HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

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HOW TO START A

MODELING
CAREER
FRANCISPOLO.COM
 CONTENTS

03 The Role of a Model

04 How I Became a Model

05 Features Models Must Have

08 Types of Modeling

12 Finding an Agent

13 International Exposure

14 Live, Dress, Eat Like a Model

16 Build Your Portfolio

18 Brand Yourself

19 Conclusion

20 Product Recommendations

Thank You
For downloading this e-book and for supporting my

YouTube channel. I’m confident that the contents in this

e-book together with my weekly YouTube videos will help you

advance your career in the modeling industry.

ABOUT ME
Francis Polo is a model, actor and social influencer
focusing on fashion, health/fitness, and lifestyle.

Francis is a native of Lagos, Nigeria. It wasn’t until the

age of 16 that he moved to the United States to pursue
his life-long dream of becoming a model/actor but first
refining his skills at Columbia College Chicago where he
received a Bachelors in Film & Video. He also attended
FRANCISPOLO.COM renowned training centers such as Act One Studios and
@FRESH_PEPPER Second City Chicago.
/FRESHPEPPER
Francis is represented by Pantheon Talent Los Angeles,
and managed by Alex Budzinski at Apex Talent Group.

The Role of a Model
A lot of people have the idea that being
a model will make them rich and famous.
The reality is that being a model is not as
glamorous as it seems. A typical model
usually starts their career in their teens
and model through their late twenties. If
they are successful they’ll make enough
money to pay for their college education
before leaving the industry. Only a select
HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER
few who become “supermodels” will
enjoy the luxurious and glamorous life
most people imagine when they think of
fashion models.
A model’s job is to promote, display and
advertise clothing brands, products and
services.
Photo credit: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz
03
How I Became a Model
Growing up I never thought modeling I essentially left the talent convention

was something that men did, I thought empty handed, but I learned a lot about

modeling was strictly for women. When I how the industry works during the event.

moved to the United States from Nigeria

at age 16, my mom introduced me to I began searching for talent agencies in

the industry when she heard about a Chicago, I put together a list of agencies I

talent search taking place in Chicago. The wanted to visit and set out to go see them

talent search brought together all the one at a time. The first agency I had on

top agencies from New York, Miami, and my list was an agency called Salazaar &

Chicago. Over 5,000 people registered to Navas (now known as DeSanti Talent). As

attend the event where they would be soon as I walked into their office, one of

seen by over 100 agencies. I went from the agents looked at me and scream “OH

booth to booth hoping to find an agent MY GOD, YOU”RE PERFECT!!!” then she

but got rejected by almost every agent I followed by asking me if I could make it

met with. I kept getting the feedback that to a casting immediately and then come

my look was “too commercial” or that I back after the audition to sign a modeling

was “too young”. contract and tax documents - It was my

lucky day! I went out to the casting for

I eventually found an agent that wanted a Pepsi Cola campaign, my first casting

to represent me, the only problem was ever and I ended up booking it. I had

that the agent was located in Hollywood, many successful bookings with Salazaar

Florida and asked me to move out there & Navas, but I would eventually leave the

for bookings. This was difficult for me to agency to join Elite Models Chicago which

do at the time because I was only sixteen was renamed to Factor Models and now

and still pursuing my education in Chicago. goes by MP Model Management.

 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

Features Models
Must Have
-
What Makes a Model
Features Models Must Have
When agencies scout for models, they typically look for a set of unique features that has

nothing to do with whether a person is attractive or not. Some models are unattractive,

and some attractive people cannot get signed to agencies because they don’t meet the

requirements. There is a difference between the beauty seen in everyday life, and the

Height:
Female models should be a minimum of

5’9 or taller. However, in special cases

female models shorter than 5’9 can still

find work. The height requirement for

male models is between 5’11 to 6’3.

percentage. Take a look at this YouTube
Even though height is one of the most
video to learn more about this https://
important attributes for models, it is not
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y-
a deal breaker.
mny31ae0

Cheekbones:
Personality:
Successful models typically have
Models should be charismatic with great
symmetrical faces, with high cheekbones.
personalities because often models go
People who don’t have naturally high
to castings, go-sees and will need to use
cheekbones can still enhance them by
their charm to impress the client.
following a healthy diet, drinking a lot

of water and lowering their body fat

06
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

A product I highly recommend for models

Slim or Athletic Build:
who struggle with acne is CLEAROGEN.
Depending on the type of model you are,
Clearogen is a three-step Acne Treatment, a
models must have a nice slender frame or
anti-DHT acne-fighting system scientifically
similar to an athlete and they must be in great
proven to help you achieve healthier,
physical shape
more vibrant, acne-free skin. The product

contains Benzoyl Peroxide to open the

Instagram Account:
pores and kill the acne-causing bacteria.
A lot of agencies are now looking for models
People with sensitive skin are encouraged
who are also instagram influencers. It’s
to use the natural mineral Sulfur based
important for clients to work with models
version of the product. Try it now https://
who are influencers because it helps increase
amzn.to/2BU7bmt
the awareness of the campaign.

Clear Skin:
Your skin is one of the first things

photographers, clients, and designers notice

about you. This is why it is important for

models to maintain a healthy skin regimen.

07
Types of
Modeling
-
Know Your Type
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

Types of Modeling
When people think of models, people typically think of high-fashion models who walk in

European runway shows and shoot for high-end magazines like Vogue. The reality is that

there are other categories in modeling and it’s important to know what category you fit

into. In most cases, your body type would define the kind of modeling jobs you get, for

instance its harder for shorter or fuller sized models to break into high-fashion modeling.

There are rare cases where stereotypes are broken; and you can certainly break them on

your way. However, it helps to be realistic and honest about your strong points; this would

increase your chances of achieving success while lowering rejections. Here are some of the

popular modeling categories…

with an excellent physique and a chest

High Fashion
size of 94cm to 106cm (37” to 42”) and
Tall and lean models who grace the
76cm to 81cm (30” to 32”) waist. Guys
runways and editorials for the leading
tend to have longer careers if they take
fashion houses and designers, are the
good care of their body and skin.
high fashion models. They are generally

required to be between 172cm to 180cm

Editorial Print
(5”8 to 5”11), with a dress size of 0-6 US,
This is modeling for magazine editorials
with a typical bust size of 34. The typical
and covers such as Vogue, Elle etc. The
age range for women is between 14 to
standard requirements for these models
28.
are similar to those in High Fashion

and you must be very photogenic with

For men the age range is more flexible,
stunning features. Quite often the same
and they can start from the age of 16
models will work in both Editorial Print
until their late 40’s. They need to be
and High Fashion.
between 180cm to 190cm (5”11 to 6”3),

09
 gym since these models must have the
Commercial Print
‘perfect’ body with high muscle mass and
This is an underrated and
dangerously low body fat percentages.
underappreciated form of modeling that

gives models an opportunity to make a

Plus Size Modeling
lot of money in print advertising. This
Modeling for the larger body type, this
can range from advertising in magazines
type of modeling is on the increase
to products on supermarket shelves to
and a relatively new category. If you’re
billboards.
confident, with great facial features
and you are between the sizes of 12-16
Catalogue Modeling
US then this could be for you. More and
Ever shopped online for clothes?
more advertisers like asos.com are using
The models showcasing the clothing
plus size models to appeal to a broader
or products are called Catalogue
demographic.
models. Here you will find many great

opportunities for different model types,

as the model is chosen to represent

the target audience of the different

companies. This type of modeling is

very lucrative and gives models a lot of

exposure.

Fitness Modeling
Fitness modeling is another lucrative

category that gives models the

opportunity to work for brands in fitness

apparels, vitamin/supplements, food/

nutrition, gym/gear, etc. This type of

Philomena Kwao
modeling requires a lot of time at the Source: https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk

10
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER
As a Plus Size model you will still need
Influencer Modeling
to have great skin, teeth and hair and
Influencer models are attractive
have that “something special” about you.
everyday people with at least 25K
One of my favorite plus size model is
followers on any one platform. Other
Philomena Kwao who’s 5’10 ith a 36C bust
than having a lot of followers, and
size.
taking great pictures, there are no

requirements to be an influencer. Once

Petite Modeling
you have enough followers you can sign
Petite modeling is an emerging industry
up for influencer platforms like famebit.
that doesn’t have the strict height
com, aspireiq.com, or influence.co as a
requirements of fashion modeling. Petite
creator and you’ll be able to connect with
models are usually 5’0 – 5’8 with a 0-2
brands and start working on campaigns.
dress size. Petite models get a lot of work

in commercial modeling and often do

catalogue modeling for brands that carry

petite sizes.

Lifestyle Modeling
Lifestyle models are attractive people
who model everyday clothes while doing

daily activities. Often times lifestyle

models promote a service, not an actual

product. For instance, a company like

Uber might use lifestyle models on their

website to show how everyday people Visit www.mvmtwatches.com and use my

could use the service. To learn more about promo code (pepper15) for $15 off your
Lifestyle modeling, take a look at my purchase.
YouTube video on this topic. https://www.

youtube.com/watch?v=OUSKeYRnHFw
11
Finding an Agent
Finding an agency to represent you should be

one of your first steps to becoming a model.

I recommend you start with a web search for

modeling agencies in your city and put a list of

agencies together that you plan to target. A good

website to search modeling agencies by city is

https://models.com/agencies/Modeling.

When submitting to agencies it’s important to read

the information on the agency’s website and take

a look at their model board to understand what

types of models they represent and if you have a

good chance at being represented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8-7a4pZPeo

As indicated in the video, the best way to get an

agent is to ask for a referral, attend an open call, or

be scouted.
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

International Exposure
If you live in a country where Laurent, and Calvin Klein.

there aren’t a lot of agencies and Follow this link to apply for

would like to model overseas, your the next contest https://www.

best bet to gaining international elitemodellook.com/int/en/

exposure is to participate in model participate/index.htm

contests, local fashion shows, and

beauty pageants.

Top agencies and talent scout

travel the world to find the next

super model, this is how Giselle

Bundchen and some other models

were discovered. Elite Models is

one of the top agencies in the

world who run an annual contest

in over 30 countries to scout the

next top model. Participating in

the Elite Model Look contest is

one of the fastest ways you can

accelerate your modeling career.

Models discovered in this contest

have gone on to model for big

fashion houses like D&G, Saint

13
Live, Dress, Eat Like a Model
Being a model requires a lot of sacrifice, successful models face a lot of pressure in the

industry. Whether it’s the pressure to stay fit, the pressure to work long hours, or the

pressure to look a certain way. You might have to put off your education, getting married,

or even starting a family to extend your career.

but about being healthy. Plus size

Create a healthy lifestyle
models also maintain a workout routine
Living like a model requires eating a
to stay fit, remember exercising is also
healthy diet and doing whatever you can
great for maintaining healthy skin.
to stay fit. It’s tempting to drink a bit of

alcohol when you’re out with friends or

Dress like a model
to snack on fast food however, this will
It’s important to always look like a model
be detrimental to your career. Unhealthy
wherever you go. Apart from the physical
eating habits will leave you looking and
attributes, you can always spot a model
feeling run down and your agent will
by their wardrobe. Models typically wear
notice.
form fitting and trendy outfits. Most

of the time you’d see models wearing

Male models are required to have a body
either black or white colored clothing.
fat percentage of less than 8%. The best
In this video I explain how to dress like a
way to lower your body fat percentage
model
is to build muscle mass and that often
https://www.youtube.com/
requires a dedicated workout schedule.
watch?v=7ATDrYUBehg
No matter your body type, models

must exercise regularly to keep a toned

physique. This is not about losing weight,

HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER
Build Your
Portfolio
-
Model Book
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

Build Your Portfolio

As an aspiring model you need to have a great portfolio to help launch your career. Even

though most agencies don’t require models to have a portfolio in order to get signed, it still

helps to have one when going to open calls and castings to make a great first impression.

A portfolio should show your range as a model. You’d want to have a couple of images that

are high-fashion, a few commercial headshots with you smiling, some lifestyle photos, and
a fitness photo if you fit into that category. Again, it is important to know what category of

modeling you fit into and shoot photos that cater to that category.

One mistake a lot of aspiring models

Finding Photographers
make is shooting with friends who aren’t
Agencies typically have a list of pre-
professional photographers. In the industry
approved photographers that they’ve
they call these people ‘Guy With Camera’
worked with and would refer their models
(GWC), a person who owns a camera but
to shoot with those photographers. If
lacks the creative skills of a professional.
you don’t have an agency, you’d probably
Shooting with a GWC could make your
need to search for a fashion-portrait
portfolio look amateur and would have a
photographer to work with. Fashion
negative impact on your career.
portrait photographers understand what

agencies look for and they are able to use

One useful website for collaborating
lighting to highlight your best features.
with photographers and make-up artist is
The price for a fashion portrait ranges
shootset.com
anywhere from $300 - $600 for a session.

If you can’t afford a shoot you can always

do Trade-for-print (TFP) with an aspiring

photographer looking to build their

portfolio as well.
17
Brand Yourself
In this day and age where a social media account strictly professional, you never

presence is becoming a requirement know who might stumble on your page.

for models, it’s important to build your

personal brand. Your personal brand is Another thing you can do to brand

your image, the way people perceive yourself is to create a model website or an

you, and the types of people who engage online portfolio link that you can include

with you. Clients and agencies notice in your email footers. Having business

models with a brand presence and it cards, or model comp cards is also a great

helps influencer models get more brand way to brand yourself.

partnerships and ambassador programs.

Having an Instagram account is a must

for models and creatives in general.

Some tips to brand yourself as a model

is to treat your Instagram page as an

online portfolio. Your Instagram account

should be used to showcase you as a

model, if necessary you might need to

visit http://francispolo.com for updates
create a separate Instagram account

that is different from your personal page

for family and friends. Keep your model

18
 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

Don’t Wait for Your Agent

Once you’ve signed with an agency, you

shouldn’t wait around for them to find Conclusion

you gigs. Try networking as much as
The best time to get started with
possible, going to castings on your own,
your career is now! As I mentioned in
and reach out to fashion designers, make-
this ebook, your first step should be
up artists and photographers. One thing
understanding what type of model you
to keep in mind is that work gets work
want to be, and then finding an agency
in this industry. Clients prefer to work
that represents your type. It also helps
with models who are already working and
to have a few images or some freelance
featuring in other campaigns as oppose
experience under your belt. Being a model
to working with a model who hasn’t done
requires lifestyle changes and sacrifice,
anything in a while. The more you work,
and you’d need to develop tough skin
the more you increase your chances of
because you’ll get rejected more than
getting more work.
you are accepted – It’s the nature of the

business. Keep in mind, It only takes one

yes to make it all worth it.

Be sure to keep up with my YouTube

Channel for updates and more useful tips

that would help you with your career.

/FreshPepper
19
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 HOW TO START A MODELING CAREER

Beauty Supplements

Hairfinity It Really Works Vitamins Sport Research Biotin

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SafSlim for Belly Fat

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21