Are you thinking of becoming a male model but are unsure on the steps to take to make it in the competitive industry?
There are many different roles that a male model can be hired for yet the process to secure the modelling job is the same.
Join us as we talk you through the steps in making it as a male model.
Be Proactive
You may have heard a lot of stories of models being scouted by agents at festivals, the airport or on social media. However, many actually approach modelling agencies themselves.
Don’t wait to be found, proactively start to carve your own career. Those discovered randomly requires a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time.
Find an Agency
It is important that you do your research to find popular male model agency that is trustworthy and is recognised in the industry. There are many agencies mainly located in London that have a strong reputation. Other larger creative cities also are home to a few modelling agencies yet the capital is the centre of the fashion industry with more opportunities.
By doing thorough, considered research you will be able to separate the scam artists from the reputable companies. If unsure, simply give them a call to find out more, especially if they contact you on social media. Use the number you find rather than one supplied by the person messaging you.
Decide on Your Niche
The modelling industry has many different niches in male modelling with agencies working to supply talent for every division. Agencies specialise within a specific sector securing links and connections within the field. High fashion, commercial and fitness models are highly sought after in the modelling world.
Decide which type of modelling suits your body shape and look before approaching any agencies. If you have what it takes to be a runway model a high fashion agency is for you. They will be able to accommodate the specific requirements needed in this area of the modelling industry.
Apply to Model Agencies
Either apply online via their application form or attend an open call at the agency. All the information for both is found on their website. Fill in their form including your name, contact details, measurements and a couple of photographs. Make sure every entry is written correctly and the images are saved in the correct format.
The open call times will be clearly stated on their website. The face-to-face interaction may feel nerve-wracking yet their answer will be immediate. Agents will be able to decide very quickly if they would like to talk further or meet you again.
Keep Your Options Open
Don’t put all your hopes into one company. Apply to all the agencies that appeal to you. Also, do not be disheartened by rejection, what one agency is looking for could be completely different to another. Good looks and the ‘right face’ are unique to each person.
Attend Lots of Castings
Once signed to an agency, the hard work continues. Attending castings and auditions is a big part of a models life and is the way for you to secure roles. You will receive a call from your agent with a date, time and location. This may be at short notice. Only accept if you can actually make it.
The casting themselves are very short in comparison to the amount of time you may have to wait. Be patient, take a book to read and try to stay calm. Once in the room you have little time to impress. Stand tall and be confident.
You may be asked to walk for the panel if the casting is for a runway role or your may have to pose for a photo. Practice being comfortable in front of the camera to avoid feeling awkward or shy when the moment arrives.
Build a Professional Social Media Account
Especially Instagram. Social media platforms are becoming a vital resource for aspiring models. Even successful models are feeling the benefits of a carefully curated grid. Make sure the photos you post are a mix of professional shots with relaxed images including holiday snaps, behind the scene images, shopping and socialising with friends.
Followers need to feel inspired by your lifestyle to continue to follow and interact with your account. Building up a large following can really launch your career. Brands and modelling agencies do look out for emerging fashion models on Instagram so it is worth investing your time.
Be careful of scam artists leaving comments or messages that are not legit. Do not accept any meeting without doing your research. Ringing the company also helps as many scam artists pretend to operate under a well-known organisation using their name to trick models.
To Finish
To become a successful male model it takes hard work in addition to your good looks and physical requirements. A professional male model is supported by an agency that can help find castings, which will lead to modelling jobs and a successful career. Finding an agency may be more difficult than it looks yet persistence will pay off eventually.
Author Bio:
Ella is a Fashion Blogger & Stylist at UK Models. She expresses her love of fashion through writing, blogging and styling.
