Modeling: An Introduction

I have found writing an introduction to be most difficult. How do I sum up what to look for and learn from the rest of the material on the web site? How do I lead into the knowledge one needs to build the dream of becoming a model and yet make folks aware of the many scams, rip-offs, sexual hank-panky, dangers and a wannabe's own unreal expectation that take away from that dream? I also struggled with trying to capture the creativity and fun side of modeling with out going all corporate capitalist. But after much thought on this I have come to the conclusion that the popular line "show me the money" is the best lead in one can have. I don't mean to support the notion I hear far to often, "well if they pay me lots of money I might consider modeling." With me that attitude would have you out the door on the street. I mean when one digs down through all of the talk, the glitz, the glamour, the hype, and takes a look at the money steam it tells you a lot.

Following the money stream, either going out or coming in, can quickly show one what they might be getting into. The term "modeling" covers a vast and varied area of endeavor and not just the high fashion modeling popularized on TV. If one is looking to become a "professional model" you need a positive money stream or more money coming in then going out. One can also look at different types of modeling and quickly see what are the chances of having a positive cash flow and how much that might be. If you have as much going out as coming in then by IRS definition, that is a hobby. Hobby modeling can be great fun, a positive experience, and some may even work though a hobby period to go on to be a professional model. If large amounts of the money seem to going out with very little certainty of any money coming in then you can be assured your being scammed or ripped-off. Modeling is not like becoming a doctor where you have a set path of schooling that costs a large amount of money but you are assured if you complete the program of study you will become a doctor and you will have an income. For a lot of modeling you either have the talent and look or you don't. It does not matter how much you want it or how hard you work at it or how much you pay for schooling and photos, if you do not meet the basic physical characteristic of some types of modeling (thinking of high fashion here) you will never become that type of model.

Now having said that let me confuse matter by saying a model is generally an independent contractor (an independent business) and with any business there are some start up cost involved. The challenge is coming to understand what are reasonable cost of getting into the modeling game and at what point is someone taking advantage of your dreams and ignorance of the modeling profession to part you from large amounts of your money. Only through education can you hope to know the difference. This site does not offer all of the answers but I hope the following material will start you on the right road to learning about modeling.