"I Want To Be A Model"

I often get this and then the next question is normally ... "Do you think I have what it takes"?

So what do you need to be a "model"?

Go look at any of the major players in the model agency business and you will find your first clue at the top of their application pages.

This is it - height 174 cm. There is no debate about this.

Next will be the dimensions, if you do not meet those measurements you can forget it as the "scouts" will filter you out as they do not have the time to find out how wonderful your "model school" teachers think you are.

Below are the measurement guidelines, remember some agencies might be slightly different.

Length: 174cm-180cm

Hips: 87cm-91cm

Waist: 58cm-62cm

Bust: 80cm-84cm

Once you pass the measurement / height test, the next thing they will be looking for is healthy skin and hair. They will ask you for a no make-up photo so they can see if what they are getting is the real you.

Unusual face shapes, freckles and other distinguishing characteristics will always be an asset, they are not looking for Miss South Africa, they want variations of beauty.

If you are fortunate enough to make it through to a photo shoot with them you will really have to show some character and express yourself in front of the camera. Can you express a mood or emotion without being over the top? Once again uniqueness will play a role on whether they accept you or not.

Lastly and probably just as important as the dimensions and height issues, what you must understand that deadwood (models that just fill a page but never get booked) does not create income and the main objective of an agency is to make money, for you and for themselves. You will have to accept that they will not take on a model that they do not believe will generate income. They do not make money out having hundreds of girls on their main page, they make money through bookings.

They know their clients, the trends and what works in the fashion industry so trust them and don't give up.

If you have all the dimensions as mentioned above and trends and fashion changes and you may not succeed this year but you could be the next big thing in 2021.

Good Luck!