Sign up for free semi-monthly modeling and acting information and receive Aaron's Getting Started Guide!


State:

We respect your privacy. Your email address is never sold or given out.

Visit the forum and join in on these discussions...

ASK AARON - September 1999 Answer

From Jennifer, MO

I really want to be a model but I live in a small town where there isn't anywhere I can go to find work. Can you give me some advice?

Dear Jennifer:

Thank you for writing me such a good question. There are many people in your situation where they want to model but don’t live in an area where there is a lot of modeling activity, or so they think.

You actually might be surprised about the amount of modeling that is actually going on in your area. You just have to do some homework and know where to look.

The first thing you will need is a head shot. That is a picture of you that clearly shows you and your personality. In my book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model, I spend about 26 pages teaching people how to put together great head shots and something called composite sheets. This is a collection of photographs that shows a variety of ways you can look.

You should call a number of advertising agencies in your area. Just look them up in the phone book, or see if there is a local business journal that lists a number of advertising agencies. Call the advertising agencies and ask for the art or creative director. Along with photographers these people are involved in the process of hiring models. Ask them if there are any photographers they would recommend for head shots or photos for your composite sheet. You should also ask if there are any agents in the area that you could contact.

If you are interested in doing runway work, call a department store or bridal shop and see if they put together any runway shows.

Virtually every town has some form of advertising, and they always need models. Even if you don’t get paid for it, maybe they will offer you a product free or at a reduced rate. The important thing is to get a copy of the ad. That is a great way to build up your portfolio and get new photos for your composite sheet.

Modeling is a tremendous amount of fun, and to see your self in an ad is incredible.

If you thought this was helpful, imagine how much you will learn from reading "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model." and by attending my Acting/Modeling Boot Camp.