Top 10 ways to become a model

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Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: on paper, the model’s life is a charmed one. Wouldn’t it be nice to fly around the world, wear amazing fashion and be feted for your looks?

The reality is a bit different. Successful models are among the hardest working girls on the planet. Don’t believe us? You try pretending it’s a scorching summers day in the middle of November … We ask Rebecca Tanner-Rolf, executive editor of Model Advice for her top ten tips on becoming a great model and staying the course.

1. Love being in front of the camera and an audience.

The camera is your friend: you need to be at ease and own the space you stand in.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Model and Actress, modelling her first ever lingerie collection called 'Rosie for Autograph' designed in partnership with Marks & Spencer.  PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday August 30, 2012. See PA story CONSUMER Lingerie. Photo credit should read: Marks & Spencer /PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Undated Marks & Spencer handout photo of
Built to model swimwear: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in her first ever lingerie collection ‘Rosie for Autograph’ (picture: Marks &Spencer /PA)

2. Know the type of modelling you’re suited to.

The key to success is finding what area suits you. There are 22 types of modelling, including fashion, commercial, character and glamour. If you’re built to model swimwear, for example, then model swimwear – though that doesn’t mean you can’t try other areas.

3. Be able to perform on demand.

No model is a one face wonder. Casting directors want to see a range of emotions and characters.

4. Be determined and hard-working.

A modelling career isn’t just going to fall into your lap.

Model, Naomi Campbell with long straight black hair wearing thick silver choker brown lace bra under laced snakeskin bodice, one hand on hip wearing several silver bangles. Obligatory Credit - CAMERA PRESS/Anthea Simms accessories  very long hair  vertical  under 35  supermodel  solo  sleek hair  sexy  reptile skin  oversized jewellery  indoors  half length  fashion show  costume jewellery  colour image  catwalk  animal skin  afrocaribbean descent  african descent  adult
A renowned diva: Naomi Campbell (picture: CAMERA PRESS)

5. Have a great attitude!

Be professional, patient and pleasant to work with. Shoots can last hours, even weeks. No one likes a diva.

Kate Moss models a stripey woollen dress from her new collection for TopShop, Autumn 2009.
The ultimate fashion chameleon: Kate Moss models a dress from her Topshop collection, Autumn 2009 (picture: PR)

6. Be versatile and able to take directions.

‘Can’t’ is not a word in modelling. If you are asked to show vulnerability, then rage, you need to be able to swap convincingly without a thought. This is where practice makes perfect.

7. Be able to take rejection and constructive criticism.

Modelling is highly competitive. You won’t be right for every job. The trick is to pick yourself up and take rejection as something to build upon, rather than knock you down.

8. Be able to attend lots of castings, sometimes without much notice.

Jobs can be a bit like buses. Sometimes, you need to run like mad to catch the last one home.

9. Have great organisational skills to keep track of schedules and finances.

Often as not, especially within freelance modelling, you’ll have to keep an eye on your own schedule, pay and expenses. An organised brain and diary is a must.

10. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat the right food and look after your body and skin.

Treat your body as your most important asset. As a model, your appearance is your job.

 

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