An Introduction to Modeling Profession

The term "modeling" covers a vast and varied area of endeavor and not just the high fashion modeling popularized on TV. If one is looking to become a "professional model" you need a positive money stream or more money coming in then going out. One can also look at different type of modeling and quickly see what are the chances of having a positive cash flow and how much that might be. If you have as much going out as coming in then by IRS definition, that is a hobby. Hobby modeling can be great fun, a positive experience, and some may even work though a hobby period to go on to be a professional model. If large amounts of the money seem to going out with very little certainty of any money coming in then you can be assured your being scammed or ripped-off. Modeling is not like becoming a doctor where you have a set path of schooling that costs a large amount of money but you are assured if you complete the program of study you will become a doctor and you will have an income. For a lot of modeling you either have the talent and look or you don't. It does not matter how much you want it or how hard you work at it or how much you pay for schooling and photos, if you do not meet the basic physical characteristic of some types of modeling (thinking of high fashion here) you will never become that type of model.

Now having said that let me confuse matter by saying a model is generally an independent contractor (an independent business) and with any business there are some start up cost involved. The challenge is coming to understand what are reasonable cost of getting into the modeling game and at what point is someone taking advantage of your dreams and ignorance of the modeling profession to part you from large amounts of your money. Only through education can you hope to know the difference. This site does not offer all of the answers but I hope the following material will start you on the right road to learning about modeling.

Do you have what it takes to be come a highly paid high fashion model? No you do not! I can make a bold, general statement like that and be right 99% of the time. Most people who read this are looking for the dream of becoming a high fashion model, for themselves or someone they know. The world of "modeling" includes many type of modeling but the high fashion model on the Paris runway or the cover of Vogue is the one that most know about. This high fashion world is distant, unknown, glamorous and for most unattainable. This world of high fashion modeling is the most financially rewarding form of modeling but it is only one of many different types of modeling. When you say, "I want to become a model," you need to be sure what category of model you are talking about. The road to "how do I become a model" or "can I become a model" is different for different market location and for each category of modeling. Your first, best step (and before you spend any money) is to learn as much as possible about the modeling industry. This education not only can answer your questions and help to build a possible career but more importantly help you avoid the scams, the rip offs, the bad businesses and the hanky-panky that surrounds modeling.

There is a whole industry built around taking advantage of your dream of becoming a model. This industry thrives on your enthusiasm, you ignorance and your money. But mostly it thrives on the uncertainty and lack of information generally available on modeling. It is far more likely to you will fall into a rip-off situation while trying to become a model then to find an actual legitimate path to see if modeling is for you.

What is legitimate and what is not legitimate in modeling. With modeling it can be hard to tell the difference at times. In my view the whole modeling industry is made up of "sharks," the difference between legit and not legit is that the shark is working for your interest and not eating you for lunch. Or a legitimate entity makes money when you make money or actually provides a service that in most cases leads to actual paid work. A non-legit entity thrives on your money that you pay to them and it never leads to any significant work.

I think key to finding if you have a chance of becoming a model and to avoid getting ripped off is to understand the markets that actually use models. Modeling is not an end in its self. Models are used by different industries to promote products and services or entertain. Without industries using models to promote their products or service or for entertainment then there are no legitimate (paid) modeling opportunities. So it is important to know what industries use models, what types of models they use and where they are located.

If you want to be a top fashion model, it only happens in New York. Fashion modeling does not take place in small town America. The designers are not there, the fashion magazines are not there, and the show rooms are not there. The really BIG FASHION happens in New York and they play by their own rules. If they find you and you have the look they want for that season, then they have the photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, clothing stylists, art directors, and budgets to make it work. What I am about to say means very little to the fashion elite. But if you are trying to get into modeling or you're in a minor fashion market doing catalog work, character work, product support work, or other secondary work, then this information holds true.

The modeling industry is quite diverse. However, the part that most people have seen glamorized is the life of the fashion Supermodel. For some, the idea of a jet-set life style is very appealing but, let me tell you, you stand a better chance of winning the power ball lottery then becoming one of the dozen or so Supermodels. Which points to a harsh reality of modeling - most people who try to make a living as a model will fail. Fortunately, for many, just trying to make it is personally rewarding. You will never know if you might have what it takes if you never try.

(Written in www.modelingadvice.com)