There’s no one better in the business to give modeling tips on how to model than supermodel Tyra Banks! Here are Tyra’s top tips and advice on how to model and succeed in your modeling career.

How to Model Don’ts (and a Do)

• Do not be a “no-neck monster.” Try to elongate your neck for maximum extension.
• Do not pose like a hoochie. (If you don’t know what a hoochie is, er…that’s probably best.)
• Do not be a limp noodle. Always pose with tension in your body completely from H2T (head to toe).
• Do not play it safe and stay in the same pose. Mix it up with innovative poses. Your wildest pose could be the one that’s picked.
• Do not show up to a photo shoot unless you are clean shaven, have a clean face, and clean hair.
• Do not let hating how your hair or makeup is done affect your performance. Model through it.
• Do not stare aimlessly when posing. Create intensity for the camera through your eyes. Smize (smile with your eyes)!
• Do not slouch on the runway; pretend you have a wire through your spine that is pulling you up to the ceiling.
• Do not be forgettable. Make an impression by showing your distinctive personality.
• Do request to have your favorite music playing when you do a shoot! The beat will kick your poses up 10 notches!

How to Model – Tyra Banks

ANTM WINNER Nicole Linkletter – ModelScouts Signed Nicole to AGENCE PRESSE, Tokyo; DIVA MODELS, Singapore; DREAM MODELS; Hong Kong

How to Model & Get the Job!

• Be prepared!
• Practice your walk, poses, and faces in the mirror before you go.
• Do your homework! Know something about the agency or client you are meeting.
• Your make-up should be minimal to show off your natural beauty.
• ALWAYS bring a pair of heels in case they ask you to walk.
• No nail polish: Simple clear, nude, or sheer!
• Pull your hair back so that they can see your face and bone structure.
• Never be late!
• Have good posture: Stand up straight, shoulders back.
• Be honest! It’s okay to tell them if you don’t have a lot of experience. Wow them with your natural ability (this is why practice is so important!)

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL FINALIST MARVITA W. ModelScouts Signed Marvita to RENEGADE MODELS, New York

Know How To Work Your Flaws

Everyone has flaws. I’ve got ’em (small calves and a big forehead), you’ve got ’em, and your momma’s got em’, too! Even though I totally believe in embracing my flaws, I don’t always want to highlight them when I’m being photographed. Every top model knows the secrets to working her flaws. These are my tips on how to make your flaws work for you when you’re in front of that camera!

Hands on Hips = Smaller Waist. Putting your hands on your hips creates a background through your arms, which will make your waist appear smaller. (This is something you can apply to real life too! Try it the next time you walk into a room!)

Chin Up = Smaller Forehead. I am always telling the girls on ANTM to chin up! Not only will it make a large forehead look smaller, it will also elongate the neck.

ANTM FINALIST – JADE COLE ModelScouts Signed Jade to UBER-WARNING MODELS, Los Angeles; DIVA MODELS, Singapore; DREAM MODELS, Hong Kong

Tippy Toes = Bigger Calves. Standing on your tippy toes instead of flat feet will make your calf muscles appear bigger because they are working harder to keep you up!

Knees In = Slimmer Hips. Turning a knee in will make your hips appear slimmer. This will also give you a space between your thighs, which is something that most women don’t have.

Lean Forward = Smaller Bust. Hunch your back and bring your naval into your spine. This creates a slight lean forward, which will make your bust look smaller.

Emphasize Shoulder = Narrow Hips. Turn your body to the side and turn your shoulders toward the camera. The emphasis on your shoulders will narrow your hips.

Here are 5 expert tips to get you started on your modeling career.

1. Get an Honest Evaluation by Experienced Professionals

It is very important to get the opinion of more than one agent or scout because many agents and scouts specialize in just one particular area. Some only represent editorial (high fashion) models, and others may only represent commercial models, child models, plus-size, showroom and fit models or petite models. Just because one agent can’t represent you, it doesn’t mean that another agent won’t. Getting the opinion of several different types of agents is the best way to find out if you have what it takes to be a model.

2. Get As Much Exposure As Possible

The more exposure you get to agents, scouts and clients the higher the odds become that you will be successful in finding representation and ultimately booking jobs. When you are first starting out the most important exposure is to the agents and scouts. Why? Because they are the ones that have all the clients. They are the ones who are going to promote you and get you booked for jobs.

There are several ways you can get exposure to the agents and scouts:

• Email your photos to the agencies – This can be fast, but often not effective. Almost all of the top agencies that post an email address on their website post a generic email that is rarely, if ever, checked.
• Send your photos out by mail to hundreds of agencies – This can be a very costly and time consuming method.
• Attend a modeling convention – Modeling conventions can be a lot of fun and a great way for new models to get exposure, but they’re extremely expensive, usually costing over $5000.00 to attend.
• Create a profile with ModelScouts.com. ModelScouts.com has direct connections to all the top modeling agencies in the world. At ModelScouts you will get the exposure you need to agents and scouts representing over 250 of the world’s most powerful agencies. ModelScouts welcomes high fashion, runway, commercial print, plus-size, petite, showroom and fit models of all ages, sizes and heights.

ModelScouts.com Model Profile

3. Don’t Spend Money on Expensive Photoshoots

When you are first starting out it is not necessary to spend money on expensive photoshoots.

All the agents and scouts really need to see in the beginning is simple snapshots. They just want to see how you look naturally with very little makeup and simple clothing.

If the agents and scouts feel you have potential they may then recommend that you invest in professional photos that are appropriate for your look and the market for which you are best suited. Some agencies may even offer to cover the expense of a professional photo shoot that you can then pay back once you start booking modeling jobs.

BEFORE MODELSCOUTS – Snapshots Laura L. used when she joined ModelScouts.com

AFTER MODELSCOUTS – Laura Was Signed to: ELITE MODELS, New York; L.A. MODELS, Los Angeles; ZEM MODELS, Japan; DIVA MODELS, Singapore

4. Modeling Schools Are Not Necessary

You do not need to go to modeling school to become a model. To become a fashion model you either have the look the agencies are looking for or you don’t, modeling classes will not make a difference.

We do not have anything against modeling schools and some of the better ones can be very helpful in teaching poise, style, makeup and hair techniques. We just don’t think they should be calling themselves modeling schools, but rather, finishing schools.

However, we do recommend that aspiring fashion and commercial models enroll in acting workshops if possible. Learning proper auditioning skills and how to work on set, with cameras, etc. will give you an edge over your competition.

5. Only Work With Legitimate Modeling Agencies

Finding a legitimate modeling agency can be a difficult endeavor. How do you know who to trust, does the agency have your best interests in mind, or are they just trying to make money by selling you unnecessary courses or photoshoots? It can be a daunting task to try to wade through the mine field of legitimate and Illegitimate agencies. It can also be downright dangerous if you find yourself hooked up with some shady characters.

With 35 years experience scouting, managing and promoting models the staff at ModelScouts.com can help you find the industry’s most trusted and respected agencies. We know who the best agencies are because we work with them everyday. Why waste time scouring the internet looking for reputable agencies when ModelScouts can do the work for you?

Our staff has managed the careers of hundreds of fashion and commercial models, and we fully understand the various aspects of the modeling industry from contract negotiations, the relationships between international and mother agencies, travel arrangements, overseas accommodations, work visa’s in foreign countries, and more.