A few years ago I decided it would be fun to do some modeling. I don't do it full time; it's more of a hobby than a career for me. However, in the little bit that I have done, I have learned a LOT about the modeling industry, what it takes to make it, what to avoid, and what to expect. A lot of people have come to me asking how to get started in modeling, so I thought I'd share a little bit about what it takes to start a career in modeling.

What to do Before You Get Started:

1. Get in the habit of taking care of yourself! This means creating a balanced diet for yourself, coming up with a workout routine, finding hairstyles, makeup, and fashion that work well for you, and finding a good skin and hair care routine. You may be able to do this on your own with a little bit of research, or you may need to seek professional help in one or all of these areas. Realize that you don't need to look like one of the Victoria's Secret Angels or a supermodel....those models have had years of work, expensive professional help, and even then those pictures and commercials you see have been digitally enhanced. You aren't going to have success in modeling if you are severly over or underweight, don't have healthy skin or hair, or if your teeth look like something from a horror movie...but you don't need to look like Barbie, either! Also, remember that taking care of yourself means just that- taking care of yourself! It doesn't mean starving yourself or exercising yourself to death, using unsafe "health and beauty" products, or obsessing over your looks!

2. Set a budget for yourself. Realize that being a model is owning your own business, and you have to invest money in a business to make it work! You will need to pay for gas to drive to events (especially if you don't live near a big city where many jobs will be available), clothes and accessories for shoots, small fees to agencies or photographers who help you get started, etc. Be sure to keep track of your spendings and save receipts if possible; you may be able to use them as tax write-offs in the future!

3. Decide what kinds of modeling you want to do. Here are some types of jobs you might be offered when you are first starting:

-Promotional Modeling: These jobs usually involve promoting a product or service at a public place (such as a mall, wal-mart, or a local fair or sport event). You will have to learn about a product, an then explain it and hand out samples or fliers to customers. These aren't the most glamorous jobs, but they are great for building your resume and getting your foot in the door for future jobs.

-TFP: This stands for "Time For Print". Neither the model or the photographer gets paid, both just get some photographs to add to their portfolios. This is probably the only type of work you will be offered when you first start, but it is really a great opportunity to gain experience and build your resume and portfolio. Keep in mind that you may have to spend money to drive to locations, buy clothes for the shoot (you may or may not be able to return them later) and may have to take off of work for a day or two, so decide for yourself if you think this portfolio-building opportunity is worth it.

-Modeling for Art Studios or Classes: A lot of college campuses and some high schools will look for models for art classes, as do some professional artists. Posing for a painter or sculpter will involve sitting still for long periods of time, so if you're fidgety it might be difficult.

4. Set Your Standards! No one wakes up and decides they want to model so they can degrade themselves; but so many young women and men get sucked into those kinds of things without even realizing what's happening. Decide what kinds of poses you are willing to be in, what kinds of clothes you are willing to wear, and what your work can be used for. Are you willing to model swimwear or lingerie? Artistic nude? If that's not the kind of modeling you want to get into, then don't ever let someone pressure you into it, even once! Also, remember that any work you do is fair game to end up on the internet and could easily be seen by future employers, friends, and family.

Once You're Ready to Get Started:

1. You will need some professional or semi-professional photos to start your portfolio. I found a photographer who had a special deal going on and gave me three looks for $99, which is pretty cheap compared to what some other photographers charge. Search myspace or Ujenatalent.com for photographers in your area who will do low-cost or TFP shoots with you. If you know someone who is getting started in photography or is a photography student, volunteer to model for them so you can both get experience. If you've recently had your senior pictures or wedding pictures done and copyright laws will allow it, they can work great, too.

2. Create a resume. List your age, statistics, (height, weight, eye and hair color, and measurements). List any photoshoots you have done, even if they are just senior pictures or pictures for a sports team. Also, list any stage appearances, such as singing at church or school plays. If you have attended any modeling seminars or training, list the organization and date. Include any special interests or skills, such as sports or another language you speak,. Include brief employment history, especially anything customer service related. Look online for examples of modeling resumes.

3. Get yourself out there! Post your pictures and resumes on modeling websites, such as UjenaTalent.com, Modelmayhem.com, Onemodelplace.com, or Supermodels.com. You may also use social networking sites such as facebook.com or myspace.com, but be careful about posting things that you don't want the general public to see! You may also start looking at agencies or attending open calls. Always bring your portfolio and resume with you!

What NOT to do:

1. Pay large amounts of money to agencies. Some agencies will require you to pay to attend a training seminar or require an evaluation fee if you apply online or via mail. These should not cost more than $50. Some agencies will also offer additional training, photoshoots to help you get started, or a fee to be featured on their website or headbook. These should be less than $100 each and should be OPTIONAL for you, not required. A modeling agency that requires you to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars isn't playing with a full deck of cards...they're supposed to help you make money, not take it from you! Also, don't ever pay to attend a modeling school; you're really just throwing money away. Modeling is something that you either can do or can't, not something you can pay someone to teach you.

2. Show up to an event alone. Before accepting a job, let the photographer or producer know that you will be bringing an escort. Make sure your escort is an adult, preferrably not a boyfriend/girlfriend, and someone of the same gender as you. Your escort should be aware that they are not going to be involved with the shoot in any way and will not interact with you at all while you are working (the only exception would be to help you with getting dressed). They should bring a book or some homework and act as if they are in study hall...minding their own business and ignoring others around them. It's a boring job, but it's an important step of safety to take.

3. Work with anyone who makes you uncomfortable. If a photographer or producer pressures you to break the standards you have set for yourself, becomes manipulative or abusive, or does anything that makes you feel unsafe or like you're not in control, give one warning, and then get up and walk out if it continues. No employer or business partner has any right to make you feel like less of a person. If something extreme happens, such as a photographer trying to force you into a pose or to take your clothes off, or making threats against you, you may need to take legal action to protect yourself or others.

4. Get sucked into drama. Just because you don't get along with a certain photographer or fellow model does NOT give you the right to put nasty things about them on the internet, spread false rumors about them, or do anything to step on their toes. As I mentioned in 3, if something illegal is done against you, you need to take it to authorities...not go on a website and post bulletins about that person. Modeling is a job; being a drama queen or king isn't going to get you any further ahead of anyone else!

That being said, good luck and have fun!!!