Are you starting to build your male modeling portfolio, but aren't sure what to do next? If so, 2012 is a good year to break out and make the most of your career, but you need to be very careful about whom you take advice from and the decisions that you make as you move toward building your own brand. To make the new year a great one, it is important to adhere to the following tips.
1. Find the right photographer.
When it comes to male modeling, the quality of your photographs is everything, and that's why you will need a top-tier, experienced photographer to help shed light on your best qualities. When looking for the right photographer, it is important that you do two things. Firstly, get a look at samples of previously done pictures. If possible, talk to their subjects about the shoot experience. Secondly, choose only someone with professionalism, who takes your career as seriously as you do. While there are a lot of talented photographers out there, not all of them are professional in the way they conduct business. In order not to fall into a trap or scam, verify response time, references and the attitude of the photographer - choose ones that you personally connect with.
2. Choosing the very best photos.
Not all photos are created equal, and yes, good photographers can certainly take bad photos. But the good ones know what works and what doesn't, and they will make sure they capture the creativity and ingenuity that shows up in the final shots will draw eyes and appreciation from potential employers.
3. Finding the right agent.
Once you have a good photographer and several of the best photos you can muster, it is time to find solid representation. An agent should be your partner in the building of a career. For this reason, it is important to put as much legwork into the research process as you did for your photographer, if not more. A good agent/agency can harness their connections to get you seen by the right people. They can also tell you what works and what doesn't about your portfolio and arrange for more of what works, while editing out what doesn't. Remember, it's all about putting your best presentation forward.
4. Getting your name (and face) out there via social media.
Last but not least, you've got to create a platform on your social media accounts. Make sure you are using all the most popular outlets and casting as wide of a net for followers as possible. Use your best photos to bring in the likes, the retweets, and whatever other form of notoriety you can find. With large amounts of public support, you make your resume look even better to hiring personnel.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Male Models Don't Eat ... Sugar
Well, maybe sometimes they do, but most male models have cut way down on their sugar intake in order to keep the muscles building and the energy flowing. There really is no question about it - if you're planning on pursuing a modeling career you're going to have to cut down on your sugar intake considerably to make a go of it.
Why is sugar a no-no?
If you have never studied the effects of sugar on a person's body before, that will have to become a part of your modeling education. Sugar has a devastating effect on anybody, but even more so on male models that plan on maintaining the perfect body.
While sugar seems to give you energy, it actually takes it away. When you first see sugar you'll experience a sudden energy rush that is immediately followed by a crash. This crash of energy can last a lot longer than you'd want it to - especially if it's your time to work out.
While energy drinks that are commonly sold in supermarkets and convenience stores seem enticing, they are actually loaded with sugar and caffeine that will inevitably lead to an energy crash. Male models don't reach for a candy bar or sugared energy drink when they need to get moving. There are food and drink options including protein bars and vegetable drinks that will give you sustained energy.
Don't have a protein bar around? Cook a couple of eggs and serve it with some whole wheat toast and a glass of homemade squeezed juice. This is the kind of thing that male models would do.
Time to empty the cupboards
It's time to take a second look at the food that you currently have stocked in your cupboard. You may have bought a healthy looking cereal in your grocery store that seemed to be a great alternative to all of the other sugar-laden cereals being promoted. Look again. Just because the box says it is healthy and sugar isn't the number one ingredient, it may be high on the list. The healthy cereal you're currently eating may not be all it's cracked up to be.
It's time to take a look through your cupboards and examine the ingredients in the foods you're eating to double check that you are not getting a sugar overdose at some of your meals.
Male models know that eating healthy is a part of their career and learn to embrace this lifestyle. If you're ready to take the next step forward and become a male model you'll have to do the same. Heck, it wouldn't be a bad idea to do this even if you decide to choose another career path!
Here's a great spot spoofing just this, from our friend, Ronnie Kroell for Andrew Christian.
Happy Holidays! Don't get crazy!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Right Mindset
If you truly want to be a model, you're going to have to assume the right mindset. You can develop all the muscles you want and be a handsome brute of a man but it will all mean nothing if you're not ready to get in the game. As you'll learn, you need the body, along with the right mindset, to become a winner.
So What Is The Right Mindset?
To be a serious male model you have to think like a super-model. You have to understand why you are modeling for a career and then offer up what you have to give. To understand the right frame of mind, you'll need to first understand the wrong kind.
If you are entering the modeling field to be noticed and recognized, you're not going to make it - period. Likewise, if money is your motivation, you're going to be in for serious disappointment. Any model that is worth his salt has paid his dues to reach his final purpose. Purpose cannot be money or influence. It has to be something more - much more - and unique.
Valid Purpose:
Some men decide to be a model because they love being photographed, to bring out the best in themselves and share it with others. That, of course, is fine. Other men use photography as an art form of communicating with others. Fine, as well. As long as the purpose is not self-centered on personal gain and ego alone, you have a chance of making it big.
Let's take the example of a lawyer. If he enters the field of law simply to make a lot of money and become famous, how long do you think his career is going to last? A lawyer needs to have a higher purpose in order to reach his secondary goals of fame and money. He needs to love the practice of law with every fiber of his body to become one of the top-notch lawyers that gets recognized.
See The Picture:
You need to sit down and think about what your purpose is for becoming the best model out there. Throw aside the fame and fortune and concentrate on what you really want to accomplish in your life. This way, you'll know if modeling is really something you want to do with your life.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Be A Pro Male Model - Getting Your Start
This advice explains the steps necessary to be a male model who is successful.
1) First of all men that want to model should be certain that they have marketable qualities. It is reasonable that all people consider themselves good looking, however you must realize that you need to make a remarkable impression. You don't need to be breathtakingly beautiful but you must have something special so the product you are marketing will stay on the consumer's mind.
2) Then you must figure out the type of model you are hoping to become. There are many different types of models besides high fashion models, such as models that appear in department store advertisements. Those models are also very well paid. Models like these are the type that are making commercials for Best Buy, or posing in newspaper advertisements with cracker boxes in their hands. These particular guys work in the field of Commercial Print Models. These are the guys who are considered the men next door. The average person feels a connection to these men because Commercial models don't have to be as tall as fashion models. Height requirements differ for fashion and commercial print significantly, in fashion, 5'11" is generally accepted, but 6' may be required at certain agencies, while in commercial print 5'6" is perfectly acceptable.
3) The next thing is to have a professional photo shoot. There are agencies for which you won't have to have a professional photo when you sign up, but I can attest to the fact that they're usually helpful. Sometimes local photographers are trying to create a profession portfolio of their own and are looking for models to do a TF shoot. Often they will give you pictures in exchange for your modeling. Be cautious! Do not trust people who claim that they are professional photographers. Consider their professional references and their portfolios. Professional photos are a big expense, usually at least $800.00, because this is a large amount, I strongly advise not spending the money on photos.
4) After you have decent pictures taken, you need to send your pictures to various agencies all over the world. Casting agency directories are available that can help ambitious people find work in commercials, TV shows and movies.
5) If all goes well, you will receive an invitation from an agency to meet with them. It is vital to dress appropriately and arrive well before the scheduled appointment time. Designer jeans and a tailored shirt with black shoes typically are a good option. The agents are not looking for a perfect GQ model, but they want a natural look. They hope to find out who you really are.
6) If all goes well, a reputable agency scout will sign you to a contract. Make sure that the contract specifies that a large portion of the money is for the model while a small commission goes to the agency. NO AGENCY FEES FOR REPRESENTATION! In some cases, there could be a charge of a maximum of $200.00 in order to include your link on their website and a certain amount of money to print out comp cards, but that is all that you should expect. If you are persuaded by your agency to spend money for photos or pay them a fee each month then you should get away from them. You do not need to sign with one of the very first agencies that comes to you.
1) First of all men that want to model should be certain that they have marketable qualities. It is reasonable that all people consider themselves good looking, however you must realize that you need to make a remarkable impression. You don't need to be breathtakingly beautiful but you must have something special so the product you are marketing will stay on the consumer's mind.
2) Then you must figure out the type of model you are hoping to become. There are many different types of models besides high fashion models, such as models that appear in department store advertisements. Those models are also very well paid. Models like these are the type that are making commercials for Best Buy, or posing in newspaper advertisements with cracker boxes in their hands. These particular guys work in the field of Commercial Print Models. These are the guys who are considered the men next door. The average person feels a connection to these men because Commercial models don't have to be as tall as fashion models. Height requirements differ for fashion and commercial print significantly, in fashion, 5'11" is generally accepted, but 6' may be required at certain agencies, while in commercial print 5'6" is perfectly acceptable.
3) The next thing is to have a professional photo shoot. There are agencies for which you won't have to have a professional photo when you sign up, but I can attest to the fact that they're usually helpful. Sometimes local photographers are trying to create a profession portfolio of their own and are looking for models to do a TF shoot. Often they will give you pictures in exchange for your modeling. Be cautious! Do not trust people who claim that they are professional photographers. Consider their professional references and their portfolios. Professional photos are a big expense, usually at least $800.00, because this is a large amount, I strongly advise not spending the money on photos.
4) After you have decent pictures taken, you need to send your pictures to various agencies all over the world. Casting agency directories are available that can help ambitious people find work in commercials, TV shows and movies.
5) If all goes well, you will receive an invitation from an agency to meet with them. It is vital to dress appropriately and arrive well before the scheduled appointment time. Designer jeans and a tailored shirt with black shoes typically are a good option. The agents are not looking for a perfect GQ model, but they want a natural look. They hope to find out who you really are.
6) If all goes well, a reputable agency scout will sign you to a contract. Make sure that the contract specifies that a large portion of the money is for the model while a small commission goes to the agency. NO AGENCY FEES FOR REPRESENTATION! In some cases, there could be a charge of a maximum of $200.00 in order to include your link on their website and a certain amount of money to print out comp cards, but that is all that you should expect. If you are persuaded by your agency to spend money for photos or pay them a fee each month then you should get away from them. You do not need to sign with one of the very first agencies that comes to you.
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