How to Start a Modeling Career in Your 40s

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By Miko Holt, eHow Contributor

Fashion image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com

If you're interested in starting a modeling career and you're age 40 or over, then you have determined that you have the look and flair to compete in the fashion industry. Staring a career in modeling requires careful planning. According to fashion writer Mary Marino, "Youth is overrated." Marino also notes, that the standardized version of beauty no longer applies to the industry of fashion. So, if you're determined to enter modeling, regardless of your age, you can make your dreams a reality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Personal computer
• Internet access
• Portfolio
• Composite cards

1. 1
   Choose your best style of hair and makeup. Depending on the length of your hair, choose a style that is most attractive and fits the contour of your face. For example, for longer necks, shoulder-length hair suits this body type. Choose good makeup colors. Play around with different shades and find the colors that complement your eye and lip color.
   
2. 2
   Hire a modeling consultant. Search online or in your local advertisements and locate a modeling school. Call and inquire about attending a few sessions to learn modeling basics. Express your age to the agency and inform them that you will be starting a modeling career and you are age 40 or over. Some of the basic modeling elements you will need to focus on are walking the runway, posing for photographs and learning facial expressions. Schedule at least three sessions with the consultant.
   
3. 3
   Get headshots. Find a reputable photographer. Inform the photographer that you need professional modeling headshots. Shop around and locate a photographer who fits your budget and needs.
   
4. 4
   Put together a portfolio and composite card, as known as comp card. Models hand out comp cards to modeling agencies or interested parties. Include your height, weight, dress size, size of waist and bust size on the comp card. Your portfolio is designed to hold your best headshots.
   
5. 5
   Find an agency. Locate an agency that specializes in signing models at age 40 and over. Some agencies have started divisions dedicated to finding models age 40 and over. Submit your comp card and portfolio. Make sure to include your availability. Don't limit yourself to one phase of modeling. For example, express interest in commercial print magazine jobs, body shot requests and runway modeling jobs. Let the agency know if you're able to travel.
   
6. 6
   Create a website and place your headshots on the site, including your contact information. Make the website user-friendly and include three pages. These three pages are your home page, portfolio and contact page. Send out an email to the contacts in your directory. Steer those contacts to your website.
   
7. 7
   Register with online modeling communities. One way to boost your career is to network with other professionals your age. Choose communities that promote or have member models who are age 40 and over. Most times, these communities post model searches and are a resource for information. Post a profile, pointing members and the public to your website.

Read more: How to Start a Modeling Career in Your 40s | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/how_6767461_start-modeling-career-40s.html#ixzz14rtJ21ar