Tips on Alternative Modeling?

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Here are a few tips to become a successful alternative model, plus a few words of advice!

To become a model, it is important that you stay healthy. Good skin, great hair and a healthy body are critical. Also, try to work on a distinctive look. Alternative models tend to have original looks. Consider a haircut that works with your face shape and perhaps a darker color or dark highlights. Get some photos taken by an experienced fashion photographer and create a portfolio. Then, set up a website of yourself that hosts an image gallery. Get a Facebook page, Twitter account, Pinterest account, and any other social media account you can, and start posting your photos and spreading the word.

As for agencies, we have one word: BEWARE!

Legitimate agencies will not ask you to pay them money up front.

Legitimate agency do not make their money by sending models to photographers that are on their staff or who give special discounts (and likely kickbacks) to shoot photos for your comp card. Generally, their only criteria for a model is someone with a credit card.

Legitimate agencies will give you a testing list. A testing list will give you contact information of all good photographers in your area so can pick on your own.

Also, be aware of the agency pushing you to "their printer" for a discount for your photos. Another red flag that likely signals a kickback.

One other bit of advice. A new and aspiring model should not print too many comp cards at one time. You will be shooting new photos over time to gain experience and will want to update your cards soon within a few months. 100-200 cards are enough to get started. The costs should not be more than $1 per card.

Also, if the agency asks you to pay them for the photography or printing, it is likely they are getting a kickback. You should pay the photographer or printer directly.