Is it possible to become a model. I want - so I must
Every second girl dreams or has ever dreamed of becoming a model. Dreams do come true, don't you know?
Recall the parable of the poor man who really wanted to win the lottery. To do this, it was enough just to buy a ticket!
How to get the same “lucky ticket” to the best catwalks in Paris and New York?
It is worth following some simple rules.
Do you really need it? Perhaps the world of fashion only seems so easy, fun and alluring? To get started, find out more. Ask friends who are connected with the modeling world. If there are none, it doesn't matter, now some cards will be revealed. So, it is worth understanding that this is primarily a business, that is, making money. You will have to run around castings (of which there can be about 10 a day, all in different parts of a city you do not know), get up at 5 in the morning and go to bed at one in the morning, work on the set and be away from loved ones. Dada, in addition to fame and universal adoration, this also happens. Are you ready to go through this to reach your goal? If yes, let's move on.
What do you need to look like to become a model? There are not so many requirements, but they are all very strict. The main thing is growth. Girls need tall, that is, not less than 171 cm, and for high fashion - not less than 175 cm. You should not assume that there should be many good people in the modeling business. On the contrary, the circumference of the hips should not exceed 90 cm, the waist should not exceed 63 cm. The girth of the chest is not so important, the main thing is that it does not look “heavy”. It is better to knock on modeling at a young age - from 14 years old. At 15-16, you are most likely to make a successful career. At 22, those chances are much smaller. In no case should there be scars, piercings and tattoos on the body. It is desirable to grow long hair, this is very welcome. Hair color should be natural, and the structure should not be damaged. Nails and heels should be well-groomed. The face should be beautiful and bright.
Appearance is half the battle. Next, you need to have a certain character. The model should have such qualities as: sociability, dedication, diligence, modesty (in moderation), charisma and the ability to present oneself. It is very important to know English!
Now let's get to the creative part. You need to take a couple of good pictures where you can be seen. Pictures are divided into 2 categories: snaps and the photos themselves. Snaps are your "technical" material. In these photos you should be what you are in ordinary life. This is a set of 6 photos: 3 full length (front, profile, back), 3 portraits (same). You can also play with emotions - show a smile, anger, etc. There should be no retouching, makeup or jewelry on these photos. They are made in a swimsuit (so that the figure can be seen) and black high-heeled shoes. In daylight, they can be made at home on any digital camera - for this you need a person who will take pictures (not necessarily a photographer) and a solid background (you can hang a sheet).
Other photos should be beautiful, ideological, interesting. This is where fantasy can run wild! There are many photographers who arrange photo shoots for free, on the terms of the TFP. One has only to google or search for ads on thematic sites (for example, napodiume.ru). You can also find many groups of TFP photographers on Vkontakte. Make a couple of shoots - and feel free to send a photo to the agency!
Where to send them and how not to get to the charlatans? Unfortunately, no one will provide insurance. It's worth doing a little research. First collect information about all agencies in the search engine. If you are from a small town where there are no modeling agencies, it does not matter. Metropolitan agencies can work remotely, sending you immediately to work in America, Europe or Asia. So you have a list. Look at the girls that are on the site. They must be beautiful, with experience and a good set of professional shots. Study the news feed of the agency - read about their achievements, what kind of work the girls do, where and how much they travel. All these are objective indicators of the agency's success. The age of the agency is also very important - the more it is on the market, the more experience, clients, models, better reputation.
Have you chosen? Now feel free to fill out the form. On the website of each agency there is either a registration section or contact details (e-mail) where you can send a questionnaire. Don't forget to include your height, age, measurements and feedback. Attach snaps and photos. If you approach - the answer will not keep you waiting!
Many girls dream of becoming a model at a young age, but not every one of them decides to fulfill her dream, even having an outstanding appearance. And in vain, you must definitely believe that dreams come true, if you want it and make every effort. For example, to win the lottery, you must at least buy a lottery ticket. Of course, many young ladies, 14-15 years old, have no idea about what steps to start to take in order to fulfill their dream, in this article we want to help them. But it is this age that is most suitable for starting a modeling career.
To begin with, you must clearly understand for yourself whether you need a modeling business at all, because the life of models only outwardly seems so easy and fun. In fact, this is hard work, you have to get up early at five in the morning and go to bed well after midnight, work all day on the set, live away from your parents.
It is better if you learn more about the modeling business from someone you know who is associated with it. Perhaps they will dissuade you from this venture, but if they fail, and you are ready to go through all the difficulties in order to achieve your goal, then you are welcome.
For a 14-year-old model, appearance is in the foreground
If you started to break into the modeling business at the age of 14 or 15, then you have excellent chances of making a career, since at 22 there will be less chances. And, of course, you thought about how the model should look. There are not very many requirements here, but they are followed strictly. The height of the girl should be at least 172 cm, and it is better if 175, chest girth - 60-63 cm, hip girth no more than 90 cm. Your body must be clean, no piercings or tattoos should be. Natural long hair is welcome. To become a model at the age of 14, character is of great importance. Having a presentable appearance is half the battle; the character of a girl is of great importance for success, namely the following qualities:
Try to cultivate these qualities in yourself and take the trouble to learn a foreign language.
How to start a career to become a top model?
To get started, you need to create your portfolio, which will include high-quality photographs. Among them should be those in which you will be seen as you really are, without makeup and retouching.
A set of such photographs should contain three full-length shots and three portraits. In the pictures you should be visible from the front, in profile and from behind, it’s not bad if you show how you know how to smile, as well as show other emotions. In the photos you must be in a swimsuit and high heels. Using a modern digital camera, you can take such high-quality photos at home, do not forget about a plain background.
In addition to these shots, you need a few more high-quality interesting shots, here you can use your imagination. Any photographer from the TFP group (stands for “time for photos”) can come to the aid of a novice model, you can easily find such a group with a little googling. In this case, the photographer and the model agree on mutual paid work. You can get high-quality photos for free, but the photographer has the right to use your pictures at their discretion.
Portfolio is ready - send a photo to the agency
Here you need to be careful not to fall into the hands of charlatans, it is better to play it safe. To do this, you need to collect as much information as possible on the Internet about the agency you have chosen. If you live in a small town where there are no modeling agencies, then despair, many metropolitan agencies work remotely, you can send photos there. On the website of your chosen agency, pay attention to the girls who are there. They should have a portfolio with a good set of shots, read about their work experience, where they go, their work achievements. All this characterizes the work of the agency, also find out how long it has been working on the market, read customer reviews about it. Good luck and may your dreams come true!
Comments
Good evening! My name is Anna, I am 14 years old, my height is 169, weight is 43kg. Long hair, natural red color. There are freckles on the nose, the eyebrows are almost invisible, because they are white, there are pimples on the forehead due to the transitional age.
I have a well-developed facial expression, I can pose.
I live in a village quite far an hour away from St. Petersburg.
I was once photographed for some agency, but they never called me, it’s sad of course, but I’m not upset, maybe it will work out sometime.
Do you think they can take me to some agency?
Hello! my name is Aruna…I am 14 years old…my height is 170 cm…and my weight is 48kg, but my weight and height are suitable. I'm not very thin and not fat, I'm average. I can change looks, smile, laugh, I have everything that is required for a model at my age. But one problem is that in my puberty, acne began to appear ... will these dots on my face prevent me from becoming a model?
Irina Davydova
Reading time: 7 minutes
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Do you want to become a model so that the whole world is at your feet? Do you dream of repeating the career of Tyra Banks or Natalia Vodianova, finding your own prince or even more than one, and generally living like in a fairy tale? But is it possible?
Difficulties of life models
What do you know about the modeling business?
It is hard work. Money in it does not come easily.
- The work of the model is a constant lack of sleep. Because castings can take place at different times and, what is important, in different cities. Will have to leave immediately to the other end of the world in the middle of the night and on the first call.
- You have to be away from your family and friends. In the background will be personal life.
- It may be necessary to give up a good rest and be content with sleeping on a plane or train.
- Plus, the careless attitude of colleagues and customers. After all, they evaluate models as a favorable background for their clothes, as an interior or as a walking hanger. And, by the way, they have the right - because they pay for it. But not everyone can handle this attitude.
In addition to all of the above, you can find a bunch of other horrors of the modeling business on the Internet.
To become a real model, you need to follow the following rules:
- Fit according to specifications
Girls should preferably meet certain parameters:- Growth from 178 cm to 2 meters.
- Age. There are also models of children, starting from birth. Working with them has its own characteristics, but the workload for children is no less than for adults. In adult shows, girls start working at the age of 14. At this age, the model has more chances for a successful career than a 25-year-old lady.
- Dry body. Today, girls without forms are in fashion: thin legs - sticks, a complete absence of a stomach and small breasts. Finding a dress for a girl with at least the second size is very problematic in any design studios. Therefore, such ladies are rarely invited to shows.
- Recently, plus size models have also become relevant.. Puffy beauties can also try their luck on the catwalks of the world. But the demand for such figures is small. To achieve success in this narrow industry, you need to try very hard.
If you do not meet any of the above parameters, do not be upset. This does not mean that the doors of the modeling business are closed for you. , it just means that you will have the hardest time in this business to prove your suitability and uniqueness among all the models in the world.
Slender young girls dream of a fabulous career. How to become a model without a modeling school? This question is asked by those who are serious and want to know all the nuances and rules. There are special model schools. But, if you have a busy enough life and enough studies in other disciplines, you can prepare yourself to enter the path to the podium.
Specify all the requirements that apply to models of existing agencies and try to assess your chances. Girls can start modeling as early as 14 years old. To do this, you need to be between 175 and 185 cm tall. The circumference of the chest, waist and hips vary, depending on which category you fall into. There are models who have some amazingly beautiful parts of the body, faces, they probably don’t have to be taller than 175. All these details need to be sorted out.
Where to begin?
How to become a model without a modeling school, if your appearance and parameters meet the requirements of agencies? You have to start somewhere. If you decide to become a model, start by building a professional portfolio.
Find an experienced professional photographer and take some good photos. Amateur, sloppy shots will not be considered by any agency. The easiest way to find a professional is to randomly meet a model scout on the street. They are photographers or agents looking for models in public places, among passers-by, on the street. The scout will ask if you are a model, if you want to become one. But the same questions are asked by various scammers. Therefore, you should behave as follows:
- ask the scout for contact numbers, take a business card, ask about the details, about the company he represents;
do not share your phone number and address with anyone; - returning to your home, check the details received using a reference address book or a search engine on the Internet (Yandex, Google);
- after you are convinced that the agency exists, type on the Internet “selection of a modeling agency”;
- call the agency yourself and make an appointment, you have a great chance of signing a job contract.
Decide on your type of appearance
Depending on your interests and parameters, think about what type of model suits you best, where you can succeed and prosper.
Models high fashion- very popular. Their age is from 16 to 22 years, height is 175-180 cm; the size of outfits is from 40 to 42. The circumference in centimeters of the figure: 86-60-86 .
ran wei- podium. Girls from 175 to 185 cm are suitable for this category. POT (full body circumference): 86-61-86.
plus size girls plus size. In this category there are girls from 157 to 185 cm. The size of outfits is 46-54.
Models for displaying linen. Required age is over 21. Estimated: chest circumference from 86 to 91 cm, waist from 56 to 61 cm, hips from 86 to 91 cm.
Glamorous girls - for pictures in men's magazines, in skimpy outfits, bikinis. The age of these girls is from 18 to 25 years. Chest circumference from 86 to 91 cm, waist - from 56 to 61 cm, hips - from 86 to 91 cm.
Part model. A girl with gorgeous hair, amazing eyes, long fingers, aristocratic hands. They advertise hair care products, expensive accessories and the like.
Teenagers. Girls from 12 to 17 years old. Such girls are photographed for teenage fashion magazines. Relatives must be present at the reception at the agency and throughout the work with the girl.
How to create a good portfolio?
A professional photo album will come in handy in your future activities.
To get started, take at least 5-6 good shots in size 20*30. Two shots should show close-ups of your face, front and side. Don't paint too brightly for this. Makeup is better to apply more natural. Hair should be clean, combed, without bangs, better loose, no complicated hairstyles.
A few more photos are good to take in full growth, in different poses, with different moods. Smile in one photo, make a sad face in another.
In each picture, dress differently, simply, without frills, so that your figure is clearly visible. Some photos are in color, some are black and white.
The agency may offer a list of photographers known to them. You have every right to take advantage of the offer, only if it is not imposed.
Carefully!
Do not leave your data where you are asked to pay for entering into the database, for a photo session, training.
Do not believe if you are promised instant millions, a fabulous career take-off. A serious modeling house never does this and does not require payment.
Go only to an enterprise registered on this market, which has been operating for many years, and is well known in Russian and foreign business.
Experienced agents advise you to learn as much as possible about the model house, to check the information.
Official visit
They sign up for the model house by calling, come on the reception day, fill out a questionnaire on the official website of various agencies of interest, attend a casting.
When going for the first visit, be yourself, do not change the color of your hair, do not do too bright makeup. Modeling house staff will want to see you with natural, light make-up, in simple, form-fitting clothing that does not hide your figure. Show off your well-combed locks, hands with clean nails.
Arrive at your appointment a quarter of an hour before the designated minute. Don't forget to bring your portfolio with you. Be polite, respectful, affable and free, but not vulgar.
Tell the truth about yourself: about your work experience, body size, health, hobbies, knowledge of foreign languages.
Visit effect
If at the first visit you were refused, do not despair, maybe next year or in another model house your type is required. Everything flows and changes. Jobs are fluid.
Turning to another agency, analyze the comments made to you, show the portfolio to professionals, take into account the mistakes made.
If you receive a positive result, the agency should offer you to conclude a cooperation contract. How to become a model without a model school is now clear.
In an exclusive contract, the agency secures the right to charge interest and obliges you to work only with them. A non-exclusive contract gives you the right to look for work on your own.
Do not sign the contract until you have read it fully. Show a copy of the document to a trusted lawyer. Make sure all clauses of the contract are acceptable. At home, study the document slowly. Do not agree with additions that are not indicated in writing in the document.
After you are sure of all the details, sign the document. We wish you success and prosperity.
Glossy magazines - Bible of modern women, no offense to the authors of the Bible and modern women, but it is. And many girls dream of being a "face from the cover" - or at least to shine on the catwalks of Moscow, Almaty, Milan, Paris, New York. Some of the most popular reality shows on television are "Janice the Witch Modeling School" and "America's Next Top Model with Tara Banks." So how do you become a model? Where to begin? And is it as glamorous and profitable as young creatures think, looking at themselves in the mirror and dreaming, dreaming, dreaming ...
It is not at all necessary to have a completely impeccable appearance, it is enough to have the right facial features and some personality, zest. The model can be thin and plump, but without extremes. To work on the podium, the optimal height should be from 175 cm.
However, external data is not always enough. To break into the modeling business, you need to have taste and intelligence, since the connection between the external form and the internal content still exists. A girl must be plastic, be able to choose the right pose in order not only to advertise herself, but also to meet the requirements of a given topic.
How to start?
1. Find an agency and modeling school that will become your "guardian".
2. Get a good portfolio from a professional photographer.
2. Don't dream of becoming a model if you're not hardworking.
3. Do not respond to suspicious ads promising big money for "young and beautiful".
4. Maintain your external data: go to the pool, gym, beauty salon for a massage.
5. Do not use drugs and do not smoke - it spoils the complexion and makes you feel worse.
6. Be kind to others, don't be overconfident.
7. Never act like a star. In this profession, modesty and a sense of humor are respected.
8. Study foreign languages if you want to make a career in the West.
9. Develop intellectually, read fiction, the press. Don't think looks are everything.
First, you need to understand that the beauty that nature has given is one of the points on the way to a successful modeling career, the second and most important point is the inner state of mind. The future model must be 100% ready for hard and exhausting work.
Secondly, you should carefully choose a modeling agency in which the model will first be trained, and if the exams are positively passed, she will remain working in it. Be alert! The model school must have a license, and most importantly, if the exams are positively passed, the agency must issue an international certificate. It is important to realize that the agency in which model education is taken up will have a great influence on a career. The “parent” agency, which provides the work for the model, takes money from the customer, pays part of this money to the model, and keeps the difference. In order to successfully pass castings in the future (selection of models for a certain job), you need to make a professional portfolio and a composite.
Portfolio
The portfolio consists of dozens of photographs taken by a professional photographer, size A-4. A good portfolio cannot be made with a soap box at home. A professional portfolio costs between $250 and $1,500 in Russia. Abroad, a portfolio costs much less, and the quality of photographs, the work of a stylist and makeup artist is much better. But you can get to a foreign photographer either for a lot of money, or by becoming a professional model.
Composite is like a business card. Four of the best photos from the portfolio, personal information about the model (last name, first name, patronymic, country, city, contact information, full information about the “parent” agency), and most importantly, the model’s parameters (height, weight, age, eye color) are placed on the composite. , hair length, etc.).
But not everything is so simple here either. A model who wants to build her career on the catwalks of the world must have an attractive appearance, be artistic, with impeccable taste, be video and photogenic, attend hundreds of different castings. Participation in castings does not guarantee the availability of work. But you shouldn't get upset. Casting in any country exists in order to choose a model to participate in a particular project. And at the casting, the final choice of the model is made not by the employee of the modeling agency, but by the customer. It is very important to correctly present yourself to the customer, who, having closed his eyes for a second, immediately imagines it in the image in which he builds the whole concept of the work. Of course, many financial expenses depend on the model herself: she forms her wardrobe with her own money, before castings (and sometimes even before shows and photo shoots) she applies makeup herself, she spends money on professional cosmetics from her personal budget, pays for portfolio photos from her own pocket. When the agency in which the future model began to undergo training sees her as a future star, takes on the payment of stylists, makeup artists and photographers.
Persistent and ambitious models have much more chances to actually achieve something on the podium. Such a model will never miss a single casting, not a single show. Even if she herself does not work at the shows, she will at least take part in the model "party".
Runway models
What is a model? The word itself is immediately associated with fashion shows. That is, this is a person who professionally demonstrates clothing models. Previously, the word “fashion model” was more often used, but then this word was replaced with a more appropriate one - “model”. And rightly so, because models are not only female, but also male, and children can also be “models”.
In the world of haute couture, a model is a person (man, woman, child) who demonstrates a variety of toilets in all kinds of fashion shows, emphasizes the beauty of the toilet with her ability and exposes the work of the designer in a favorable light.
The most popular in this area are considered "podium" models. They work in live shows of clothing collections, which are then broadcast on television. The whole beau monde usually gathers for such shows. In such shows, the model must make the audience believe that the thing created by the designer is for him and that it should be bought. The catwalk model should be able to move gracefully, present the demonstrated outfit with a “face”. Constant rehearsals are the basis of their daily work.
It should also be noted that many of the models have made successful careers, becoming the "property" of the famous fashion designer. A model working in a haute couture salon is called in the fashion world " cabiya". This is a privileged caste of models. Most often these are the highest of the models. Their exits to the podium are worth a decent amount. But they do not go out on the podium often: twice a year. And I also participate in presentation shows.
The next hypostasis of models for shows - " small model". But this is only taking into account their growth. This is the image of the average person. Their height does not exceed 172 centimeters. Most often, these models represent goods from ordinary stores and ready-to-wear clothes. But if a real theatrical show is required for the show, this is their patrimony, since they are the most plastic. In our opinion, a small model should be the most talented, because such shows require more artistry and strength.
You should know that in the world of modeling business there are " fitting model". Believe me, other models owe a lot to her. After all, it is she, who never goes to the podium, who spends so much time and effort on a successful show of the collection. The greatest designers and tailors work with such a model, as they are tested, tried on and adjusted to their creations. And only thanks to them, the leading catwalk models can relax. Try to stand for at least an hour yourself, trying on a dress, then you can understand how hard their work is.
That's all in a nutshell about the work of models on the catwalk. However, you must admit that without photographs, magazine covers, just advertising brochures, the rating of the model will not rise high. But a good photo can instantly light a new star in the modeling world!
fashion models
Today, a model and a model are two different professions. I hope you agree with this too. Although there are examples when the model successfully combines these two incarnations. The most obvious example in the modern modeling business is, of course, Claudia Schiffer!
One way or another, the work of a photo model is extremely exciting! But this is not only brilliance and glory. First of all, this is a huge, titanic work! For a model, and even more so for a photo model, it is not enough just to have a beautiful appearance, you also need to have great determination, hard work and be ready to constantly change yourself and your appearance. In some ways, this profession is akin to acting. After all, the model must be able to express the mood of the intended image with her face, figure, movement, to convey to the viewer his feelings with a few skillful strokes. And all this in that short moment when the camera shutter clicks. Agree, a very, very difficult profession! And if you add to everything the dazzling light of the spotlights, and the constantly changing work schedule, and the shooting conditions themselves - either in the pavilion, or in the open air, in the morning or in the evening. I hope we didn't scare you too much?
And, of course, the most important thing in the profession of a fashion model is photogenicity. Every person, and not necessarily young, can become a model under one main condition: he must have this elusive ability - to be photogenic in a photograph.
It is a misconception that any model should have the notorious proportions of 90-60-90. A fashion model may not have a standard model size, but the proportionate proportion of the figure is still important.
Of course, in the fashion world there is a stable stereotype of a model. Many people write about this, but we will repeat it again. What is the classical female standard? It:
Catwalk models - height 172-180 cm, clothing size 42-44;
- small models - height 165-172 cm, clothing size 40-42;
- full models - height 172-178 cm, clothing size 43-52.
So, for a fashion model, compliance with this standard is not the main thing! Photogenicity and the ability to create a certain image in the frame is much more important. Sometimes the appearance of a person can be so original that, despite his proportions and size, he becomes attractive to other people, because he is bright and extraordinary.
And this is exactly what is required for a successful career as a fashion model! After all, the main task of this profession is advertising. Any product in order to be successfully sold, must have its own face. It is the fashion model that attracts the attention of a potential buyer, making him especially attractive.
What else should you know if you want to try yourself in the profession of a fashion model?
First of all, you need to understand what type of models you can attribute yourself to. There are many directions in the modeling business.
Take something like " part model”, that is, a model that demonstrates individual parts of the body. This is also a sought-after profession, for example, in the jewelry business or advertising cosmetics and body care products. A beautiful neck, a breathtaking chest, or long, wonderfully sculpted legs... You can show them off.
Another direction is glamor model". In short: this is a fashion model whose specialty is shooting in the nude and semi-nude. Moralists may start to resent, but, nevertheless, for such shootings, talent is also needed. Not everyone can feel at ease and at ease in front of the camera in a half-dressed form.
Five myths about the modeling business
The beauty of the Silver Age, Vera Kholodnaya, would not have passed the casting in a professional modeling agency. Out of work would have been Cleopatra and Aphrodite. Meanwhile, hundreds of modeling schools offer to turn any Cinderella into a princess in a couple of months, regardless of the parameters and external data.
According to various sources, there are more than three thousand modeling agencies in Russia, employing more than one hundred thousand models. Only in Moscow, the number of modeling agencies has long exceeded a hundred. However, in the opinion of the customers who provide those very models with work, there are not even a dozen professional agencies among them, and the most picky say only about three or four. So it turns out that only a few dozen girls are truly in demand on the Russian modeling market. Meanwhile, in almost every agency there are schools of models that churn out beauties in a couple of months. Model making is a very lucrative business.
Education in schools costs from $500-700 per month plus the cost of making a business card for a girl - a portfolio consisting of a set of professional photographs ($500-1500), cosmetics, etc. And this is at least.
Although the prices are different, the subjects in such schools are about the same: the stage step, choreography, the basics of acting, practical classes with a make-up artist, stylist, hairdresser, who should teach the girl to emphasize dignity and create new images. To teach how to pose, conduct mandatory photo training. Separate courses may provide reviews on the history of art and costume, knowledge of proper nutrition, as well as psychological training. After training, the newly-made model is given a diploma, which in most cases can only be hung on the wall - it's just a piece of paper.
According to professionals, there are no more than five model schools in Moscow with a good reputation. The most famous of them are the Anatoly Kulakov School at the Russian Academy of Models and the Vyacheslav Zaitsev School. Their diplomas are quoted in modeling agencies. But even among the graduates of prestigious schools, only a few become models. They are simply not in demand on the Russian market, and few manage to break into the West.
Therefore, before diving into the abyss of the modeling business, it is worth parting with some myths.
Myth 1. Any girl can become a model, even if her height is less than 170 cm, and the figure is far from the cherished standards of 90x60x90.
If you are serious about becoming a model, take a mini-test. Your age is 14 (or younger) but not older than 19. Height - from 175 to 180 cm, girls above and below are considered "marriage". It is curious that in the West the minimum height for models is 178 cm. A pretty face - yes, the classic regularity of features is not necessary. Many fashion designers are chasing the “wrong” faces that have a twist. An indispensable condition is the ideal figure. If 90x60x90 - great. Although professionals believe that 90 cm is a bit too much for the hips, they say: there is a base, but we will dry the excess. Impeccable condition of skin and hair (preferably natural color) is a must. Ability to move, good manners - useful. Your plus if you know a foreign language, ideally two - English and French. And that is not all. The main thing is the ability and desire to learn. People who work with professional models tell thousands of stories when girls jokingly win prestigious modeling contests and then disappear into oblivion.
Myth 2. Models earn a lot.
Only a few can count on fabulous earnings. And then, if you're lucky and the girl will fall into the category of top models. Usually, a professional agency is able to provide permanent work for 50-70 models, although there are three times more of them in the catalog. Many girls work occasionally.
Agencies do not like to discuss the earnings of models, but, according to the stories of customers, the prices for the services of models range from $30 to $100 per show on average, of which a certain percentage goes to the agency. This is 10 times less than the European minimum. Therefore, for Russian models, the main source of income is video and photography, advertising. If you're lucky, of course.
It is no coincidence that four years ago the founder of the domestic modeling business, the Red Stars agency, left the Russian market and now works only in the West. As Vitaly Leiba, the president of Red Stars, said at the time, the salaries of the models were not enough even to pay for electricity in the agency's office.
Managers of new faces find potential models literally on the street. In such cases, the agency bears all the costs of cutting the found diamond. Having started working, the girl reimburses the expenses, usually they are stipulated in the contract.
The most beautiful story of Cinderella's transformation into a princess is the story of Natalia Vodianova. She is one of the few who reached the top of the modeling Olympus. A simple girl from Nizhny Novgorod, who, just yesterday, was selling bananas and potatoes in the market, helping her mother, conquered Paris, New York and Milan. During New York Ready-to-Wear Week, nineteen fashion designers selected her for their fashion shows. All the newspapers wrote about her romance with the British baronet Justin Portman, and the gorgeous wedding was a worthy end to the story of Cinderella. The wedding dress for Vodianova was sewn by Tom Ford himself. The Russian baroness gave birth to a son and a month later triumphantly returned to the podium. Today she boasts huge fees and a contract for five million dollars with the cosmetic concern L'Oreal.
Myth 3. A beautiful girl does not need to be smart.
Knowing the vicissitudes of the Russian modeling business, many girls today have two or three higher educations. The age of the model is short, you can retire at 25. Although the heads of agencies say that many manage to work perfectly even at 30 years old. Girls go to the podium after the birth of one or two children, but these are rather happy exceptions.
Myth 4. Russian beauties are valued all over the world.
The myth was invented by journalists in the early 90s. Russia then just started to open up to the world, and the boom in the popularity of Russian models was associated precisely with this. Girls from Russia for the first time got the opportunity to go to work abroad and very successfully fit into the standards of European appearance. Since then, the standards themselves have changed little: with the same external data, blondes are still more popular in the modeling business than brunettes. According to Anna Azarova, who worked for eight years in modeling agencies in Paris, starred in a lot of commercials, and then in the films “Poor Nastya”, “Masha Berezina”, she has much less work in Moscow than in Europe: “Bright brunettes in Russia is not needed."
The whole world is traditionally chasing interesting faces, we, on the contrary, love the classics more so that the model looks like a picture. In Russia, they value a face on which you can “draw”, each time creating a new image.
Often, novice models are offered to seriously “work” on their appearance: not just cut their hair, but remove freckles, reduce or increase lips. By the way, the career of model Olga Pantyushenkova in the West went up after she cut her head on the advice of her agent. Not everyone is ready to make such sacrifices.
Myth 5. Modeling is easy.
“Not many girls can withstand the rhythm of a fashion model's life: you need to get up early, constantly be in shape. Sometimes one shoot ends at 3am and the next one starts early in the morning.
Many people think that if they signed a contract with an agency in Paris, then now money, contracts and other attributes of a beautiful life will fall on them by themselves, and they forget that they need to work hard and hard, ”admits model Lyudmila Isaeva.
You need to work on yourself first. The story of Lyudmila Sadovskaya, who immediately after winning one of the Elite contests, signed a contract for 150 thousand dollars, but could not work it out because she gained a lot of weight, is a real horror story for girls. “In order to become a successful model, you need to follow a few rules: always smile, never complain, don’t talk on the phone, don’t say you’re tired, be polite to everyone and don’t get fat,” one of the first describes the rules of behavior for a novice model. Russian stars Tatyana Zavyalova.