After the fantastic feedback we received back from our Barking and Dagenham model competition on the 31^st August it made us, in the main office of fashion capital, think about how many potential successful models there are, all just waiting to be whisked off and made to strut their stuff! There is still one question which still needed to be answered, if you're not size 0 with legs up to your arm pits is it still possible to become so successful?

The urge to begin a modelling career can also run into many dangers which aren't as highlighted and focused on by the media as they should be. Both girls and boys are equally as hungry for fame and the potential success being a model could provide them with, willing to put themselves in a substantial amount of danger to make this a reality.

The instant connection with the modelling industry is you have to be thin, the thinner the better for girls, NOT true! And for boys, the more toned and muscular you are the better, also NOT true!

To keep all our readers and possible models safe when trying to reach their modelling goal I have comprised a few helpful hints to guide you in the right direction and also be more aware of the scams which are also there, as there are thousands ready to jump onto any vulnerable beauties!

Firstly your agent:

• You don't have to pay any ‘joining' or ‘registration' fee. They are offering a service of representing you as they see you as a potential success for both yourself and them. A percentage of your earnings per job are completely different and this is correct. (This is how they earn their money)
• As soon as you choose to join the agency, draw up a contract and agreement. The agency should already have a pre one made up, which they give to all their other models. Read through it carefully. If you have any queries let them know and they'll be willing to solve them.
• At the end of each payment, your agent should provide you with an exact breakdown of any costs charged to your account. How the money you earned has been distributed, again if you disagree speak up. Keep all receipts of payments incase you need to refer back to them.
• Any charges taken for the agency should be accounted for, both reasonably and able to be justified.
• Remember, the agency is working for you, not the other way around. They are being paid at an agreed rate of commission to find you suitable work.
• Do not sign an agreement form with your agent if you are at all unsure. You should have full trust in them. If not then they're not the right one for you.

Booking

• Once you have a confirmed booking you should be told by your agent exactly where and when it is, and what you have to do. You should always be aware of any semi or full nudity being required form you before you arrive on set. If you haven't agreed to this before arriving on set then you don't have to do it.
• If you at any time feel un-easy or un-comfortable when working at a shoot then you should immediately tell your agent. Whether this be sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior. It shouldn't occur no matter who you are; Kate Moss wouldn't accept it so why should you?
• When on set there should be private changing areas and access to hot and cold water, wherever possible.
• You are entitled to breaks through the booking, if it gets to the fourth hour and you're yet to sit down, speak up. You should have an hour lunch and decent food should be available. Liquid should be available throughout the day.
• If you are asked to work later than 10:30pm or close to when transport closes then you should be provided with a taxi home, this also being paid for.

Health

• No-one should put you under-pressure to loose weight, especially your agent. They saw what you looked like when you signed the agreement and therefore you shouldn't be expected to magically transform into a smaller size just because you signed a contract.
• Eat a balanced diet, 5 portions of fruit and Veg is a good start. Making your skin glow and vitamin c levels high. Oily fish, nuts and spinach are all great contributors to your iron levels and should be eaten regularly, though all in moderation! Brown rice and bread are far better than white processed sliced bread or deep fat fried noodles.
• Steaming or grilling is far better than frying in copious amounts of oil or butter.
• Get off the bus or train a stop earlier and walk, although it's not much every little helps, and you'll soon be reaping the benefits.
• Your image is the most important thing about becoming a model. Make sure your hair is clean and well groomed, your nails aren't bitten or half painted with nail polish and lastly keep make up down to a minimum, otherwise they'll just ask you to remove it upon arival. 
• Chocolate is not bad, and defiantly should not be cut out of your diet. ‘Fatty' foods aren't bad for you, if eaten in moderation. Plus nibbling on a lettuce leaf isn't half as much fun as having a sugary tea and two biscuits in front of a girly film!

My three top tips in succeeding are: 

• Have you got the ‘right' look? Although there isn't a set look every agency and booker will have their personal preferences. The normal 5'9" size 8 still exists and is still as popular as ever are most likely to get most bookings. However the modelling industry is a diverse place. Plus size, petite and a range of non stereotypical agencies are now widely available and continuously growing in popularity. Be realistic, most of us are aware if we have the ability to join the ranks of ‘beautiful people'
• Your attitude. Your P&Q's are just as important, arrive on time, listen carefully to instructions and most importantly follow them, it's the designers photo shoot not yours, dont be afraid to add a hint of your own personality as each successful model has their own look/style but also remember to respect.
• Find yourself the best agent. As well as find you fantastic jobs you must be able to get along with them, otherwise either of you wont benefit from each other.

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