As one of the biggest economies in the Western Hemisphere, Canada is an excellent place for all industries to thrive, fashion and modelling included. Many famous international modelling agencies have offices in Canada, more specifically in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, as these three are the most important cities for the fashion industry in the country. They have their own Fashion Week seasons, which most people see as a dry run for getting scouted for shows in Bryant Park.
Canada has also produced dozens of amazing supermodels such as Coco Rocha, Linda Evangelista, Shalom Harlow, Stacey McKenzie, and Winnie Harlow. They have become the faces of many international brands such as Gucci, Prada, Victoria’s Secret, etc.
Indeed, Canada is a good starting ground if you want to be like these amazing women. Thus, here’s everything you need to know about becoming a model in Canada.
Know The Different Types Of Modelling
There are different types of modelling, from runway to commercial, to parts models, and even some doing glamour modelling. You must know what you can offer the designers and clients, rather than getting all the modelling gigs possible.
Remember that seasoned supermodels pick their gigs based on their brand and portfolio, so you must do the same. Do not be too picky though, because you need the experience to beef up your portfolio as a rookie model.
Hone Your Modelling Skills
Posing and walking on a runway can be difficult at first, but modelling is an art form. Pose for photos with a friend to get used to posing in front of a camera. Experiment with runway walking by mounting a camera on a tripod and practising alone until your confidence grows before embarking on your journey to become a fashion model.
Work on your poses in front of a camera
Posing skills are an essential requirement for becoming a model. A model, like a photographer, will use her posing, facial expressions, and artistic intuition to help create the photographer’s vision. Therefore, the first step in learning how to start modelling is to practice in front of a camera.
If you can’t pose and don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, it will be 20 times more difficult to get a good shot. Make an effort to become the best model you can be.
The photographer will use the knowledge that he has about lighting, aperture, framing, and so on to bring everything to life. You must hone your skills to the best of your ability.
Organize Your Portfolio
A well-rounded modelling portfolio is one of the most essential steps to becoming a model and establishing a stable career. It is advantageous to have an online version (your modelling portfolio website) and a printed version that you can show when meeting someone in person. To advance in the modelling industry, you need all the exposure you can get.
Search For The Agency That Fits Your Needs
Every fashion model requires the services of a modelling agency. The first step toward being noticed by a top modelling agency is to submit self-portraits. These snapshots are more commonly known as ‘digitals’ in the industry or ‘polaroids’ on occasion.
A model’s photos should be as natural and straightforward as possible. Submit pictures of yourself wearing little to no makeup: at most, a light sweep of foundation and mascara. Do not style your hair (but make sure it is clean), and include photos of it both down and up, pulled away from your face. Use natural light for the photos; a friend can easily play photographer for you.
If you’re a fashion designer, make sure to note all the things that should be included in your digitals. Smiling (with or without teeth), non-smiling, up-close headshot(s), left and right side profiles and a full-length shot should all be included.
Your outfit should consist of a solid-coloured t-shirt and jeans. If you have any friends who are studying fashion design, take their advice on wardrobe selection.
Research About Your Modelling Agency
Do extensive research on any modelling agency you plan to send work to. Do they have models in your shape and statistics? Is this company legitimate? Can their business be verified, and do they have any bad reviews?
You should be able to find this information on the modelling agency’s website. If you receive a phone call requesting to meet with an agency, do additional research before the meeting.
Rejections Are Okay, And They Are Normal
The world’s most beautiful supermodels were told “No” by many people in many ways. Even Tyra Banks was rejected last minute at the Versace show in Paris. The best way to deal with rejection is to accept every “no” as a “yes” closer to success. Don’t worry. Everyone can learn to do this with enough practice.
Tap Into The Power Of Social Media
It’s amazing how many people have found fame and fortune via social media. Finding the right agency or contracts gets tough. There are so many other beautiful and talented young models vying for the same positions.
If you want to stand out as a model, you must learn to think outside the box! Get out of the headspace that the only way to become a successful model is via an agency.
Ask yourself, ‘how can I use the power of social media to showcase my talents and get the right contracts’. Your amateur photoshoot might just go viral and get you lots of contracts!
Always Take Care Of Yourself
You can make a successful commercial model regardless of physical appearance or body type. Never imagine that other models are more deserving than you just because of their physical appearance. It is ultimately up to you to utilize your genetic strengths to their fullest. Keep yourself well-groomed.
Still, the reality is that weight and height standards are very inflexible for fashion models. If you want to be a successful model, you have to work hard at keeping your body healthy and in shape.
Enjoy The Experience
Do not worry too much about rejection. We all know that modelling is not for everyone, so while you’re still doing it, enjoy the experience, the opportunities, the perks – everything. Even the negative experiences will help you become much better and more competent in the industry.
