You need to consider a few things before pursuing such a career. There are requirements for plus size models, and they include height and size restrictions. 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, regardless of what the general population thinks. 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, and just being big does not cut it. 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 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 and to maintain it – 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.

Please note: there is no such segment of the market called “specialty plus.” That is a title that certain websites and companies (and a lot of people on Myspace who wish they could model) have created in order to get girls who want to be models (but who do not fit model stats) to pose for their websites. There’s no harm in it, except that it misleads women who want to be models into thinking that they can eventually work with agents. It’s just not realistic. It also helps the photographers who shoot such girls make money off of them, of course, but it’s rather disingenuous for such people to make money off of girls who will most likely not work within the industry. It’s a great ego boost but girls without model stats won’t work in the legit modeling industry.

You can visit a great plus size modeling thread and get advice from working models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists and others within the industry at http://www.curvychick.com. 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.

Good luck!

I agree with the gals, sorry I missed the Twitter chatter the other day ~ you’ve definitely got sparkle!

But yes if you want to do it… go for it! Flip the switch and stop your “thinking” because the only one stopping you is YOU! I bet your sister-in-law could help you get a portfolio together .

You CAN do this if WANT to… just got to go out there and do it! : )

Tammy’s last blog post..Happy Birthday Hunter!

I remember a year or so ago (not sure exactly when) you changed your hair and were so proud of how it looked. I remember thinking that day, “that girl could be a model”. I still believe it but you’ll never know unless you try.

Just be careful, check people out and never pay to get a modeling job. A reputable agency only makes money when you make money. The only thing you should ever have to pay for are photos and transportation. And it sounds like you have an in-house photographer anyway.

Please consider it! You are beautiful!

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