Runway (Ramp) Modeling
This is one of the most effective ways to gain exposure. It is considered the most glamorous type of live modeling. It requires a lot of confidence and grace. The model must make the audience think that she loves the outfit she is wearing. She must look comfortable and make even the dullest outfit look attractive. There is a minimum height requirement of 5'6" for runway work. Glamour Agency Typical Work Topless and/or nude work I don't think that anybody is intersted in this. But since this is a part, hence I am addressing this also. HEIGHT: 5' 0"? (not too sure about this, but they generally take on much shorter girls than the fashion or commercial agencies) After knowing the types, let's see what are the requirements to become a model.

After you are through with a portfolio, the second step is to find a suitable modelling agency. It is advisable to find an agency to represent and promote you as a model. Their job is to sell you, just as if you were a new product, and it is you that employ them. Just as in a standard job, you must pay your agency for the job they do ("commission"). However, there are a lot of scam agencies out there, so keep your eyes open.....

***WORDS OF WARNING!*** NEVER:
:: Pay to join an agency
:: Sign with agencies that sell useless classes (any good legit agency will teach you what you need to know for free).
:: Get involved with agencies that sell in-house photography resulting in a portfolio all shot by one person.

What do agencies do?
1. They find new faces.
2. They advise and train their models.
3. They promote their models.
4. They schedule and book their models.
5. They bill clients and collect fees.

Finding an agency
You can visit the modelling agencies listed for your city. They will be able to tell you if you have real modeling potential. Otherwise, do some research and find out which agencies in your area are the best, then visit them. Bring about 5 snapshots - full length in a dress, bathing suit and headshots.
Each agency has their own 'look' so don't give up!

Getting Exposure
A great way to get national / international exposure, potential modeling job offers and national /international modeling agency representation is to sign up with any website (for ex. this website which is the most popular site on Indian supermodels) who has good models. Models on this site get regular modeling and acting job offers from industry professionals and top modeling agencies. Bonus: you don't need professional photos, since the agencies visiting the site are looking for newbies, and the cost is very little - much less than the cost of one photoshoot.

Modeling Schools
If the agency is affiliated with a school or tries to sell you courses then run! Reputable agencies will train you for free and are usually not affiliated with a school.
Most models in Mumbai do either ramp work or press ads. Very few do well in both fields. Co-ordinators, therefore, prefer to work in either one of the fields .

When looking for work, head for recognised agencies, ad film producers, freelance coordinators and production stylists. Research the market and target your clients specifically. Being interviewed as a model is just like being interviewed for any other job - you have to focus on selling yourself.
Keep your clothes clean and casual. They should not be very tight or very loose; just fit you comfortably. Go with minimal or no make-up, clean and simply styled hair, well manicured hands and feet, with your nails cleaned, filed and buffed. Take your latest pictures and a copy of your bio-data. Also, your own stationery - pen, pad or diary- to take down any numbers or other information.
Remember to always be either a few minutes ahead or on time - never late. If, however, you are likely to be late due to unavoidable circumstances, call and request that your appointment be rescheduled at a time that's mutually convenient. If your client is delayed, be patient - chances are, other business activities and unexpected emergencies take precedence. While waiting, don't use agency phones to make personal calls. This is considered tacky, unprofessional and out of line - unless there is an emergency. Take along a friend or a family member, if that helps. Just make sure you leave your girlfriends and boyfriends at home. Ask your companion to wait in the visitors' foyer while you conduct your business affairs yourself. Minors should be accompanied by at least one parent or a local guardian.

AT THE INTERVIEW

First, switch off your pager or mobile phone. Make your introduction brief and cut out the accent. Smile and be your natural self (we know a fake when we see one). Don't pull out your pictures till you are asked, and, then, place them in the view of the person concerned.
Your personality plays a major part in the final decision. Personally, when I sign on a model, I assume that he or she will interact with clients in the same manner that he or she interacts with me. A model must be able to communicate. In fact, I've signed many models who may not have had a look that I immediately believed in, but because I was sold on their motivation and personality. I'm always on the lookout for that special quality that makes a great face and body outstanding.

REJECTION IS NOT FAILURE

Always, but always, be alert and keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground for any opportunity. Let me give you a simple analogy to help you understand the process. As a consumer, there are products you have used for a long time for various reasons - they could be within your budget, easily accessible, durable, beautifully packaged, etc. And there are products you have discarded after the first use, since they weren't exactly what you expected. Similarly, photographers, coordinators, casting directors, producers, choreographers and clients may want to continue with the same models or change them after their first-ever experience. So you can never tell what clients are really looking for. But it pays to be consistent in your behaviour and attitude and approach each professional opportunity positively.
When rejection comes your way, learn to handle it professionally. Treat it as a learning experience and move on. You've got to have endurance, especially because most people in this business are temper-amental. In the early days, I used to cry myself to sleep because I thought I wasn't good enough. But I kept forging on. Like me, you could possibly make mistakes, but the important fact remains that you've made a decision and taken a step forward.
At every step of the way, and especially in the beginning, try to develop an enthusiastic, positive and dependable reputation. For your reputation is closely linked to your attitude in this industry and it always precedes you throughout your career.

THE 'INDUSTRY BIBLE'

Once you start working, your daily diary or date book should be your industry bible. If you prefer to put together your own bible, a filofax is ideal as it has masses of pockets and can expand to fit your needs. The important thing is to have enough room to write on each page (that's positive thinking at work - you'll need lots of room to write down all the things you'll be doing!) This is all part of becoming organised and professional, and the benefits are unlimited.
For a start, it will remind you of your bookings and, perhaps, keep a note of how the client wants you to look for a particular shoot. It will also provide a valuable record, especially for audits - you can always refer to your diary to check queries about receipts, payments and hours worked. If a coordinator is organising an audition, always check the booking date to make sure that you don't have a conflicting engagement.
Keep a record of all your interactions and it will help you build up a network of contacts

DRESS RIGHT

If your wardrobe is the packaging for your product, make sure that your package always looks fresh and planned. When you look at yourself, ask yourself if your outfit is consistent with your advertising scheme. Ask the agency concerned what is appropriate for the psychographic profile. Each market has its own require-ments. In Delhi and Bangalore, agencies prefer models to dress up and use a lot of make-up. In Mumbai, however, models tend to dress down, wearing minimal accessories and make-up
. But do use your common sense. Don't imitate others. Everyone has his or her own style and if it's not you, and you're not comfortable with your clothes, it will be difficult to sell yourself at auditions, video tests, and personal interviews.

BAG IT!

The indispensable 'model's bag' carries the tools of your trade, which can vary from city to city. With time and experience, you will learn what to carry and be able to anticipate what clients will want. For me, the fact that models bring their model's bag along is just as important as their looks. If they haven't brought anything to assist the shoot, I consider that a point against them. For now, the basic requirements for auditions and video tests are:

For women:

* Bras - skin-coloured, white and black
* Panties - skin-coloured, white and black
* Body stocking - to match your skin tone
* Boob tube - any colour
* Tights - black and skin-coloured
* Hair and make-up bags
* Nail care bag - emery boards, clippers, buffer, polish
* Hygiene necessities - tampons, deodorants, razors
* Your wardrobe should include jeans, T-shirts and two basic outfits - casual and formal.
Take along saris with matching blouses and petticoats since they are requested for frequently. Pastel shades work best.
* Accessories - scarves, headbands, hats, gloves, sunglasses, prop spectacles, belts and jewellery
* Shoes - high-heeled black and neutral courts, flat black pumps.
If the client, agency or coordinator asks for additional items before a shoot, you have time to prepare. If you are unable to supply the required items, notify the client so that the client's company can supply them, instead. You do not need to take your model's bag to personal interviews and casting calls, but do take along a skin-coloured bra and panty, tights (skin-coloured and black), shoes (flat and high-heeled) and clean hands and nails (polish must be unchipped).

For men:

* Underwear - white and skin-coloured briefs with athletic support
* Socks - various colours and styles
* Shoes - white trainers, classic black shoes
* Trousers - various colours and seasonal fabrics
* Jeans - classic blue and black
* Make-up - foundation and powder to match your skin tone
* Hair products - spray, gel, brush, comb, etc.
* Hygiene necessities - deodorant, eye drops, razors, etc. What men require for editorial and fashion modelling
* Shoes - trainers, black and brown dress shoes, black and brown casual shoes, cowboy boots and sandals
* Shirts - dress shirts, sports shirts, casual shirts in a variety of colours * Trousers - various colours and fabrics, including denim * Swimwear - boxer-style shorts and self-coloured briefs
* Accessories - prop spectacles, watch, gold band, etc.

ETIQUETTE - ESSENTIAL YET NEGLECTED

The following information on etiquette may seem obvious, but, unfortunately, is often neglected. Common sense and consideration towards others are vital elements for success in any career. But when you are establi-shing your reputation, it is even more important to begin your new career with good habits.

At auditions

When you visit an agency, make sure you arrive on time, and leave as soon as your business is over. It can be very disturbing to have a lot of people just hanging around. If you have to wait, try to smile and say hello to the people around. Don't be dismayed if no one responds. Most likely, they are as shy or nervous as you are. You might start up a quiet conversation with someone, but avoid loud conversation where people are trying to work. Also, no gossip! Bringing a book or magazine is acceptable.
You should be prepared to wait anything from a few seconds to an hour and sometimes longer. If you have another engagement or assignment, tell the receptionist very politely about it. You'll possibly be allowed in next. If this is the case, apologise to the other people waiting and say your thank yous.
Make sure you are dressed as the agency has told you to - you'll have a better chance of getting the job if you walk in looking like the photo they have in mind. If the coordinator or production stylist did not make a suggestion on how to dress, ask her for ideas. If she does not know, dress mid-stream - not too high fashion and not too casual.

When your name is called, follow the person who addressed you into the interview room. Smile, greet the interviewers, say who you are and why you are there. Shake hands firmly if you choose to (a limp handshake is very off-putting). Wait for an invitation to sit down. (Some clients will interview you as you stand. Don't worry, this is not unusual). Have a list of things to discuss, so you have an agenda once the conversation gets going. Also, make a habit of taking notes in your filofax. Be prepared to hand over your portfolio for inspection. An interview may last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes; you cannot predict how long or short it will be. Just flow with it.
Normally, when you go into an interview, everyone is under pressure to find the right model(s) as quickly as possible, book them and produce the rest of the advertising campaign while juggling other daily activities. It is not unusual for a client to have a couple of auditions for different jobs on the same day. If time allows, take the opportunity to bring out your personality. You don't have to go into a song or tap dance - just be yourself. At social gatherings, you know when you click immediately with someone; there are others who take a little longer to warm up. It has all to do with personal chemistry. Photographers and clients are like that, too. Sometimes, you get along spontaneously and, at other times, it takes longer.
Your mood and their mood are factors in determining the success of the interview. Regardless of their behaviour, always remain friendly, calm and professional. Don't push too hard. Always be direct. Don't waste the client's time or yours. This is also part of establishing your reputation.
Photographers and clients often have incredible memories. They may not book you for that particular job, but they will keep you in mind for the future. It is not uncommon for weeks, even months, to go by before the photographer or client phones the agency and requests to see you again for a new job being cast.

Over the phone

Communication is a crucial element of success. When you are calling a place of business, remember every second you waste is time - and time is money. You'll make quick friends with people if you are direct and don't waste their time. Say who you are and why you are calling. Often, I've made appointments with people immediately just because I liked the way they handled themselves on the phone.
If you are nervous, practise with your friends. It may feel silly, but you'll learn the habit of preparing yourself for all sorts of telephone conversations. Try to get on and off the telephone as quickly as possible - excessive conversation can be distracting to the flow of business at that moment. If you are making an inquiry, be ready to write down the information. Don't call people and interrupt their answers to your questions with, "Oh, can you hold on while I get my pen?" They have many other priorities in their day, have little time to spare and are under a lot of pressure. So try not to irritate them.