What makes a runway model

If you want to go on a diet, talk to your doctor first—even if you're in perfect health. Never starve yourself. Drink plenty of water. The average adult needs about 64 fluid ounces 1.

If you exercise vigorously, you should drink more. In addition to keeping you alive and healthy, water also prevents you from overeating. Take care of your skin. A healthy diet and exercise program will minimize common skin problems like acne. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, wash your face at least twice a day with oil-controlling facial scrub. If you have dry skin, use a moisturizing facial wash. Wear sunscreen between am and pm, when UV rays are strong. Too much UV exposure can cause premature wrinkles, which are a career killer.

If acne breakouts remain stubborn, talk to a dermatologist about prescription medications. Don't abuse drugs. This includes alcohol and nicotine. Getting drunk everyday can damage your liver and your ability to think clearly. Smoking leads to long-term problems like heart disease, emphysema, cancer, and premature ageing.

Hardcore drugs like cocaine or heroin are equally as dangerous and deadly. Part 2. Build your portfolio. Seek out professional photographers to create your headshots, profile poses, full body shots, and back shots. Wear simple form-fitting clothing like a tee shirt and skinny jeans. Too many layers will cover what agents and talent scouts want to see. Smile for a few snapshots, but also experiment with other facial expressions. Choose a market. Most models work in only one or two markets, such as New York or Paris.

Different markets have different preferences for body types. Search online and read fashion magazines to figure out which markets are right for you. Apply to a modeling agency. Contact top agencies like Elite or Ford. Each agency has its own rules on how to apply.

If you break those rules, they won't represent you. Check their website before contacting them or sending your portfolio.

Expect your agent to have your best interests in mind. They should always treat you like a professional. If you're brand new to modeling, they should advise you on nutrition and fashion tips. You should also expect them to connect you with the best stylists and photographers. Investigate lesser-known agencies through web searches or the Better Business Bureau.

Avoid agents who ask for money up front or try to sell you modeling classes or photo sessions. Don't pretend. When meeting with an agency, just be yourself. Don't wear clothing or makeup you wouldn't usually wear. On the other hand, if your usual look is funky and outrageous, go with that! Whatever your usual look, wear simple form-fitting clothes so that the agent can see your body. Agents want to work with professional, easy-going people. Meet people outside the agency. Contacts get you work in this industry.

Go to networking events , and be very sociable. Talk to your agent and co-workers about introducing you to designers and scouts. Go to runway shows with people who could make introductions. Part 3. Hire a lawyer. Attorneys can be expensive, but they'll protect your interests throughout your career.

Research lawyers with a track record of winning cases for models. Ask other models for recommendations.

Read the entire contract. Never sign off on anything before reading it closely. Some contracts try to force models to compromise their morals or health for certain assignments. If the wording is too complex, have your lawyer review it. Negotiate or have your lawyer negotiate with the agent or scout if you're not comfortable with the terms. Show confidence. Speak up for yourself if someone pushes you to do something you're against.

Talk clearly. Don't mumble or speak at a really low volume. You should also use your body language to show your confidence. Straighten your posture, and make eye contact during conversations. Modeling is a competitive industry, so you should be prepared to handle rejection from time to time. You'll also have to deal with criticism. Even if you've been winning beauty competitions all your life, agents and scouts might insult your looks if you don't fit the type they're looking for.

Don't let it get to you. Eventually, you will find an assignment that needs someone exactly your type. Accept the not-so-glamorous stuff. Like any career, modeling has its down sides. Prepare yourself for working late nights and waking up early the next morning. Get used to last-minute changes in photo shoots, constantly guarding your privacy, and spending lots of time just waiting around. Although in the recent years, shorter models have slowly penetrated the fashion business but most clients still prefer taller models.

Fashion runway model professionals are expected to have a nice physique, unique facial features and the ability to walk the runway. The minimum height for fashion runway model aspirants is 5'8" for women and 5'11" for men. As a professional fashion runway model, you are expected to wear the garments with grace and style.

Remember that you will be walking down the runway to model the clothing creations of fashion designers. Hence, you have to look extremely fabulous in order to catch the attention of the viewing public. While many of the requirement for becoming a runway model center around the physical, models also need to have be able to take director, perform, and position themselves to get the right modeling opportunities. There is no specific degree or credential required to become a professional fashion runway model or a commercial fashion model.

This is mainly why many wants to pursue a career as a fashion model since no educational investment is needed. As long as you have exceptional physical features, the minimum height required, confidence, and positive attitude, then you have the chance to land a good modeling offer.

However, for those who want to boost their fashion modeling career, it would be ideal to satisfy an Associate or Bachelor's degree program in Fashion merchandising, Fashion Design, Arts, and Drama. Attending formal education and training is not necessarily required but it will give you an advantage. Majority of the employers pay more attention to the physical features of the models as well as their modeling portfolio. It is important that you compile all your best photos in your portfolio so that modeling agency, talent scouts and other clients can easily have reference of your past modeling experiences.

Those who have attended runway training courses will have a competitive edge. Makes sure to prepare your composite card and resume so clients can easily remember you. To work as a professional fashion runway model, you must be flexible, versatile, neat, adaptable, very stylish, dependable, hardworking, and good at taking directions.

You also have to know how to convey the emotion and attitude of the brand that you are modeling for. You must be able to properly represent the garments and wardrobes that you are wearing. Choose a photographer whose work you like and matches your style. Go over your contract with the photographer thoroughly. Make sure you get the digital copies of your photos as well. Include a variety of facial expressions as well; serious, smiling, pensive, laughing.

Mix up your look with a variety of hair and makeup looks, from a very minimal look to couture makeup. Hire a professional makeup artist and a hairstylist to help you achieve this range of looks. A good outfit is a crisp button-down shirt that fits well, figure-hugging but not too tight jeans, no jewelry, and dressy shoes.

Work on both an online version and a printed version of your modeling portfolio. The online version is for sharing with your digital contacts and so that you can be searched online, while the printed version is for handing to someone you meet personally.

Here are a couple of lists of the top modeling agencies in the US and the top international modeling agencies to get you started. You can also do a good old-fashioned Google search for modeling agencies near you or where you want to work.

Their application guidelines are likely to be published on their website as well. Review them and make sure you understand them before starting the application process. Wear clothes that show off your figure tastefully. Show up on time, having done your background research beforehand. Never sign up with agencies that sell you modeling classes or photo sessions, or ask for money upfront.

You will be rejected, criticized, and even insulted. So do what you need to do to toughen yourself up and let all the harsh words roll off your back. Think of each rejection as one step closer to the right job for you.

Being a runway model means early call times for jobs that stretch into the night, going from waiting around the whole day to hectic backstage prep and runway shows, to partying and socializing till the wee hours of the morning, then getting only a few hours of sleep before you have to do everything all over again. Avoid temptations to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, and instead work on maintaining your healthy lifestyle, and find hobbies you can do during your downtime to avoid feeling too overwhelmed.

Find yourself a support system that you can trust to influence you to make good decisions, and seek professional help if you feel you need it. Never be late, always answer phone calls, and always reply to emails. This also means respecting yourself. Know when to speak up and make your opinions known.

No career should be more important than your integrity. Always have your guard up and protect yourself. It bears repeating that you DO NOT need to pay any money for modeling school, lessons, training, or test shoots. Your agency should be taking care of all that. You may be lured to join fake go-sees, modeling contests, or free photography sessions designed to scam you, rob you, take advantage of free labor, or worse.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Supermodels earn millions of dollars every year. But these amounts include what these models make from endorsement deals and other business partnerships, and does not include tax and fees to agents and managers. Here are other modeling careers to consider. Editorial or print modeling refers to showcasing fashion designers and trends through a pictorial story.