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It is not enough to simply be a model anymore. With the advent of internet ‘models’ popping up all over and pooping out- there is now a higher standard. Internet modeling has risen above those days of 40MBÂ’s and some fools and moved into a new era- IÂ’ll talk about this more in part 3- for now, lets get down to business and get technical.

With models a dime a dozen (and most of the dozen are FAR from dimes)- there has to be something that sets you apart from the rest of the group..so here is how to measure your success as an internet model and how to gauge if you need to throw in the towel and pick a new profession. Here are the six major steps to becoming a real model.

1. Do you know your terminology?
Comp card, tear sheet..these are still not bad words- internet models! If you donÂ’t know what these are, you will most likely be considered a joke. Get with the modeling industry terminology- Learn the background of modeling and get your tools in order. If you are going to be a model- don’t reduce yourself to a pixel on a PC screen- get out and do it. Find representation, learn the industry.

2. What do you have to offer?
What is your look? Is it commercial? Mainstream? Alternative? Adult? Find out what you are good at and do YOU. Don’t try to copy someone else..learn from what they did and make it your own. If you have nothing else to offer but a pretty face- you may go far- but not for long. Work your offerings and make them unique so you can build a ‘brandÂ’ of yourself.

3. What is your ‘niche’
After you find out what you have to offer the world, make a niche for it if there isn’t one already. The ‘ethnic’ niche is quite narrow (but has seen a resurgence of popularity in the past few years)- I suggest trying to promote yourself out to the ‘real’ world. Look at Maxim, Playboy, Essence, all the major fashion and men’s or other magazines and figure out where it is you want to go. Where do you fit in in all the fray? Are you a sexy type? Or a Girl Next Door type? Are you Alternative? Or Would you look better in Cosmo? Find your niche after you figure out what it is you have to offer. You don’t have to STAY in this niche- but it will be your grounding factor in the biz.

4. Do you know how to market and promote yourself?
This is where most models fall short. Ok, so now you are a model..how do you gain attention and get fans? Controversy usually is NOT the best way to go unless you are a veteran in the field and can handle it. Yahoo groups and MSN groups are a good way to start- but most models get stuck there. Go to clubs and hand out postcards of your site or mini zeds. Try to get write ups in online zines or magazine reviews, try to get your name and your face out there. Subscribe to the major mags in your niche- look on the inside cover for the mailing address and send them your pictures with a promo letter. Start a forum- join forums and talk there- the more you are seen, the better. Email other models and do picture trades, features, reciprocal linking. Join toplists. Traffic is good- it means you have been seen. Work your traffic- start a mailing list either in a group or on your site (www.yourmailinglistprovider.com is good free one) and keep them posted on whatÂ’s going on. DonÂ’t forget to add META TAGS (http://www.scrubtheweb.com/abs/builder.html) to your website (yes, EVERY PAGE)- this is essential in being picked up by some browsers- so work your programming and html a bit and come up with some good ones Some models have mastered this art of marketing and promotion- and some that have been in the field for years still have not gotten the equation. When you figure it out, youÂ’ll have hit gold. So put your thinking caps on.

5. How do you stay ahead of the game?
With a million models (and I use the term sometimes loosely) hitting the scene every day- how do you stay ahead of the game? By constantly marketing, promoting, and putting yourself in front of peopleÂ’s faces and in their minds. Once you have the other steps done, it should not be hard. You need to focus on where you want to go, what you want to do, and constantly be willing to try new looks. You can do TFP for a while to build your portfolio..but donÂ’t give it all away. Charge minimum hourly rate after you have a good book built. Research the photographers that have contacted you and check their books- if their work is shoddy or they go somewhere you donÂ’t want to go (ie: like they do nudes and you don’t want to)- decide if you want to do that and if not, pass. Use your resources like onemodelplace.com and musecube.com and all the other databases out there- but keep in mind that there are some perverts and fakes out there that will waste your time and trick you. Get a model release (even if the photographer has one, get your OWN) and make sure its signed. Put your terms (if you are TFP or paid) on the release and have a witness. Protect yourself. Watermark your photos! (www.digitaldutch.com has a good program to do that discreetly) Keep it in perspective and have fun testing with new peopleÂ… but if a big photographer (big name) comes knocking on your door- let him in- it can only help build your name and your book. Constantly shooting and building a book and a look is how you stay ahead of the game. Some internet models have pictures and a book that is several years old. Stay a step ahead.

6. Do you have all your ‘tools’ to succeed?
Once you have your terminology down, do you have all your tools? You should have a website with a bio, portfolio, demo reels, fan club, contact or agent page, and a forum if you so choose. Stay AWAY from diaries- most agents donÂ’t like to delve all into a modelÂ’s mind and some models kill themselves in agents eyes with this. DonÂ’t put yourself all OUT THERE- business wise and personally its not a good idea. Sure, you can have a ‘diaryÂ’ and talk about fluffy, things (like a recent shoot) but donÂ’t talk about your breakup with your boyfriend or your political views or anything too personal. You should have a portfolio with shots from each genre (commercial, editorial, swimsuit, headshots, etc) and hopefully by now some tearsheets or interviews you can put in there with some magazines. If you didn’t get this..thats ok- perhaps you need to find a new profession. This industry is fast paced and cut throat and not for everyone. Either come correct and step firm- or don’t step at all. Don’t half step or pussy foot or half ass do things. There are enough out there that do that already. Believe in yourself-Get it all together, and put it together. Whatever you have done thus far- you are an internet model...A real one. Email me for your diploma. You have graduated into model-land.