Could You Be a Model?

Do you think you have what it takes to be a professional model? Many people do-- young women, in particular.

Modeling may seem like a very glamorous and easy job for many young women. The perception is that models get paid a good amount of money to pose for some pictures. In actuality, models have to do much more than just show up for a photo shoot, and breaking into the business is extremely challenging and competitive.

There was a period in my life where I attempted to be a professional model. I was already out of college in and working in the marketing field, so I was skeptical about most of the modeling opportunities I saw advertised on the radio, in magazines and online. I definitely did my homework and had quite a few interesting encounters. As a marketing and advertising professional, I have worked with modeling agencies to select and hire models for product promotions. In the modeling business, I would be referred to as "the client"-- the person who makes the final decision on whether or not a model gets booked for a job. Having been on both the modeling end and the client end, I've had a good deal of first hand experience with the industry.

How To Tell If An Agency Is Legitimate
For every legitimate modeling agency, there are several others who take advantage of young aspiring models and their doting parents for their own financial gain. Just because there is some sort of application process or audition to be accepted into a so-called agency or modeling school, doesn't mean that the business is a true agency that can book you a paid modeling job. Often, auditions and application processes are used to give aspiring models the impression that they do have potential, but just need a little "coaching". These auditions give the agency the impression of being exclusive, when they typically accept a very high percentage of applicants.