Today’s youth are more thoughtful about what they want to accomplish and achieve in life. This self-evaluation could be the reason behind the steady rise of a generation of teen model hopefuls who are dead set on making a mark in the fashion and entertainment industries.
If you are among those who hope to become trendsetters on TV and on the catwalk, here is a valuable step-by-step guide to launching a career in teen modeling successfully.
Step #1: Get Your Parents’ Approval
The first and most important step you must take before becoming a teen model is to seek your parents’ approval. Although you may already be independent, you still need to talk to your mom and dad and convince them that modeling is your dream. This way, you will have their support for your endeavor, which can eliminate much of the pressure you’re bound to experience.
If you’re under the legal age, it is lawful that you get parental approval prior to making any deals with a modeling agency. Having your parents’ support can also help ensure that you can balance life and work. Considering that you’re taking a shot at a job while staying in school, you need all the help you can get.
On top of that, having your parents by your side when you start modeling can also be beneficial for you. Aside from moral support, you are also sure to need their financial help to pay for photo shoots for your portfolio, modeling classes, and any other requirements for modeling.
Step #2: Have Your Photos Taken for Your Portfolio
A modeling portfolio is one of the most crucial tools you need to introduce yourself to agencies and potential clients. Thus, it is also critical to the launch of your career as a whole.
Essentially, a modeling portfolio is a book that contains your general description, measurements, and pictures. The images compiled in this book would depend on what type of model you want to be, but it must contain three essential photos: headshots, body shots, and personality shots.
Headshot
As the name implies, a headshot is a picture of your face beginning from the shoulders and taken from a front-facing angle. Also called a “beauty shot,” this image is often the first photo in a modeling portfolio, specifically for editorial and fashion models.
The primary purpose of a beauty shot is to showcase the model’s most natural state to allow modeling agencies and potential clients to see what she looks like without any styling and makeup.
Body Shot
Another essential photograph you need for your portfolio is the body shot, which covers the full length of your body. It will allow agencies and potential clients to see your proportions and body type, which will help them determine if you’re a perfect fit for a gig.
When having your body shot taken, make sure you wear simple clothing that fits your body well. A combination of a plain shirt and jeans should do the trick. Avoid long dresses and skirts with many layers as they can excessively cover up parts of your body.
Personality Shot
When compiling a modeling portfolio, you have to show your creativity and showcase who you are as a person, which is done best in personality shots. This type of photo will also help agencies and clients assess whether you have what it takes to model for a specific project. It will also show them your skills in posing for the camera and expressing yourself through the use of your body.
Step #3: Find an Excellent Modeling Agency
A modeling agency acts as a model’s liaison or link to potential clients. This is why finding the perfect agency can be challenging, especially since you’re still too young to decide on your own.
When picking an agency, make sure to verify their legitimacy. To look for a legitimate modeling agency, you can start by looking at those located in your area. There are those that hold “open calls” that allow aspiring models to meet modeling scouts and present them with portfolios.
You can also look for modeling agencies online. Some agencies accept modeling applications via online forms. Look for instructions on how to apply in the modeling agency’s website.
A Good Start in Teen Modeling
Teen modeling is not as uncommon as you might think. Many A-list models began modeling when they were still very young. If you want to become one of them, know the proper steps you need to take, as listed in this article.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.
To read more on topics like this, check out the career category.
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