So you want to be a model?

Well, you have picked a tough business that requires a lot of hard work, patience, and the ability to take rejection well and often. Generally several models if not hundreds are submitted for the same job - not everyone can get the job.

Modeling is NOT the glamorous profession that is portrayed in the movies.

In fact, this is a business where even the most successful models have failed many more times than they have succeeded.

On the plus side, it is a business that will give you the opportunity to meet lots of people, have a lot of fun, make money - and who knows - for the very lucky few even travel, fame and fortune. But the reality is that this is a business that requires constant marketing and research to keep up with trends. Models must take care of themselves and work hard to maintain a marketable image. Photo shoots are often long, take place at odd times and require working in less than desirable conditions.

Still interested? Ok - here is where you start...

To begin work as a commercial model - you need a professional modeling portfolio.

Your modeling portfolio is the most important expenditure you will make in the business of becoming a model.

Your modeling portfolio and the comp card (zed card) that you have printed will ALWAYS be seen by a potential agency or client - before you are.

The portfolio should be filled with photographs that look as though they have been published. You want people to assume that the pictures in your book have been used in a commercial advertisement or fashion magazine.

Certainly - if you are asked, be honest. But you want to impress people with images that look as close to the real thing as possible and show not only how attractive you are - but how much personality you have.

Also - remember the rule - "Less is BETTER!" You don't win any prizes for having more photos than anyone else. You are competing against many other models for jobs. Your pictures need to have the "WOW Factor". They need to be professional - visually catching and most importantly - make you look incredible and show how much personality you have.