Despite what you see on the cover of Vogue magazine commercial 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 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 modeling photo galleries 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 commercial 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 editorial 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 editorial 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 with beauty cosmetic 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.
Source: http://www.instantcast.com/
