How to become a male model
1. Understand the industry.
You need to know what type of model you can be. Runway, fitness or commercial or any other type. There are standards and requirements for every type. Be realistic about yourself. “Can do” attitude will not make you a fitness model if you have a belly, or runway model if you are not tall enough…. BUT today modeling industry is so much inclusive that male models of any age, height or weight can get a chance to get a job.
Today we can see plus size or over 50 years old male models at runway show and commercials. So everyone can try their luck.
2. Be yourself.
Find your strength. Your difference is your power! Focus on your strong features. Be confident with who you are and express yourself. Every model agency is looking for a specific type of models, so you need to focus on approaching agencies that fit your look and personality. Fashion industry must support models of all ethnicities. Models of all races have equal chances to get a job, some agencies work only with latino, white or black male models so you just need to find the right agency for yourself.
3. Learn posing.
There is a great number of handsome male models but not everyone is good at posing. Be ahead of everyone to get into modeling industry. Know your angles to be confident on cameras, copy famous models and practice, practice, practice. Analyze your images after every photoshoot and improve with every new one.
4. Build a portfolio
Your portfolio is your resume. Build it with high-quality images that shows your strengths. Spend time to find professionals so you can be sure that you has done your best. Any agency will ask you to send snapshots on the white background, wea ring neutral tank or t-shirt, including shirtless images, and black or blue skinny jeans. Collaborate with designers and include these photos in your resume. Try to update your portfolio all the time.
5. Take care of your look.
You can be very photogenic and good at posing but don`t forget about your skin, hairstyle, body and your outfit. Nowadays you can Photoshop anything, but when you go to open model casting calls you are face to face with your employee, so, please, learn how to get clear skin, get a nice haircut, workout, get some tan if it will bright up your eyes color.
6. Sign with the agency.
You can be freelance model or to sign with the agency. At the beginning is better to sign with the agency, this is the way you will get more clients and will avoid scams. You will be exposed to the best job opportunities. The best brands such as, Vogue, Gucci, Versace, Apple find models through agencies only. With the agency you will get paid more, because they know rates in the industry better. Agency will protect you, because on the internet you never know who you gonna to meet.
7. Promote yourself.
Create your profile on social media platforms, upload your portfolio onto models search websites, go to open casting calls and you can become a successful model without an agency.
8. Get connections.
Networking is the best way to promote yourself. Do some free gigs to get connections. At one fashion show you can meet 5-20 people who can help to promote you or will hire you for the next project. Just be friendly with everyone, have fun and do your best. Models, designers, stylist, and NYC photographers will remember you and will invite you for the next show, photoshoot or project which can be paid.
9. Know career prospects.
You should understand for yourself if modeling is gonna be your main income or just a hobby. Get ready to work hard at the beginning if you want to build up a career in the male modeling industry. Average salary of male models is $30,000-40,000 per year. The highest paid male models earn around 1,5 million dollars per year. If you just started your career you will get even less than average. Please don’t set your expectations too high, just work on your dream every day.
10. Be positive.
If you don`t believe in yourself, nobody will. “Can do” attitude opens doors. Your energy is one of the most important ingredients. Don`t be shy to ask and go for what you want and you will get it! Don`t give up after the first fail.
11. Male model requirements.
Let`s talk about fashion male models as the highest paid type of modeling. Male models start their career at 16-18 years old and can model sometimes into their forties. For runway, male models need to be at least 5’11” and can be as tall as 6’2″. Average weight for male models is 175 lbs or less, should be skinny and fit, hey are expected to fit into a 40 regular jacket.
Here is the list of TOP New York male model agencies.
Adam Models
Click Models
DNA Models
Ford Models
Fusion NYC.
IMG Models.
Major Model Management.
State Management.
MMG Management.
Q Model Management.
VNY Models.
Wilhelmina Model Management.
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