Get your first foot on the catwalk...
Gisele-like pins and a Keira pout are all very well but you also need nerves of steel and some serious stamina to succeed on the catwalk. If you watched America’s Next Top Model, you’ll know that people in this business aren’t paid to be sensitive – although hopefully there’s only room for one J Alexander in this world! But with a striking photogenic look and buckets of determination, you’re half way there. Follow these steps to make sure you are prepared before you invest in a portfolio…
Measuring up...
Generally speaking, models are at least 5ft 8ins tall (1.73cms) with small boobs, slim build and long legs. Clear skin, good hands, nails and teeth and healthy hair are also on the list. But the essential thing is really photogenic features and the ability to engage with the camera to get a mood across.
Model mind
Looks aren’t everything. You need to be intelligent, resourceful, reliable and full of common sense. You’ll also need to be able to handle people judging you on your looks and possibly rejecting you. That’s where the nerves of steel and determination kick in! For every job a model gets, she’s rejected for loads of others. It can be tough on your self-esteem sometimes, but you may just not have ‘the look’ they are after.
Snapping you up
Don’t go to a professional photographer who will charge you money, get a friend to take some pictures of you instead. Take a headshot and a full length picture and avoid make-up and heels. Agents want to see you looking natural.
Send 'em off
Post your photos to as many of the sixteen agents on the list below as you can. Any agencies not on the list are not reputable members of the AMA (Association of Model Agents). On Sugar magazine they only book models from these agencies. If an agency asks you to pay, don't sign up - you should NEVER have to pay to join.
Other options
Go to an agency open day. Call any of the agents on our list for times. PLUS! Be sure to look out for the Sugar/Rimmel London Model Comp 2008 where you will be able to meet scouts from top London Agency ICM. It kicks off in October 2007. See the link below for more details...
AMA Approved Model agencies
BOOKINGS
27a Pembridge Villas, London, W11 3EP
020 7221 2603
BOSS MODEL MGT
Half Moon Chambers, Chapel Walks, Manchester, M2 1HN
0161 834 3403
ELISABETH SMITH
81 Headstone Rd, Harrow HA1 1PQ
020 8863 2331
(children, teens & families)
FM
122 Brompton Rd, London, SW3 1JE
020 7225 1355
ICM
2 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8PS
020 7557 7100
IMG MODELS
Bentinck House, 3/9 Bolsover St, London
020 8233 6770
M&P
lst Floor, 29 Poland St, London, W1F 8QR
020 7734 1051
MODELS 1
12 Macklin St, London, WC2B 5SZ
020 7025 4900
NEVS
Regal Hse, 198 Kings Rd, London, SW3 5XP
020 7352 9496
NEXT MODELS
175/179 St John St, London, EC1V 4LW
020 7251 9850
PREMIER
40/42 Parker St, London, WC B5PQ
020 7333 0888
PROFILE
1/4 Langley Court, London, WC2E 9JY
020 7836 5282
SELECT
17 Ferdinand St, London, NW1 8EU
020 7284 5600
STORM
5 Jubilee Plc, London, SW3 3TD
020 7376 7764
TAKE 2
6 Willow St, London, EC2A 4BH
020 7836 4501
MODEL TEAM OF SCOTLAND
180 Hope St, Glasgow, G2 2UE
0141 332 3951
