YOU KNOW IT, WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE SHIT.

Don’t worry~ It’s not a post to dress ugly people down.
It’s a post to help boys and girls save money! =D

When i was 17, i look like shit. No pictures to show, if you’re not convinced becox i look quite decent now (SHUTUP I DONT CARE WHAT YOU THINK) and plus you’re free enough, go check out my archives. Haha. I LOOKED LIKE SHIT.

But I thought i was chio. And i head out very often. Eat Long John Silver also must eat in town area. It just seemed more cool. Lol. I know you know what i mean right.. Haha!

And please don’t say that i am also thinking that i am very chio now but will come to realise in five years time that i’m actually ugly. I am an adult now, i don’t make visual mistakes like this anymore. HAHAHA!

Anyway, to get to town area, young girls like me back then have to get pass this area of SELF-DOUBT and SELF-WORTHY area. This area is right there once you step out of Orchard MRT.

“Hi! I’m from XXX models”

“Would you be keen in modeling?”

“You are very tall! Are you a model?”

“We’re looking for models for an advertisement”

“We have a modeling assignment now that needs girls like you”

“Are you local? Becox you look like Eurasian/ Korean/ Japanese/ Taiwanese”

“Don’t worry, not all models need to be tall, you are not very tall but you got the look for print-ads”

And in your heart, you start asking yourself, “Oh wow.. I’m really that good? How can i be that good? Or maybe i am that good? Bleah, it’s not possible.. Well, maybe it is?”

GIRLS, C’MON, you know what you look like. If you’re pretty, good for you, don’t be flattered by random folk running after you on the street telling you you are pretty. If you’re pretty, be confident, you don’t need to buy this shit, just tell the bugger,

“YEAH I KNOW, i am as perfect as you say. Why do i need you then?”

AND WALK AWAY.

Trust me, the poor dude will not chase after you even if you have the talent and caliber of a TOPESTEST SUPEREST model.

Why? Simply becox these fuckers are not out for talent-hunting. They are out for the weak-minded girls and boys with MONEY. In short, they are out for whoever has the MONEY.

And if you’re not that good looking, YOU KNOW IT. Okay. Yeah all the stories about ugly-duckling to beautiful swan, chubby pig to pork ribs, whatever. It will happen if you work on it. Buying cosmetics and plastic surgeries will do the job but buying compliments won’t bring you there. It’d just make you more insecure than you could ever be.

I am going to bring you through what’s gonna happen if you believe the sweet-talkers at the train station.

They gonna take your number and might call you on the spot to make sure that that IS your number, make an appointment with you to meet at their office. And climax of praises that’s gonna be sang for you, is when you’re finally at their office.

There they will have plenty of fashion magazines and plenty of newspaper cutouts, they are going to tell you all the great thing you will be if you sign up the package to be part of them. Then they’d talk about money. And if you’re skeptical about paying, they’d pull out pictures of their models whom appeared on various media.

Assuming YOU ARE DUMB, becox you were already dumb enough to even go to their office, i can safely say you won’t know which agencies the top models in Singapore are attached to. You won’t know if they are even attached to any or if they are self-managed.

So the money-eater can tell you Rebecca Tan used to be managed by them, showing you pictures of Rebecca Tan on cover, print-ads, TVC screenshots etc. And you’d buy the story becox you know Rebecca Tan! Who doesn’t! Even if you don’t know her name, you must have seen her face somewhere.

And becox you’re so doped on praises, you’d think that the guy who’s been showering you with compliments for the past one hour, cannot be lying to you about such stuff. Somemore if he don’t know her, why keep so many pictures of her, right!

I am quoting Rebecca Tan as example for a specific reason, will share why later.

Then you’d be convinced.
“If he can bring her up there, and he sees so much in me, i can make it too!”

NO YOU CANNOT.

Not becox you can’t. It’s becox he cannot bring you there. Becox you’re in the wrong place. Becox you’re too naive.

What’s gonna happen next is, they gonna show you a list of packages. It will all differ by the number of images/ looks/ styles you gonna be photographed in, number of pictures, sizes of pictures, whether or not your ‘comp card’ and portfolio will appear in their office/ website respectively, whether or not you wanna sign up for their courses to modelling.

It can range from $288 – $2888 (the higher price range is usually what they call, ARTISTE price. Meaning if you pay the premium price, they gonna groom and market you as a model-artiste and pitch you for hosting/ singing/ acting gigs). These days the price might be a lot different, not sure.

Truth to be told, i used to buy these compliment. In fact, I BOUGHT it with $6 and $348 on two separate occasions.

I can mention names becox whatever i’m gonna write are just based on real-life account of what i encountered before. I have no idea if they have changed the way they work now, but this is what i went through when i was 17 turning 18. And the convo is obviously, to what i can remember best.

I was approached at the self-worthy area numerous times. And this one time, i started to believe that it could be true! Since so many times people have been approaching me, i must be really up to it, right?! So i agreed to go to the agency office for a talk.

My first encounter was with 我-models international. They are not “我-models” but i don’t wanna get into trouble so you go figure out. They might be a better agency now, since i just went to check their website, and under “Projects”, they do have some decent folio to show. So i am not saying anything about them NOW, i am talking about what happened about 6 years ago.

This is where i spoke with a guy, let’s just call him Mr A.

He seemed REALLY nice, composed and professional. So it goes.

First phase, lasted 15mins, throw compliments at me like mad, like it’s all free.

“Your features are very sharp and defined, photographers love to shoot this kind of faces the most.”

“Wow, you are very tall. That’s great we can put you in runway shows.”

“Many girls are pretty but they don’t have the X-factor. But you’re different, you have this charisma that people will take notice of.”

“Hang on, let me show you which model you remind me of”

HE TURNED BACK AND PULL OUT REBECCA TAN’S COVER on some wedding magazine.

“Do you know her?”

I said no but i’ve seen her on various ads.

“Yes, she’s my friend. I wanted to get her onboard but she ah, tsk, go and sign with another agency before that. But she’s keen, she wants to join us but you know, all the contract problem and all, very complicated. But we’re working it out.”

“Anyway your style and charisma is like hers, very quiet, very cool. You have this edge on your face when you don’t smile and just sits there. But when you smile, it gives you another image. Very healthy, clean and approachable. I call that commercial value. And you have that.”

OH REALLY?  WHY AM I BLOGGING NOW EARNING MY BUCKS INSTEAD? Lololol!!! Why am i not modelling?! Why am i blogging shit about you now??? MR A!!! Why??? ANSWER ME! WHY AM I NOT ON COVER PAGE?!?!?! Photographers like my face, no?!?! Lolol!

Anyway, A spent the next 30 mins trying to get me to pay a down payment of minimum $100 for a $288 (the lowest) package. He finally gave up when i say i only have $11 cash with me and my bank has no money becox my pay hasn’t come in yet.

So GUESS WHAT? He didn’t let me go! Of course he cao bin (show smelly-face) me after i make that confession but NO, he didn’t let me go. He ask me how much can i pay if that’s the case.

?!?!?!??!?!??! So hard up! So i had no choice but to do my calculation.

I figured out of $11, i need $2 to get home, $3 to have a meal if i don’t order iced-milo.
I’d still have $6.

And for $6, i got a slip of receipt that states a balance of $282 if i ever choose to go back for the $288 package.

And i never went back, not becox i didn’t want to be a top model, but i was just too paiseh to go back becox the last time i left, there was no smile on A’s face. It was just.. That LJ bin, no smile, no approachable feelings. NOCOMMERCIAL VALUE. Lol.

So couple of months down, there’s this day i feel hopeful, again.

I was ‘scouted’ at Ochard Road MRT by Create Talent and they got lucky. I bought their compliments and went to the office, signed a $288 package even after all the pushing for higher value packages.

Same thing here, they might be doing better now. But I DON’T CARE, i’m talking about back then.

And included in the $288 package i was supposed to have pictures for a glamour look and a casual look. I was told to prepare for my own outfit for casual look becox they want to showcase my REAL personality better. And turn out, the glamour look was a bridal gown -.-”

Before makeup, i was asked if i wanna use this ampoule-like thing, say it’s for my face to absorb the makeup better, if not i will look cakey and yellow on the pictures. So obviously, i said, yes. AND IT COST $35.

No choice right? I already spent $288, i don’t wanna look like a jaundice patient on the loose!!! Who would have knew they so fucked up, don’t know photoshop??? I know about photoshop when i was 19, use it when i was 20 going 21. But that’s becox i am a outsider! They are supposed to be professional in this line, CANNOT HELP ME PHOTOSHOP MEH?!

During makeup, i realise the lady who sold me the package was also the photographer -.-

Finally, i was asked if i wanna put on fake eye lash if not i’d look asleep and 沒有精神 (no energy) in the pictures.

So i said yes! Why would i want pictures of me looking lethargic?!

$25 for a pair, ONE PAIR, ONE okay, O, N, E, ONE.
ONE FUCKING PAIR of eyelashes for $25!!! Top quality, she said.

So all in all, i paid $348 for these lovely pictures. I DIDN’T PHOTOSHOP ANYTHING EXCEPT pulling back the colour to what it look like on the printouts.

This is the casual wear i was wearing that day.
Nb the $25 eyelashes didn’t make me look more awake leh?!?!?

Hi, i am 17, but i look like 37 and have pointy hip bones.

Okay this one nothing to complain about since.. I got megawatt smile like naturally lol.
But she could have at least liquify my face.

Hi! I am a overseas bride for sale! SHIP ME OVER!!! =DDD
Stupid photographer don’t even have the decency to tidy up my hair line.

Wish i weren’t there..

THE “BAM, CONFIDENT LADY” pose.
Look at my fingers! I had babyfats!

And Create Talent only called me once for casting, that’s after 9 months or so after the photoshoot, say it’s for a sports branding. I went. Obviously didn’t get the job.

One year plus touching two years after the call for the sports branding, they called again. I was actually a bit disturbed why they still have my number, does it mean they still have my pictures? OH NO. Lol. So i told them to please strike me out of their list. And don’t have to call me for casting like this even thou it’s only ONCE IN A FUCKING BLUE moon they call.

Actually i’m writing this becox i’ve got too many emails/ fb msg from random girls asking about whether i think they can be models cox a certain agency approached them. And when i ask them, which agency is that? It’s always “我” or “Create Talent”.

If that’s not bad enough, my own friends call / text me before to ask about both “我” and “create talent”. Just one month plus ago my guy friend say he was approached by Create Talent. He told me what they offer him seems very promising, but it’s $800 plus that he has to pay. And my sister’s friend, a 40 over year old lady, was approached too. And she was asked to pay $400 plus to join their database of talents and do up a basic portfolio for TV series, TVC and printads etc.

“HAHA”, I just summed it up.

I’d always tell random girls what i think of these agencies, since they asked. But i’d also tell them to think of it the logical way.

Do you see big players like Diva, Phantom, Looque, Mannequin, Avenue, Carries etc, DO YOU SEE THEM HUNTING YOU DOWN on the street?

No. They are managing their resources in air-conditioned rooms.
And their resources are models and jobs. NOT models’ own money.

But for the rest who pound on you like vultures at the MRT station, their resources is your money, and that’s about all.

Think about it. ARE YOU REALLY THAT GOOD?

I don’t mean anything else but a question.

ARE YOU REALLY THAT GOOD? If yes, go do up your folio with TFCD (please find decent ones) and approach reputable agencies to join them. From there you will get jobs if you are, like you think, good. Then you can update your portfolio with actual printads and editorial spreads in magazines! ^.^ JIAYOU!

If you’re not that confident/ good-looking, you can still try! I do think previous modeling experience helped me a great deal in being more confident today. I also believe in making things happen. If you want it enough, you might just have it =)) Like me! I never know what was in store for me when i started blogging, but it turned out good! ^.^

You can be anything, but who are you going to do it with, and how are you getting there?

Talking about believing that you can be anything if you put your heart to it, I just found something interesting. Create Talent also agrees that you can be anything! They even have a website to tell you not to believe in online rumours about them! It’s call createtalentsscam.

I quote from that site “99% of whom we scouted had successfully received jobs and gained so much more”

I must be the sway-lao-sai 1% ='(

BUT YES I DID GAIN A LOT FROM THEM;
I LEANRT NEVER TO BUY SUCH CRAP AGAIN! ^.^

No offense, just speaking from a consumer’s point of view. Since it’s as if they are positioning themselves as a product for sale more than being an agency that’s representing their talents/ models.

But anyway, if everyone can be top-models, who’s gonna be the receptionist? Who’s gonna serve us food? Who’s gonna attend to the passenger in-flight? WHO, IS GOING TO STAND BESIDE CARS WEARING SKIMPY CLOTHES and POSE FOR UNCLES WITH DSLRs? Huh? These people are ALL, NOT models, but they are still making a living, and it’s not by being a model, and it’s fine. Hahaha!

And you know it, when you look like shit. You also know it if you look great. You don’t need to be bought over by insincere compliments. Importantly, don’t pay for it.

You are the best person to compliment yourself =D
FREE SOME MORE!

CONFIDENCE is the best makeup, following by a great smile! And i just read Xiaxue’s blog about her invisalign. I WANT TO SAVE $$ TO DO!!!

Oh and and, people who keep accusing you of being OVER-confident, don’t give a shit to that. LOL. Becox i used to bitch about girls who’re OBVIOUSLY OVER-confident. I’d be like “EEeeee. SHE THINK SHE VERY PRETTY?!” BAM! Retribution.

NOTE: All comments here (except my own) do not reflect my own opinion on the agencies of which i shared my experiences about, and i neither confirm or deny the suggestions for the names of the agency people have commented.

Increasing Your Success As a Model - Self Critique and Self Education Before You Begin

The pursuit of modeling should be treated as a business and you need to stay creative, flexible, and try to enjoy yourself. There will be enough times that you may not really be doing the things that you see yourself "really wanting to do" as a model. Other models face many of these same issues and you should keep this set in your mind as you learn more details about the modeling agency Singapore.

The goal is that some of these tips may help you try to find your niche as a model on a realistic level, or if you even want to be one! Expanding your view of what modeling really is, what's expected from you, and finding where the "open doors" may be for you are a great start! The opportunities are out there, and not everyone knows about them, so use this to your advantage. Getting signed with a reputable modeling agency is the goal, but it's not the final step in your success, so you need to look at all of the potential options.

Many female and male models start out in their career knowing absolutely nothing about the "business" of being a model. It was very confusing for them, and most made some simple, common mistakes right in the very beginning. Some mistakes were just embarrassing, but not career threatening, while other mistakes were avoidable and inexcusable. Don't ever forget that you will be depended upon to do your job and many people will be counting on you whether you are doing a promotional modeling assignment or a photo shoot for a magazine. Show up late, not ready, or no-show for that assignment and see how happy they'll all be. Time is money and people get cranky. You'll be lucky to even get another job if you show your agency that you're unreliable. The agencies do hold a lot of power, and it's best if you respect their work in promoting you.

Go above and beyond what is basically required of you even if you are not getting compensated such as volunteering for charity events, etc. Some will call it "brown-nosing", but it's a win-win situation for everyone. You never know who you'll meet and it could somehow open another door in your career. Think of yourself as always having someone watching you, too, because you never know sometimes how things can get back to your agency...good and bad.

Some new models think they'll have on the job training as their primary source of education. They heard that if a modeling agency "wants" you that they will just help you learn as you go. It can happen. To a very "small" degree of the model population that may be just like winning the lottery, though! If they are discovered by the "right" person, at the "right" time, and by the "right" agency that has the resources for such a discovery...that's an initial success!

There's a chance for learning as you go, but be a quick learner because there's not much time before you're faced with situations where there will be few excuses that even the most patient agents will just write you off. Most people don't just "wake up" and become successful models overnight, so take this time before you jump in to this industry to familiarize yourself with at least the basics. As you discover where your niche may be, then you can do all you can to polish yourself up on the necessary skills and contacts.

It can be overwhelming to be just tossed into an industry that shows little to no mercy. Investment of time and money is a "risky" business for the model and their agent, and ultimately it comes out of the model's earnings for expenses that their agent "may" cover for them initially. A model's career is relatively short lived compared to other occupations, but time is money, and ultimately you must work on refining your "runway" walk, poise, presentation in front of others, and photographic posing techniques. It never hurts to familiarize yourself with the important names of the industry (a.k.a. homework...names of current & past models, designers, photographers, agencies, magazines, etc.) because it can help you connect to what they may be looking for!

Some approaches in reaching your success we will discuss are just simple, "common sense" ways of developing the basic knowledge of promoting yourself as a model. Depending on where you live, your height, your size, your age, and if you have a commercial or high fashion look will be one of the biggest factors of what level you are realistically at. Some agencies want an established "working" model with a developed portfolio of pictures and tear sheets to add to their roster, especially if they are attractive to the client's needs that they work with. Everyone is looking for the new talent, too, but the less work on preparing that model to work is very appealing!

Some agencies who are looking for new models without experience may refer to non-professional, basic camera (digital or Polaroid) pictures to evaluate new models. They like seeing little-to-no make-up to evaluate skin and features without distractions of lines and color. They prefer appropriate, fitted clothes that show the shape and lines of the body versus clothes with too many distractions and layers that hide the models true form. Professionals are trained to scout through those raw, new faces, and mold them into how they want them to look and market them. Be prepared to remember which agencies who just need simple photographs with "little-to-no make-up" versus an actual "beginner's" portfolio taken from your hometown portrait photographer. (We'll later discuss the different types of photographers and what kinds of pictures that your agency may want (or NOT want) in your model's portfolio.)

It doesn't hurt to arm yourself with some facts, tips, and honest "opinions" of the modeling industry if it can give you a head start against some stiff competition! It is really a hugely, competitive industry that changes season to season, so with some basic information you can stay on top of what the trends are (homework), who are the people promoting those trends (homework), and how you can be involved (more homework). Don't mistaken the word "competition" as meaning that you have to be "bitchy" to "compete". Leave anger, insecurities, and personal issues at home and away from clients, other models, and industry professionals. Everyone has their own issues and there is a time and a place for venting about your bad day or complaints.

Same goes for low self-esteems and insecurity issues. If your self-esteem and body image are lacking confidence, you need to look at the "pros and cons" of this business of modeling because many models are prone to face rejection, feeling imperfect, and even face depression. Both the top models and newer models are exposed to unrealistic standards, and the means of attaining the "imagery of perfection" by this industry can lead to restrictive diets and even cosmetic/corrective surgeries.

Do we wonder why girls (and boys) start "dieting" at a very young age when they are already at a healthy weight? What will you do if and when you're told you need to lose weight? It's very stressful to hear, but when modeling is your career, it can happen. My opinion is that you should begin BEFORE you start modeling. Work out a plan that is best for your health by considering a diet that allows your body and brain to have "energy", and consider how to reach your goals with exercise (flexibility, endurance, and a tone physique in all the right places are a good start). You'll hear from other models what they do to shed pounds, but I recommend using a doctor or nutritionist's advice to what they feel you should do to stay healthy if you want to try to lower an existing healthy weight.

It may be a different scenario dependent upon the "type" of model that you are because the industry standards vary. You may not be too far off from being one type of model, but feel worlds away from another. This is the time for self-critique and soul-searching to find where you fit in as a model and if it's truly what you want as a career or just as a hobby. Either way, it's a big business that is full of diverse opportunities for all types of models.

Doing Plus Size Modeling - The Top Agencies

Mention the world modeling and the image of a rail thin woman who eats a single blade of grass each day for food comes to mind. The problem with this image, of course, is few women have this body type. This has led to a new type of modeling for real women with plus sizes. There are many model agencies Singapore focusing on this now and plus size models are needed.

The modeling industry is a lot like the music industry. It seems glamorous and amazing from the outside. Once you get into it, the glamour and glory can be stripped away really quickly. The level of competition is really high and people can be petty and vicious. Make sure you know what you are doing at every step and definitely make sure you don't sign something you will regret such as a model release in which you give away all your rights to your photos. Yes, this happens all the time.

If you are going to be a plus size model, you are going to need to become familiar with modeling agencies. They are the bottleneck for most of the modeling industry. This simply means that most companies in need of models come to the agencies. With this in mind, most models sign up with the agencies to generate work. Ah, the joys of being the middle man! So, who are some of the big agencies you should consider contacting?

Ford Models is an agency you've probably heard of already. They are best known for handling the thin supermodel types. They have expanded into the plus size model business, however, and are a prime modeling agency if you can get on with them because they are one of the dominant forces in the industry. As you can imagine, they are picky. You are off to a great start, however, if you can catch on with them.

Irene Marie Modeling Agency is a firm that carries a bevy of different models. Plus size is an area that the agency seems to emphasize. Catch on with the agency and you can pick up modeling projects in everything from television to magazines to commercial advertisements, all of which will extend your notoriety.

If going overseas sounds exciting, Agency Plus is the place to be. Based in the fabulous city of Paris, the agency focuses on plus size models as the name suggests. With this agency, you are not stuck in a niche of various model types, you are the total model package. This means more opportunities. Although located in France, the agency takes models from all nations and an ability to speak French is not required, but couldn't hurt.

Modeling is not a field reserved for the waif like women. If you are plus size and interested in becoming a model, there is plenty of work for you. Learn as much as you can about the benefits and pitfalls of the industry and then go live your dream!

Getting the Most Modeling Work You Can Without an Agency

So you want to be a model? You know you have the look. You know you have the charm and you take a helluva good picture. How exactly do you go about getting yourself out there to get modeling assignments and get "discovered"? Well, here is how you don't do it... You do not just sit around the mall or Starbucks waiting for fame to fall into your lap because any minute now a casting director will come through, see you and say... "come with me, I will make you a star". Now, someone may come along and say that, but they sure won't be a REAL casting director. That kind of stuff rarely happens and maybe once every decade some lucky girl wins that lottery by being in the right place at the right time.You should not put all your faith and money into unknown modeling agencies, especially those that make promises of stardom, millions in earnings, tons of jobs in exotic countries which you can only obtain AFTER you pay them thousands to create that perfect portfolio. When it comes to modeling agencies, unless they are very well known and reputable, you must be very careful.

Many of them work by promising stardom to everyone and telling them how gorgeous they are (what the girls want to hear). They tell you there are 100's of jobs you are perfect for. After you pay them for photos, shoots, prints, makeup, hair, this that and the other, they tell you they will call you. Wait... where are these 100's of jobs? Again... they will call you when they book you.

I have heard dozens of stories like that and most end up getting one job after months that paid 100 bucks for the 3k they spent on pictures for the agency.

When it comes to agencies just keep in mind that if they believe they can book you everywhere and make millions... then why do they need money from you? Reputable agencies make a fee from what the client pays the model. The client pays the agency, not the model.

Also, always be very aware of your market, this is where those scam agencies hook the model by telling them what they want to hear, not what they are right for. If you are 5'3? and an agency tells you they will get you runway work in Paris, run out of the office. As a model, you must know your target market and not be swayed by smooth sales talk. There is no such animal as a 5 foot tall Fashion Runway model, no matter how gorgeous she is. Kate Moss is an exception and she is still fairly tall at 5' 7".

Make sure that the modeling you would like to do fits you physically.

Now, if you are 5' 3" it does not mean you can't model, you just can't model on a Paris Runway, but that is just a drop in the bucket of all modeling work. There are commercial catalog models, hair models, parts models, trade show and promo models, makeup models, hair model, fit models, fitness models, shoe models, hand models, eye models and any other body part you can think of. There is also a good amount of work in TV and movies as extras. Those jobs are readily available and filed daily in every city in the US large and small. There are many local fashion shows that book models and many events and exhibits that do as well.

"Wow, that's a lot of work, but how do I find it?" you may ask. There are a few ways. You can find work on your own in papers, job boards, client websites, etc. It may be a large task to do daily as there are 100's of websites you would need to check on a daily basis to find the modeling jobs you may want. The other option is a model casting service. A model casting service is a company that specializes in finding casting calls, auditions and requests, matches them to a client (a model) and sends the information to the model so they can apply. A model gives the service her information, her portfolio, and her job specifications as to what she wants to do. Then daily, the service looks for work for her and notifies her the minute someone requests booking for her "look".

A casting service is a mix between an agency and a do-it-yourself job search. Auditions.com is an example of a site that is strictly a casting service. There are many others and all offer different levels of service and features. Some act as modeling communities with a focus on networking while others are more of a job board without any extra bells and whistles.

The advantage to using such a service is the time savings. Many busy models may not have the time to check the hundreds of places that offer modeling jobs daily, trying to stay on top of every opportunity may take many hours and you would have to search through countless of castings you have no interest in just to find the few you do.

A casting service does all the leg work for you. Their network and employees spend all day calling photographers, casting directors, etc. to find work for their members and then they email the members and tell them about the jobs. Casting directors also go directly to their site that lists all members and uses the online portfolios to cast their projects.

A casting service is a great option for models who either do not have an agency or do not want to sit around waiting for the agency to find a job for them. The casting service sends the model a list of jobs she requested and then the model submits her portfolio to the jobs she selects. It's a good way for the model to get her self out there and get all the work she can. The casting service does not take any fee from any jobs the model books.

The way the casting service is paid is with an annual fee for service that is very reasonable. Many models wonder why there is a fee. Well, it is a business that has 100's of employees making calls to casting agents trying to find work for its members. Those people need to be paid and since they do not act like an agency in taking money from a booking, they charge a small service fee, typically less than $1 per day.

Most casting services offer various levels of service and free trials. A model can use the free trial to see if the service offers anything they like as well as get a chance to put up a portfolio, explore the job boards and interact with others before making a decision on whether the service is a good fit for her or not.

Basics of Fashion Modeling in Singapore

So you want to become a fashion model? Well you have come to the right place to get a little insight in the modelling business as well as modeling agency Singapore. 

A lot of girls (and even some guys) want to be a model because it's glamorous. However, it's an extremely competitive and grueling business that will more likely break you than make you. Here are some cold, hard truths about becoming a model, as well as some realistic advice to make it happen.

Realize that there are qualities every model needs to have, depending on the type of model one wishes to become. Generally, any feature indicative of good health is a must--clear skin, a full head of hair, and overall symmetry. Other qualities such as height and weight depend on what you're modelling.

Decide what kind of model you would like to be. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, do remember that if you don't meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc).

You can be quite thin and toned yet still quite curvy to be an average model, or big and curvy to be a plus size model.

If you're tall (at the very least 5'7) and very skinny but with a small breast size, you can be a catwalk model.

If you have large breasts but not very wide hips, you can be an underwear model.

If you don't fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair or hand model.

Get some photos done. These don't have to be professional but they should be created for the purpose of showing your ability as a model. Although agencies say they are happy with snapshots, that doesn't mean they want to see an out of focus shot of you out partying with your friends with a little note attached saying that you're the one on the right! As a bare minimum, you will need one headshot and one body shot.

Get a website. It helps spread the word that you're out there and also serves as a place for your adoring fans.

Look up the number of a reputable modelling agency. You can find these in your area phone book or by running a search on the Internet. Make an appointment. Be prepared. When you attend your appointment, they might ask you to pull certain faces like laughing, happy, sad, or seductive. Practice in front of a mirror beforehand. It may help to look at pictures of models in magazines to get an idea. They will ask you to walk and take your measurements, so be prepared for all of that as well.

Be polite and always turn up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you.

If going to an interview with an agency isn't something you want to do right now or just doesn't seem right for you, you can consider entering modelling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.

If, for whatever reason, you've decided signing with an agency isn't right for you, you could consider going freelance. But be warned- the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.

Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist on site for any work you are doing. 99 times out of 100 there will be but there may be the odd occasion where you are required to do your own make-up. If there is a make-up artist, then arrive fresh faced.

Be aware of the fact that if you become one of the top models like Naomi Campbell; Tyra Banks the people you work for might ask you to take drastic measures to stay a top model. For example, they might ask you to get nose jobs, liposuction, or have breast implants. And lose more weight.

Other models can be mean, but you're still going to have to smile and hug them for the photos. Get your parents' permission if you're under 21.

It is recommended that you get some sort of training. Like doctors, lawyers, or any major profession a degree and certain amount of training to acquire proper skills is highly necessary. Fashion modelling books are a great resource to help you in becoming a model and to educate you on the business. Some modelling schools are licensed by the Board of Education.

However, whether or not they will teach you have to become a model is questionable and some agencies even say that attending a modelling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn! They are also expensive.

Be organized! Models often get called off places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.

Modelling is a tough business. Try not to be discouraged by rejections. Even top models still get rejected for about 70% of everything they are put forward for! Don't let people get you down! Learn to accept rejection politely. Thank the people for their time.

Be truthful about your measurements. Don't say you're skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems and you will get found out. Word will get around and you could find yourself without a career.

Be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The majority of agencies get their money through commission- meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do. If you don't work, then they don't get paid. If you've already paid up, there's no incentive for them to find you work.

If you are sure that they are an agency, listen carefully to what they are asking for the fees for. Bigger agencies in bigger markets will often pay for these for you or at least loan you the money but smaller agencies or agencies in smaller markets can't afford to do this.

If the fees are to cover actual representation, this probably isn't a good deal. Although there are some good agencies out there who work on this basis, the majority are nothing more than con artists. Find models that they represent get in touch with them and ask them what they think of the representation they are getting.

Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don't want to do glamour work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, speak up and don't let people push you past those limits. Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, you may be comfortable doing glamour now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalogue work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.

Be aware that the pressure of modelling can cause a lot of long term mental health problems, including eating disorders. Don't be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting all too much. If you just can't handle the pressure, it may be time to start thinking of a new profession. A job isn't worth your health!

If you are invited to a foreign country (i.e. Hong Kong, Macau etc.) for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one way tickets then trap young girls into prostitution rings when they cannot afford to go back home.

If you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is highly recommended that you bring a chaperone to the shoot. It's for your own safety, as you never know who is who online!

If you can't bring a chaperon (because you are unable to find one or because the photographer doesn't allow chaperons), make sure you do a background search on the photographer first- check out things such as who they have worked with and for and call somebody when you get to the shoot and when you leave the shoot.

Things you'll need

At least three good head shots and several full body shots wearing different outfits, in different poses, and don't forget to add a b&w picture as well to send into agencies.

Confidence will play the largest per cent of what you will need, all the head shots and poses won't mean a thing if you don't believe in yourself.

Baby You're a Star - Getting Your Child Involved in Modeling

"Your Baby is so cute; he/she should be a model!" If you're the proud parent of a baby who receives these compliments on a daily basis, chances are you have thought about a modeling career for your youngster. While modeling can be a great start to even better career opportunities in the future, it can also be a dead end leaving you with a negative bank account. Regardless of what you want to achieve by having your baby become a model, there are some things that you need to know before they make it to the big screen, or at least the cover of a magazine.

• Is your baby model material? If your child is the happy go lucky, laughs at everything, easy to get along with type, you're in luck. Baby modeling agencies are in search of babies who are easy to work with. That rules out babies who are cranky, shy, or less than happy most of the time. If your baby fits into the latter category modeling may not be right for at this point in their life.
• Are you a "model" parent? Don't think that your baby will be doing all the work. No matter how cute their smile may be, modeling agencies know that where your baby goes you follow, and rightfully so. Accredited agents want to make sure you are doing what's in the best interest for your baby. They will shy away from contracting children if the parents are over bearing or hard to work with. There is a thin line between watching out for your baby's best interests and becoming an overbearing set nightmare.
• Are you willing to sacrifice? Not many aspiring models, babies included, get their big break right away. Being the proud parents of a baby model takes a lot of sacrificing and patience. While you may make money in the long run, in the beginning you will have to find and agent and go to shoots which may require you to pay for traveling arrangements or take time off of work. You need to be willing and even more importantly able, to make sacrifices knowing that they won't always pay off in the long run.

If you still think you and your baby have what it takes to pursue a modeling career, congratulations and best of luck! To make sure your baby has all the opportunities that are available, and that those opportunities are legitimate, you should consider finding a modeling agency to represent your little star. There are plenty of great modeling agencies out there, however, there is also an equal amount if not more that are out for their own monetary gain and can leave your wallets empty or even worse your baby in harm's way. Here is what you need to look for when finding an agent.

• Ask Around: If you're not sure where to start your search, you may want to consider contacting local department stores, retailers, and media companies (radio and television) to find out what agencies they use. Large businesses will most likely enjoy the work of experienced agents who don't make it a habit of ripping parents off. Keep a list of names, contacts and other information that the stores give you. If you find that there is one or two that keep popping up on the list, consider calling those places first.
• Accreditation: It's important to make sure any agency you considering taking your child to is well accredited. A modeling agency is no different from any other type of business and therefore you should be able to verify their integrity by checking with the Better Business Bureau. If you already have a few agencies in mind check with the BBB to find out if they are credible. If you're not sure where to start, ask them for a list of baby modeling or just modeling agencies in your area.
• Never Pay Upfront: If the modeling agency you are considering requires you to pay upfront then walk right back out the door. A modeling agency will never require you to pay up front and ones that do are often illegitimate and out to get your hard earned cash. The majority, if not all modeling agencies, operate on a commission basis, which means when your baby gets the job, they get paid.
• Bring Your Own Photos: While you may want to go to your local photography center and get some professional pictures of your baby taken to use in a portfolio, the agency its self will never require you to pay for your child to get pictures. Once again, if this happens the company is most likely not legitimate and only wants your money. Walk away quickly before your pockets are emptied.
• Practice Caution: If you go to an agency and it doesn't feel right, leave. Your instincts are usually a good way to judge an agency and if you're not comfortable then chances are something is not right. This is also true for internet modeling agencies. In today's day and age there are many people out there who want to take your money or exploit your child. Make sure that the people you're exposing your children too are not out to hurt them and are working for a legitimate business.

How To Avoid Exploitation As A Model

Unfortunately every year thousands of young girls are exploited unwittingly by unscrupulous modeling agencies that are only out to make a fast buck. To avoid the pitfalls of these agencies make sure that the one you choose has a good reputation in the industry and amongst fellow models. One pointer in determining the reputability of an agency is to remember that agencies are not allowed to advertise to the public under the industry's code of ethics, therefore if the agency you are considering is advertising for models this is not a very good sign. Agencies instead recruit their models largely through open calls, where once a week models have the opportunity to go and meet with agents.

A model may then be asked to join the modeling agency at this meeting, but no money should be required from you at this time. When entering into a contract with the modeling agency, make sure you have a lawyer look through it before signing, and that the contract includes termination clauses for both parties. If you are chosen to work, modeling agencies should not ask for money from you upfront but rather take 20% commission off all jobs you receive. If you are asked for money before this, alarm bells should ring.

Other characteristics to look out for when choosing representation is that reputable companies will not intimidate you in any way, or pressure you to accept certain types of work. They will also not engage in sycophancy or promise that you will get work through them. These are all things that exploitative agencies are renowned for doing. If you are offered a contract by an agency, always go and discuss it with an impartial third party first before accepting anything.

Once you have found a reputable agency and have been signed, you must then make sure you are not exploited whilst out on jobs. This can be done by being vigilant at all times and being wary when asked to do things that you are not comfortable with. Make sure you protect yourself as a priority, even if it means you may lose the job. Report any suspicious clients back to the agency who may investigate them and choose not to work with them in future.

Unscrupulous agencies are very skilled at being underhand, and sometimes being exploited is unavoidable even when you think you have signed with a reputable agency. If you feel you may have been exploited contact the police immediately if you have been promised work that hasn't materialised, or if unauthorised charges are being made to your credit card. You should also contact your credit card company to cancel the card. Other actions you should take are; contact the newspaper you saw the advertisement for the modelling agency in, and report their behaviour; record the names of the people you spoke to at the agency and what they promised you; report the business to industry services that look after the interests of models, and to the Department of Trade and Industry, to catalogue your complaint about this particular company.