Entering into the profession of modeling can be the most difficult part about the business. There are two ways to enter into the industry, and that's "being discovered" and "seeking discovery". A common misconception is that all it takes to become a successful model is a pretty face and good body, and BAM, you're destined and on the road to becoming a famous model. It does not happen over night, it takes work and preparation to break into the profession.
There have been many success stories, when a woman was walking through the mall, or on the street, and an agent came swooping down and said, "You've got what it takes! I'm going to make you a star". Although this does happen, it's not as common as you think, 9 times out of 10 YOU have to go searching for them. There is a way to increase your chances of being discovered, and it's called model haunting. Yes, it's just how it sounds; you "haunt" the models.
Although modeling is a multi-billion dollar industry, their communities are small. In every large city, there's a place where they all congregate and relax. Most of these places are restaurants, clubs, and cafes, which are sometimes owned by models. The "who's who" in the industry frequents these establishments. If you go to these spots, you have to think of it as work. You're there to sell yourself! Where there are models, there are scouts and agents, photographers, and even clients. This enables you to network and make connections with agents, photographers and fellow models. By going where the models go, this heightens your chances of being discovered. Model haunting is sometimes very successful, but it is not guaranteed to get you discovered, let alone shoot you to superstardom.
In order to market yourself, you need a portfolio. This shows your work, what you are able to do, and gives the agents and clients an idea of what you are capable of. A portfolio is not necessary to getting discovered or seeking discovery, but it is definitely helpful. It let's the agents know that you are not "fresh off the boat" and need a dramatic amount of training. Modeling agencies are located all over, and most of them have a time designated for walk-ins, this is perfect for starting your leg work. Make sure you research the agencies before you go to their office, there are a lot of agencies claiming to bring you fame and fortune and either do not deliver, or they are not legitimate modeling agencies.
When contacting agencies, attending walk-ins, and going to their main offices, you should know the warning signs of a false agency, or an inadequate one. It is true that you must first spend money to make money, but if an agency is requesting money upfront, that is a major red flag. If they are confident that you can succeed as a model and bring in revenue, they will either put up the money for your training and photographs, or they will front you it. All agencies will work off of a commission, this thought may seem scary, but you must remind yourself that if they don't get you jobs, they don't get paid either. You should also research different modeling agencies closest to you to give yourself a scale of what the commission percentages are, to help give you an idea. So if an agency gives you a number for their commission that sounds ridiculously high, based on your research, another red flag should be raising in your mind.
There are also many scouting events that take place all over the country you can go to if you wish. These scouting companies do cost money, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Once again, there are many scout scams and false companies that don't deliver what they promise. Do your research on any scouting event you wish to attend, check with the Better Business Bureau and see if they are a legitimate company. The Better Business Bureau will let you know how long the company has been around, and all, if any, complaints lodged against that company. There will also be a rating for these companies, much like the grading system you would find in a school. If they have a high rating with the BBB, they are a legitimate company and most definitely NOT a scam. Beware of viewing blogs and discussion boards about the scouting event you wish to attend. A lot of times, people who are claiming that the scouting company is a scam, most likely weren't recruited. These people have been scorned and are vengeful, keep an open mind, and do your own researches before you come to a decision. It has to be a decision YOU have made, not that others have made for you.
Another event that you can attend that will help you break into the industry, are competitions and seminars. These also can be held all across the country, and much like the scouting event, it will cost money to attend. Competitions have judges and spectators, most of the prizes and modeling opportunities are afforded to the winners and runner ups. There is a chance you can get an opportunity if you are not one of the winners, but this is rare. Seminars are informational, but they have many models, agencies, and clients who will speak at these seminars to help give you an idea about the business and what to expect in the industry. They will speak of the fun, fame and fortune that can occur, and the dark, downside of the industry and breaking in. These seminars will hold a plethora of information and tips to making it, and you can also network and meet with these agents, models, and clients.
In the modeling industry, there are two forms of payment; voucher and collection. A voucher is an issuance of a check to the model before the client officially pays the agency. Agencies normally won't participate in this option, but it does happen. The bigger agencies that bring in a great amount of revenue are able to opt for the voucher payment, while smaller agencies are not able to make the financial risk. A collection is after the agency has been paid by the client, then a check will be issued to the model through their agency. Collection is a more common way of getting paid as a model.
One thing you must remember when you go to all these agencies, scouting events, modeling competitions, and seminars, they are not required to recruit you! You must prove to them and most importantly to yourself, that you DESERVE it. You have to prepare, do research, and put in the leg work to get the results you want. You must learn to collect "No"s. Every no you receive gives you more experience and will help to keep you grounded and level headed. Every "No" you receive brings you one step closer to that "Yes" you have been fighting and striving for.
Brian Cannone went into promoting fitness with enthusiasm and a very genuine love for the sport. His approach and feelings about bodybuilding are that it is not only a sport but more of a way to motivate yourself and others to achieve results of loosing body-fat and gaining lean muscle along with improving overall health. By competing in natural bodybuilding you push yourself to be in your best possible shape of your life. In fact, he believes that it is more about the results you gain then the trophy you may take home with you. With fitness results in mind Brian trained nearly every competitor that competed in the Milford County and Mr. and Ms. Connecticut events, most of these new bodybuilders then competed for their first time and they were overwhelmed with their accomplishments. This is a sport that the contestants can't loose for it is their physique that is the trophy and the process of getting into great shape that is the reward. Visit his website at: http://www.fitnessatlantic.com/
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