Notes from the C Beasley course

go to the the modelling course website

MEET YOUR EXPERT

Welcome to The Modeling Course! I have written this course from my own extensive experience in the modeling industry. I decided that it was time to open up the secrets of the industry to aspiring models that could not normally get hold of such information. I have been modeling for three years now, and have had many exciting assignments. These include fashion shows, photographic assignments, TV and commercial background roles, a small part in a Hollywood movie filmed in the med, entry to the Miss England contest and many others. In this course, I will share with you the knowledge that I have gained through trial-and-error, in order to propel your career to the heights of success!

YES, YOU CAN!!

Have you always dreamed of a career in modeling but never had the confidence to pursue your aspirations? Do you feel that this glamorous and lucrative profession is out of your reach? STOP!!

I am going to show you that ANYONE (yes, ANYONE) can become a successful model simply by following my step-by-step guide to success, written from personal experience. I will also show you that 'normal' and even 'unusual' looking people can model full time and make good money. There are models of every age, sex and appearance. Don't think that if the top ten UK model agencies have rejected you it is time to give up!!

Fashion modeling, as you see it in the media, actually makes up only a small fraction of the modeling market, and few models earn a living working at this exclusively. Most models combine it with other forms of modeling, which demand very different skills and physical attributes.

With the information you will find here your dreams can become a reality, at the same time as earning you serious money. Just think, you could be paid what is normally a full day's or even week's wage to do something that you love for just a few hours a day! Modeling is generally very well paid, and for photographic and promotional work the hours are often short. I'll explain the different types of modelling open to you in detail later.

It took me three years to get to a point where my full-time career was modeling alone, because I had to do it by trial and error. If you follow my advice I will show you how you can do it in a matter of months, and with significantly less effort and financial input.

The world of modeling is a very close-knit industry, and you have to know the right way in. As a budding model it really is what you know that gets you where you want to be, and access to this information is a closely guarded secret. This is because models don't want to share their work, and agencies want to keep their exclusivity. I will tell you how to overcome these barriers.

THE MODEL LIFESTYLE

Once you have taken the initiative and committed yourself to the idea of becoming a model, you can start thinking about the benefits and the doors that will open to you. Start to get used to the idea that your life may become one big social frenzy!! Your new lifestyle means no more three hour commute to a nine hour office day, with only the prospect of another three hours home and catching 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' on TV before an early night. Oh no!!

You will want to get out of bed in the morning (or the afternoon) depending on the job! You are going to spend the day doing something easy that you enjoy. You might even bump into your newfound model friends at the job, and spend the day chatting, in-between a few takes or promoting a product.

You'll know that when you work, you are likely to be invited to several clubs and parties nearly every night of the week, by clients, agencies or model friends. (Most events such as shows and exhibitions have a party included in the budget.) Those of you who make it in fashion or even commercial modeling will know that you and your friends can get into any club in town because they will invite you in! After all, you make the place look better!! You'll know that although you just earned fantastic money for an easy day's work, you will often be given free drinks all night. Of course, you also know that you don't have to indulge in all this if you need to get your beauty sleep; but isn't it nice to know that you'll have the option?!

It all sounds too easy doesn't it? Don't worry, I'll show you how all this can become a reality for you. It really is possible for anyone to do it!! You can do it! You just need to know how to present yourself as a 'package' to the relevant people. The different parts of this 'package' I'll explain to you later, and you will find out how to go about putting it together. I will also provide you with an extensive database of contacts and references, that is not currently available anywhere else.

So, by this point I hope that I have persuaded you that you want a modeling career and all the things that come with it; but have I convinced you that you really can do it? Do you still have those niggling thoughts: I'm not good enough, not attractive enough, and not bubbly enough, I'm too shy, I can't do it alone? You can overcome these doubts through positive thinking, belief in yourself, and most of all going in armed with the exclusive knowledge that I will provide you with, which has up until now been a guarded secret.

WHAT IS A MODEL?

OXFORD DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS:
v "A person employed to pose for an artist"
v "A person employed to display clothes. by wearing them"
v "A person. regarded as excellent of its kind and worthy of imitation"

Ask anyone, and the perception of what a professional 'model' does will vary. This is because the modeling profession involves a variety of different job requirements. If you are a 'Supermodel' or top fashion model, you will probably find that your job specification is as follows:
· Go to castings you were sent to by agent
· Model for photo shoots for advertisements or editorial, as booked by agent
· Model in catwalk fashion shows for couture designers as booked by agent
· Model in TV commercials as booked by agent
· Appear at high-profile events for a significant fee, as booked by agent

However, there are several rungs slightly lower down the ladder, still with serious earning potential, for us lesser beings. The next rung down would probably involve less high profile bookings of a similar sort, perhaps including catalogues and fashion shows for smaller designers; or fashion shows at exhibitions and events.

Some models find that they tend to specialise in one type of modeling, such as photographic work or catwalk. Some agencies also use models for TV extra work, TV and film parts and TV commercials.

For a lot of models though, doing 'promotional work' in-between castings and shoots/shows provides a regular income. Promotional work involves one of a variety of tasks for which you are employed in order to promote a client's product or company. The job can vary from giving out free samples at an exhibition to mingling with guests at a corporate party. I will explain this in full later, but a point to remember is that you are still modeling even when doing this type of work, although only smaller agencies tend to employ models for promotional work.

Another point is that you should not rely on agencies to supply you with a constant stream of work. There are also other money-earning opportunities open to you as a model; an example being beauty contests, for those of you of the right age and look. This may sound like an old-fashioned idea but there is a lot of prize money and free travel involved, and of course the essential exposure. I will tell you how to find out what is going on when and how to guarantee entry.


DEFINITIONS AND LINGO

Before we go on, here are a few pointers so you don't get lost:

· TYPES OF MODELLING
-Fashion and Editorial
Includes advertising campaigns, catwalk modeling for seasonal collections, and magazine editorials. The pay is not usually so good for editorial, but you will get 'tear sheets' for your portfolio, and experience and exposure. This encourages big clients to spend more money on you in the future.

Fashion models should normally be 5'8" to 5'9" or more in height, size 8 and around 7 stones for women. The ideal measurements/statistics are:
Bust 32-35"
Waist 22-25"
Hips 33-36"

For men, height should be 6'0, 32" waist and 32" leg.

-Commercial Print
This is photographic work where the model's photo is used to promote products or fashion, either on billboards or in magazines and newspapers.

-Catalogues
This is photographic work again for product catalogues which sell to regular people. This is often well paid.

-Catwalk
There is a strict minimum height specification for catwalk (runway) modelling of 5'9" for women and 6' for men. The model displays outfits on the catwalk, making them look fabulous.

-Promotional
The least glamorous but most common form of modeling. The model promotes a product for a client through customer interaction, either verbally or by giving out samples or leaflets.

-Glamour
Basically this is nude modelling, ranging from topless Page 3 style to top shelf men's magazines. There are established agencies for glamour work.

-Other
Some models make a living out of other types of modeling such as hand or leg modeling, or even torso only!

· AGENCY
This is where clients can contact your booker, and the place from which the bookers manage your career.

Agencies do the following:
-Give advice to and train the model
-Market the model and handle their career
-Plan the model's agenda and book the model
-Deal with clients and model fees
-Scout new faces

· BOOK
This is a portfolio of the model's photographs, which is shown to clients at castings or go-sees. More on putting this together later.

· COMPOSITE CARD
This is usually an A5 size card, which displays several pictures of the model along with vital statistics, specialities and sometimes agency contacts. You leave them with clients at a casting, or agencies may send them out to clients. I will explain later how to format a card properly. They are also known as z-cards, index cards or model cards.

· CASTINGS AND GO-SEES

-Castings
Clients ask several agencies to send along a particular group of models to show their books and to be seen in person. They usually involve a lot of waiting around in a queue with other models. Later on we will discuss the best way to present yourself at a casting.

-Go-Sees
These are similar to castings, but you have been requested to visit the client along with only one or two other models on a more personal basis.

· OPTION
After a casting, the client usually calls the agency with a list of models whom they think are interesting, and ask what options they have. A first option means first refusal, second means that another client is already holding that time, and so on.

WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY?

Ok, so I've promised you a sure-fire success plan to becoming a model, but how do I know it works?

Let me tell you a little story.

As a child I was a skinny little thing with awkward features. I never got any attention from the boys. But I always knew that I wanted to be a star. I didn't want normality; I wanted excitement, fame, and my name in lights. Being somewhat the ugly duckling I dedicated my teenage years to dancing; I wanted to be a ballerina. However, there was the unfortunate problem that I was never all that good at it. So, eventually I gave up all my dreams and followed the herd off to University, intending to get a 'proper job' at the end of it.

Three years of beer swilling, cheap food and late nights took its toll. I was slightly overweight, very unfit, with a 'Jennifer' haircut gone wrong. And yet the 'proper job' still had no appeal to me. I decided to clean up my act with a change of image, and applied to several modeling and promotional agencies. Of course, I had no experience, no professional pictures, and the wrong 'look', and all I got was a couple of small promotional assignments in six months!!

You are probably thinking that this was a good time to give it up and accept that I was not right for modeling; but I had other ideas. I looked around me and realised that although some people are 'lucky' in being blessed with unquestionably stunning looks; the majority of models who 'make it' do so through effort, perseverance and a willingness to change for the better. I scrutinised those who were in the place that I wanted to be and asked myself why they were there. We shall discuss these factors at a later stage, but needless to say I took the information on board and re-formatted my image and application procedure.

Now this was not as simple as it sounds.

With no one to advise me, I spent a lot of time and money on things that, had I known, would have cost me very little. Later I will give you my top tips, but one to remember is: NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK THE ADVICE OF EXPERTS IN YOUR CHOSEN FIELD. The only way you can find out how to go about something without making lots of effort or huge mistakes is to ask someone who has been there and done it.

An example was that I realised I needed some professional pictures to send off. I went to my local photographer to ask a price, but was scared off by the faded wedding portraits displayed in the window! So I decided to go with Cover Shots. The sales pitch was: 'I looked like this but look at me now!' It sounded great. So I went along and came out with a 'portfolio' that cost me near £700! I got a few colour copies and sent them off to a couple of agencies, and unbelievably I got an interview! What do you think the first thing they said was? We don't like your pictures!! They looked old-fashioned and posed, they said, and they could recommend a professional photographer to do a whole film for £30!

I shall tell you how to go about getting the right pictures later, but this is a prime example of the trial-and-error you will be able to cut out through the benefit of my experience!! (My younger sister was modeling full-time within a month of leaving college at minimal cost due to the benefit of my contacts and advice). I will also tell you the pitfalls to avoid, such as the conmen and dodgy agencies!!

Well, after a year or so of putting myself forward, I managed to join several agencies and get regular promotion work combined with some photographic modelling. I was enjoying every minute, but still felt that I wasn't being offered all the work that was available. So I improved my image further, changed my CV (shhh yes, you can), had more pictures done and got myself a 'model card'. I made sure everyone knew who I was and that I was available. I shall explain to you step-by-step the easiest, cheapest and most professional way to go about all this later on.

It worked!! Through referrals I joined more agencies, and better ones, and the work kept getting better. Nowadays, I can choose which jobs to take and when I want to work. I know how to juggle a casting, a photo-shoot and a promotion on the same day without upsetting anyone! I can have time off during the week and still earn a great weekly wage. I am constantly turning work down, and agents are begging me to work for them!

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!

She must be better than average, I hear you say. She couldn't have done all this as a Plain Jane. This is the misconception that leads most wannabe models to give up.

For promotional work, attractiveness is measured mostly in personality and presentation. For other modeling, you will find that although catwalk usually requires a weight of around 7 stones and a height of 5'8" plus for women, many modern magazine features or adverts do not require a stunning Amazonian beauty but rather someone attractive who looks like a 'real' person and to whom the public can relate (a commercial model). More and more now, models of both sexes and all ages are also required, with unusual or everyday looks; especially for advertising and TV.

There are now a variety of agencies catering specifically to your particular look: fashion agencies, commercial agencies, plus-size agencies, glamour agencies, ugly agencies, and character agencies. You name it, there is one.

I would guess however that many of you reading this are dreaming of becoming a fashion model. This is entirely possible if you meet certain requirements and follow the rules!! If this is your dream, you should perhaps try the top fashion agencies before you go ahead with anything else.

However, the majority of you are probably going to become commercial models. You will appear in magazine features and stories, billboard and everyday product advertisements, maybe TV commercials, and catalogues. You will also be earning a fantastic income, whilst having lots and lots of fun. And you can do it!!

The question you have to ask yourself is: How much do I want this? If you really want to become a model, you will. I will show you how. You just have to be entirely committed and really want to make it. You know that there is something special about your look, or you wouldn't be reading this. We just have to show people how special you are; and it is all in the presentation.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Some of you will be reading this as novices, having never made an attempt at breaking into modeling; but there will be a number of you who have made some kind of attempt at it.

My advice to the latter of you is: forget everything you have done before. After all, it didn't work!!

It's not your fault. It's just that you didn't know how to go about things because you had no one to help and advise you. This is where this course comes in. I have written this course to make the secrets of success available to you. So, put away all those old modeling pictures in an album for your grandkids, think positively and start afresh. By following the steps I have laid out for you in this course, I will soon put you on the road to success!

FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS

There are several major areas covered by this course that are vital to your success, which are explained fully later on. To summarise though, the main areas you need to address are going to be:
1. Examining your personal image
2. Obtaining the necessary materials (e.g. Photos and Cards)
3. Methods of self-promotion
4. Who to contact and how
5. Avoiding scams
6. Reference materials and Contacts

PERSONAL IMAGE

The first thing we will look at is how you need to examine your 'image'; or rather, 'the way in which you are perceived by others'. This involves various factors such as:

· The way in which you dress
· Your body weight and shape
· Your height
· Hairstyle and colour
· Skin tone, clarity and colour
· Your facial features, which can be affected by:
· The way in which you apply your make-up

Believe it or not, all of these factors can be altered; or at least, you can change people's perception of these factors through certain techniques and tricks I will teach you.

If you take a look at the images of models you see daily in the media, you will notice that there are trends. There is a requirement for one or two particular 'looks', and your image has to fit this profile. You must be prepared to alter and improve your image to fit a similar profile. Yet models need to have a unique and striking image. How much you need to change depends on how far you differ from the profile right now. Don't be scared, it really is not as difficult as it sounds!

You don't have to change who you are, just change the packaging slightly.

Agencies will tell people that they know immediately if someone has model potential from a home snapshot. However, I know that presenting yourself in the right way works because I have done it! Through a few changes in image, agencies are more willing to take me on and I have increased my volume and quality of work no end.

In Part Two, we will investigate the ways in which you can adjust your image and the effects it will have. For example, we will discuss scientific research on the 'Blonde' issue. Are blondes perceived to be more attractive and why? What associations go with the blonde image? And so on.

ESSENTIAL MODELLING MATERIALS

There are several basic materials that you will need to invest in to succeed as a professional model. These are:

Ø A well-written and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
Ø A model book: which is a portfolio of photographs and 'tear sheets'
Ø A good quantity of composite cards
Ø A mobile telephone with an answering service

I am going to show you the best, easiest and most economical way of obtaining these materials.

Curriculum vitae

When your details drop through the agency letterbox, a CV is the only method they have of assessing your suitability, through experience; after looking at your picture. This means that you have to get it right first time, and you have to hit them with it.

You want them to think, wow, this model is successful and experienced, and would be an asset to our agency.

It is therefore very important that you present your experience in the right way and that you include certain keywords. You should also alter the CV depending on the type of agency you are applying to, such as promotional or commercial.

In Part Two I will show you a sample CV that you can personalise to your own experience. We will also see what to include depending on whom you are applying to. The sample CV includes several different job functions, and I will explain the definitions so that you can then include them in your CV.

(Note: A little embellishment never hurts, so long as you understand what it is you have claimed to have done, and you feel capable that you could do it in the future without looking like a novice. This is your judgement call.)

Model Book

Every model needs to build up a portfolio of pictures which shows a range of looks and styles, and which can be presented to clients at castings in the form of a 'model book'.

To begin with, these pictures will be mainly chosen from 'test shoots' with recommended photographers. A model goes to a photographer and has photographs taken in different styles and different outfits, usually at a studio. The photographer will then produce a 'contact sheet', which is a page where all the pictures can be viewed in miniature, and the required prints chosen. Usually the photographer can develop the prints for you, but you can go to a professional developer yourself. Generally prints will be 10"x8" (or A4).

It is best to ask agencies or other models to refer you to photographers that they have used for their pictures; but later I will also recommend some established photographers and I will tell you whom to contact for picture development. We will also discuss the different presentation options available for the actual book used to present the pictures, and where to buy. If you are signed to a major agency, they may supply you with a presentation folder or book.

As you get more photographic work, you can add your 'tear sheets' (pictures from magazines etc. you have appeared in) to your book. You should also have a variety of shots from test shoots with different photographers in different locations.

Later we will discuss how to get the best out of a photo-shoot; what to do, what to wear, how to prepare.

Composite Card

Every model needs a composite card which agencies can send to clients, and which you can leave with clients at castings so that they remember you.

If you sign with a top agency, they will produce your cards for you along with the agency contact details printed on the card. However, if you are going to be working for several agencies and particularly if you intend to do promotional work, you will need your own card without reference to any specific agency details. You will also need quite a large quantity of cards. They can usually be ordered in 100's, 500's or 1000's.

Although it is possible to send prints or colour copies to agencies initially, this does not look professional. Also, the agency will know that you are an inexperienced model, so the CV should match this.

A composite card (also known as a model card, index card or z-card) is usually A5 size (or 5"x7"). It usually consists of a headshot on the front, along with the model's name, and a selection of two to four pictures on the back along with the model's vital statistics. The card should show the model's versatility for different styles and types of work, so the pictures should be varied, usually with a simple headshot on the front taken with natural make-up. Ask agencies and other models to give their opinion on the best shots to use for your card. As your pictures are updated, you will have to update your card anyway.

Cards can be ordered quite easily from a variety of printers, and in the Directory in Part Four you will find my recommendations of the major ones. We will also discuss the best style of card targeted for the particular type of work you are aiming for, and what text to include. I will show you a sample card.

Mobile Telephone

The nature of modeling means that you will never be in the same place for very long! Agencies need to be able to call you about a job and get a yes or no there and then, or they may have to fill the space with someone else!

This means that you will need a mobile phone with an easily accessible answering service, preferably one that is free. You will also need to use the phone to make return calls to agencies that have left you messages, so you need to choose a tariff to suit your needs.

Another advantage of having a mobile phone is that when you are away from home on a job, you will be glad of it in order to keep in touch with friends and family. If you are driving, it will also help to keep you safe in the case of an emergency. It might be a good idea to get a modern phone that can be used abroad. It is not expensive nowadays and it can be essential if you are getting jobs overseas. You will need to activate roaming with your network.

Later we will discuss how to get the best out of your mobile for work.

SELF PROMOTION

If you sign with a top agency then they will usually take control of your career for you, promoting you, sending you to regular castings, organising your work schedule and dealing with your pay. However, most models will work for several agencies and have to put in a little more effort in promoting themselves both to clients and to agencies. In this case, you will also have to manage your own casting and work schedule; as well as invoicing agencies and dealing with your own accounts.

In order to maximise the amount of good work you are offered I would recommend the following methods of self-promotion:
ü Constantly stay on the lookout for new agencies. Ask other models about whom they work for most, and watch out for agencies whose models regularly turn up at castings.
ü Regularly update your CV as your experience increases, and send out to agencies and potential clients with your card.
ü Network! If you are friendly and get to know clients you may be able to work directly for those you like.
ü Research. Find out who books models for the company you want to model for, and send them your details. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
ü Set up a website. This needn't cost you lots of money. I will show you later how to set up a website yourself using MS Publisher. This way your details can be accessed immediately without sending out cards.
ü Get an email address and check it regularly. This makes it easier for agencies and clients to contact you or send booking details. You don't need a computer. We will discuss this later on.

You should not rely on agencies to run your career. You must be committed and organised. In the next chapter, I will show you the best way to keep financial records and to run your diary, including how to do your taxes. It is very important that you keep all this information up to date.

In order to promote oneself effectively and to thrive in the industry, a successful model requires all of the following skills:

· Organisation- A model must be able to organise his/her schedule and accounts. The model must turn up at appointments on time.

· Ambition- A model won't succeed by sitting at home and waiting for someone else to come to him/her with work. Make calls. Let people know you are there.


· Confidence- Clients require models who are sure of themselves, and who will sell their product. Models should also be able to cope with rejection at castings.

· Endurance- Models should be healthy and fit, so they can look great all day despite working hard or trekking to castings.


· Independence- Travelling away and constantly going to castings and jobs alone means that a model needs to be very independent.

Don't panic! I know it all sounds difficult, but I will show you how easy it is! Later on I will expand on effective methods of marketing yourself, based on my own trial-and-error experiences.

We will also discuss how to stay positive and focused. There are many theories on the psychology of achievement that are very relevant to keeping the positive frame of mind which will help you succeed.

WHO TO CONTACT AND HOW

If you are just starting out in modeling, you will most probably have heard of or been to visit a few of the top agencies in the country. You may know of a couple of small local agencies in your area. However, as far as I know, there is no comprehensive list of nationwide agencies available, so I have produced one for you. You will find this in the Directory, which is the reference section in Part Four of this course.

In the UK, the AMA (Association of Model Agencies) produces a list of recommended agencies, which consists mainly of about twenty agencies, mostly top fashion, based in London. This list can be obtained from the AMA or by going in to any of the top UK agencies such as Profile, Storm, Select, or Premier. If you have already been to visit agencies on this list, you will now need to try alternative agencies. If you have not, then it is worth a trip as it is always better for them to see you in the flesh. Later we will discuss the best way to present yourself when visiting an agency for the first time. If these agencies will not take you on, you are probably not going to make it as a top fashion model, but you can still have a successful career in modeling. There are many other agencies that will get you plenty of work. You can always try the AMA list again later when you have built up a book. As the seasons required look changes, so do the agencies' requirements.

Once you start modeling, you can of course ask other models to refer you to good agencies (although you may find that many will be less than willing to do so, as it means sharing their work with more competition). To begin with, though, it is hard to know who to go to and whether the agency is reputable.

In Part Four you will find that I have compiled for you a comprehensive reference guide to agencies nationwide. This guide is divided into easy reference sections by area and type/level of modelling. The guide is compiled from my own extensive experience in the industry, and through much research. However, as you become more involved in modeling, you should constantly be on the lookout for new agencies yourself. I also publish a yearly update to the Directory, which will be offered free to course subscribers.

In Parts Two and Three of the course, I will tell you who to apply to depending on your look and aspirations, how to go about it and what to say. For example, if an agency specialises mainly in promotions, you should alter your CV and covering letter so that it demonstrates your experience in that area. You can probably get away with just posting your details through to such agencies. However, it may be better to 'pop in' with your book and relevant CV to an agency that specialises more in high fashion; although you should check first that they do not have set times for seeing 'new faces'. If you don't live near to the agency you could be wasting a trip if they won't let you in. 'I was just passing by and thought I'd pop in' won't cut it with a busy agency, as they allocate that time for other things; although they are generally quite helpful and friendly. Of course, if you are exactly what they are looking for it won't matter to them at all.

A tip on visiting top agencies: If you go to a show like the BBC Clothes Show Live or The Cosmopolitan Show, there are often scouts from top agencies around, and many agencies have their own exhibition stand you can visit. This makes it much easier as all the agencies are in one place. Don't feel bad if you don't get 'spotted' as you walk past. Be brave and go over to ask the agency's opinion on your potential. They may have missed you; or you may unfortunately not be right for them. If they don't want to take you on, they will give you truthful and helpful advice on why not. They may also tell you where to go instead. You should write this advice down, and use it as a tool to enhance your image in the future. Don't give up! There are other agencies that will get you work.

If you don't live in London, you will have to make a decision before you apply to modeling agencies. To work full time as a model, you may find that you need to live in or near the capital. However, it is possible to work as a model, subsidised with lots of promotions, from a major city such as Manchester or Birmingham. In this case you should be prepared either to travel a lot, or to relocate. If you are using modeling as a fill-in or part-time occupation, you may get some work from local agencies, but this may be mainly promotional work. Once you decide that modeling is for you, you have to make a commitment, and this may include moving away from home. You don't have to commit straight away, but it may be worth mentioning to the agencies you apply to that you are prepared to move. If you have a friend in London, you could ask if you can stay whenever you get a job and put that address on your CV! Later I will give you some ideas for finding your first digs.

Don't worry! I know it all sounds a bit scary and you may feel that you will never get there; but if you have the determination and perseverance, you will succeed! I will provide you with everything you need to know.

AVOIDING SCAMS

When you first start out in modeling you may feel like a fish out of water. Everything is new and exciting, but this also opens you up to the risk of people taking advantage of you. There are many pitfalls you may encounter, but I will tell you how to avoid them.

As a quick reference list, ten top tips to avoid scams are:

1. Never pay out any money to an agency:
All legitimate agencies will take you on for free and make their money from the commission they take from your jobs.

2. Only sign up with agencies that have been recommended to you by other models or professionals in the business:
Any other agencies will be a waste of your time and money.

3. Never go alone to an agency that is not on the AMA list:
There have been cases where criminals have set up fake 'agency interviews' in order to seduce models who visit them.

4. Don't do anything you don't want to do:
Any legitimate agency will not expect you to do anything you are not happy with, including taking your clothes off! If this is what you want to do, there are established glamour agencies, which are run properly and professionally and won't put you at any risk.

5. Only pay for your own photos if you are visiting a recommended photographer:
If you pay for photos, make sure it is with a photographer recommended to you by us, or by other models. Some dodgy agencies may have deals with photographers, and some photographers will simply overcharge you. Later you will see that getting photos does not have to be an expensive business.

6. Don't sign any contract without reading it first:
Never let anyone pressure you into signing anything, and don't sign until you have read the contract through and are happy with it. Generally, top AMA agencies will put you under sole contract, but smaller agencies, especially commercial ones, do not. Generally agencies take around 20% commission.

7. Keep your ears and eyes open for agencies that are bad at paying:
Try only to work for agencies that you know something about. Maybe other models you know have worked for them. You don't want them to run off with your money. It happened to me once! There is an 'agencies commission' that deals with things like that. I will give you the details later on.

8. Don't give out your private details to just anyone:
It is hard to do when your name and your every measurement is on a card along with a picture of you, but try not to give your home address and telephone number out. Providing a point of contact should be your agencies' job.

9. Be wary of adverts in magazines for models:
No legitimate agency needs to advertise for models in this way, and you may find that many of them are glamour agencies.

10. You don't need to buy all or any of a photographer's photos of you:
If a photographer tries to tell you that you should buy all his photos, or even that you have to buy some, it is wrong. You pay for the photos to be taken and the negatives or contact sheet. You don't have to have any of them reproduced.

These are just a few essential hints to help you through the initial stages. We shall discuss all of these points in context and in greater depth later on.

REFERENCE MATERIALS
When I first started out in this business, the whole thing was a matter of trial-and-error and learning as I went along. I had no idea of which agencies to approach and which did what. I wasn't even sure which types of modeling existed. It took me a long while to compile my own directory. I also went through the expensive business of finding photographers and printers for my model cards, without recommendations.

The advantage I can give you is that over my years in the business, I have built up my own, extremely comprehensive directory of all these contacts; and I want to share it with you. Through my experience, you can have the contacts now that have taken me so long to build up. I will give you the essential and unparalleled guide to current modeling contacts.

I will also tell you about some extremely helpful reference materials such as books you may need. Most models in the business own these, and you may like to buy some of them. I shall tell you how to get hold of them.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

I am hoping that I have not put you off with all this talk of hard work! As we all know, sometimes you have to put in some effort in order to achieve the things you dream of. This course is intended to help you achieve your goals with the least effort and expense possible, and it really will be worth it!

Here is the story of a 'day in the life' of a model, as written by Ellie:

I try to get myself out of bed early in the morning, whether I am working, resting or going to castings, so that I have plenty of time to get ready. I like to take a long shower to wake me up, and always spend plenty of time on my hair and make-up. Natural doesn't have to mean scruffy!

Today I am doing a fashion show at an exhibition. We are modeling jewellery and have been rehearsing for three days. I have to be there early for hair and make-up, but after that I can chill out until the first show with a coffee and paper and chat with the other models.

The first show is a flurry of activity, and it is a great feeling when you get out there and it all goes well. You can see that the audience really enjoys it, and you feel great.

After the show, I throw on some casuals and pop out to have a look around. Some of my model friends are also working at the show doing various promotions or modeling on the exhibition stands, so I spend most of my break catching up and swapping numbers (again).

After the next show I have two hours off, so I am going to pop to a casting five minutes down the road. I hop straight on the bus and arrive to face a huge queue. I chat to the other models in the queue and get a photographers' number from another model that has a great book. I notice that lots of the other models were sent by an agency I am not registered with, so I get that number too. It is worth sending them my picture at least! Luckily the queue is not too long, and I am seen after twenty minutes. I hand them my card but they are too busy to even look through our books. They smile and thank me and I am on my way. I am not disheartened because you can never tell, and you can't get your hopes up or you will always be disappointed.

I hop on the bus back, and check my phone. I have eight messages about work so I call them all back and book in various dates. I have to juggle a few jobs I don't really fancy for some that I really want without upsetting anyone! There is also a message from one of my model friends about a launch party that evening with free champagne! I know I will be really tired and have to be up early, so I plan to pop in and leave early. There are plenty more parties this week if I feel like going!

Back at the show and I have two more runs. I take a nap in the dressing room out the back between shows, and reorganise my schedule several times.

I leave at around five and brave the rush hour tube to dash home for a shower. I throw on some jeans and stilettos and a foxy top and head out again. (Often I get free clothes from my fave friendly designers and wardrobe so I choose the newest for tonight!) The party hasn't really got going when I arrive, but soon livens up as people arrive from a day of castings, shows or shoots. I enjoy chatting to a few people I know, and I meet a booker from an agency I applied to last year who seems enthusiastic about my current look. Great! After a couple of hours I sneak off home. I have had a good night but I need my beauty sleep!

SO ARE YOU READY?

If you decide to embark on this course, then you have made the decision to become a model. You won't regret it. The secrets to success are all within the pages of this course; and they will change your life forever! You are finally going to achieve what you have always dreamed, and the time is not far away. Depending on how quickly you want it to happen, you could have your first job within weeks. You just have to follow the plan and the advice that I have laid out for you, and you will soon be modeling!

Before you start though, you need to be 100% committed. You will need to spend time on your CV, choosing your photos and card, and approaching agencies for work. I will show you how to do all this and succeed, but you are the one who needs to get out there and do it! If you are ready to have the time of your life and make money then you will make it!

In the pages ahead, I will help you to fulfil your dream. Your life is about to change. You are going to succeed in the job you have always wanted. And it will be easy!

GOODIES TO COME

In the next few parts of the course, I am going to provide you with the following information:

q The types of modeling most appropriate to your look
q How to fit your image to expectations
q Ways to alter people's perception of your personal image
q How to portray yourself in your CV and to whom
q Where to get pictures done and choosing the style appropriate to your image
q How to format a composite (model) card
q The beat way to present a portfolio
q Who to approach for work and how
q Presenting yourself positively
q The psychology of achievement
q Designing a website
q Methods of self-improvement
q Keeping records
q Directory of contacts, agencies and reference materials
q Extra tips, such as help with moving to the city

Statement:
The author and publishers supply this course with the understanding that while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all the information offered in the course, they will not accept any responsibility for any loss (or profit), direct or indirect, as a consequence of use of any of the information shown. The opinions given are those of the author who is acting in good faith in accordance with the extensive research undertaken by her, and who confirms that she herself has used the principles described. Customers are urged to seek legal advice before entering into any contract.
IMPORTANT! The Modeling Course includes the only complete and comprehensive Industry Directory available to the public today!
This means that every contact that you will need to make is in the Directory, it will save you hours of research and will enable you to easily make the right contacts that are crucial to your success