How to Become a Fitness Model....

           Fitness Models are models who are hired to promote and advertise fitness related products.  The appear on tv, in magazines, and in body building and fitness competitions.  A Fitness Model must have a great smile and a commercial look.  They must look and be in shape and live a healthy lifestyle.  Their muscles must be defined, however not all Fitness Models must look like body builders.  Fitness Models must be involved with the health and fitness community and have actual knowledge of health and fitness practices.  The more "in the loop" you are, the more likely it is that you might already know people or companies who want to hire or sponsor you as a Fitness Model!

        There are two main courses of action to take if you want to start working as a Fitness Model.
        1) Contact an agent or agency.  As with most other areas of modeling, there are agencies dedicated to ONLY representing Fitness Models.  There are also commercial modeling agencies with fitness divisions.  Do an Internet search for agencies in your area, and ask around with people who you know from the gym or playing sports.  The agency will advise you about what type of Fitness Models they represent and what type of pictures you should have in your portfolio.  You will have different steps to take if you are a Body Builder versus a (female) Bikini Fitness Model.

       2) Attend or compete in fitness competitions.  There are different types of competitions for different models.  Examples : Figure, Bikini, Muscle, Sports Fitness etc...  Find out which competitions are in your area and their categories.  Realistically determine which category fits you best and go from there.

         -  In addition you can also sign up and create a profile on free websites for Fitness Models.  These websites will advertise you to potential clients and provide you with casting calls.

        - Be where the media is! Attend fitness expos, workshops and other events and mixers! The Fitness Modeling world is smaller and less complex than the Fashion and Commercial modeling world, therefore you can actually potentially meet people who can get you contracts and deals by just being an active part of the community and social scene.

       - If you don't belong to a gym.....you should join one.  I know people who were approached by companies offering them sponsorships while they were going through their daily workout.

How to Become a Parts Model

        Parts modeling involves modeling specific body parts in order to advertise and promote products on tv, in magazines etc.  Examples of individual parts would be: feet, hands (yes there is actually such a thing as a hand model), legs, certain facial features, or even entire bodies.

        If you think about the advertising for products like: nail polish, hand cream, shoes, stockings, jewelry..... This should give you a good visual reference of what a Parts model does. 

        There are agencies who only represent Parts Models.  They are far less common than commercial or fashion agencies.  The most well known Parts Modeling Agency is PARTS MODELS in New York City.  On the west coast there's BODY PARTS MODELS INC.  In addition to these, some commercial modeling agencies also have Parts Modeling Divisions or will represent Parts Models.  If there are no Parts Modeling agencies near you, start calling around to your local commercial agencies and ask if they represent Parts Models.

        In order to submit yourself for representation you must have professional pictures of the parts you model.  Hire a local photographer or do a TF ("Trade For") shoot with a photographer who has experience with Parts Modeling.  Research your local agencies and submit your photos in the format they request and inquire about Open Calls.  If your going to attend an Open Call or you get a call to meet with an agency after you've sent your photos, dress appropriately to display the parts you model. 

Example: Don't show up in jeans and sneakers if you are modeling your legs and feet. 

        The parts you model should be well kept and groomed to perfection.  There should be NO visible veins, stretch marks, scars, bruises, cuts, tattoos or piercings.  Since the focus is on one specific body part, that increases the pressure for perfection in that area.

HOW TO BECOME A PLUS MODEL.......

        This article is dedicated to explaining how to become a working Plus Sized Model.  There are a lot of weird misconceptions and myths about plus models so I'll start with clearing them up.
        - Just because you are "Plus" does not make you a model.  Plus models adhere to strict guidelines and height/weight/size requirements just as traditional models do. A plus model is generally between 5'8" and 6'0" and a size 10-20, however, I have seen girls as small as a size 6 be considered Plus.  Every agency has it's own specific requirements, so you'll need to look into the requirements of the agency you wish to work with in order to make sure you are a fit.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PETITE PLUS SIZE MODELING
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS MALE PLUS SIZE MODELING
         Now that that's all clear.  Plus models have the same job as a regular model.  Advertising clothing and products.  Several top agencies (which represent traditional sized models) also have Plus divisions. You'll have to research the best ones in your state.  If you are anywhere near New York, I suggest you just search New York.  Below is a list of the top plus modeling agencies:
Close Models (UK)
Ford
Wilhelmina ten20 division
Dorothy Combs Models
Goddess Models
12 Plus (UK)
Agence Plus (Paris)
Model Team (Germany)
        Contact the agencies you would like to be represented by, and inquire about Open Calls.  Check out their website ahead of time to find the specific height and size requirements.  Wear little or no make up to the Open Call and keep your hair natural and your clothing casual.  Walk in with a smile! Your attitude matters!  You can also search for company sponsored Plus Modeling Contests. (example: Torrid.)
       Plus models DO NOT need a full portfolio to attend agency open calls.  Just a good head shot and a full body shot.  It's best to contact a local photographer and take shots that are natural.  Not too much make up.  Solid colored clothing.  No jewelry etc.  This is confusing to some aspiring models because of their (incorrect) perception of modeling, but please trust me.....ALL YOU WANT IN YOUR PORTFOLIO SHOTS YOU TAKE TO AN AGENCY IS.....YOU! They don't want to be distracted by crazy prints on clothing or large jewelry or overdone make up.  They just want to see what you actually look like.  It is the job of the client (who you'll be working for in the future) to turn you into whatever they want in order to promote and advertise their product.
        As a plus model, you have the same responsibilities...maybe even more so...as a regular model.  Your body must be proportional, you must have shapely legs, and you must be in good health.  Your skin, hair and nails need to be well cared for and groomed.
        Plus models who want to work as FIT MODELS may have more flexibility as far as height and size.  Fit models are used to fit clothing that will be sold to people of all shapes and sizes.  If you are a Plus size woman, and you don't fit the specs I've listed here, you may still have an opportunity to become a Fit Model.  Fit modeling can pay very well and some Fit Models even make a full time income.  Doing an internet search for Plus Fit Modeling in your area should produce a few agency or company options.
        Plus models may also SOMETIMES work as Promotional Models.  This depends on your size and what the client is looking for.  Most promotional modeling clients and agencies are looking for traditional size models, but there are always exceptions in the modeling industry, so it's worth checking it out!
        Thanks for reading! If your looking for FREE casting calls for paying work, add me on Facebook.  I regularly post casting on my page.  Thanks for reading and check back soon for updates!

GOOD AND BAD HEAD SHOTS....

         The link below is a great reference for good Commercial head shots and good Theatrical (actors) head shots.  Most commercial models do some level of acting as well, but focus on what applies to you and what you want to do specifically.

http://www.headshots101.com/commercial-theatrical.html

This is what NOT to do....

VISIBLE HANDS

JEWELRY, GLASSES, PRINTED SHIRTS (NO CRAZY COLORED HAIR EITHER PLEASE)

NO WEIRD OR CRAZY CAMERA ANGLES

DISTRACTING BACKGROUNDS (OR BRA STRAPS)

SCARY FACIAL EXPRESSIONS  You should always looks relaxed and happy.

        As simple as taking a good head shot may seem, there are still photographers, models, and agencies out there who will make these easy to avoid mistakes.  REMEMBER: your headshot may be your first and only impressions a client gets....so you better make it GOOD! 

        Looking for FREE access to paying modeling and acting casting calls? Add me on Facebook.  I regularly post castings on my page! My Facebook Page. 

        The next post will cover the ins and outs of PLUS SIZE MODELING! So check back soon for updates!

Modeling/Acting Casting Calls

Quick side note: IF YOU ARE AN ASPIRING MODEL/ACTOR OR A MODEL/ACTOR LOOKING FOR FREE CASTING CALLS FOR PAYING JOBS, I REGULARLY POST THEM ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. ADD ME: http://www.facebook.com/AlisonDancho

GOOD AND BAD Commercial Fitness Portfolio Shots

        Continuing on with GOOD AND BAD commercial portfolio pictures.....  If you are athletic or play a sport it is a great idea to include a fitness shot in your portfolio.  Think about all the advertising that is done for fitness and sports related products.  A good fitness shot will clearly show you performing some kind of movement.  It should look realistic.  If you are a female you should not have your hair overdone or wear a lot of make up.  The shot should look as genuine as possible.  Click on the links below to view examples of both GOOD AND BAD Fitness shots.

GOOD.
   
         This is a good fitness shot.  You can clearly see the models muscle definition.  She looks as if she is in the middle of an actual work out.  The outdoor lighting suits the picture.  Her wardrobe is appropriate and her hair is pulled back. This girl is ready to sell any workout supplement or product out there!

BAD!!!

        This is a bad Fitness picture.  The entire picture is confusing.  The background is cluttered and distracting.  The poster on the right of the model gets more visual attention than she does.  Her pose looks as if she is doing ballet or trying to be sexy....or both at the same time.  Her body position doesnt make sense. What is she doing? Is it a stretching move? An exercise? If the answer is no, then it is a BAD Fitness picture! Her top is not something you would see either at the gym or in a Fitness product ad.  Her hair is overdone, her make up is overdone. Her face is angled down so you can't see what she looks like. REMEMBER the point of ALL of your portfolio pictures is to show what you look like!

Commercial Portfolio Picture Examples........

        A good commercial portfolio will get you PAID.  A bad one will get you disregarded.  Your portfolio is your visual resume, besides your comp card, it's the most important thing you'll need.  I'm going to show you a few examples of good and bad commercial portfolio pictures.  Try your best to ignore the actual model in the pictures and pay attention to what she is doing (or not doing).  #1 The bathing suit shot. Click on the links below to see the examples of GOOD and BAD!!! bathing suit shots.

GOOD.

        This is a good bathing suit shot.  The model looks relaxed and natural, her expression matches what she is doing.  The picture shows what her face and body look like and her bathing suit top and bottom are solid colors.  She is in the water, which makes sense considering she is wearing a bathing suit.  The picture on the right is better than the one on the left becasue you can see her entire arm and hand in the picture on the right.  You never want to put a picture in your portfolio where it appears you are "missing a limb" or any other part of your body.  Her hair and make up are natural, as they would be if she were really at the beach. The belly ring should be removed but other than that, that's the GENERAL OUTLINE of what a good bathing suit shot should be.  I am not going into lighting and shadow in depth right now.  In general, as long as the lighting is natural and there are no awkward shadows, you're good to go!

BAD!!!!!!

         This is an example of a bad portfolio picture! The models pose is unatural and awkward.  The props don't make any sense.  Her expression is cold.  Her make up is over done.  She is wearing distracting gold jewelry on her wrist and ankle. YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR JEWLERY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO PICTURES.  It takes away from YOU in the picture and in addition, different people have different taste in jewlery, you don't want the person flipping through your portfolio to be distracted by a necklace they hate.....or love, when they are supposed to be thinking about HIRING YOU! The models bathing suit is a busy print. The picture is just unflattering as a whole.

         In the next post I'll be giving you examples of a good and bad commercial FITNESS shot, so check back soon for updates!