FREE Chapter - The Insiders Guide to Plus Size Modelling

The Insiders Guide to Plus Size Modelling

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What is plus size modeling?

Plus-size modeling promotes ‘real’ body shapes that encompass every aspect of the modeling industry, from fashion shoots and major campaigns promoting products on skin care, make-up and hair products to lingerie and swimsuits.

Plus-size models now forge fabulous careers and travel the world working for international clients.

Why consider a career in plus-size modeling?

Think of the clothes, the fun, the travel and an opportunity to work in a glamorous and exciting industry. Plus, it’s really rewarding to represent a new, and more representative, body type where phat has a whole new meaning!

But first thing’s first, don’t give up your day job. To earn a lot of money from modeling you need a great Model Book and these shots and Tears Sheets can take two years to get. You need to be constantly testing to get the best shots possible for a serious career in plus-size modeling.

BGM has many stunners who work internationally and make a good living. The models have made it their business to work with their agency to learn the industry and plan their career. These professionals understand that highly lucrative jobs are scarce and there’s fierce competition to win the job. In most cases the client will use the same model for back-to-back campaigns (think Carolyn Murphy for Estée Lauder or Kate Moss for Calvin Klein). The modeling world also revolves around seasons so for many months there can be little or no work.

By learning about the industry the models aren’t deterred, just realistic. They plan their down time and enjoy the jobs they book when things pick up and opportunities arise.

And there’s no sweeter opportunity then when a client wants you exclusively. Serious money can be made when a client is prepared to pay you to not work for anyone else but them. This arrangement usually comes with a price tag and it’s not the way a majority of clients work. But if you’re a new model who’s hot, hot, hot the client may decide that paying the price for exclusivity will protect their brand and associate a high demand face with their product.

Success can come when you least expect it

There are times when you will go to casting after casting and don’t book one job. This is usually when new models become discouraged and start re-considering their decision to pursue a plus-size modeling career. Then guess what happens? Persistence pays off and things start falling into place.

It usually takes a good 12 months for models to start booking regular clients. BGM tell their models that being with a plus-size model agency is a WIP (work in progress). It won’t happen over night, but it will happen.

Being professional and prepared at all times and really working at being a plus-size model will make it happen. It sometimes only takes one photograph for the model’s career to skyrocket and that’s why it’s very important to keep testing and trying different photographers to get that ‘one’ shot that will make all the difference.

We had one model that was doing ‘okay’ and then had a test shoot with a funky new photographer. This guy got ‘the shot’ that took her career from strength to strength and she is now working overseas as an international model.

It’s an important lesson, modelling isn’t just about you. It’s a complex collaboration between your agency, the client, photographer, stylist, make-up artist, hair stylist and a whole bunch of other people. Work it to wow!

Famous plus size models

When BGM Director, Darrianne Donnelly, started her career she was the lone ranger. Fortunately for you, plus-size models are everywhere from America’s Next Top Model to the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Famous plus-size models include:

Model and spokesperson, Emme
Kate Dillon
Allegra Doherty
Toccara Jones from America’s Next Top Model
The Biggest Loser’s Tracy Moores
Actress and model, Carrie Otis
Symantha Perkins
Mia Tyler
Plus-size superstar, Natalie Wakeling
- Singer, Queen Latifah
- Sophie Dahl
- Barbara Brickner
- Liis Windischmann
- Pippa Jeffery

With over 60% of women being size 14+, curvy models are in demand!

Do you have the ‘X’ factor?

Professional model scouts can spot the ‘X’ factor at 300 feet (100 metres). But what is the ‘X’ factor and how do you know if you have it?

From a business point of view, the ‘X’ factor determines if you are worth the agency’s time and money investment.

It’s, as the French would say, a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. Literally meaning, ‘I do not know what’ or ‘something indescribable’, but let’s give it a go anyway.

People often assume it’s all about good looks but that’s only part of the equation. An attractive person can turn heads or maybe even get a second glance, but someone with the ‘X’ factor is magnetic.

A music business consultant described it well, “Magnetism is a combination of personal qualities such as: a sociable personality; self-confidence; charm; inner peace; comfort with one’s sexuality; rebelliousness; obvious intellect; a unique viewpoint; intensity or focus; authority or sense of humor. In some instances, it is truly indescribable, but very recognizable to those who have seen ‘it’ before.”

There is also an emotional component where something inside them touches something in you. They can make us feel great, inspired, challenged, validated or uplifted.

Basically you want to be around these people.

If you have the ‘X’ factor you have it from the cradle to the grave. Unlike Austin Powers there’s no way you can lose your mojo.

It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with the right look and the right attitude. You can try and develop the magnetic qualities but one of the greatest factors that make these girls shine is that they are naturals.

If you weren’t born with the ‘X’ factor there’s always determination, drive, commitment, hard work, sacrifice, great marketing and natural talent which can help you achieve your dreams of being a model. But it’s the girls with the ‘X’ factor who tend to stand out and be exceptional models and business people.

What is the criteria for becoming a plus-size model?

If you would like to know more then click here for more information about how to purchase the e-book.

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	Important Information for Prospective Models Model Enquiries Form e-Book FREE Chapter Purchase 'The Insiders Guide to Plus-Size Modelling' Model Castings Links The Insiders Guide to Plus Size Modelling FREE PAGES What is plus size modeling? Plus-size modeling promotes ‘real’ body shapes that encompass every aspect of the modeling industry, from fashion shoots and major campaigns promoting products on skin care, make-up and hair products to lingerie and swimsuits. Plus-size models now forge fabulous careers and travel the world working for international clients. Why consider a career in plus-size modeling? Think of the clothes, the fun, the travel and an opportunity to work in a glamorous and exciting industry. Plus, it’s really rewarding to represent a new, and more representative, body type where phat has a whole new meaning! But first thing’s first, don’t give up your day job. To earn a lot of money from modeling you need a great Model Book and these shots and Tears Sheets can take two years to get. You need to be constantly testing to get the best shots possible for a serious career in plus-size modeling. BGM has many stunners who work internationally and make a good living. The models have made it their business to work with their agency to learn the industry and plan their career. These professionals understand that highly lucrative jobs are scarce and there’s fierce competition to win the job. In most cases the client will use the same model for back-to-back campaigns (think Carolyn Murphy for Estée Lauder or Kate Moss for Calvin Klein). The modeling world also revolves around seasons so for many months there can be little or no work. By learning about the industry the models aren’t deterred, just realistic. They plan their down time and enjoy the jobs they book when things pick up and opportunities arise. And there’s no sweeter opportunity then when a client wants you exclusively. Serious money can be made when a client is prepared to pay you to not work for anyone else but them. This arrangement usually comes with a price tag and it’s not the way a majority of clients work. But if you’re a new model who’s hot, hot, hot the client may decide that paying the price for exclusivity will protect their brand and associate a high demand face with their product. Success can come when you least expect it There are times when you will go to casting after casting and don’t book one job. This is usually when new models become discouraged and start re-considering their decision to pursue a plus-size modeling career. Then guess what happens? Persistence pays off and things start falling into place. It usually takes a good 12 months for models to start booking regular clients. BGM tell their models that being with a plus-size model agency is a WIP (work in progress). It won’t happen over night, but it will happen. Being professional and prepared at all times and really working at being a plus-size model will make it happen. It sometimes only takes one photograph for the model’s career to skyrocket and that’s why it’s very important to keep testing and trying different photographers to get that ‘one’ shot that will make all the difference. We had one model that was doing ‘okay’ and then had a test shoot with a funky new photographer. This guy got ‘the shot’ that took her career from strength to strength and she is now working overseas as an international model. It’s an important lesson, modelling isn’t just about you. It’s a complex collaboration between your agency, the client, photographer, stylist, make-up artist, hair stylist and a whole bunch of other people. Work it to wow! Famous plus size models When BGM Director, Darrianne Donnelly, started her career she was the lone ranger. Fortunately for you, plus-size models are everywhere from America’s Next Top Model to the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Famous plus-size models include: Model and spokesperson, Emme Kate Dillon Allegra Doherty Toccara Jones from America’s Next Top Model The Biggest Loser’s Tracy Moores Actress and model, Carrie Otis Symantha Perkins Mia Tyler Plus-size superstar, Natalie Wakeling Singer, Queen Latifah Sophie Dahl Barbara Brickner Liis Windischmann Pippa Jeffery With over 60% of women being size 14+, curvy models are in demand! Do you have the ‘X’ factor? Professional model scouts can spot the ‘X’ factor at 300 feet (100 metres). But what is the ‘X’ factor and how do you know if you have it? From a business point of view, the ‘X’ factor determines if you are worth the agency’s time and money investment. It’s, as the French would say, a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. Literally meaning, ‘I do not know what’ or ‘something indescribable’, but let’s give it a go anyway. People often assume it’s all about good looks but that’s only part of the equation. An attractive person can turn heads or maybe even get a second glance, but someone with the ‘X’ factor is magnetic. A music business consultant described it well, “Magnetism is a combination of personal qualities such as: a sociable personality; self-confidence; charm; inner peace; comfort with one’s sexuality; rebelliousness; obvious intellect; a unique viewpoint; intensity or focus; authority or sense of humor. In some instances, it is truly indescribable, but very recognizable to those who have seen ‘it’ before.” There is also an emotional component where something inside them touches something in you. They can make us feel great, inspired, challenged, validated or uplifted. Basically you want to be around these people. If you have the ‘X’ factor you have it from the cradle to the grave. Unlike Austin Powers there’s no way you can lose your mojo. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with the right look and the right attitude. You can try and develop the magnetic qualities but one of the greatest factors that make these girls shine is that they are naturals. If you weren’t born with the ‘X’ factor there’s always determination, drive, commitment, hard work, sacrifice, great marketing and natural talent which can help you achieve your dreams of being a model. But it’s the girls with the ‘X’ factor who tend to stand out and be exceptional models and business people. What is the criteria for becoming a plus-size model? If you would like to know more then click here for more information about how to purchase the e-book.