Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Raising awareness
• Part 2 of 3: Signing a contract with a modeling agency
• Part 3 of 3: Living as a male model
• Warnings

Being a masculine (photo) model does not necessarily mean that you are invited to the best parties in town. It takes hard work and countless hours to become a male model, and the payoff is sometimes marginal. Still, it's a bit easier for a male model to break into the modeling world, because male models don't have to constantly adhere to the same rigid body ideals and can work longer, sometimes well into their 50s. If you want to work as a male model you will have to learn how to become known in the modeling world, one agent have to search and look for work while at the same time staying in top shape physically and mentally.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Raising awareness

1. Make sure you meet industry standards. While male models have a little more leeway in appearance than female models, there are some general standards that you will need to meet if you want to become a male model. But don't be discouraged if you don't meet any of these standards. If you have a suitable appearance, you may be able to find work even if you come out below average height or above average weight, as is standard for male models. Here are some points to consider while deciding whether or not you should start modeling as a man:
   • The standard length for male models is between 1.82 and 1.91 meters.
   • Unlike female models who usually cannot find modeling work after the age of 25, it is not uncommon for male models to be able to continue working until their 50th.
   • Men aged 15 to 25 are the "young men."
   • Men aged 25 to 35 are the "grown men."
   • A typical weight for men is between 63 and 78 kg, but this will depend on your Body Mass Index.
   • Average sizes are 40 normal and 42 large.
   • Usually you don't see overly hairy men in the modeling world with regard to the chest and arms. Before making it your career, keep in mind that you may need to wax.
2. Decide what kind of modeling you are interested in. The type of modeling can influence the way you look for work, as well as the type of photos for your portfolio, and the approach you take at the start of your career. For example, you will have to meet different standards to come across as a runway fashion model rather than a catalog photo model, the latter being supposed to give a more realistic view of men. Following are some forms of modeling to go for:
   • Fashion models advertise clothing and accessories.
   • High fashion models work with the famous fashion houses and designers.
   • Editorial models only work for certain publications.
   • Catwalk models work at fashion shows.
   • Showroom models show fashion at fashion parties or boutiques.
   • Commercial print photo models are photographed for magazines, newspapers, billboards and other promotional materials.
   • Catalog models are hired to appear in catalogs.
   • Promotional models work at conventions or trade shows.
   • Specialist models specialize on a part of their body, such as hands, legs, neck, hair, or feet.
   • Character models are used to portray ordinary people.
   • Glamor modeling focuses more on the model than the actual product.
3. Make sure you get brand awareness. While you can skip this step and start looking for an agent right away, it doesn't hurt to show your face and get some modeling experience so that you have something to show off when approaching agencies. Try to appear in local newspaper ads, TV shows, magazines or even fashion shows. Who knows, you might put yourself in the spotlight to the right people, without having to call on an agent.
   • However, this does not mean that you have to take on all the work there is. Remember, you're working on building and maintaining your image, so don't assume anything that is completely beneath your dignity, created by an amateur, or that doesn't represent who you are.
   • Do not get photographed naked, unless paid and for a professional organization. People may tell you that you should get some nudes taken for nothing, but avoid these kinds of offers. Do not engage in nude photos unless it is for a professional, reliable and established organization that pays you for your work. If you participate in photo shoots of shadowy photographers, you never know where those nudes will end.
4. Have some professional photos taken. While you can work on a portfolio after signing up with a modeling agency, realizing some professionally shot photos ahead of time will make you look professional and give you something to refer to if someone in the modeling world appears interested. Don't get the pictures taken by someone with a cheap camera who only has experience with yearbook photos - hire an above average photographer so you look, well, above average.
   • Make sure to have a design release form signed by every photographer you work with. This ensures that you know exactly what is happening with the photos that are taken of you.
   • Don't waste your time with a "portrait photographer". You want to have model photos taken, not a photo for the last school year.
   • Make sure your portfolio consists of a standard headshot and multiple full body shots.
   • Since people who may want to use your services will likely want to see your body type, it is wise to include a full body shot in shorts or underwear and a tank top.
   • Add an extra photo in casual attire, and one in business casual or a full suit.
   • Make black and white and color photos.
5. Beware of scams. Scams are unfortunately common among modeling agencies. You can be cheated on just about every step along the way - from getting expensive photos taken by a shadowy photographer or signing a "contract" with a fake or infamous cop. Here are some things to keep in mind when starting your career:
   • Photographers who charge ridiculous fees for putting together your portfolio. Once you join an agency, you will be able to fully develop your portfolio, so avoid pushy photographers who offer to create a portfolio for you for thousands of dollars, claiming that this is the only way to approach an agent.
   • Advertising agencies charging exorbitant fees to sign up. If an agent asks you for large sums of money for a registration or portfolio fee, turn around. Agencies are not allowed to make a profit until they arrange an assignment for you and share it with it your profit. These dodgy agencies usually don't have many clients, are new to the modeling world, and don't have the connections necessary to find you work.
   • Expensive model schools. Keep in mind that there are no certified schools for models. Sure, they can help you learn how to walk, pose, and control your facial expressions, but you may be better off learning this online or from a book. These schools can claim to get you work done, but don't get caught in their web unless they can really prove that they helped other models find work.
   • People who approach you just like that. Sure, every once in a while a model has the story that he's been randomly approached at an event or even told at a nightclub that he has 'the look', but most of the time this is done by shadowy figures who think they can get money by alone but to caress your ego. If these guys want to get paid using shady payment methods, this is an even bigger indicator that you shouldn't be in touch with them anymore. Of course, if these individuals turn out to have real connections, then you have just been lucky.
   • People who offer you money online for your personal information. Avoid websites like Model Mayhem, where people offer you money in exchange for your credit card information and other personal information. This makes you a target of identity theft.
6. Consider moving to a major city. If you're really serious about modeling, you can't live in a city with only two traffic lights. You have to move to one of the major cities of the model world such as Paris, Milan, London or New York. You may also find regional work in other cities such as Berlin, Madrid, Chicago or Miami. Don't think you can't become a model if you can't move right away; First, do some searches for models in your area or contact modeling agencies directly from home (more on that later).

Part 2 of 3: Signing a contract with a modeling agency

1. Go to an open audition. An open audition is held by a modeling agency that has everyone come to their office to audition. You have to wait in line along with the many other models, until you are called up and assessed by one or more employees to see if you have what they are looking for. You often have to wait for hours to be assessed for less than a minute. It might be a bit nerve-wracking, but hey, that's part of the deal.
2. Go to an audition or "model search" nearby. A model search is a type of open audition, except these are held by agencies that travel to smaller places in search of models. Since they have to travel for it, you will have to pay a small fee to be seen, usually around $ 25. This is a great option if you live in a smaller town where there are fewer opportunities to do modeling. Like an open audition, your chances of being selected aren't great, but you can make valuable contacts.
3. Enter a modeling competition. While these are hard to win, if you manage to win a modeling contest, it can really be a springboard for your modeling career. Make sure it is a reputable contest, run by a reputable institution, and that you don't have to pay a ridiculous entry fee. Many of these contests even get you a contract with a modeling agency if you win. And even if you don't win, it remains an opportunity to present yourself.
   • Make sure you are aware of the specific requirements to enter a competition for models. It is likely that you should have a series of photos ready.
4. Go to modeling conventions. This is a perfect way to put yourself in the spotlight and meet other professional models and agents. Unfortunately it can be quite expensive to attend such conventions (usually around € 200 - € 4,000) so if you continue this you will need to make the most of it by acting professionally and getting to know as many people as possible .
5. Do it yourself. That's right. Another way to get a contract with a modeling agency is to contact them yourself. Search the internet for lists of reputable modeling agencies such as Elite or Major Management, and write down their email addresses. Then send them a business email with some professional photos of yourself in various poses. While this means you will have to build a portfolio up front, it will certainly pay off.
6. Register with a scouting company. This is a good and relatively inexpensive way to market yourself and not have to do all the advertising work yourself. Look for a reputable company, such as INNOCENSE MODELS or casting agency Frisse Koppen, who ask for money to help you find work. You will have to submit your profile and they will forward your information to the major modeling agencies.
7. Find one agent. Once you've taken the plunge and found an agent who thinks they can work with your look, it's time to sign your contract. Again, make sure the agent doesn't ask for money in advance. A real agent only makes money after he or she takes care of that you made money. And even if the agent appears to be legit, you should go over the contract with an attorney to make sure you're signing a fair agreement.
   • When you consult with the agent, you can ask about the unions you can join and whether you can continue to do modeling work alongside them.
   • If you've signed a contract with a top agent and have a shot at making good money, you can also consider getting an accountant to talk about how you're going to track your earnings.

Part 3 of 3: Living as a male model

1. Looking for work. Once you have a contract with an agent, you can start building a portfolio, which will allow you to get more work. Modeling agencies help you with modeling interviews, also known as go-sees. So start by getting to the go-sees, act professional, and don't get frustrated if you don't get an assignment right away.
   • The modeling agency cannot work you guarantee, but you would hire a good cop if he or she doesn't think you have a good chance of finding good work.
   • Do not give up. You won't be commissioned to perform with Calvin Klein right away on your first audition, no matter what they claim.
2. Stay professional. Whether you've made it or are just getting started, you don't want to develop a reputation for being ungrateful, rude, or always running late. If you want to hold out as a model, here are some things to look out for in order to live up to the standards of the profession, as you would in any other career:
   • Show up on time for appointments.
   • Be polite and professional with everyone you come into contact with.
   • Consider hiring a personal trainer to help you with a balanced diet and meet training goals for optimal muscle tone.
   • Be very meticulous about taking care of yourself and your skin.
   • Go to bed early before and on weekdays. Getting enough sleep will help prevent dark circles from forming under your eyes and give you a more rested and healthy appearance.
3. Don't quit your job right away. While everyone has heard a story about how a model was discovered on a Russian freighter or just hanging out in a bar in Las Vegas around 3 a.m., the fact is that most male models are not immediately discovered. and have to work hard, even if they have signed a contract with an agent. This means that unless you are one of the lucky few male models who can make a full living from their modeling work, you will have to keep your job or find another source of income to continue.
   • If your job is too busy, find another source of income that works. Many male models are part-time waiters or bartenders.
4. Stay physically and mentally healthy. While the male modeling world is a little less grueling than that for women, men may as well fall prey to the same problems that plague female models, such as low self-esteem, deep insecurity, or worse, developing an eating disorder. Here are some things to keep in mind as you try to stay healthy throughout your career as a male model:
   • Keep eating healthy, getting exercise, and reminding yourself that you are a valuable person; don't let your life as a model make you depressed.
   • Rejection is part of the deal, and if you're a little insecure and tend to hate yourself, modeling may not be the best path for you.
   • While a model's lifestyle may require you to occasionally go to parties and chat with a lot of people, be careful not to become addicted to drugs and / or alcohol. Not only will this cause a lot of mental and physical distress, but it will also have a negative effect on your physical appearance.

Warnings

• To protect yourself when working with an agency, make sure you have all agreements with the agency in writing. Read your contracts thoroughly and make sure you fully understand them before signing them. Then ask them if the design agency is recognized and registered with the Chamber of Commerce and (in the US or Canada) is a member of the Better Business Bureau.
• Avoid scams by ignoring modeling agencies that charge you upfront, ask for a fee for instructions, commit to use a specific photographer, charge for makeup and other services, but advertise that you photos taken for free.