Now in our 35th year, the International Cover Model Search is the oldest and largest continuous model search in the world. Every year new top models are discovered - and this this year it could be you
Enter the 2021 INTERNATIONAL COVER MODEL SEARCH now for YOUR chance to win modeling contracts, photo shoots in Miami Beach, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, New York, New York or Los Angeles, California and appear in national and international ad campaigns magazines and catalogs.
Enter the 2021 INTERNATIONAL COVER MODEL SEARCH now for YOUR chance to win modeling contracts, photo shoots in Miami Beach, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, New York, New York or Los Angeles, California and appear in national and international ad campaigns magazines and catalogs.
What do agencies look for in a top model? There is no absolute criteria for becoming a top model as 'the look' can vary widely from season to season and year to year.
Why do top modeling agencies have age and height requirements? This is a simple matter of economics as it is easier for younger models to get started and taller models generally make more money than shorter models. Although there have been some very successful fashion models that are shorter, they are the exception to the rule. (Opportunities do exist for commercial print and petite models, however, so feel free to submit.)
Can male models enter? Yes, we are also accepting submissions from male models age 12 and up.
A beginning model's family is the backbone of her career but by the age 17 or so, you will need to start demonstrating a bit more independence.
Without a supportive mom or dad in the beginning however, your chances of becoming a real working model are slim.
Fashion models usually begin their careers at around 13 to 21 years of age. If you are over 21 and have no tear sheets (actual pages out of magazines) it might be more difficult for you to get picked up by top modeling agencies. Younger models should not go on castings and photo shoots alone, of course, so one or both parents must be involved.
Many careers start with go-sees for designers holding open calls for models to showcase their upcoming lines and after a few seasons of work , your book should have legitimate tear sheets in it.
Couture designers prefer taller girls. If you are interested in other types of modeling, you can give it a try if your less than 5'9". You may make a bit less than your taller sisters, but there is still plenty of work out there in action wear, swim wear, commercial print, film and television.
Supportive moms should work with their daughters to keep their self esteem high. A model has to know herself, however. If a certain job is not for you, don't do it. Many times you will walk out of an open call with a great feeling that you know you got the job, only to sit by the phone and wait.
Most casting directors will try to make sure you are feeling good when you walk out. They may compliment you on your appearance and on your better shots and generally avoid talk of any shortcomings - so you may never know why you didnt get the job.
Once you're in with a designer, however, your career will be on a good path. You can look forward to runway, fit, showroom, trunk shows, catalog, and look-book work.
There are two main seasons in fashion, and you will have most of your jobs coming around twice per year. Magazine editorial work will come from your agency, but you can sometimes get designer work on your own.
Don't worry too much about your facial features. Faces come in a lot of variations but have a few common characteristics agents and photographers want. For example: eyes need to be evenly spaced and in a straight line with the forehead, ears need to be even at top and bottom, lips should be full and nose should be straight without arching too much. (If you fit most of the above requirements, you can work in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami Beach, Tokyo, Milan, Paris, etc. )
Most top agencies do not have time to develop new girls. You may be better off starting out with a smaller agency, get two or three seasons under your belt, and then show your book to the big guns.
If you have a great portfolio, however, top agencies will be more inclined to take you on regardless of your age. So don't worry so much about being signed by a major agency in the beginning. Even if you don't meet their requirements for new faces you may still be picked up by one after you become more established.
You will also be entering as a pro working model as opposed to a new face. They will probably want you to reshoot a portion of your book and/or they will give you a chance to do some editorials. (Editorial work does not pay anywhere near as much as print advertising - but editorials are the key to getting the big ad campaigns.)
You may do less runway work, and more commercial work for designers, cosmetics companies, non fashion companies, etc - and the tear sheets you walk away with will be invaluable.
Whatever you do, however do not attempt to cut corners. Make sure you have full support from one or both parents and find a coach or a mentor to help you prepare for runway work and photo shoots as, if you keep experiencing rejection, it will likely be due to having poor photographs to show and a lack of experience.
Why do top modeling agencies have age and height requirements? This is a simple matter of economics as it is easier for younger models to get started and taller models generally make more money than shorter models. Although there have been some very successful fashion models that are shorter, they are the exception to the rule. (Opportunities do exist for commercial print and petite models, however, so feel free to submit.)
Can male models enter? Yes, we are also accepting submissions from male models age 12 and up.
A beginning model's family is the backbone of her career but by the age 17 or so, you will need to start demonstrating a bit more independence.
Without a supportive mom or dad in the beginning however, your chances of becoming a real working model are slim.
Fashion models usually begin their careers at around 13 to 21 years of age. If you are over 21 and have no tear sheets (actual pages out of magazines) it might be more difficult for you to get picked up by top modeling agencies. Younger models should not go on castings and photo shoots alone, of course, so one or both parents must be involved.
Many careers start with go-sees for designers holding open calls for models to showcase their upcoming lines and after a few seasons of work , your book should have legitimate tear sheets in it.
Couture designers prefer taller girls. If you are interested in other types of modeling, you can give it a try if your less than 5'9". You may make a bit less than your taller sisters, but there is still plenty of work out there in action wear, swim wear, commercial print, film and television.
Supportive moms should work with their daughters to keep their self esteem high. A model has to know herself, however. If a certain job is not for you, don't do it. Many times you will walk out of an open call with a great feeling that you know you got the job, only to sit by the phone and wait.
Most casting directors will try to make sure you are feeling good when you walk out. They may compliment you on your appearance and on your better shots and generally avoid talk of any shortcomings - so you may never know why you didnt get the job.
Once you're in with a designer, however, your career will be on a good path. You can look forward to runway, fit, showroom, trunk shows, catalog, and look-book work.
There are two main seasons in fashion, and you will have most of your jobs coming around twice per year. Magazine editorial work will come from your agency, but you can sometimes get designer work on your own.
Don't worry too much about your facial features. Faces come in a lot of variations but have a few common characteristics agents and photographers want. For example: eyes need to be evenly spaced and in a straight line with the forehead, ears need to be even at top and bottom, lips should be full and nose should be straight without arching too much. (If you fit most of the above requirements, you can work in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami Beach, Tokyo, Milan, Paris, etc. )
Most top agencies do not have time to develop new girls. You may be better off starting out with a smaller agency, get two or three seasons under your belt, and then show your book to the big guns.
If you have a great portfolio, however, top agencies will be more inclined to take you on regardless of your age. So don't worry so much about being signed by a major agency in the beginning. Even if you don't meet their requirements for new faces you may still be picked up by one after you become more established.
You will also be entering as a pro working model as opposed to a new face. They will probably want you to reshoot a portion of your book and/or they will give you a chance to do some editorials. (Editorial work does not pay anywhere near as much as print advertising - but editorials are the key to getting the big ad campaigns.)
You may do less runway work, and more commercial work for designers, cosmetics companies, non fashion companies, etc - and the tear sheets you walk away with will be invaluable.
Whatever you do, however do not attempt to cut corners. Make sure you have full support from one or both parents and find a coach or a mentor to help you prepare for runway work and photo shoots as, if you keep experiencing rejection, it will likely be due to having poor photographs to show and a lack of experience.
Click HERE to enter the 2021 International Cover Model Search