Level I: (Model Development & Educational Stage)
Each and every model has to make a conscience decision to break into the industry. Be wary that you are entering a competitive environment unlike any other career; an environment filled with scam artists and unscrupulous characters that prey on the naivety of the young model. By having a clear understanding of the Life Cycle of a Model, you will be better prepared to face the numerous challenges that await you as you embark on your career. Remember, each model will face unique and diverse challenges. Each individual Life Cycle will be different for every model, therefore utilize this resource simply as a guide to better prepare you for your future!
Each and every model has to make a conscience decision to break into the industry. Be wary that you are entering a competitive environment unlike any other career; an environment filled with scam artists and unscrupulous characters that prey on the naivety of the young model. By having a clear understanding of the Life Cycle of a Model, you will be better prepared to face the numerous challenges that await you as you embark on your career. Remember, each model will face unique and diverse challenges.
Each individual Life Cycle will be different for every model, therefore utilize this resource simply as a guide to better prepare you for your future!Many models enter the business through diverse angles, as there is often no method to the madness of being discovered. A model may be scouted directly by a “talent scout”, discovered at malls, schools, college campuses, or in public places. Some models choose to send their pictures into open calls at reputable agencies or through online submissions on numerous websites. Occasionally, the model may be friends with a photographer, a make-up artist, or someone ‘in the business’ who forwards the models pictures to an agency. Many professionals within the industry are looking for ways to discover new talent, as turnover is quite high.
If you go to an open call at an agency, don’t expect to get past the receptionist. Too often than not, models walk in overweight, with bad skin, too much makeup, bad pictures, and a poor attitude. It’s best to go in to these calls in a natural capacity (natural hair, little make-up, no heels, and very casual). All you really need is a Polaroid or snapshot against a white wall (a close-up and a body shot). Agents can tell right away if you have potential.
If you’re lucky enough to get seen by a ‘new face agent’, they will usually provide you a list of photographers that they work with. Many times, these are friends of the agent and there are often kickbacks to the agencies from the photographers (so be vigilant and aware of the agency/photographer relationship).
If the photographer is affiliated or associated with the agency, then the photographer can be a great asset in understanding what exactly the agency is looking for. The photographer can be a valuable resource should they have a legitimate professional relationship with the Agency. Contrary to the so called “modeling schools”, these are hopefully reputable photographers that will provide an excellent compilation of quality pictures that you can present to the agency. However, and this is a very important detail to understand: unless you are contracted to the agency, the photographer will not advance any pictures. Realize that there is going to be a cost associated to the photo-shoot, so make sure you understand what that cost is upfront prior to the shoot.
This is the stage of the lifecycle where you have to support yourself financially in attaining a valuable portfolio in the event that you have not been contracted by an Agency. Even if you have been contracted to an Agency, many times the fees associated with the shoot will be deducted from your first paying job. So ultimately, you are responsible for the outlay of funds for your professional photo shoot. Even after you’ve spent money on your portfolio, the Agency may not like the pictures (and they may not like your look), therefore the cycle starts all over again with another Agency, and additional fees may be incurred. It’s very easy for the Level I model to get frustrated and give up before getting their big break. More often than not, models are faced with ‘reality checks’ within the Level 1 stage, a stage that can often be costly and frustrating.
If you still want to pursue your career (and many models face this choice), then you will continue testing and being rejected until you hopefully find the right agency or manager that can help build that bridge to the industry. Models of Miami is committed to getting you past Level 1, and guiding you until you’re ready to meet an agent. We will provide you with a firm understanding on what path you need to follow, providing oversight and informative insight into the industry to help you move your career forward. At Level I, there will be limited opportunities for high paying jobs until the model has a clear understanding of the industry, along with a reasonable portfolio to present to potential employers/agencies.
Level II: (Promotional Work & Growth Stage)
The model now has an established quality portfolio and book together in presentable format (a nice binder, diverse number of pictures). The model continues to enhance their portfolio through photo shoots or additional print work, and they gain experience in understanding how to work with agencies, as well as other important components such as how to walk within a fashion show, posing and posturing during photo-shoots, and organizational skills in presenting themselves to agencies and or potential employers.
The model is beginning to network themselves with industry professionals and attaining more frequent paying, promotional work through smaller placement promotional marketing agencies (car shows, promotional events, craigslist jobs, work through the Models of Miami Casting Center, etc.). The model continues to take the necessary steps to prepare to work with accredited agencies, gathering information on the industry, and determining what is the next best step for his/her career.
Often during Level II, this is the stage where substantial testing takes place with a number of agencies. And, the agency is continually attaining feedback from clients, and the agency makes major judgments based on this client feedback. It’s important not to change your style during this phase (you have to present yourself as a blank canvas). Models need to have their real hair (not dyed or cut), as the agency wants you as you truly are. They desire a blank canvas so the artist can create a masterpiece on the canvas (you). If the model has ‘too strong of a look’, then it corners you into one category, thus limiting your future growth and ability to work on diverse projects.
During Level II, many aspiring models may still be under the age of 18. Of course, many are over the age 18 and may be pursuing college or dabbling in another career. Many simply choose to commit themselves entirely to modeling, thus supporting themselves through odd jobs (waitress, hostess, promotional modeling work). During this level, many aspiring models continue to be financially supported by their family too. In order to move forward within this stage of the Life Cycle, the odds are in favor of female models that are at least 5’9”, and male models that at least are 6’2”. For the record, many supermodels began their careers around the age of 12 or 13, however there are many models that have been discovered in their late teens.
The primary objective of Level II models is to attain ‘Tear Sheets’ (actual print work from a magazine or catalogue). For this reason, once you’ve successfully compiled your book/portfolio, many models travel to Europe (Italy, Greece, France) to be developed. It’s easier in the European community for new faces to catch their breaks, thus working for large international magazines, shows, and international advertising print work. The availability for print work is more readily attainable in Europe, and for this reason, it greatly increases your odds in attaining the most vital piece of your portfolio…..the TEAR SHEET. The better and more extensive the Tear Sheets, the better the chances you have in succeeding in the United States.
While in Europe, the model gains a substantial perspective of the industry, educating themselves by studying photographers, make-up artists, and unique styles. Since the model has officially chosen this career as their business, the more you uncover about the business the better prepared you’ll be for success. The European Modeling Community is basically a finishing school in agency etiquette. You’ll learn how to go to castings independently of any outside factors, and this gives you the experience and education you need to successfully work back in the states.
The majority of models that have successfully made it through Level I more often than not give up during Level II. This can be a very lonely time for the aspiring model, often filled with frustration and high expenses. Many models that have given up during their first trip to Europe return abroad a second time with a new found respect for the industry. It’s the perseverance, consistency, and gumption that often pushes the model to Level III. This is the time where the model determines if they truly have the passion and grit to continue on their path.
If the model returns for a second term in Europe, they already know what to expect and are now a step ahead of the competition. The model also understands that it’s a constant vigil to protect their skin, keep their weight in line, and manage their social life in a way that positively affects their career. Too often than not, inexperienced 18 year old models get caught up in the partying life before ever tasting an ounce of success. This partying cost the model dearly, and they too often than not lose focus on the task at hand.
Now, within the latter stages of Level II, you are hopefully working consistently, you’ve learned to walk the runway effectively, you are participating in some smaller shows that will give you a chance to strut your stuff, and you also may be walking for some smaller designers (unless you’ve hit the lottery with a big designer). This usually follows with a spread in one of the top magazines in Europe, and now, you’re ready to embark on Level III, and return to New York, hopefully sponsored by an agency.
Level III (The Agency Stage)
At this stage, you’ve either successfully worked your butt off in Europe to catch the eyes of some top agencies or you’ve quickly evolved from a Level II model domestically (without ever going to Europe). You are finally signed and sponsored by an agency in one of the major hubs, either Miami, New York or LA (more than likely New York). Many times, Level III models work and live in New York; the model might even be living in a “model” apartment that is sponsored by the agency.
Once you’ve attained a Level III status within the Life Cycle of a Model, you’ve paid substantial dues, gained invaluable experience in understanding the industry, and you are now going on multiple castings that your agency sends you on. At this level, you are becoming a consistent working model, however Level III is where the model earns the most perseverance and patience.
Stage III ultimately is where the waiting game begins and you are now working for the ‘big break’ or the right casting that catapults your career for not only yourself, but also for your mother agency. You are continuously positioning yourself to become a reliable high producer for your Agency.
Occasionally, some Level III models that struggle in the United States have had great success in Europe, and your Agency may ultimately send you back to Europe. What’s hot in Europe may not be hot in the States, and vice versa. But having an agent that’s representing you in all cities, both domestically and abroad, will work favorably for both you and the Agency. At this stage, you hopefully have begun to do shows internationally, or in New York, and may begin to get high end editorial work. And now, it’s at this time, after approximately two years of dedication and hard work that you are looking to break through and become a Level IV model, ultimately becoming a high producer for yourself and your Agency.
Level IV (A high-end producer - a professional model)
Because you’ve consistently participated in fashion shows in New York (or abroad), all the hard work has paid off! You’ve officially made it! You’ve outperformed 98% of all the models within the industry and you are getting consistent high-paying editorial work. At this level, the model is clearly a successful high-end professional, receiving high-level compensation on a regular basis. The model is one of their agencies top producers and has developed a strong reputation both domestically and internationally. Work is readily available to you (all over the world). High paying jobs launch a sustainable career, such as participating in the Abercrombie catalog and other companies similar to them.
Once you’ve appeared in American magazines, you can then expect to work for all types of catalogues and start earning high income. You are now viewed as ‘an experienced model’ and these castings require experienced models (which you now are). You now have the diverse and proven experience clearly documented in your book, and this is an invaluable asset that will attract job, after job, after job. You may choose to go back and forth to and from Europe, working to get better editorial work for higher fees, choosing to work higher paying events, and this is where the road to a supermodel may begin. This is a very difficult and competitive level to attain, but you are closer than 98% of all models to becoming a supermodel.
Level V (Supermodel)
At this level, you’ve reached the pinnacle of your career. Less than 1% of the models that ever started within the industry will attain supermodel status. You now have established an internationally recognized name within the industry and you are basically setting you own price and picking your jobs. Your clients start asking for you by name, and you get amazingly busy for a few years (and even overworked). Once this cycle starts, you had better be in amazing shape as it all comes at you at once (and you have to hit it while it’s hot because it won’t last forever). You’ll find yourself working twice a day, as well as weekends, and you’ll probably be on a plane 3 or 4 times a week.
In the later stages, hopefully you’ll ultimately be able to bank a lot of money, find time to relax, and inform your agent of the types of jobs you wish to do. To remain in the business for the long-term, you have to know where you want your career to go, and you have to choose specific job opportunities that will keep your visibility high, thus keeping you in the running for other jobs. By this time, you are approximately 23 or 24 years old, and you have options to move towards acting, or simply slow down and have a family. You’ll always be able to return as an older model, once you’ve made a name for yourself as a true supermodel.
