Becoming a magazine model takes hard work, but it can be a fulfilling career if you have what it takes.
You dream of the day when you will open your favorite magazine and stare at your own face, but you're not sure get there or whether it's even possible. You want to be a magazine model, and knowing the tools of the trade is the first step toward your modeling career. With the right tools and attitudes, you will be a step ahead in the chase to become the next top magazine model.
Physical Requirements
Generally, modeling has height and weight requirements. However, because different magazines need models to represent different categories, such as children, fitness, plus size or real life, these physical requirements vary. Overall, magazines look for models who are healthy, have a well-proportioned face, skin that glows, hair that shines and straight teeth. Eyes that can communicate a variety of emotions are also important in print modeling, as they can bring out the right expression for a photograph.
Look Book
Every magazine model needs to put together her own "look book," a necessity of the trade. A look book is a portfolio of photos showing you in a range of situations, moods, angles and positions. You will need a mix of close-up pictures of your face, with dramatic as well as natural-looking makeup. Some magazine models invest a lot of money in creating their look book, but TFP -- trade for print or trade for photograph -- assignments are an inexpensive way to add to your book while getting experience. You may also want to create your own website so you can post your look book online. Be sure to update both your print and online portfolios as often as you can when you get new pictures and magazine assignments.
Personal Attributes
Becoming a magazine model is not for the faint of heart, and only dedicated, persevering, tenacious and competitive people make it in the industry. Flexibility is also important, as you will often be asked to change your look to fit the requirements of the magazine and of the specific photo shoot you are hired for. Working hours can be very long, so you need to be both patient and ready to work hard.
Contacts
To get into the magazine modeling industry, you need to know who to get in touch with. Create your own contact list by finding out who are the booking editors of the major magazines you would like to be a model for, and send your pictures for their consideration. Trade publications are also good places to get started, as are regional and local publications. When you meet someone new in the industry, keep the person's information in case you need it sometime.
Agent
When you start to work as a magazine model, you may need to hire an agent or a modeling agency to work with, but it is not necessary to do so until you have been able to get a few assignments on your own. Before choosing whether to work with an agent or an agency, do some research to find out the level of service of each, and the cost as well as the quality of service. Ask fellow models and photographers for recommendations, or even ask magazine editors if they know of an agency they prefer to work with.
