Starting Points and Success Stories | by All Star OMP Member #10270

Maybe you have been thriving as a working model for the past 15 years. Maybe you’ve been striving as an up-and-coming model for the past 15 months. Maybe you just thought about diving into modeling for the past 15 minutes (just after you logged on to OneModelPlace.com for the first time). Whatever category you fit in, one thing is certain – you have to start somewhere.

The problem is, where exactly do you start?

Compared to models, people going into other occupations have it relatively easy. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, journalists, architects, even rocket scientists -- if they are qualified to do their job, they can usually find paid positions right after college. Many of them have career placement opportunities, or are approached by companies offering to hire them. (For example, if you wanted to be a pharmacist, there’s such a shortage of candidates these days that you could be recruited before you even graduated.) Each of these are extremely difficult professions to get into, but if you study hard and take all the proper steps, you can go into whichever of those fields you choose.

But landing a career in modeling is different. A simple, straightforward path to steady employment and long-term success does not exist. This is especially true in the current economy, where advertising budgets are tightened, meaning less chances to book work in commercials, magazines, trade shows, etc. You can do everything correctly -- enroll in a reputable school, keep yourself physically and mentally prepared, network and promote yourself, even get scouted by a legitimate agency -- and it still does not guarantee you a paying job or even a tear sheet, let alone a full-time career.

That’s basically the reality of the situation. But don’t give up all hope on modeling and rush to fill out that pharmacy application just yet – there is a good side to the story. And that is this: since there is no one way to get into modeling, that means there are countless possible ways to get into modeling. You just have to find the one that works best for you.

It used to be true that modeling could lead you to a career as an actor or actress. Well, a recent newspaper report pointed out that the trend has been reversed -- many of today’s "supermodels" are actually actresses first. If you look at the front pages of most high-profile magazines, you can count a lot more film and TV celebrities than traditional runway and fashion models (and th at’s even taking into account Kate Moss’ nine covers on W Magazine.) So if any of you have a desire to act, that may be your way in. Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow or Kate Hudson.

Singers are also becoming spokesmodels for big-name companies who used to use models to sell their products. Britney and J-Lo are just two musical endorsers, with Christina, Beyonce, and Mandy not far behind. So if you sing in the shower, you may want to see if your vocal talents can transform you into model material.

There are many other directions you can take to getting "discovered" as a model. Athletes make the transition all the time, whether they win (dynamic duo Venus and Serena) or not (lucky lady Anna Kournikova). Starting young can help – babies and kids garner lots of commercial contracts before they are old enough to sign their names. Dancers, news reporters, reality show contestants, even socialites (like those Hilton sisters) catch the eye of the media and parlay their moment in the spotlight into lucrative modeling jobs.

Aside from all these possible-but-not-probable shortcuts to modeling, most success stories get where they are at through a combination of hard work, persistence, networking, relocating, ingenuity, timing, and luck. Being in the right place at the right time can’t hurt, and taking chances is always a good way to stand out in the crowd (so is being 5’11").

We decided to interview some fellow OneModelPlace.com members to find out how they first got their start in modeling and where it has led to (click on their names/links to view their OMP portfolios). Some of them entered the field with definite career plans, while others simply took a chance and it paid off. Hopefully their stories will inform you, instruct you, and inspire you to formulate your own strategy for success.

School Assignment

Versatile model-actress Jamie (OMP #48060) began her career by taking a traditional route – she went to modeling school. After she graduated, she stayed to teach classes, and then, on a recommendation from the school, went to New York City for a convention for models. "I got a great response from agencies and photographers at the modeling convention." She has been busy ever since shooting in and around her state of Pennsylvania.

Independent, in-demand Robyn (OMP #44627) had a different reaction to modeling school. "My mother enrolled me when I was 13. I originally wanted to be a model to get into acting, singing, and dancing. But I learned more about etiquette there than anything else. In my opinion, most models don’t have to go to school to learn how to model. It wasn't until I got involved with GirlCo that I was able to really express myself in my images. They gave me the opportunity to create my own costumes, sets, make-up, hair, and retouch my own images the way I want."

West Coast wonder Tiara (OMP #25920) got started two years ago by attending a local modeling school. "Soon after that, I was booked to do a hair show, and then I went to Seoul, Korea for two months and modeled for companies such as Samsung, Perry Ellis, and Renoma Eyewear. Now I have been pursuing modeling in Oregon by getting one of the top agencies in Portland, and networking at every shoot."

Scouting Report

A scout in Taiwan discovered fashionable fashion model Elvanna (OMP #32910) when she was 13. "My first job was for some kind of facial cleansing cream. Then for a while I was MTV Asia's veejay-presenter. Now I'm a part-time model, part-time interpreter, and part-time actress." As for facing the challenges of modeling, Elvanna admits, "Mostly I have been prepared, but there are always surprises!"

Making strides in modeling, Brandi Nicole (OMP #34699) didn’t know what to expect when she initially considered this career a few years ago. "I attended a model search, and there were fashion scouts there. Everything started happening in my career after that." Now she regularly books fashion shows and promotional gigs. She relates, "When you are first starting, you definitely have to know who you are. Confidence shows!"

Intriguingly calling herself "Darkened Angel," Tiia (OMP #49949) fell into model mode by complete accident about a year ago. "I was walking through the mall, and a scout asked me if I ever thought about modeling. I said no, but then I remembered that my parents had tried to get me into modeling and acting when I was younger. Ever since that day, I kept taking risks to make it as a model, and when one thing didn't work out, I’d try something else."

In Fashion

Canada-based model Alexandra (OMP #21543) has worked on everything from magazines to music videos. "I was 13 when I started getting actively interested. I ending up going to Miami to do a model showcase, and I won. Modeling was and is everything I expected. I always knew what to expect from it because it's in my heart."

California native Jamie (OMP #27813) is a veterinary technician and computer programmer who participated in an agents’ showcase to jump-start her career. "At first, the modeling industry seemed more shallow and condescending than I thought it would be. But once you fit the right criteria, it turns out to be a lot of fun. Now I am going to open calls and passing out zed cards all the time."

Russia-born Bela (OMP #43273) moved to California and promptly gave modeling a try. "About three month after I came to San Francisco, I participated in my first fashion show. It was at a college, and organized by students, but it felt real and exciting! Since then, I have been going to auditions, and I’m trying to meet more and more new people in the business."

On the Job

Serious SarahKate (OMP #11684) got her start about three years ago when she was scouted at her job, of all places. "The first thing I did was sign up for photography workshops where I could meet a lot of photographers at one time and network. Once I had the contacts, I went on to do more and more independent assignments. I expected modeling to be a lot easier than it actually is. Through the years I have learned that it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get your name out there."

After working at a national modeling agency for a while as a graphic artist, motivated Monique (OMP#3631) became a model herself two years ago and starting being her own boss. "I decided I wanted to pursue modeling to get the exposure I needed to prove my talents as an actress. So when I left my full-time position as a graphic artist, the first thing I did was design my website and started marketing myself all over the Internet. Then the calls starting rolling in...or maybe I should say the emails!"

She also went "corporate" for a short period, but ambitious Amy (OMP #26898) is back where she belongs -- in the wide world of modeling. She initially became interested when she was 16 and living in upstate New York. "I started in modeling by asking a lot of questions. Also, I worked with top photographers and agencies to get my images in front of the right audience for my look. Then I went to college, had a professional career as a corporate trainer, and am now pursuing modeling full time."

Determined Dajenelle (OMP #50196) was bartending at a club when she was first "discovered." "Someone asked me if I was interested in becoming a Budweiser girl for a boxing match that was about to take place. It wasn't long before I was holding up huge cards showing what round it was, and trying to balance in stilettos while walking on a foam-covered ring. That’s when I decided to pursue modeling. But living in Canada, there is virtually no jobs for Asian women or women of ethnic backgrounds, so I've been travelling all over the U.S. to do most of my work."

Photo Start

20-year-old Renee (OMP #27839) decided to give modeling a try about four years ago, after being told all the time that she had a good look. "I accepted as many TFP [time-for-print] shoots as possible to build my portfolio, and from there took paid shoots and got picked up by agencies. And I'm quite happy with all that I've accomplished so far. I never attending a modeling school or anything, so I definitely learned as I went along."

Being 17 years old, Melissa (OMP #47883) hasn’t had much experience with modeling yet, but knew exactly where she wanted to begin. "I started by finding a great photographer! I had worked in promotion jobs infrequently before that, but had never modeled. So I knew I had to get excellent photos done. Photo shoots take more time and concentration that I had anticipated, but my photographer was very helpful and I learned a lot."

At age 22, Miranda (OMP #42255) also started showing an interest in modeling earlier this year. "I began by setting up a TFP shoot with a very well-known and respected photographer in my area. Other photo opportunities followed after that, mostly by word of mouth. I had a preconceived idea of a photo shoot being very glamorous and simple, but after nearly killing myself trying to shoot in a 15-foot waterfall, I soon learned how challenging it can be!"

Roger (OMP #18004) is 21 years old, and took the picture perfect approach to start his modeling career. "The first thing I did was work with a photographer who is very creative and easy to work with. He helped me develop different looks for my portfolio. Then I started going to open calls." Roger went to his first open call in New York City. "Modeling is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but I just never went for it. One day I just decided to try an open call. That's when I went in to see Boss Models. And they said they wanted to represent me!"

Sweet 17, Shelby (OMP #49570) already has her sights set high, aiming to be seen in Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated. She leapt into modeling just last month. "I am fulfilling a dream I have had for years. I love doing fashion and swimsuit modeling. First I contacted a local photographer, who has greatly assisted me in getting connected. Now I am working hard with other photographers to gain more skill and improve my talents. I have very much enjoyed the shoots I have had."

Mixed Media
Print and promo veteran Jorina (OMP #45093) could say that finding her calling in modeling was a "religious" experience. "I started when I was 13 in Chicago as a model in a religious magazine. I've always liked taking pictures and acting. But working for the magazine made me realize that modeling is something I really wanted to pursue. And I continued to take acting lessons as well, in order to be more expressive in front of the camera."

Actress and aspiring clinical psychologist Khani (OMP #8349) entered Seventeen Magazine's Cover Model contest and won for the state of New Mexico. "I also attend a modeling school in Hawaii, but it was mostly for fun. It was a great experience and I did learn a lot, but I don't think it's always necessary in order to break into the business. And I did fashion and hair shows, which I loved. Now I have an agent and I use several websites (OMP being one) to market myself. The Internet has become a valuable tool for marketing yourself as a model."

Artistic art model Gella (OMP #37821) used the Internet to surf her way into modeling work. "I searched through www.craigslist.com to see if anyone is looking for a model for an art class or for a photo shoot. I didn't really know what to expect, so it was a surprise that so many photographers actually wanted me to come up with ideas for the shoot. It makes the work seem so much better when the model’s opinions are taken into consideration."

Student/legal secretary Evelyn (OMP # 51709) got attention by creating a personal website with pictures promoting herself as a model. "An agency called me to come in for a test shoot and it all started from there. My first modeling job was crazy. I remember falling off the prop chair during the test shoot! I soon got used to it, though, and it’s actually fun now! But with school and work, I can’t do this full-time. I only participate in shoots from time to time."

Free-time fashion designer Roxanna (OMP #44647) did what everyone who is reading this column has done -- she simply logged on to OneModelPlace.com. "I star ted pursuing modeling in July, and OneModelPlace was the first thing I tried. I created a portfolio page on OMP, and for the first week I had no responses, so I was a little disappointed. But by the second week, my email inbox was overflowing! Once I gave it a chance, it really did work for me."

Good Advice

One method to modeling that won’t doesn’t guarantee success is expensive photo shoots with would-be model agencies that scout you on the street or through newspaper and email ads. If anyone invites you to visit their agency, makes you plenty of promises, and then asks for a lot of money to do a photo shoot with their "photographer," make sure you check them out thoroughly before handing over any money. Legitimate agents and managers should make their clients money, not make money off their clients. Almost every model interviewed has been faced with this kind of experience, and the ones who were unfortunate enough to go through with it usually ended up with very little to show for the investment. Your best bet is to say no thank you and find a less-expensive, more reliable avenue to modeling success.


NEXT TIME: Getting the Most Out of Your Photo Shoot

© 2003 by Elias "All Star" Stimac

NOTE: If you are an OneModelPlace.com model and wish to have your opinions included in "Modeling in Focus," email All Star through his OMP page Member #10270 and write in the subject line "Model Profile".

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