How to Become a Glamour Model
Glamour Models Are Seen in Swimsuit Ads,
Calendars, Men's Mags & More
You
see them in swimsuit calendars, in men’s magazines, and in advertisements.
They’re sensual, they’re alluring, and you can’t take your eyes off them.
Who are these gorgeous women, you ask? They’re glamour models!
What
is a Glamour Model Exactly? Well, as mentioned above, glamour models are women who possess a
certain kind of sex appeal and who aren’t afraid to show off their bodies.
Their poses are more sexually suggestive than those of other models and are
typically geared towards a male audience.
Do
Glamour Models Have to Look a Certain Way?
Yes
and no. While glamour models don’t have to fit into certain height and size
requirements (like editorial fashion models, for example), they do have to be
18 years of age or older and have sensual curves, a fit body, enviable hair,
and a stunning face. Glamour modeling focuses much more on the model’s beauty
and body than selling a particular product. A Vogue model’s
job, for example, is to make the reader lust after an outfit or accessory. A
glamour models job, on the other hand, it to make the reader lust after her.
Other
Than Being Gorgeous and Voluptuous, What Makes a Good Glamour Model?
In
order to be a successful glamour model, you need to be comfortable with showing
off your body.
Or,
you need to at least know how to fake the level of confidence needed to seduce
the camera, command attention, and create an inviting fantasy for readers. As
well, just like every type of model, you must also be professional, outgoing,
punctual, hardworking, motivated, and able to take direction well.
What Kinds of Work Can Glamour Models Get? Glamour modeling is almost always intended for
commercial use, so you can expect your photos to be used for things like
mass-produced calendars, men’s magazines, posters, playing cards, and
advertisements for a wide range of health and beauty products. As well, it’s
not unusual for glamour models to also work as swimsuit and lingerie models.
Is Nudity
Mandatory? Definitely not. A lot
of glamour modeling involves nudity, but a lot of it doesn’t. It’s up to you as
a model to decide how much skin you’re comfortable showing. Of course the more
open you are to different levels of glamour modeling the more work you’ll get,
but you should never, ever do anything you aren’t 100% comfortable with. If
you’re signed to an agency, they can help you set boundaries and book you jobs
that match both your comfort zone and your career goals.
Can
Men Be Glamour Models?
Glamour
modeling is almost exclusively a female profession, but there are a few
opportunities for men, too. Women’s magazines like Cosmopolitan and Glamour regularly
show sensual photographs of male models, and there will always be a demand for
calendars, greeting cards, posters, etc. That said, if you’re interested in
pursuing a career as a male glamour model, it’s probably a smarter career move
to promote yourself as a commercial or fitness model and also take any glamour
modeling opportunities that may happen to come your way.
Do
I Need a Modeling Agency to Become a Glamour Model?
While
some glamour models have the experience and client base to work as freelance
models, if you are a new model you should always have a legitimate modeling
agency representing you. When you’re with an agency, you’ll be safe (the agency
will always know who you’re working for and where you’re working), you’ll be
paid what you deserve, and you’ll receive the guidance you need to further your
career. Plus, many clients only use modeling agencies to find their models, so
you’ll have maximum exposure and will have access to as many job opportunities
as possible.
List of Modeling Terms and Phrases for Models
What Does TFP and Other Modeling Terms Mean? A
Model's Glossary
When
first starting out as a model some of the modeling terms and phrases may be
unfamiliar to you. Not to worry, here's a list of the most common terms
and phrases we use in the business.
AFTRA: American Federation of Radio and Television
Artists. AFTRA is a television and radio artists union.
AGE CATEGORY: The age range you appear to be. Generally
between 5 - 7 years over or under your actual age.
ART DIRECTOR: The
person responsible for developing the look of an ad, editorial or other visual presentation.
Can be an independent contractor or employed by an advertising agency, a
magazine or photographer.
BEAUTY SHOT: A clean head shot with
excellent makeup and simple hairstyle. A beauty shots shows your face in an
elegant and beautiful manner. No big hair, no heavy jewellery or anything that
distracts from your skin, bone structure and overall features.
BILLING FORM: A form used by models to record the names of
clients, job descriptions, number of hours worked, rate of pay, and expenses. The model has the client sign the form
(voucher) and will give the client one copy, the agency one copy and will keep
one copy for herself. (see also Voucher)
BOOKER: A person working in a
modeling agency who books jobs, schedules appointments and assignments for
models.
BOOKING CONDITIONS: Factors that may exist
in a booking and for which the model may be paid more. An agency establishes
booking conditions that outline fee specifications for cancellations, weather
permitting bookings, overtime or weekend fees, or bonuses for a variety of
other conditions.
BOOKING OUT: When a model books out
he or she makes specific hours or days they are unavailable for assignments.
BUY OUT: An arrangement in which a client will issue a
model a one-time payment for use of their work rather than pay residuals.
CALL BACK: A second audition or
meeting with the client so they can see you again before they make a final
hiring decision.
CHART: A file or sheet used
to chart a model's schedule, appointments and other activities.
COMMERCIAL MODEL: Commercial
models can be any age,
any size and any height. Commercial models can do everything that isn't
normally associated with high-fashion, such as product ads (housewares, food
products, travel industry, tech devices, and the list goes on). If you
think you'd like to become a commercial model one of the best resources is a
book titled "How To Become a Successful Commercial Model" by Aaron
Marcus. Click here for more info on Aaron Marcus.
COMPOSITE: Often referred to as a
comp card. A card used to promote the model that contains several photos, the
model's stats and contact information.
CONTACT SHEET: A sheet developed by a
photographer showing all the shots from a roll of film so photos that can be
selected quickly and easily. Can be in black and white or color.
DAY RATE: The rate charged for a
model's services for a full 8 hour day of work.
EDITORIAL MODEL: High
fashion models that appear in
fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Details, W, Numero
and work for clients such as Armani, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and
other high-end clients are usually referred to as "editorial" models.
EDITORIAL PRINT: Fashion pages of a
magazine that are produced by the magazine itself to portray current trends,
clothing and fashion ideas. Editorial work does not pay as well as commercial
print which is work done for an actual paying client.
FIT MODEL: Fit
models used by
designers and fashion houses, usually on a regular basis. A fit model would
have the perfect measurements that fit industry standards. Can be any size and
are not required to have the facial bone structure required by to be a print
model.
FITTING: When the model tries
on clothing and outfits to make sure they fit properly and can be altered
before a booking such as fashion show, commercial or print shoot.
HAUTE COUTURE: The French word for high fashion.
HEADSHEET: A poster or brochure
of the model's the agency represents that is presented to clients. Usually
contains the model's head shot and stats. (Headsheets are rarely used anymore,
almost all agencies have web sites where they post their model's photos and
stats.)
LOOK BOOK: A collection of photos
taken of models wearing a designer or manufacturers clothing that is sent out
to fashion editors, buyers, clients and special customers to show the designer's
looks for the season.
MARKETS: The term “market”
refers to the various geographical locations in which models work and earn a
living. New York is a “market”, Paris is “market”, Tokyo is a “market”,
and so on. It can also refer to the category
your particular look falls in to, such as the fashion market, commercial market, plus market,
petite market, etc. The major markets are New York, Paris, Milan
and Tokyo. Secondary markets are Chicago, Miami, Australia, Taipei and so
on. Local markets are much smaller markets and usually where most models
originate from before heading to a secondary or major market.
MINI BOOK: A smaller version of
the model's book that can be sent to clients. Photos are usually 5 x 7 inches.
(Mini books are rarely used anymore, almost all agencies have web sites that
clients can easily access from their offices.)
MOTHER AGENT: A mother agent is the person or agency that
initially discovered you. A mother agent will help you develop your look,
build your book and market you to major and secondary markets. A mother
agent is an important part of your team and can help you navigate the various
markets and manage your career long term.
RUNWAY/CATWALK MODEL: Runway/Catwalk models
do live runway shows, showrooms and other types of jobs where a designer or
client needs the model to walk and show their clothing.Female runway/catwalk
models are a minimum of 5' 9" but 5' 10" - 5' 11" is better. Male
runway/catwalk models are a minimum of 6' 0" - 6' 2"
SAG: The Screen Actors
Guild
SED CARD: Pronounced Zed Card.
Another name for composite card. Apparently named after a German agent who
invented it.
STATS: The models statistics such as height, bust,
waist, hips. For men it is height, chest and waist. Modeling agencies
vary rarely, if ever, use weight as a measurement.
TEARSHEET: A tearsheet is an
actual page from a magazine, catalog or other print job in which the model has
worked.
TEST: A test photo shoot
usually paid for by the model to test different looks and start building their
books with photos.
TFP: TFP means Time for Prints. It is when a model
will exchange their time to pose for a photographer and the photographer will
in turn give the model prints for their book. Usually this is done by a
photographer who may be building their own portfolio or they want to try new
lighting techniques or styles.
VOUCHER: An invoice that is
signed by the model and the client after the model completes a job. The model
will hand in their vouchers to the agency so that the client can be billed and
the model can be paid.
Modeling Agencies - 6 Big Reasons
Why You Need One & How to Get One
Modeling Agencies - 6
Big Reasons Why You Need One & How to Get One
The
internet has opened up many opportunities for models that we would never have
dreamed of when I started in the industry 30 years ago. The internet
allows agents and scouts to market their models instantly and worldwide with
the click of a mouse; models have become superstars through social media; and
clients now have the ability to hire models directly online. While the speed
and ease of the internet has changed the modeling industry forever, it has also
opened up the arena to people who don't always have the model's best interest
in mind. Just like you wouldn't go into a courtroom without a lawyer, you
shouldn't represent yourself as a model. Here are the top 6 reasons why you
should have an established modeling agency or manager representing you:
1 Your Protection
and Safety
A professional
modeling agency will screen clients and ask them the right questions to be sure
they are the best type of client for the agency and for you.
The
agency will also have long-standing relationships with many of its clients and
will be able to guide you on the likes and dislikes of a particular client and
the best way to make sure the client is satisfied with your work.
The
agency will be able to confirm the safety of your working conditions such as
the location of the set, the other people you will be working with and meeting
there, and exactly where your modeling jobs will take place and for how long
you will be there.
Freelance
models rarely ask the right questions for fear they may offend the client which
can lead to all sorts of problems for both the model and client. A good
agent is fearless when it comes to the safety of their models and will do
everything they can to protect you.
2 Career Development
It can
take many years for an agency to develop a new model and get them to the point
that the agency will see areturn on its investment. Therefore, agencies are always
interested in developing the model's career with the model's future in mind.
It's not just about accepting every job that comes along or working with every
client. It's about picking and choosing the right clients that will make the
difference in the model becoming a superstar or simply fizzling out after one
season.
3 Building Your Brand
Models have
become much more than living coat hangers or voiceless people who simply smile
and show off pretty clothes, they have become "brands".
A
model must be a complete package. They must be able to navigate through social
media, television, film and much more. Clients are paying much more attention
to the type of brand the model has when choosing them for their big campaigns.
A good
model agency will be able to help a model develop his or her brand and really
make their mark in the industry.
4 Get Paid What You
Deserve
Some clients
will hire models online rather than use a professional modeling agency because
they know the model is inexperienced and likely won't negotiate the best rates
for his or her work.
For
example, if a client wanted you to do a commercial print ad where your photos
will appear in a magazine, on clothing tags, and on a billboard, would you know
what to charge for that? Most models have no idea what a fair price would be
and often sell themselves short, missing out on thousands of dollars.
A
professional agency will know exactly what you should be getting paid and how
your photos will be used. Not only is this important for you financially but
prevents any future conflicts of interest if a client with a similar product
wants to hire you.
5 Better & More
Prestigious Bookings
Major
clients such as Vogue, Elle Magazine, Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein, Marc
Jacobs, Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Toyota, Apple, Panasonic and others only
work with legitimate modeling agencies to find models for their companies. They
never go online to find random models as this would be much too time consuming
and they would never really know what they are getting. Clients trust the
agencies to send them models who look like their photos and are appropriate for
the client's brand.
In
addition, a particular model a client may want to book may not be available and
the mere fact you are in the same agency means that you could get that
booking.
6 Exposure to
International Markets
Models
can be represented by more than one agency as long as it is in a different
market. For example, a model can have agencies representing her in New
York, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo. The model would then travel to these different
markets when the season in that market is busy and will stay there for a few
weeks or months at a time.
Even
when you are represented by only one agency, scouts from other international
markets will often visit looking for new models for their markets. Many models
are discovered simply by being in the right place at the right time.
So, How Do You Get a Modeling Agency?
Now that you know 6 of
the best reasons why you should have a professional modeling agency
representing you, how do you find one to do just that? One way to do it is to
check out the online model scouting company ModelScouts.com where they
specialize in helping new models find agencies. Another way is to check out the
links below for great tips on how to become a model and get your photos out to
the agencies.
Are Modeling Jobs on Craigslist Legitimate?
Freelance Modeling Jobs May Sound Good - But
Are They Really?
Finding modeling jobs through online
classified sites can be a tricky and potentially dangerous endeavor.
The majority of modeling job ads posted
on Craigslist (and other sites like it) are for nude or webcam models, or
for schools and photo mills trying to sell you something by first offering
you jobs that really don't exist.
Please keep these points in mind
before answering a modeling classified ad:
Legitimate Clients Only
Work with Established Modeling Agencies
Can you imagine clients like Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, Revlon, or L'Oreal
using Craigslist to find their models? It would never, ever happen.
Even small companies in local markets that are legitimately searching for
models to represent their products are not going to risk their reputation by
putting a free ad on Craigslist, or by hiring an unknown model who has not been
screened or "vetted" by an established modeling agency.
Advertising is Too
Expensive to Risk Not Working With a Modeling Agency
The cost of advertising, even at a
local level, is staggering. In addition to the cost of airtime on
television, space in magazines or on billboards, clients are paying for
photographers, stylists, makeup artists and other professionals to get the job
done right. A client wants to know that the models have not only been
screened but aren't going to cause any conflicts, such as booking a job with a
competitor.
It would be disastrous for a client
to use a model who has appeared, or is planning to appear, in similar ads for
competitors. Agencies make sure this never happens and are accountable to
their clients if there is a problem.
No Way To Pre-Screen
Online Clients
When you work as a freelance model
accepting jobs from classified ads you have no way to screen the client
beforehand.
Bad Clients Can Damage
Your Image and Brand
A good modeling agency will always
think about not only the income you and the agency will earn, but also how to
protect your image and brand. Every booking that a model does can be a
reflection of his or her status within the industry, moreover, the industry is
much more cognoscente of a model's "brand" now than ever before and
they will do everything to protect and maintain it.
You Get Paid Less (or
Nothing) Than a Represented Model
People who look for models on free
classified sites generally have no budget, that's why they are posting on free
sites. If they have no budget it means they either won't be paying you at
all (even if they say they are) or you are getting less than an agency would
get for you, or even worse, they want you to pay them for photo shoots or other
things you probably don't need. People who look for models online know
that they can find inexperienced models who are willing to do a job for $50
that they should be getting paid $5000 for if they had an agent representing
them.
Can
Be Difficult To Collect Your Fees
When you work as a freelance model
you are responsible for everything from finding jobs, booking jobs, collecting
fees, and when the clients don't pay, chasing them down for for your
money. All of this takes time away from the time you could actually be
working and earning more.
If you are serious about a modeling
career it is always a good idea to work with reputable modeling agencies that
will do everything to protect you and your image, as well as, negotiate proper
rates and safe working conditions. The online classified ads are not the place
where you are going to find work that is going to benefit you, nor does the
risk justify the small income you may make from these types of jobs.
