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Becoming a Model

Models

Admit it - you played dress up with your mom or dad's clothes when you were a little kid. But if you still love dressing up and even practice posing in front of the mirror, then maybe you should be doing it professionally!

Models - Model Behavior

Do you love wearing designer clothes? Do you love striking cool poses? Do you love to hear flashbulbs popping all around you? If you answered yes, then you've already got the makings of a model. Models' careers don't last very long, so you need to start out when you're young. Girls should be between 15-22 years old, but guys can start out a little later, around 18-25 years old. Modeling is a tough industry because it requires specific physical characteristics. You should be tall, with the minimum height for girls being 5'8" and guys being 5'11". Even if you don't tower over your classmates though, it doesn't mean you're not cut out to be a model. Just look at Devon Aoki - standing at only 5'6", she's known as the world's shortest supermodel!

Models - Make Your Mark

There's more than one way to break into the modeling industry, so take your pick.

Do nothing, as in walk around the mall, go to a concert, or hang out at the beach in hopes that a modeling scout will discover you. Many lucky bums have started their careers this way, but it's pretty rare.

Attend a modeling agency's open casting call, where you'll be among hundreds of other model hopefuls.

Make an appoinment with an agency. If they like you, they'll sign you right away.

Try out for one of those modeling reality shows like America's Next Top Model. Maybe Tyra and her panel of judges will see that you're an undiscovered supermodel in the making!

Models - Strike a Pose!

If an agency likes you, they'll put together your portfolio (a book of your photos), a composite card (a single sheet of photos with your information so that a prospective employer can remember you), and a resume. Whenever you go to a go-see (modeling job interview), you'll have to take all of these along with you.

Models - Did U Know?

There are two types of fashion models - high fashion and commercial. High fashion modeling is an art form of fashion. They model haute couture (extravagant, hand-made garments), walk the runway and appear in mags like Vogue and Elle. Commercial modeling includes catalogue, print, calendars, billboards and newspaper ads.

The '80s and early '90s was known as the "era of the supermodels." The five great supermodels during this time were Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford.

Super skinny Kate Moss sparked the new style of supermodels called the "waif" look.

The highest paid model in 2005 was Gisele Bundchen, who earned $15.2 million.

For more info, check out some top modeling agencies like Ford Models and Elite Model Management.

Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Laura Boulay, an industry safety expert and author of the book, The Model's Workbook: A Hollywood Agent's Twenty Step Guide to Launching Your Modeling Career!