Can I Be A Model

Modelling This is one of those questions that nearly every girl alive ponders at some stage of her life.
The thought alone of being model usually conjures up desires of wealth, statue and a perfect life to match your perfect body.
Unfortunately the reality of most girls moving on to carving out a successful full time career is very slim.
There are all types of models, the best way to see if you can be a model is to fit a certain mold.
See if you match any of these requirements below.

Event/sport models - These models you may see at the Grand Prix  or promotional events are required to be fit looking models and usually have very pretty faces.
They are required to wear very little most of the time and can be seen in mens sporting magazines or FHM  e.c.t.
They are not required to be a certain size but they do need to have the right amount of curves in all the right places.

High Fashion/ Catwalk Models- To be a high fashion model you are required to be extraordinarily thin yet not typically beautiful.
There are usually very strict height requirements of being 5'9 minimum as these models generally do a lot of catwalk as well as appearing in glossy magazines such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.
Gone are the days of the Supermodels with curves such as Cindy Crawford and Claudia on the runways.
Nowadays it is more about the focus being on the clothes ,not so much on the model. 
A famous Australian high fashion model is Gemma Ward.

Commercial Models- These models tend to be your classic girl next door model types that feature great hair ,perfect skin and a killer smile.
They usually earn a good income as they are used to sell almost anything from toothpaste to cosmetics.
The rules on weight and height are not as strict,as long as they look healthy and are in proportion
They can be seen in catalogues such as Big W, Kmart, David Jones and Myer.
Sometimes they can even cross over and appear in editorial work for magazines such as cosmopolitan,Dolly and Cleo.
A great example of a commercial Model crossing into High fashion and Film would be Australian supermodel Megan Gale.

Plus Size Models- The same rule applies to plus size models as does Fashion models and commercial models.
Minimum height requirement of 5'9 and have a proportioned figure in sizes 14-18.
Plus size models can work in all fields of modeling from catwalk to editorial.
There are so many plus size models i could include here, but the most noteworthy of late would be
Crystal Renn who has managed to achieve what other plus size models only dream about.
Vogue!

Fit Models- These are the models that are used as the building blocks for a great collection.
They have the perfect measurements be that a size 8 or 18.
There bodies are used as the manequine to make a final snip or stitch on a garment before it goes to production.
Fit models can be quite busy working on a regular basis.
They are not required to have all the attributes such as a perfect face hair or smile.

Reputable Modelling Agencies in Australia

If you feel you are at the point of making contact with an agent i would start with the Agencies listed below
Chadwicks, Priscillas, Chic ,BGM ,Viviens
There are a lot of smaller agencies placed all around the world  that take on a large amount of pretty girls and promise them a glittering career.
Sadly some of these agencies are just after your money.
Once you have been hooked  you are filled away along with thousands of other pretty girls that are hoping for the chance to land a job.
The agencies above are reputable and have been representing some of Australia's Elite for a very long time.
Please remember to do some research before handing over any money.
Ask to see some work that the agency has generated and how many models are on their books.

The Hard Truth
Modelling is expensive!!
To begin with you will need some photos and composite cards,some larger agencies may pay for your first test shoot if they think you are going to be a huge star.
For the majority you may pay anywhere between $500 and $1500 to get you on your way.
You are also required to attend castings regularlly with very short notice.
If you have a full time career this can be difficult as your boss or teacher may not understand you leaving for a few hours at a time sporadically through the week.
Some models have to work night jobs at bars and restaurants so that they are free to attend castings through the day
There is also a lot of down time spent by yourself and this can become lonely.
If still feel up to the challenge and can handle being told your too fat, too skinny, not tall enough e.c.t then you may just be the next supermodel.