Runway Model

Only 1 out of 10 women have the basic physical requirements to become top runway models in New York, Paris or Milan. If you're less than five feet 8 inches tall, you might as well forget about it. Supermodels are 6 feet tall or taller. Body proportions - Bust 32 to 35 inches. Waist 22 to 25 inches. Hips - 33 to 36 inches. Weight - 10 to 15 pounds less than those ideal body weight charts. Age - the typical runway model ranges in age from 12 to 22 with 16 or 17 being the average. If your 18, start planning your retirement.
 
If your still in the running - check you skin and hair. While there is no preferred type or color, your skin must be smooth, dry, free of flaws, and taut. You hair must be shiny, healthy-looking, and not overly long. It goes without saying that you need perfect teeth as well.

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Beginning runway models earn $100 to $150 an hour. Showroom models earn $35 to $150 an hour. Tope models for their agency can earn more than $300,000 a year or $10,000 per fashion show. Gisele Bundchen earned $15.2 million in just 12 months 

Getting Your Foot in the Door
 
Don't waste your money on training - an agency is just as likely to select an untrained model and train them their own way rather than break them of bad habits acquired from mediocre schools. Visit castings, go-sees and modeling agencies. Get an agent - they generally charge 15 to 20% commisions. If an agent asks for more - run, if they ask for their commissions upfront run faster. To avoid problems get your agreement in writing. For a directory of agents try http://www.joeedelman.com/agencies/agencies.shtml

Once you've identified an agent you'll need a portfolio - your agent will let you know what he/she needs. You'll also need a comp card (also known as a zed card). A comp card has a minimum of two pictures — cover page with full size portrait and a second page with a large selection of representative shots from your portfolio and your measurements - height, weight, measurements for bust, waist, hips, shoe size, eye and hair color, nationality and contact information — printed on both sides of an 8.5" x 5.5" piece of card stock (12 pt stock) (US) or A5 (Europe, Asia). You agent will use this to market your services.
 
Modeling is not an easy way to make a living. You'll spend most of your time looking for work and you'll probably be washed up by the time your 20. If you've got the looks and the passion to succeed, you could be the world next top model.