Industry standards are between 6’0” and 6’3” in height. Unlike female models, who are mostly out of work by the age of 25, male models can find work well into their 50s. Men from 15 to 25 make up the “young men’s” market. Men from 25 to 35 are the “adult men’s” market. A typical weight for men is between 140 and 165, but this will depend on your Body Mass Index. Average measurements are 40 regular to 42 long. Typically, the modeling industry doesn’t go for overly hairy men in the chest and arm region. Be prepared to do some waxing before you pursue your career.
Fashion models promote clothing and apparel. High fashion models work with the famous fashion houses or designers. Editorial models only work for certain publications. Runway models work at fashion shows. Showroom models display clothing at fashion parties or boutiques. Commercial print models are photographed for magazines, newspapers, billboards and other print ad materials. Catalogue models are hired to appear in catalogs. Promotional models work in conventions or trade shows. Specialty models specialize one part of their bodies such as hands, legs, neck, hair or feet. Character models are used to portray ordinary people. Glamour modeling focuses more on the model than the actual product.
However, this does not mean that you should get absolutely any work you can. Remember that you’re trying to build and maintain your image, so don’t do something that is completely below your dignity, not taken by a real photographer, or which doesn’t represent who you are at all. Do not shoot in anything less than your underwear unless you’re getting paid. You may be told that you should shoot nude or an implied nude to get some free photos, but you should avoid these kinds of offers like the plague. Don’t shoot nude unless it’s for a professional, reputable, and established a company that pays you for your work. If you take nudes with sketchy photographers, who knows where they will end up.
Make sure you get a Model Release form signed by every photographer you work with. This will ensure that you know exactly what happens to the photos that are taken of you. Don’t waste your time with a “portrait” photographer. You want to take modeling shots, not your senior year photo. Make sure that you have a standard headshot and multiple full body shots. Because people needing your services will probably want to see what your body type looks like, include a full body shot in shorts or underwear and a tank top. Include an additional shot in casual clothing, and the third shot in business casual or a full suit. Get black-and-white and color photos.
Photographers who charge ridiculous rates for getting your portfolio together. Once you sign up with an agency, you’ll be able to fully develop your portfolio, so avoid the pushy photographers who offer to sell you a portfolio for thousands of dollars, claiming it’s the only way for you to approach an agent. Agencies who charge exorbitant up-front fees. If an agent asks you for a large registration or portfolio fee, run for the hills. Agents shouldn’t profit until they get you a gig and get a cut of your profit. These untrustworthy agencies will typically not have many clients, be new in the industry, and won’t have the connections necessary to get you work. Expensive modeling schools. Keep in mind that there are no certified schools for modeling. Sure, they can help you learn how to walk, pose, and manage your facial expressions, but you may be better off learning these skills online or from reading a book. These schools may claim to get you work, but don’t get sucked in to them unless they can really prove that they have helped other models get work. People who approach you out of the blue. Sure, the occasional model has a story about being randomly approached at an event or even at a nightclub being told that he has “the look,” but most of the time, this is done by shady characters who think they can get money just by stroking your ego. [3] X Research source If these men ask for shady methods of payment, this is even more of an indicator that you should stop contact with them. Of course, if these men prove to have real connections, then you just got lucky. People who offer you money for your personal information online. Avoid any online sites, such as Model Mayhem, where people may offer you money in exchange for your credit card information and other personal information. This makes you a target for identity theft.
Make sure you look into the specific requirements necessary for entering a modeling competition. It’s likely that you’ll need to be prepared with a set of pictures.
When you’re speaking with the agent, you can ask about any unions you’re allowed to join and also ask if you can take modeling jobs on the side. If you’ve signed with a top agent and have a chance of making some serious money, you can also think about meeting with an accountant to talk about how you will track your earnings.
The agency can’t guarantee you work, but a good agent wouldn’t take you on if he or she didn’t think you had a solid chance at finding some great work. Have perseverance. You won’t get a gig with Calvin Klein on your first go-see, despite what you may hear.
Be prompt to appointments. Be courteous and professional to everyone you come in contact with. Consider investing in a personal trainer to help you stay on a balanced diet and to attain exercise goals for optimal muscle tone. Take a meticulous approach to your grooming and skin care regimen. Retire for the evenings early on the nights before you have to work. Plenty of sleep will help you avoid dark circles under your eyes and give you a more rested and healthier appearance to those you are working for.
If your day job is too much work, just find another source of income that works for you. Many male models are part-time waiters or bartenders.
Make sure you continue to eat healthily, get exercise, and remind yourself that you’re a worthy person; don’t let the modeling lifestyle get you down. Rejection is part of the game and if you’re already prone to insecurity and self-loathing, then male modeling may not be the best path for you. Though part of the modeling lifestyle may require you to go to parties and schmooze with lots of people, don’t become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Not only will this cause great pain for you mentally and physically, but it will have a negative effect on your physical appearance.
