Have you ever wondered how to become a model? Have you ever dreamed of being the next Gigi Hadid on the cover of Vogue? The modelling career has become very popular amongst so many people, who want to become the next super model. Sadly, we cannot leave our future career paths to chance. 
The days when we could count on luck to be noticed by a modelling agency are over. The chances for this to happen now are one in a million. In order to become a model you need to be disciplined, effort and consistency. You have to plan, get ready and follow a strategy if you want to stand out and be noticed.
In this episode and the next two we will give you some advice that can help you launch your career as a model.
Develop your modelling skills
Firstly, you can research and find out what posing is and how to do it. Start by practising your catwalk. What makes a model stand out is their ability to pose and their catwalk style. Being a model is a form of art. You must be acquainted with the details of the profession regardless of how you do it, e.g. by watching America’s next Top Model or video lessons on modelling on YouTube. You can read magazines, Vogue for example or read books on modelling and fashion. 
Posing and catwalk is always difficult in the beginning. You can improve that by practising. Our advice is to ask a friend to take photos and videos of you, so you can start feeling more confident in front of the camera and in front of other people. You can also start practising by placing your phone on a tripod and making a video of yourself and then analysing it until you feel confident walking and posing in front of other people.
Recreate other models’ poses in front of the camera
The next step you can take is to practise in front of the real camera. Supermodels, who we see in magazine covers, have not simply stood in front of the camera and got lucky by being shot by a highly qualified fashion photographer. Both model and photographer worked hard to create a masterpiece together. They are duly qualified in their field of work.
The model uses posing, face expression and artistic intuition to help create the vision of the photographer regarding the final product. Possessing the right skills to pose is a basic criteria if you want to become a model. On the other hand, the photographer will use their knowledge of lighting, blends, etc, in order to make everything come to life. This collaboration can be likened to a dance with a specific choreography and you will have to improve your skills in the best possible way. If you are not feeling confident in front of the camera it will be 20 times as hard to get a good shot. Work on becoming the best model you can be!
Build an exceptional portfolio
One of the most important steps you will take to become a model and build a great career is to have a well-structured portfolio. It will demonstrate your strengths through high-quality one of a kind images. The portfolio is one of the first things (and therefore a key requirement) the model must work on. It is the first thing agencies and clients look at in order to decide whether they want to work with you or not. It is a good idea to have one printed and one online copy or a website of your portfolio, which you can send to an agency/client or hand to them in a person to person meeting. Building a successful model career starts with building an excellent portfolio.
Find the right modelling agency
Every model needs a modelling agency to represent them. The first step to signing a contract with an agency is to be scouted. This does not require much work on your part - just take a few photos of yourself. This is what is called a polaroid in the modelling industry.
Modelling agencies are looking for the most simple and plain photos of you in your natural look. This is due to the fact that they want to see YOU. Send up to date photos of yourself (polaroids) wearing minimal or no makeup (a tiny bit of concealer and mascara). Do not style your hair but make sure it is clean. Take a photo with your hair down (if it is long enough) and with your hair up so that your face is clearly visible. The background must be clear (white if possible) so that it does not distract the attention away from you. Make sure to take the photos in broad daylight. You can ask a friend or relative to take them for you. If you have any friends or know someone who is currently studying or has studied fashion design, you can ask them for advice on what to wear. The photos must include: one up close, one of each profile, one from your wait up and on full length. It is best if you wear plain jeans and a single colour T-shirt. 
When registering with a modelling agency do not send them the following photos: selfies, Photoshopped photos, blurred/unclear/small size images, photos where you are wearing a lot of makeup (don’t try the “no makeup” makeup either because the purpose of the polaroids is to show your current and natural image and condition of your skin). Do not overdo anything. Be your natural and real self in order to make a good first impression because this is that the modelling agencies are really looking for.
Author: Alia Models Team
