Get a Plus-Size Career with Plus-Size Modeling
By Wyatt Elling
Despite what you see on the cover of Vogue magazine, models come in all shapes and sizes. If you're between the sizes of 12 and 16, you're in the right range to start a career in plus-size modeling. The majority of women in the United States are above size 12, and the market for plus-size modeling is growing rapidly. Don't feel like you have to go on a crazy crash diet or get plastic surgery to succeed as a model. You can emphasize your own unique look and natural beauty to catch the eye of casting directors and booking agents and get onto the runway.
It's a good idea to start out locally to build skills and connections before you try out for the big leagues. Local department stores are a good place to start out, as they often produce their own catalogues and advertisements to distribute in the area. Make calls and see if they need any plus-size models for photo shoots or in-store fashion promotions. Once you've gathered some experience and tear-sheets you can start calling up local modeling agencies to ask if they represent plus-size models, and if they do set up a meeting or get the date of their next open casting call.
When you go in for your first meeting, you'll need to have the beginnings of a portfolio to show the agency. At the most basic level this can consist of a tasteful headshot and several full body shots displaying different looks. One of these is usually a swim suit picture, to give the agency a clear idea of your body shape. There are a number of easy tips to remember when you're starting out that will help you stand out to casting directors and agents:
- - Wear little or no makeup. Plus-size modeling is all about emphasizing natural beauty.
- - Keep your hair style simple, clean, and modest.
- - Wear clothing that fits you; squeezing into clothing a few sizes too small won't flatter you and will give the agency the wrong idea about your body image.
- - Be direct and honest when speaking to casting directors and agents.
The primary attributes photographers and casting directors want to see in their plus-size models are warmth and confidence. You need to own your image and be completely comfortable posing. When you do plus-size modeling you're telling people that see your fashion shoots and advertisements you believe that you're beautiful and that women of all sizes can look and feel good about themselves. Don't be afraid to be glamorous and just as fashionable as ultra-thin models. There is a common rule of thumb that larger people should only wear darker colors to appear slimmer, but this simply isn't true! You can be as bright as you want to be. Making sure your whole outfit is the same color has the same slimming effect as dark clothing. Vertical lines are another simple, effective standby to flatter your figure, so keep your eye out for clear button lines, vertical stripes, sharp creases, and "v" necklines. Your clothing should drape naturally, not pinch and wrinkle.
Many plus-size models feel pressured to lose weight to become more competitive, but it's much more important to look healthy. Toned muscles and a healthy complexion will help you much more than trying to drop six dress sizes. Stay hydrated, and work out normally, with an emphasis on toning exercises. Staying hydrated is very important to maintain a healthy look. Many women don't drink enough water for fear of putting on "water weight," when in fact drinking a lot of water greatly speeds up your metabolism and helps to prevent facial bloating. Before a shoot just eat normally, while taking care to keep hydrated while avoiding salty food, alcohol, and caffeine.
If you be yourself and embrace a positive body image, your chances of success as a plus-size model will increase. Like any inexperienced model, you're going to have to prepare for hard work and disappointment before you start getting regular work, and with plus-size modeling it's especially important not to let rejection affect your self-esteem. When you know you're beautiful it will show and that will be the thing that gets you work!
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