If you’re like many, the dream of getting started as a model seems like a fantasy. For most, it is. That’s where the dream stops. Why is that? Because getting started as a model especially in a major market like New York City is very, very difficult.
Besides the fact that it’s a lot of hard work, it does take a little bit of luck in getting right in front of the right people. This guide will tell you what experience you should expect as an aspiring model getting started.
No one is going to help you if you don’t help yourself.
That’s right, just because you want to be a model doesn’t mean that an agency or modeling scout is going to go out of their way to help you. Like any career changing opportunity, you have to make sure that you are invested in the right materials and education on getting started. Many models make the assumption that walking into an agency and getting signed it as easy as that. That is completely wrong.
Modeling agencies, which are referred to as model management companies in New York City, manage the career of existing models. Now that doesn’t mean that because your new model you won’t get signed an agency. Of course you can, it happens all the time. Just like winning the lottery happens.
Many models that don’t meet the strict requirements of editorial agencies, which are really tall and really thin, are referred to as commercial print models. Getting started as a commercial print model is similar to acting. You have to build up your portfolio however. The truth is you can build up your portfolio working with local photographers in your market. If you are located in or around New York, and wanna get signed to a New York agency, you need to work with a New York photographer. Taking photos of yourself or having a friend or family member take pictures is not professional. While it may help you build your experience in front of the camera, an agency wants to make sure that you have the actual look before they going to sign you.
Spending tens of thousands of dollars on photographs will get you nowhere. There are many scouts that claim to help you by simply getting you on the photo shoots, that will help build up your buck but it won’t help you get in front of castings. The truth is you’ll know whether or not you’ll become a successful model if you can land casting calls.
Covid has changed the way how agency scout. Before Covid some agencies will have open casting calls, typically on Tuesdays or Wednesdays in New York. Since Cove it happens many agencies are not opening the doors to the public. They may require you to come in for a personal evaluation or they might scout you online.
As a new model, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the best help possible. Who do you know you can trust? How do you know a company is legit? You have to make sure you do your homework and read real reviews from actual talent, not reviews from people that want to get signed an agency or have been declined from an agency, it happens all the time.
There are many services and websites that can help connect to free casting calls. However you should always expect to subscribe to casting call websites. Some are more expensive than others.
Getting the help of a professional, like Latitude Talent Studios, can help get you the materials you need to get the exposure when you need it. To learn more about Latitude and read Latitude Talent reviews visit the official website and follow Latitude Talent on Instagram.
