Professional Modeling is not a piece of cake. However, the challenges double when you want to become a plus-size model. Due to constant awareness about a healthy body and body positivity, campaigns modeling agencies and big companies like Victoria’s Secret and other big names have been hiring plus-size models to work with them for the last decades.
Now the plus-size models are appearing on the runway, red carpet, and cover of magazines. So if you want to feature on the glossy covers of “Vogue“, you have to follow these easy steps.
- Know yourself
- Focus on your fitness
- Study about the scope of Plus Size Modeling
- Prepare to face the camera
- Create your modeling portfolio
- Build your network
- Contact the brands that hire Plus-size Models
- Update your social media platform
1 Know Yourself
For years, the modeling industry has discouraged plus-size females, but now, people are promoting plus healthy size bodies as the world changes. If your friends call you chubby even if you are 5, then it doesn’t mean that you are plus size.
If we talked about the definition of plus size, then all the females above 8 are considered plus size. So it is good to know your height, weight, and bra size so that you are totally familiar with your body type.
If we talked about the famous American plus-size model Ashley Graham’s body, she is 16 size, but her size fits perfectly with her 5 ft 9½ height and weight, which is approx. 91 kg. Ashley’s body measurements are 42-30-46 in or 107-76-117 cm. Due to her height, she continuously appears on-ramp, shooting lingerie and swimwear campaigns.
2 Focus On Your Fitness
Being plus size doesn’t mean that you are forbidden to eat healthily and go to the gym. If you want to become a household name for plus-size modeling, you have to hit the gym to tone your muscles and maintain your curves.
For example, if we talked about Ashely, she followed an intense workout routine to maintain her curves. Similarly, Sports Illustrated star Kate Wasley studied personal training and nutrition to help her body become more healthy and fit.
Instead of focusing on any specific part of the body, you should take on every part of their bodies to keep everything perfect and bootyful for your modeling debut. Start with practicing cardio, weights, and try to do yoga to become photo-ready. Try to fuel your body with the healthiest foods like green juices, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and sugars.
3 Study About The Scope Of Plus Size Modeling
The world is changing fastly, and so are the standards and stereotypes of people. Beauty is just a single and not very important trait of a successful model. To rule the fashion industry, you should be clear about what you want and how you can get it, and most importantly, what type of modeling is suitable for your body type.
There are millions of opportunities you can opt for a job, such as
- Runway model
- Online store, commercial model
- Acting in video advertisements
- Music video, film, or TV extra
Choosing one option does not mean that you have to stick with it your entire life. A lot of plus-size models are successful in more than one type of niche. American plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham, known for her confidence and outspoken character, has been on the cover of every top magazine of the US, appeared on different runway shows, and did blogging and advertisement campaigns simultaneously.
4 Prepare To Face The Camera
When posing in front of a camera lens, many people start getting uncomfortable, which creates an awkward situation, resulting in bad pictures. So Before going to the agency or making your portfolio try to practice in front of the camera. Just simply have fun in front of the camera and try to figure out what angles suit your face best and enhance your body curves.
Let us share some tips which might help you to get the best clicks. For posing a portrait, relax your face and focus on your eyes with a side squint. It is essential to look stretched out as a model; Therefore, try to stretch the neck when the cameraman takes your picture. Make sure that your face is highlighted with perfect light, which means that light should be in front of you or to your side.
5 Create Your Modeling Portfolio
When it comes to Plus size modeling, you need a fantastic modeling portfolio to kickstart your career and increase your chances of getting noticed by agencies and companies.
Nowadays, it’s a myth that you need to spend a fortune to set up a modeling portfolio. Now that you are comfortable in front of the camera hire a professional photographer to capture your best angles. Search on the internet and browse through photography portfolios online.
However, if you have a low budget, you can look for a person who does photography for his studies or stepped into the industry recently because he will charge less. After this, we highly recommend you hire a professional hair and makeup artist who has experience doing faces for pictorials.
6 Build Your Network
If you want to pursue your career in plus-size modeling, networking is a crucial asset. Try to attend hiring events or conferences where you can meet top agencies and other people who can help you get hired. You can introduce yourself to their representatives and get a feel for the agency.
Networking will also enable you to meet other plus-size models that can guide you in your career. If you become successful in establishing connections, you can possibly establish connections with a brand that requires a plus-size model. But be careful because there is an equal chance of getting scammed.
Remember that any reputable agency doesn’t take a penny from new models who want to work with them or take money from you for creating your portfolio. Moreover, always look for online reviews to check the work ethics and reputation of a modeling agency. Apply the ones who have good reviews on the internet.
7 Contact The Brands That Hire Plus-size Models
Many of the top brands are introducing their clothing line for plus-size females, such as Torrid and Eloquii.On the other hand, Canada plus-size fashion brands like Addition-Elle and Penningtons also hire female plus-size models to pose in their cloth, whereas the Asos Curve, Asos’ plus size brand in the UK.
Moreover, Boohoo Plus offers affordable clothes that are most popular with streetwear lovers. Meanwhile, several fashion brands are introducing clothes for their plus-size customers after body positivity campaigns become popular worldwide.
But keep in mind no one will hire you directly, so before talking to these brands, try to work with local shopkeepers and designers and do shoots for them with the same dedication and effort.
8 Update Your Social Media Platform
If you think about why I needed to become a social media influencer when I wanted to pursue my career in modeling, then you are wrong.
As the world is becoming a global village, many people are hiring and meeting other people online. So on different social media platforms, you might see different ads of plus-size models by different designers and brands.
Be sure to follow and like all the plus-size brands, retailers, designers, and, most importantly plus size models on social media to find new jobs or modeling gigs. All the big names of Plus size modeling industries have millions of followers on their social media accounts. Like, engage a little, so you are on their radar.
Try to post your best pictures every day, and don’t forget to tag all the brands you want to work with, but don’t be too enthusiastic. Write a killer bio on your social media profiles because it will be the first thing people notice and see.
Your bio should include all the essential points about you and engagingly tell your story. It should also provide all required information about you, like your name, current location, email, contact, and areas you want to work with.
