Steps to Plus-Size Modeling
Are you an aspiring plus-size model? These steps will send you on your way.
Look into your options before you start sending photos out. Know where you can send your shots, to whom, and how they want to see them. Each agency is different, and that means it’s quite easy to accidentally send the wrong photos to the wrong place, and then get yourself kicked right out of the running. You might be in a hurry to try something new, but you don’t want to jump from agency to agency and get yourself in trouble before you even start! It helps to keep a spreadsheet of where you are in the application process, too.
Even if you are young and fresh,time is not on your slide if you don’t sleep well and don’t exercise, either. Take care of your body, respect your time, and know your limitations -- and don’t forget about exercising while you are at it! It can be challenging to keep up a routine while you are waiting for all these responses from different agencies, but if someone wants to see you right away, it’s worth it.
Rushing never helped anybody, but we all know that slow and steady doesn’t help when you need to pay the bills. Consider getting yourself prepared with a halfway career that supports you while bostnig your confidence: fashion and beauty PR, advertising, freelance reviews, or a second job at a boutique (preferably one that needs photos for the lookbook!).
1. Research
Look into your options before you start sending photos out. Know where you can send your shots, to whom, and how they want to see them. Each agency is different, and that means it’s quite easy to accidentally send the wrong photos to the wrong place, and then get yourself kicked right out of the running. You might be in a hurry to try something new, but you don’t want to jump from agency to agency and get yourself in trouble before you even start! It helps to keep a spreadsheet of where you are in the application process, too.
2. Know Your Stuff
This is meant in the best possible way -- have you confirmed that you are model material? I know it’s a tough question, but there’s nothing wrong with being honest with yourself! Are you the right height and weight/size range for a plus-size model? Do you photograph well? These are great questions to honestly ask yourself -- but being traditionally “pretty” doesn’t have much to do with it at all! So don’t worry if you think that’s your biggest shortcoming. Interesting teeth, unusual hair textures, etc. are all welcome around here.3. Prep Yourself For a Go-See
Have you always dreamed of modeling? Are you pose-happy? Then you’re at an advantage. But keep in mind that you’ll also have to talk when you do get to the appointment -- and sounding intelligent about the expectations (and handing any criticism) is essential. Be flexible. Don’t forget a back-up portfolio!4. Take Care of Yourself
Even if you are young and fresh,time is not on your slide if you don’t sleep well and don’t exercise, either. Take care of your body, respect your time, and know your limitations -- and don’t forget about exercising while you are at it! It can be challenging to keep up a routine while you are waiting for all these responses from different agencies, but if someone wants to see you right away, it’s worth it.
5. Keep At It
Don’t give up, when it comes to research or devotion to your craft or even just keeping up your maintenance routine, don’t stop. Weirdly enough, I think of a quote from Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” There are fit model opportunities, lifestyle modeling chances for women in their 30s, 40s, and above, and don’t forget about runway opportunities for charitable events and college presentations. There are chances everywhere, for everyone, and trying don’t just help you professionally -- it helps your spirit.6. Keep the Dream-- But Keep Your Options Open
Rushing never helped anybody, but we all know that slow and steady doesn’t help when you need to pay the bills. Consider getting yourself prepared with a halfway career that supports you while bostnig your confidence: fashion and beauty PR, advertising, freelance reviews, or a second job at a boutique (preferably one that needs photos for the lookbook!).
7. Talk to Other Models -- Or Read Their Blogs
Don’t keep yourself in a bubble about what modeling’s all about, or how to get where you want to go. One of my favorite blogs was the one from Natural Models, which is a fun read about the industry and this particular agency (http://www.healthyisthenewskinny.com/blog2/). I really enjoy it, and I’m certainly not looking to model anytime soon! It’s really just a fun and easy read.
Source...