Is it your lifelong wish to become a model? Do you want to learn, for instance, how to join a modeling agency in Dubai, but are still unsure about how to make that dream a reality?

Modeling is a highly sought-after profession among both men and women today. Aspirants imagine themselves being hailed as the next top model, getting primped and pampered by the world’s best hair and makeup professionals, and sashaying down the runway in the finest fashions from the most distinguished designers.

Of course, achieving such a dream is not a matter of merely relying on luck. Rising to the top as an elite model involves plenty of effort, perseverance and discipline. You must prepare, plan and follow the right strategy so you can stand out and command the attention of industry peers and bigwigs, not to mention all the adoring fashion enthusiasts.

Here are several tips shared by successful models and agencies that you must discover and follow to jumpstart your modeling career.

1. Practice self-care

Modeling entails a lot of work. This involves hours of travel and preparation. Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way for you to look and feel your best at all times.

So make sure to eat healthy food, stay active and get plenty of rest. If you make healthy choices, your body and mind will definitely function better. Also, you’ll have healthier skin and hair, and you do not have to worry about appearing tired or sick in pictures.

Here’s another thing to remember: Treat yourself to a luxurious spa and beauty salon once in a while. For instance, invest in a manicure and pedicure, moisturizing therapy for your hair, and professional skin smoothing treatments.

2. Train yourself to walk and pose

You must practice runway walking and posing. What separates you from other aspirants and even from successful models is the way you walk and pose. Everyone should be captivated by your presence whenever you step out.

Remember that modeling is an art. The models you see in fashion magazines didn’t just sit in front of a camera and let the photographers take a photo of them. Instead, they worked collaboratively with the photographer.

Models will use their facial expressions, posing, and artistic intuition to help create the vision of the photographer. Photographers, on the other hand, will use their knowledge of aperture, framing and lighting to bring everything to life. By being equally skilled in their particular trade, a masterpiece will surely be produced.

At first, walking down a runway may be awkward, but with practice, you’ll soon feel confident. So have a friend take photos of you so you can become more comfortable with posing, whether you are in front of a camera or other people. Once you feel confident in front of a camera, it will be a lot easier to get a great shot.

3. Prepare a well-rounded modeling portfolio

The most important step in starting your modeling career is to create a killer modeling portfolio. Make sure it contains stunning, high-quality images that showcase your strong points. Remember that your portfolio is the first thing that modeling agencies and clients check out, so making a great first impression is crucial!

It is recommended that you have an online version of your portfolio available to send through email and a printed version that you can present if you meet a scout or executive in person.

4. Work with the right modeling agency

Fashion models need a modeling agency, and getting noticed is the gateway to getting signed by the best one. This requires submitting snapshots of yourself, referred to as “digitals” or “polaroids” in the modeling industry.

Since most agencies look for natural photos, you have to submit photos of yourself wearing just a bit of makeup. The background must be plain and use natural light as much as possible. Consider not styling your hair as well, but make sure that it’s clean.

Do not submit photos that are photoshopped, unclear or blurry, and zoomed-out. Also, do not wear fake eyelashes, get a fake tan, and do any contouring. The key to taking digitals is to remember that modeling agencies are looking to see the simple and natural you.

5. Be professional

Being professional means answering phone calls, returning voicemails and emails, and being punctual. There is no excuse for being late to a photo shoot, a film casting call, or a meeting. All it takes is proper planning and time management skills.

Once you are booked for a job, you are representing yourself and your agency. So whenever you are on set, you must treat everyone with respect.

If, for instance, you dislike some aspect of how the makeup artist did your makeup as per a specific directive, don’t get mad at them; instead, work with what you have. Accept the situation at hand, do your job and produce great photos. That’s what professionals do.

Most importantly, never say mean things about the people you work with to other people. Courtesy and respect will take you a long way in this industry!

6. Prepare yourself for rejection

Just like in searching for any other job, you must prepare yourself for possible rejections if you want to be a model. Expect that there will be doors shut right in your face without even a second thought.

Successful casting models today have experienced their fair share or rejection, so don’t quit immediately. The sooner you embrace rejections, learn from your mistakes and work to continually improve yourself, the better off you’ll be.

7. Have fun!

Since you love and enjoy modeling, you should strive to have fun whenever you’re given a job. Besides, this is a career that allows you to sculpt yourself into a creative being you wish to portray, so always aim to present your very best self every time, and to enjoy the whole experience.

If your goal is to become one of the most successful models someday, you can get started on your journey by following these seven tips. Best of luck!

AUTHOR BIO

Jessicka Bell co-founded the AgenC, one of the leading model/talent agencies in the Middle East, in 2014. After just three years in the market, the AgenC now works with most (if not all) of the heavy hitters in media and fashion, as well as represents over 1,000 talents ranging from international models through to cast, kids, creatives and photographers.