You don't have to be tall, thin, and have the perfect body to be a model. It's not impossible for men and women who are only 170 cm tall or even less to sign a contract with an agency, as long as they know their limitations and strengths. It's true that tall and skinny models dominate the fashion world, but there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore. By leveraging the best assets at your disposal, the road to success will be wide open.
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Method 1 of 3: Promoting Yourself
Step 1. Contact the photographer
Before trying your luck as a model, you should seek information about photographers operating in the area where you live. It would be even better if you could find a photographer who can shoot faces and has experience in makeup. Instead, just wear light makeup when taking portraits.
- Do an internet search to find photographers who meet these criteria.
- You can also find a good professional photographer through the agency you contact.
Step 2. Hire a professional to do the facial shoot
Yes, you have to pay a good photographer to get quality photos. This is the most decisive part of the whole process, but modeling is also an important profession. Make sure to prepare a quality photo of yourself. It would be even better if the photographer or agency that worked with you could also do the makeup.
- A good photographer will take several photos, sometimes even up to 100 photos. Then, he will ask you which photo to choose.
- Some of the facial photos will be done outdoors and some will be done in a studio. Both types of photos can produce very good results if done by the right photographer.
Step 3. Do some research to find a modeling agency
Talk to friends who work in fashion to see if they have contact with a modeling agency. If not, you can do an internet search and find the closest modeling agency. It's better to choose an agency that is close than one that has to be reached by traveling for more than an hour.
- If you have to travel an hour or two to get to the nearest modeling agency, ask yourself if you really want to. If the answer is yes, please continue. Don't let distance be a barrier to achieving your dreams.
- Your photographer must have contact with a modeling agency. Some agencies will even look through your photographer's portfolio if you suddenly need a model for an emergency.
Step 4. Contact a modeling agency
If possible, go to the modeling agency concerned. In fact, it would be better if you make direct contact with a modeling agency. Go to their office with a photo of a face. Show confidence, but you also have to be open to accepting their advice. Also, send a few emails to agencies that could possibly hire you for some projects.
- Look for an agency that specializes in modeling certain parts of the body (part modeling) or modeling that is more open to different body types.
- Be professional when communicating with agencies. If you contact them by email, make sure you attach a portrait.
- Include relevant information about previous work or experience related to acting or theatre.
- There is nothing wrong with contacting several agencies.
Step 5. Create an online model profile
There are several sites that serve as databases for models and companies looking for models. You can have a look before joining, usually it's free. You just need to provide some basic information about the modeling goals you want to achieve and a physical description. Provide honest information about your height and size when creating a profile.
- You may feel like you are limiting yourself by providing information about your height, but the agency will appreciate your honesty. There is always a job waiting, no matter what your body type is.
- Visit this site for references.
Step 6. Move to a big city
This step may not be easy to do, but big cities are fashion centers. This is where you will get a “big chance” if you are lucky. You don't have to move to Jakarta or Singapore to be a model, although that's not a bad idea. If you live in a small town or in a village, consider the nearest big city.
For example, if you live in Sukabumi, you can move to Bandung or Bogor
Step 7. Accept any job as a pawn
Early in your career, take on all kinds of modeling jobs to enrich your portfolio. As long as the job offered does not conflict with the moral values you believe in, you should just accept it. Having modeling experience will show potential employers that you know what it's like to be a model.
- It may be easier for you to start a career as a limb model. Modeling of limbs focuses on body parts, such as hands.
- Another popular form of modeling that is open to everyone is posing for catalogs. Catalog modeling is gaining popularity because it allows to represent many different body shapes and the target market is ordinary people who will browse through catalogs.
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Portfolio
Step 1. Decide what type of modeling you want to pursue
There are various types of modeling jobs that are suitable for short models. Of course, the fashion world is for tall and skinny models, but there are many other options to explore. Consider the following professions to enrich your portfolio:
- Print ad modeling for editorial purposes
- Commercial print ad modeling
- Catalog modeling (become a fashion model)
- Modeling for big women
- Modeling for sensual photos
- Modeling to highlight certain body parts
- Modeling for TV commercials
- Modeling to represent ordinary people (for TV/movie extras)
Step 2. Prepare a series of photos
As a beginner, you should show 5-8 photos for a portfolio. To increase your chances of success, you need to be able to demonstrate skills in various types of modeling. If you have several photos taken by a photographer, reach out to other professionals and try to work with them. Photos can be to your advantage because they rarely give you an indication of your height, unless you're standing near something that shows a certain height.
- Don't share photos with other people who are taller than you.
- You should be able to show different characters through photos. An easy way to do this is to try on a variety of different styles and makeup.
- If one of your photos is in black and white, but you think it's very special and different from the others, attach it to your portfolio.
Step 3. Try to stand out
You can find several examples of modeling portfolios on the internet. These examples not only help you create a presentation, they also show you where to add a more personal touch. Consider including quality photos that show you're doing one of your favorite hobbies. For example, if you love to cook, add an interesting photo of yourself in the kitchen.
- Be sure to include a variety of photos in your portfolio. You have the freedom to choose which personal photos you want to display.
- Include a photo that shows one of your qualities that isn't limited by your height. For example, you can create a series of photos with different facial expressions. These photos will show your skills and the agency won't mind your height.
- Sometimes photos show certain personal traits and really catch the agency's attention.
Step 4. Provide information in one package
Print high resolution photos in any size. Most modeling agencies in major Indonesian cities accept the standard A4 size (21x29, 7 cm). Some companies may require a smaller size photo, while others may request a larger size (23x30.5 cm). On the first page of your portfolio, include the following information about yourself:
- Name, address and contact information.
- Brief information about your work and goals.
- All relevant skills (language, acting, singing, etc.).
Method 3 of 3: Increase Your Chances of Being Discovered
Step 1. Try to stay in shape
Focus on healthy living and a balanced diet. In the world of fashion, there are many opportunities for short people, but no place for those without a professional work ethic. To demonstrate a professional work ethic and strong determination, you must be healthy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Do physical activity at least twice a week.
- Limit alcohol and drug intake.
- Eat vegetables and cereals. If possible, choose organic foods.
Step 2. Learn to show different facial expressions
Focus on the eyes and learn to emit different emotions without changing the rest of the face. Be a follower of other models on social media and study their photos. Practice in front of a mirror to make different expressions and poses.
- If the photographer asks you to express certain emotions during a photo shoot, you should be able to do so. Practice making facial expressions that convey some typical emotions such as happiness, sadness, frustration, confusion, or shock.
- Try subtle and exaggerated variations of emotions to expand your modeling abilities.
Step 3. Attend a modeling conference
Instead of taking a modeling course and spending a lot of money, you can attend conferences where you can meet many agencies and talent scouts. Do a little research to find a conference to be held in your area and be prepared to attend. Before you go, make a few copies of your portfolio and portraits.
Contact the conference organizer and submit your portfolio and photos. If selected, you can join their training
Step 4. Make yourself famous as a short model
If you market yourself properly, you may be contacted by agencies looking for small and short models. Some companies may hire you as a teen model, even if you are 25 years old because of your height and size. Another possibility that you can consider is body modeling or facial/beauty modeling.
- Determine which body part is the most attractive. For example, if you think you have very beautiful feet, focus on marketing them.
- If people are always complimenting your eyes and facial beauty, concentrate on marketing your face for modeling makeup.
Step 5. Try to set realistic goals
Even after you've done everything you can to give your best, height can sometimes be a barrier. Instead of insisting on being able to pitch in on the fashion stage, look for a more realistic job. Certain ambitions may not be realistic for you with a height less than 170 cm. However, there are many other branches of the industry that you can pursue, such as advertising modeling, catalogs, and print media.
