What does it take to be a plus size model?
How tall do you have to be and what is the average size of a plus size model?
Who do you contact to get started?
I'm here to help you a little and get you pointed in the right direction.
There are requirements for plus size models, whether you're a teen or older. They include height and size restrictions. They are as tough for plus size models as they are for straight size ones. You need to be at least 5’8” (5’10” is preferable in the bigger markets like NYC, Miami, L.A., etc.) and fall between sizes 8 and 16/18. Yes, plus sizes start at size 8 as far as agencies are concerned. You need to be well-proportioned, toned and in good shape, have great skin, hair and teeth, and be quite photogenic - let's not forget - we're talking about MODELING. It also helps if you have few, if any, tattoos.
If you have these things going for you, I encourage you to attend an open call at an agency near you that represents plus size models You can find a local one by calling agencies that are listed in your local yellow pages and asking if they rep plus size girls, and then asking when their plus size open calls occur. You will need to get in front of an agent who will determine your marketability in this industry and advise you accordingly. Walk in wearing light makeup, simple but well-fitting clothing, and lose the high heels - they will know how tall you are so don't try to fudge it. Bring some simple shots of yourself that show your face and your full body - they don't need to be professional shots. They will look at your photos and will see your potential without all the makeup. You may be measured on the spot, or asked to be photographed in your underwear, so get rid of your inhibitions NOW.
You need to be in or near a large market – smaller towns don’t normally have modeling agencies, let alone plus size divisions. Your competition knows where to go, and they are going there, believe me. You can be stunningly beautiful, but if you can’t make it to an open call or casting because you live too far away and cannot travel at the drop of a hat, you definitely have a strike against you. Your competition is thrilled to know that you don't have the money for a bus ticket or that your car is in the shop - means more opportunity for them!
If you are marketable, the agent will ask you to do several test shoots that you have to pay for, so please be ready to spend money and time developing your look. Agencies do not typically pick up these fees – the model must do so. (You will need to spend money to get your career off the ground - modeling is not a get-rich-quick career. If you have kids and/or school to finish, you need to plan how you're going to balance it all.)
You may be asked to cut/trim/color your hair, get manicures and pedicures and to hit the gym before the shoot. You will be given a list of photographers that you can call to schedule a shoot, and you will pay them directly. A good agency will never ask for money directly – it’s a transaction between you and the photog. If you want to get the most out of your test shoots, you should hire a makeup artist, hair stylist and fashion stylist to work on the shoot with you.
When your shots come back, your potential agent will see if you have what it takes, and then she/he will submit your photos to clients and see what kind of response you get. They usually submit a comp card, which is a collection of photos that you need to pay for, to the clients to get their feedback. There are no guarantees, and you will only work if clients like/need your look.
You can visit the plus size modeling thread at www.curvychick.com and get advice from working models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists and others within the industry. Take any support you get with a grain of salt - there are plenty of women who will say that you've "got it," but they usually just want to be nice and not have a hand in dashing your dreams. I personally don't want a hand in misleading anyone. AND if someone says you don't really have it, don't take it personally - you're not being judged as a person, not on your looks, but on your marketability - if you can't take the heat you should find another career.
Best of luck!
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