| The explosion of the plus size fashion industry and | | | | 5. Be professional. Modeling is a professional industry, |
| plus size modeling industry has the demand for | | | | not a lifestyle or status club. You're hired as a |
| photogenic, size 12-16 models exceeding the current | | | | commodity and a professional one at that. Arrive to |
| supply. The following guide contains a few general | | | | shoots on time, keep phone calls and text messages |
| tips to optimize your success in pursuing a career in | | | | to a minimum and be willing to work hard. Standing |
| the industry. | | | | on your feet in often uncomfortable poses for hours |
| 1. Professional photographs certainly aren't required | | | | on end is hard work! Be prepared to be challenged |
| by any agency representing plus size models and | | | | when entering the industry; happy clients equal a |
| shots taken by a friend or family member will suffice | | | | successful model. |
| till a portfolio is created. Make sure your shots are | | | | 6. Avoid self-criticism. A client or design house has a |
| current, and clean meaning with minimum makeup and | | | | specific look in mind to represent their company prior |
| natural hair. Include at least one full body shot and | | | | to your attending a go see. Recognize that often, |
| make your pictures tasteful. Save the boudoir shots | | | | you may not fit that product, or look. Not getting a |
| for your honey! | | | | gig is not a reflection of a personal defect, it simply |
| 2. A reputable agency will not require money upfront | | | | means you're best suited elsewhere. Be true to |
| to represent you, however anyone with modeling | | | | yourself, love yourself and your clients will love you! |
| aspirations must expect to incur some expenses. The | | | | 7. Focus on fitness. Industry standards for a plus size |
| creation of a portfolio will include photographer's | | | | model range from size 8 to 16, with agencies |
| fee's, possibly stylist, hair and makeup artist fee's. | | | | specializing in plus modeling seeking 12 to 16's. |
| Make sure you're able to shoulder minimal expenses | | | | Regardless of size, you will need to be fit and toned. |
| prior to electing to pursue a plus modeling career. | | | | Focus on cardiovascular fitness and core training to |
| 3. Please accept industry standards. 5'8" is the general | | | | improve posture and body fat/muscle ratio. Pilates is |
| height requirement in plus and standard size modeling. | | | | a wonderful exercise for elongating muscles and |
| This standard simply does not vary in high fashion | | | | promoting tone. Excessive weight-training can be |
| genre's! A few clients, such a Torrid elect to employ | | | | counter productive, focus on flexibility, cardio and |
| girls below 5'8", however they truly are the minority. | | | | body-weight resistance training. When in doubt, |
| Clothing is made and preferred to hit the body at a | | | | consider employing the services of a personal trainer |
| certain point regardless of size. Designer's create | | | | making sure to express losing excessive weight is |
| samples for 5'8" plus women, thus there's no demand | | | | not your goal. |
| for shorter models. | | | | With the explosion of the industry, the role of the |
| 4. The most effective model is healthy and fit, | | | | plus size model is ever increasing and shifting. |
| regardless of size. Crash dieting, yo-yo size changes | | | | Remember to speak up. With the majority of |
| and poor diet wreck havoc on your health | | | | American women wearing a size 12 or larger, |
| appearance and frustrate your clients. Consistency is | | | | expressing the need for diversity may be just the |
| essential in the fashion industry. Maintain your size, | | | | key to landing spots previously unseen in local |
| places an emphasis on fitness, muscle tone and | | | | runway shows and magazine editorials. Maintain a |
| health. You're proud to be fit, healthy and well-fed, | | | | positive and enthusiastic attitude and success in plus |
| show off that glow you were hired for! | | | | size modeling will be yours! |