What You Need to Start Your Modeling Career

Amber Alcocer Portfolio

First of all we will talk about the essentials that a model or someone who wants to start in the modeling industry needs. Whether to do good castings, callbacks or even on work days. Things that will make your life easier in a certain way. Personally, throughout my modeling career, I was getting these items little by little. Some I did not consider so important, but it all depends on the field you specialize in, whether it is a catwalk model, editorial or more commercial.

Model agency

When starting your modeling career there is nothing more important than a modeling agency which will guide you along the path you have chosen. You need a booker who is aware of you when you go to castings, callbacks, your work days and have good communication with him or her. Also if you have a problem with a certain client or disagreement on a job, it is good to have a booker to take care of those problems. For example, meal times determined at work, extra waiting times, among other things that could occur during a call. In my case I have been in two modeling agencies and currently I am with Broke Model Management with which I am very happy and working constantly.

Black Clothes

The most basic thing you need to start your modeling career is black clothes. This will make you look stylized and generally dark colors make you look slimmer. I like simple but combinable garments, I am always looking for clothes that give me a more elongated appearance. I like high boots, black shorts, bodysuits with turtle neck and long sleeves they never fail.

Black Swimsuit

This is something that cannot be missing in a model's closet. When taking natural photos like “polaroids” they usually ask you to wear a black swimsuit. Sometimes for catwalk castings they also ask you to wear a swimsuit. The reason for this is because the designer can decide which model represents his brand and think about how to dress it. At the end of the day, we will be the ones wearing the piece or outfit and we will have to make it shine on the catwalk.

Black High Heels

Walking in heels should be a piece of cake for anyone who wants to work in the modeling industry. For this there is nothing better than basic black heels. If you want to learn how to use them, I recommend that you practice in front of a mirror, or record yourself to see how you can improve your catwalk walk. It's never too late to start.

Composites

Comp-cards are like your business card but with photos of you. When going to fashion castings, they generally ask you to bring your portfolio to see your work throughout your career, but sometimes there is not so much time to see it in its entirety so they ask you to bring your composites. The client keeps this so that when deciding who will have the job, it is easier and more memorable when seeing your photo. The composites contain your name, your agency information and sizes.

Amber Alcocer Composite Cards
Good light

If you have decided that your passion is fashion and you want to dedicate yourself to the modeling world, your best friend from now on will be good light or natural light. Although before the castings were done in the casting houses, with the expert directors who filmed and told you what to do in your acting, today after the pandemic this has changed. Castings are now from the comfort of your home. For this you need good light, a white wall and a cell phone to record your castings. At least for me this new modality is one of the positive changes, since before it could take up to 5 hours waiting for a single casting.

Polaroids

The polas are photos that your agency asks for when you enter and when you change your look. They are done with natural light, a black swimsuit, black heels and no makeup. As natural as possible. Sometimes the client also asks you for polaroids for a casting.

Briefcase

When working with your image you will need photos of yourself with the brands you have worked with but how can you have photos if you have not yet started working as a model? If this is your case and you are starting out in the modeling industry, ask your agent to I sent you to test shootings. Your booker will send you to take photos with a professional photographer and thus begin to have the material you need to include and put together your model book. I put mine together little by little.

Photos of some of my work as a model in my book

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