A Guide to Becoming: A message to aspiring models

A Guide to BECOMING

by STEPHENIE AGBOJE

Becoming a model takes more than passion and talent, more than my friends and family says I look like a model or I can become a model. It takes determination, focus, hardwork and most importantly, prayers and faith. Below are few tips to guide you through as an aspiring model.

YOUR APPROACH: As an aspiring model or you are in the beginner's stage of your career, and you decide it is time to join a modelling agency, your approach is a major plus to being accepted. As a rising or aspiring model, how you approach a modelling agency can make or mar your career. Like they say, "your first impression is your best or, should be your best as it leaves a lasting mark". When approaching an agency, or any company, do not just type "hi" or "hello", expecting a "how are you" or "how may we help you". Each salutations MUST be accompanied by a proper introduction about yourself, your reason for approaching them, your portfolio (if any) or professional pictures, and jobs done (if any) so far with photos or videos or provide link for verification. Also, you might want to add how beneficial you will be to the agency or company.

PROMOTION: Being a model requires investment, especially as an aspiring or freelance model. Someone will say what if I get scouted? Oh yes, not everyone will get scouted or will scale through an audition or a casting in a first try. Building your career as a model requires going for photoshoots to build your portfolio, registering at an academy to improve your skills, attending auditions/castings (as a model, not all castings/ auditions you show up to), body/ skin care, eating habit, sleeping routine, social media portfolio, all these you have to invest in or by yourself.

KNOW WHERE YOU BELONG: As an aspiring model, this is the most important and number one step to take while choosing modelling as a career or a part time job or yes, for the fun of it. Why it did not come first it's because most aspiring models first approach before thinking about this step. First and most importantly, as a model, you need to know your height, statistics and the types of modelling available in your location or at reach, this will give you a guide to where you fit into in the industry. There are several types of modelling, which I will not be discussing as it is everywhere on the internet, from the fashion (editorial and runway), to glamour, parts, fit, showroom, commercial, modelling for plus size, pageant and lots more. Some of which requires height 5'8 and above, while some do not require height, but a very clear skin, attitude towatrds the camera.

These are just a few tips from the box. I hope this helps build your career from where it is or to where you want to be.