The first step is to determine What Your Look Is. Are you tall or petite? Teen or in your twenties? Small boned or large frame? Once you have honestly critiqued yourself, your personal stats will determine what agencies you can contact. Begin researching in the city you live in, or the next biggest city nearest you. Do not answer ads in the newspaper! Most legitimate agencies never advertise in the newspaper, they will be listed in the yellow page directory. Remember there are different agencies for different looks. Fashion models and commercial models are two different markets, styles and requirements per agency. Both types of careers require confidence, personality and competence. Fashion Models-model clothes for editorial print, catalogs and runway shows. Height, age and shape is definitely a factor and strict requirements apply. Commercial Models- model products and advertisements for print or commercials. Height, age and shape are not required guidelines, but you must be photogenic. Be advised to only target a Fashion Agency if you are between the ages of 13-23 and height between 5'8-6'0. The perfect size for a fashion model is a 5/6 or 7/8. If you meet these requirements, then you are ready to submit snapshots to fashion model agencies. Target agencies only, not schools! If you are unsure what they do ask questions before you submit snapshots. Modeling schools will accept everyone agencies accept you if you have potential. Always direct your snapshots to the "New Faces Division", these talented agents specialize in reviewing amateur snapshots and they will contact you for a interview. The perfect package to send to an agency includes: a cover letter briefly introducing yourself, age, address, HT, WT, Size, Measurements (bust-waist-hips), shoe size, hair and eye colour and four color snapshots of your face and body. All shots should be just you, by yourself, dressed in tank top and shorts to show your shape. Never submit pictures wearing excess make-up, jewelry, or clothes that hide your figure. Agents want to examine YOU, your skin, facial bone structure and body frame. If you have started taking professional pictures, you can submit Xerox laser copies of your modeling prints. Original photographic prints are expensive, there is no need to send prints when laser copies will do just fine! (unless you are having them scanned for display on Models Online-the better the quality of the original, the better the results) Send with your package a SASE-if you want your pictures returned, otherwise you won't get them back. Don't forget to include your phone number!! Every single model agency in the world is looking for new faces and they will look through your package. Agents will call you back within 14 days if they want to meet you in person. Otherwise, you will receive a letter or no response at all. It is not necessary to take "glamour" shots or pay for professional pictures before you search for an agent. The agency will always arrange everything for you. It is advised never begin on your own, agents have the best connections in town and an eye for film and shots. You will be connected with reputable photographers who will know exactly how to shoot you for your agency. You will receive pictures that the agency can "use" to make you a hireable asset for the agency and their clients. If you are selected to "test" with a photographer, this is your second step. You will be judged on your potential as a print model after the film has been released to the agency. This is why the photo-shoot is called a Test! If they accept you into the agency, they will screen your film and arrange your portfolio. The agency will provide you with 9 x 12 portfolio book in which your prints will be kept. This book is for you to keep and take with you to go-see's and castings. The agency will request (if not persist) that you continue "testing" so you can gain experience shooting with photographers and build up your portfolio with fashionable style prints. Each photo-shoot can cost you anywhere between $175 - $375 depending on the photographer's rate. It is required that you pay for photo-shoots, there is never a profit for the agency when you "test". You must provide the agent with an ample supply of prints so that they can produce a "zed card". A zed card is a 5 1/2 by 8 inch colour or b/w card with 3-5 great shots of you and your stats. The zed card is the agency's marketing tool to show to clients on your behalf. Remember, the agents work for you! Always be respectful and loyal to your agency and have faith in your "booker", they are responsible for your workload. It takes time to earn your investment back, so be patient with your agency. Agents require your tenacity and persistence to earn a reputation in town with important clients. Never wait for the phone to ring, be a go-getter and ask your agent how to improve your model status. Always have a friendly and professional attitude and check into the agency when required. Keep your figure in shape and study the fashion magazines. Stay in touch with the fashion market and ask about runway or acting workshops to polish your trade. If you have not been contacted for castings or go-see's in four-six months, ask for an evaluation or another strategy for your career. You can always leave the agency if you are not satisfied with their performance. If your agency has advanced you anything (photo's, book, zed, cards, apt, etc.) make sure you pay your "tab" with the agency before leaving. It is wise to always leave on good terms. The modeling world is a small and well connected web of agents! If you were not accepted into an agency after your photo submissions, do not be discouraged! The modeling profession can be very difficult to break into and even harder to earn a living. You can always re-submit different photographs every six months or try a different city and market. Most cities will have several options for fashion and commercial models. If you really want to take professional pictures, call the model agencies for photographer referrals. Beware of schools and freelance photographers, they can charge any amount and they prey on your naiveté and desire to be in the modeling business. Stay in charge of your finances and remember the agents you contacted and their feedback

Getting Started Part 2