to get started? When I first made the decision of wanting to be signed with Wilhelmina, I had no idea how it was going to happen. I just knew I really wanted to be represented by one of the top agencies in the universe. But that intention alone was enough to set me out on my journey. 
   When I began modeling as a creative outlet in college, I was doing everything by myself. I was creating my own outfits and doing my own make up for every shoot. I was shooting often, and over time I had developed a portfolio that showed a range of different fashion looks and modeling poses. I took my portfolio into a Wilhelmina open call, and within a month I was signed. BAM. Just like that. LOL, jk. It was more complex than that. I will share with you my knowledge and wisdom on my experience, and what you should expect out of your journey to becoming a signed model.

(photo shoot styled by me)

Purpose
   First, it starts with your purpose. Your intention will set the foundation for your experience. Ask yourself this; Why do you want to be a model? Do you want to be a model because you have a strong passion for it and love creating art? Do you want to be a model because you know you have what it takes to be on top? OR do you want to be a model for the lifestyle? Do you want to be a model for the attention and to gain a million followers on Instagram? I hope that's not the reason. You should model because it's your passion and you love it, you should do it for the art and the love of it being a form of self expression. Maybe you have a dream of wanting to make a difference in the industry. You may want to inspire young girls or women.


   Whatever your reason, it is valid. As long as the reason isn't superficial, just for the money, or for the lifestyle. If you are modeling for the wrong reasons, you could run out of energy and may get stuck. When you are pursuing a dream out of passion, the fire within will always burn inside of you and will keep you going even when times get rough. There may be times when things aren't going your way or how you expect them to go. Still, no matter what you will keep pushing because your passion and dreams will lead the way and keep you persistent and courageous. 

Image
   Going into the modeling industry, you have to understand that your entire career is based off of your physical image. You are a brand. You are a business. You have to be realistic with yourself. It is so important to be confident and have self love. You will often be critiqued on your image so it is good to develop thick skin and learn how to take constructive criticism. Times are changing and they are signing curvier models and more agencies are developing curve divisions which is amazing. We need the variety in the industry. But most agencies request average measurements of 22-26" waist, 32-36" hips, 32-35" bust, and 5'7-6 ft tall models. Now of course, there are signed models that may have different measurements. Most of the time they are signed because they have much to offer. That may be because they have a unique look,they may be an influencer with a large following on social media, they may possess great skills as a model, or all of the above. One of the first thing agencies look at are your measurements. It's dumb because shit like that shouldn't matter if your images and skills don't lie. But that's just the way it is I guess.


   You should really invest in yourself. You should work out regularly to keep in shape and stay toned. It starts from within, so you should be conscious of what you are eating. What you are eating affects your skin as well, it affects your whole well being. You should strive to keep your skin as clear as possible, DRINK A LOT OF WATER. It'll solve a lot of your problems. Self care is the most important step in being a model, so invest in self!

Modeling Experience
   How could you be a model without experience? I mean you can try but I wish you luck. You have to get comfortable and used to being in front of the lens. So you should practice, practice, practice it will help you grow. Shoot as often as you can.
   Over time you will get better with movement, posing, and become even more confident every time you step in front of the camera. I highly recommend practicing posing in front of the mirror. Go ahead and stare at yourself in the mirror to learn your angles and different facial expressions. You should practice everyday. I love to turn on music and dance in front of the mirror, it is a great way to discover new poses I had no idea was inside of me.

   When it comes to who you are shooting with, be very selective. Don't shoot with just anyone. There's a lot of people out there with cameras. You want to shoot with photographers who can produce quality photos, know how to shoot different angels, know how to work with lighting, and know how edit photos well. You don't want to waste your time shooting with someone who won't make you look fine and fancy as fuck. INVEST IN YOURSELF! If you need to pay for photo shoots then do it! Sacrifice some time away from friends, going out, buying unnecessary shit because in the end the sacrifices are worth it! I cannot say this enough. INVEST IN YOURSELF. What you put in is what will come back to you.

Portfolio
  The way you present your portfolio is so important. Your portfolio should include your top notch quality photos with a variety of different fashion looks, settings and poses. Your portfolio will show agencies everything about your talent and presence behind the camera. It should include your strongest photos. You need to show how versatile you are. So you should have a lifestyle, beauty, high fashion, bikini, lingerie (if you're comfortable), and maybe even a formal photo shoot in your book. Including different looks in your book is a great way for the agencies to get a visual of how you can work in a range of different markets. Black and white photos are beneficial to your book as well.
   You shouldn't rush, take your time if you need to until you get the perfect photos. Having a stylist and make up artist is great. But if you are on a budget or you're good at styling yourself and doing your own make up, then do it yourself! Browse through Instagram and Pinterest to search for inspiration for photo shoots. Find looks that inspire you and fit who you are! Then create outfits similar to them. There's also nothing wrong with being your creative self and putting together your own outfits as that is exactly what I did.
   Make up for shoots are okay, but be sure to include photos with a bare natural face and photos with minimum make up (little foundation, concealer, and mascara). You don't have to spend a lot of money on styling! Forever 21 always comes in clutch for me and still does ;) I think it is very smart to also include photos of you in a studio showing front, side and back full body poses. This is to show that you can do E-commerce jobs. Look online at Forever 21, Agaci, Love Culture or any online clothing store and observe the models poses. Practice makes perfect ;)

Agencies
   Wilhelmina, Ford Models, Elite, IMG, and The Lions are all top agencies. Being signed to any of them is a blessing, but being with a boutique agency is just of big of a blessing as well! You don't have to be signed to a big agency to be successful. At the end of the day it is about you, because you are the brand. Your success is dependent upon your dedication, persistence, and passion to succeed. As long as your agent believes in you as much as you believe in yourself, and you can show them how determined you are, they will work hard and push for you! Being with a big agency is amazing. But there are so many women on the board, sometimes it's hard for the agents to focus on every model. There are some models who barely ever work! That also has to do with how dedicated they are as well.


   Research different agencies. When you gather a list of agencies that resonate with you, you need to look up their call times. If they don't have open calls, they have submission forms online where you fill out your measurements and submit your digitals. If you are able to go to open calls, you should wear something sleek like a tank top, a body suit, and some jeans. Don't be afraid to show your personal style, just make sure you wear fitted clothing so they are able to see your frame. Wear your hair natural, and minimum make up. A cute bootie or some heels will complete your outfit. Don't over-do it, but look as cute and sophisticated as you can.


   Walk in with confidence. Look whoever is hosting the casting in the eye and give them good, positive energy. Speak with confidence as well. Show them how serious you are about wanting to represent their agency in the best way possible! First impressions are everything. Come ready to explain your experience you have with modeling. Even if you have never had any opportunities to work for any brands, explain the experiences you do have in front of the camera. You are a brand so showing up prepared is vital. Be confident in your craft and know that if one agency won't give you the time of the day, there are so many others out there! With persistence, someone is bound to sign you if you have the potential and ambition. Never give up on your dreams. As long as you know what you have to offer, you can show the world your self-assurance and eventually someone will see your light!

Like I said, I had no idea what I was doing when I first got started. But the universe put everything I needed in my path and I trusted it! I followed the signs. I was blessed to be shown the way and now I feel that I should pass on my knowledge and wisdom to all of the aspiring models out there. Remember you are a brand. You are a business. Once your actions come into alignment with your intentions, God blesses you beyond measure. Using your talents is your gift to God and in never goes unrewarded. As long as you have the passion, patience, dedication, and faith in yourself you will achieve anything your heart desires! I wish you the best of luck along your journey. You are all queens and kings.

Namaste,

Makaela Reve Heard <3