The Two Main Qualities That Modeling Agencies Look for in a Model
6 min read
The thought of trying out modeling or the thought of if we were good enough to even be a model has linger in our heads at least once in our lifetime. Probably while glancing through magazines or walking pass the posters of models wearing H&M apparels, we might have had the thought of being a model and maybe later that we would quickly shrug the thoughts off our shoulders thinking ‘nah I’ll never be good enough to be a model’. Honestly, modeling agencies lookout for someone more than just a pretty face, they look for people with X-factors and great personality that they don’t see everyday. In fact many of us do have the qualities taken to be a model. We all just need that little surge of courage to try instead of just having the thought linger in our heads.
Now you’re probably thinking ‘Okay fine, what attributes or qualities do we need to have to land ourselves contracts at agencies?’ No matter what kind of modeling you’re into be it niche modelling, high fashion, editorials, commercials or body parts modelling, agencies around the world mostly look for these few similar qualities.
- Physique
You got to have the right physique qualities for the right assignments. As there are different demands according to types of modelling.
- Height Requirements
Let’s start with height, for runway you’ve got to be at least 5’7 to 6’0 for women and 5’9 to 6’2 for men. Whereas, the height requirement is mediocre when it comes to editorials and TV commercials. So you don’t have to be super tall to be on TV.
- Weight Requirements
‘Okay, my height is okay but I’m pretty large’. You got to be healthily fit to be a fashion model nowadays, it is forbidden for overly stick thin models to walk the runway. Models’ weight are commonly measured together with their height and weight or in short BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is utilized as a screening apparatus to demonstrate whether a man is underweight, overweight, hefty or a solid weight for their stature. Hence, it helps provide accurate information regarding a model’s level of health. So you can’t be too skinny to be on the runway – Fit is the new skinny. As for TV commercials and print advertisements agencies widely welcome people of all height and size. Real life models are utilized as a part of publicizing or corporate crusades, when organizations are hoping to speak to regular audience. In an example, sometimes pharmaceutical advertisements need a slightly heftier model for demonstration. Another example would be insurance advertisements; they mostly showcase a family, couple or even elderly people. They’re not very tall or skinny either, they’re just like you and me. Food for thought for those who are eager to try out but never had the courage to do so until you read this.
- Good posture
A good posture goes a long way. We don’t want slouching models wearing Alexander Wang walking the runway or a slouching talent promoting toothpaste on TV. Why is good posture so important? It affects the way you carry you and the brand, everyone wants someone that can carry themselves with poise. Furthermore, a bad posture brings severe aches to your neck, shoulder and back hence causing fatigue. Sure you do not want to feel fatigue during your shoot while posing or while you walk for hours on runways. Good posture is vital for all of us, not just models but everyone. Thus, carry yourself with poise.
- ‘The Face’
Agencies usually lookout for people with chiseled facial structure and of course high cheek bones; this is usually because they tend to appear magically beautiful on the runway or on photographs. That jaw line so sharp it cuts. So what if you don’t have a well-sculpted looking face? No worries, there’s definitely still room for you. Not everyone is so well blessed to have sharp looking features, but even if you don’t there will still be assignments for you! Like how oval faces go well with any and I mean any hairstyle. Great for hair shows as clients and agencies look for faces who have high adaptability. So doesn’t mean you’re pretty or ungodly handsome means you’re able to land bookings. Clients look for quality faces that are easily adaptable to as many types of looks as possible!
- Attitude
Great attitude brings you to altitudes. I’m sure you’ve heard of models who have snobbish attitudes. Those models don’t do really well nor go really far in the modeling industry. Modeling is more than what you think it is, it is hard hard work. To be a model, you got to be extremely adaptable to all kinds of situations for long hours.
- Patience
Sometimes models have very limited amount of rest, suffering from jet lags as they frequently hop on the quickest flight to another city for a shoot or show after finishing one. The excruciating long waits in the casting rooms after a 12-hour flight with other hundred models trying to book shows. When it comes to clients, you will deal with clients of all attitudes. You can dislike them but you can’t call it quits in the middle of the shoot, can’t you? So you’ve to press on and play your role well to make them like you. Thus agencies look for models with utmost patience.
- Adaptability
Let’s not even start about the terrain models and the production crews go to just to get the perfect shot. At times they travel to muddy areas, tropical rainforest, stony mountains or even scorching desert for shoots, pushing models’ to the limit. But after that it would be worth it as they get big cash out and a million dollar picture printed on high profile magazine spreads like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and more. Wouldn’t that look stunningly beautiful in your portfolio?
- Manners
Didn’t your mama told you to always greet and end with ‘thank you’? Greeting may sound simple but it goes a long way. Always, always greet your clients. Even a simple ‘Hi, how are you?’ with a bright smile can really make their day a brighter, perhaps they’ve been having a bad casting day and dying for someone that can make them shout in joy ‘She/He’s the one!’. So be that person! Be that model where people would be so glad to see you on castings. Here’s a tip, even if you’re unsure if you’re going to successfully book the show or not always thank them for giving you this wonderful opportunity and their precious time. Trust me, they would be so glad to have you and if you’re lucky enough, remember you for being that model with poise and gratitude. Make people remember you for the good things you’ve done!
- Confidence
To be a model one of the paramount attributes to have is confidence. It’s easy to tell if you’re confident with yourself by the way you walk, talk, facial expression. Clients and agencies always look for people with confidence and note that there’s a fine line between being confident and arrogant. Whatever you wear or do, when there’s confidence it makes your product brighter and stronger. Hence making agencies easier to market you out to the big world. Confidence is key to booking shows and impressing clients.
Now that you know what qualities agencies look for in a model. Now do your inner model a favor and lookout for your nearest legitimate modeling agencies and give it a shot! You never know you might be able to impress the agencies near you and land your dream contract you once dreamed of when you were younger. Remember to always be yourself!
