While there is plenty of coverage and information out there regarding females going into the modelling industry, male models are also in demand all around the world and can have a very successful career. Breaking into the industry is tough, to put it mildly, and for many models, it can take years and years of trying before they get any sort of break at all. This doesn’t mean you should give up on your career goals; it just means that you may want to go about things in a different way.
For those looking to break into the male modelling industry and who want to be sure they are taking all the smart and necessary steps to make it big, here’s a look at top tips that are designed to help you succeed.
Put Together a Professional Portfolio
When it comes to getting modelling gigs, you need to have a professional portfolio that depicts different looks, lighting, and angles. Your portfolio is meant to capture the attention of casting agents, so it needs to be filled with striking images. Where it used to be that your portfolio consisted of a book that you would take with you when visiting different agencies, times have changed and now there is a real push to go digital.
An online modeling portfolio allows you to share all your greatest photos but with a much broader audience. You don’t need to go visit various agencies in person in order to share your photos and you can post as many photos as you like.
Format is an example of a website that is created for models such as yourself who want to build an online presence through their portfolio and really get their name out there. It allows you to build an entire website without having any sort of web design experience. There are themes to choose from, and you have the ability to customise your site and ensure things come off exactly as you want.
Keep Up with Your Fitness But Don’t Go Too Overboard
Where it used to be that the modelling industry had very specific measurements that they were looking for, today things have loosened up quite a bit. With that said, there are some general tips you can keep in mind. The majority of casting agencies prefer their male models to be between 5’11 and 6’2 in height. They should also be fit but not overly muscular (it makes it hard to fit clothes if you are too muscular), have relatively clear skin, and have that likeable smile.
What this means is that it’s a good idea to keep your fitness a priority and make sure you are staying active and eating a healthy well-balanced diet, but you don’t want to go overboard.
Play Up Your Uniqueness
Here’s another area in which modelling has really evolved and modernised. Where there used to be a standard description of what was considered attractive, today, things have changed drastically. Models don’t have to fit the cookie-cutter look and uniqueness is something that is now celebrated and in demand.
You want to be different, you want to be unique, and you want to play up those features. It’s this uniqueness that can have you standing out from the competition and landing more jobs.
Get Out There and Network
When you are looking for a career-style job – not just a modelling job but any job – networking is one of the most important things you can be doing to help yourself along. Networking allows you to meet with others in the industry that can help you to land a job. These contacts can also offer advice and tips that prove to be invaluable.
You can network by attending industry events such as seminars and conferences, through LinkedIn, and on social media. Just keep expanding your network and growing the number of contacts you have, as you never know which may end up being helpful.
You Don’t Have to Go Take Classes and Courses
While enrolling in a modelling class or course certainly won’t hurt your chances of landing a job, it isn’t a requirement. Many of today’s agencies and clients will train models, so there is no need for you to go out there and pay for classes. If anything, it may be useful to take an introductory workshop or course in auditioning and/or acting.
There are No Age Restrictions
It should also be noted that models can be any age. Maybe you’ve been working hard for years in a job and you have decided it’s no longer for you. It’s never too late to start a career in modelling, as there is no age limit. Fashion and commercial modelling agencies are always on the lookout for talent, regardless of their age.
Make Sure You Pick the Right Agent
Many models hope to land that big break on their own, but at the end of the day, securing a good agent is usually the best way to go. Make sure that the agent is the right one for you, understands your look, understands what you’re looking for, and has the right connections in the industry. Your agent is working for you and representing you, so you don’t want to just pick the first one that you come across in the phone book.
When picking an agent, it’s a good idea to ask around and check with other models in the industry, try to get feedback on the agent, and meet with them in person to see if their style and approach would work for you. You want to feel like a team – you and your agent – so you need to be able to work well together and have excellent communication.
Practice Makes Perfect
When you are first starting out, there will be plenty of job offers that may not be a dream shoot, but that doesn’t mean you should turn them down. Remember, all the work you do counts in your portfolio and it also gives you the opportunity to practice.
The more shoots you attend, the more comfortable you will become with photographers and other staff. You will learn what your best angles and features are, you’ll be able to better understand what the photographer is asking for, and you’ll just feel more confident. Practice makes perfect certainly applies here.
At the same time, you will be growing your contacts too, which can lead to additional job leads.
Understand It Takes Hard Work and Time
Of course, it would be great to be an instant success, but the odds of that happening are extremely slim. In order to become successful, you need to be willing to put in a lot of hard work and time all while keeping a positive attitude. Just focus on your end goal and the steps you will need to take in order to achieve it.
It’s Not About Luck – It’s about Following the Right Steps
There will always be stories of those models who were found completely by chance, but the reality is that becoming a successful male model in the industry involves laying out the right steps and making sure you don’t take shortcuts along the way.
