List your job experience in reverse chronological order with your most recent experience first and your most remote jobs last. List your experience right after your stats and training (if any). If you want to know how to create the headings for your resume, IM me and I will be glad to help you. Here are some tips I give aspiring models - in them you will find a statement regarding your portfolio as they vary considerably - depending on the type of modeling you wish to do or the gig you are submitting it for.
Lots of people think they know what it takes and will give you advice that is not entirely correct and in some cases, completely incorrect. I used to be a male model and still have industry contacts, so I hope you'll find this insight helpful.
First of all, there are various kinds of modeling and only runway fashion modeling requires that you be tall (most top drawer agencies want you to be at least 5'9" to have a chance). There are other forms of modeling - print, parts models, etc. Print modeling places no such restrictions on height, as it is more the right look they are after for layouts, print ads, etc. The camera is magic compared to an in person setting. Your age isn't an issue. The more flexible you are in what varieties of modeling you will do, the more potential for work you will have. A reputable agency will tell you what kinds of modeling they represent (most will represent them all to varying degrees) and, with guidance and advice, help you decide what seems the best choices for you and your personality, look, etc.
Internet modeling websites are, for the most part, bogus and it is rare that anything ever comes from posting on them. I would highly advise against them. Disreputable agents tend to surf those websites and approach gullible people with flattery and false hopes intended mainly to lighten your wallet (talking you into modeling lessons or photos you don't need) or attempting to coax you into some kinds of modeling activities that you may not wish to become involved in with promises that will lead to nothing substantial. Don't get tattoos or odd ball piercings, especially facial.
You do not need an extensive portfolio of photos in order to have an agency decide if they want to represent you or not. A preliminary decision can be made through the mail with only a few photos for many agencies. Good snapshots will suffice to start, so don't run out and spend lots of money on professional photos prior to being accepted for representation. A phone call to an agency you would like to represent you will provide you with the information necessary for you to submit what they need to make a preliminary decision about you. Obviously, if they like what they see in your photos, they will want to see you in person to advise you, discuss your potential, and determine your availability.
As a general rule, you will have to spend some money for a professional photographer good at creating the look your agency desires for your portfolio. Most agencies will not front you the money for that photo shoot. Likewise, you should not pay an agency to represent you as they earn their money by arranging auditions for you and then taking a percentage (15?s industry standard) of what you make as a working model, so the incentive is there for them to find you work. Once accepted for representation by a reputable (key word) agency, they will guide you as to what you should have in your portfolio depending on the kinds of modeling you wish to do.
Unfortunately, there are more than a few disreputable agents who will make you promises they cannot keep and get you to spend inordinate amounts of money for modeling lessons and/or portfolio photos you do not need, so you might find yourself spinning your wheels and going nowhere. There are many pitfalls in the business, so learning them before you seek an agent is to your definite advantage. There are ways to tell which agents are reputable and which are not so much so. If you wish to know what to look for in a reputable agency, just ask me and I will be glad to enlighten you.
One of the most important lessons you will need to learn is to accept rejection and not take it personally. You will not get every job you audition for, because, while there may be nothing wrong with your look, it is just may not be the look the client is after for that particular gig. If not immediately accepted by your first choices of agencies (especially the premiere ones), there are others that can give you a good start while you build a reputation. Persistence counts, so don’t give up on your dream as long as you are realistic about your chances.
If I can give you more advice than I have already given to help you - please feel free to IM me, if you wish.
docster45 on YIM
Answered By: docster45 - 12/5/2010 |