• For high fashion, editorial modeling, women must be 5'9"-6'0" (or as models like to call it: 5'11.5"). Men must be 5'11"-6'2". The only exception to this in the last 70 years is Kate Moss. And Kate is a very rare exception.
• Women: measurements must be 34"-24"-34" (bust-waist-hips). Men must be a suit size 38-40 Regular (48 to 50 Euro) and fit. Plus models should be in proportion and size 10-12 (New York) or 12-16 (L.A.)
• You should have good skin and hair.
• You should live in or near a major city: New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan. New York City has the most work for fashion/editorial models. Miami and Los Angeles will have some fashion and a lot of commercial.
• You should be represented by an agency.
• You should practice. Get fashion magazines and practice in front of the mirror. Have your friends do shoots with you. Know your best angles and features.
• Keep shooting! The more shoots you do with professional photographers, the more comfortable and confident you'll be in front of the camera. You will also learn the ins and outs of a photo shoot so when a client hires you, you won't be lost on the set.
• Fashion is a business and you should know the players: who are the top designers? Who are up-and-coming? Who are the top agents within the agencies? What are the latest trends?
• You should take care of yourself. No one wants a drugged out, drinking fashion model.
• You should buy the How to be a Model full step-by-step guide with 10 more pages of detailed information on the modeling business and how to break into it!

I'm only 5'6" but everyone says I should be a model. Do I have a chance?
You cannot be a fashion model at 5'6" however there are other types of modeling that you can pursue. Buy the How to be a Model guide for more details.

I'm heavy but I have a pretty face. Can I be a plus-model?
There are requirements to being a plus model, much more than being "heavy." Buy the How to be a Model guide for more details.

All models are anorexic. I don't support an industry that promotes unhealthy stereotypes!
Most models are born thin and stay that way through diet, exercise and good genes. Clothing designers hire models of a particular type because the clothes are displayed best on thinner frames with less curves. It allows women to visualize the garment on any body type. Buy the How to be a Model guide for more details.

I'm 38, can I still get into modeling?
You probably cannot be a high fashion model, but there are other types of modeling for older commercial and lifestyle models. The biggest hurdle will be the competition--you wil be going up against other older models who have been in the business since they were 20 and therefore know the ropes. Like any business, make sure you do your homework on the industry and know what you're doing! Buy the How to be a Model guide for more details.

Do I have to pose nude to be a model?
No, no and no. Never compromise your belief system for a job. For more information about nude modeling, buy the How to be a Model guide.

How much money do fashion models make?
That depends on what type of model you are, what client is hiring you and how often you work. Typically an agency model charges $110+ per hour. Your agent will take 15% of your paycheck and pay you the rest. One shoot can run from 2-12 hours. Supermodels can name their price. Linda Evangelista once said "I don't get out of bed for less than $10,000!" I wouldn't try that, though. For more information on the business of modeling, buy the How to be a Model guide.

Click Here for a list of accredited Los Angeles modeling agencies.