How To Become A Plus Size Model Or Influencer

As a professional plus size model, emcee, actress, and influencer, I get asked all the time…. “How do I get started in the industry?”

Slink Magazine x 11Honoré NYFW Event NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Adui Delvalle, Candice Christian, Christopher Salute, Carmina Suzanne and Anna O”u2019Brien attend Slink Magazine x 11Honoré NYFW Event at 111 8th Ave. on February 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Amber De Vos/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

This industry isn’t for the faint hearted. If you are someone who is not persistent, does not have time or energy to invest, can not take constructive criticism, does not work well with others, is in this for the immediate monetary return, than honey…. click the back button out of this blog…. sorry to say, but modeling isn’t for YOU! If you can take a punch, learn to be compatible under pressure, wanting to network and connect with new people, then modeling MAY be for you. I choose to say the word may because so many times one can not keep up. It’s not easy. But I can do my best to explain where to start and how to start.

Headshot: Meagan Gumpert Photography

First things first,

No one will hire you without good photos. You MUST have a full portfolio. What is a full portfolio?

• Headshots (indoor/studio & outdoor)
• Swimsuit
• Formal/ High Fashion
• Commercial/ Casual wear
• Runway
• Product

Be sure to go with QUALITY photographers…. the image quality absolutely matters. Invest in paying for a few different photographers that excel in their own areas. You do not want to ask a headshot photographer to take high fashion photos of you. It just won’t look as good as someone who specializes in that area or style.

(Stay tuned to my blog for another post about the best Plus Size knowledgeable photographers.)

IG @candi_m_and_ms

Secondly,

Clean up your IG and Facebook. Social media’s greatest use is free marketing. Use social media as a tool to promote yourself and your modeling career. Do not use social media as a selfie catch all.

This was something I struggled with for a while. I didn’t want to delete all my photos off my Instagram or Facebook. But I didn’t want brands to look at my social media and think I was just another amateur model. My talent manager gave me some of the best advice, archive any photo not relevant to promoting modeling or others brands. That means no selfies, no Snapchat filters, no over sexy photos, no drunken nights, so basically nothing but professional photos. Period. 

I would also suggest to try to start posting at least once a day. You can use scheduler apps to try to pre-post some things so it doesn’t weigh down on you daily. If you don’t have enough photos or content yet, post a little quote every other post. Keep the same consistency within your photo editing and quote templates.

Next thing you know brands will be in your inbox begging you to promote their products. It will pay off soon I promise.

Photo: Irene Miller @ Orlando Fashion Battle 4 – Hosted by Candice Christian and Dre Ben Frank

Next,

ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE!!!!!!

Do not go to a fashion show, casting call, or networking event without comps cards or business cards. Be proactive. Approach people, tell them who you are in 2-3 short sentences…. EX: Hey how are you? Im Candice, I’m a plus size model, talent coordinator, and I work for a few magazines, here’s my card, let’s connect… are you on IG?

Boom done. Don’t over complicate it. But be sure to be confident and know the image you want to promote.

Then once you have their IG go message them the next day and say “Hey it was great meeting you yesterday I’d love to collaborate with you!”.

If you want to connect with a brand or person you follow on IG…. engage with them. Like their posts, comment, and then after a good repetitive like/comment streak, reach out to them via DM.

Be sure to collaborate with others within the industry. The more people involved in one project the more audience will see it. Makes since right? It’s all about who you know and who you connect with!

Interview with JaxOdyssey

Here’s where it get a little hard,

Many of the shows or jobs you’re going to book while you’re first starting will not be paid. You will more than like have to do this for at least a year to get a decent resume built up.

Charity fashion shows are great runway starters. Local small boutiques and businesses are great to help promote commercial types of modeling. But DO NOT…. I repeat DO NOT… EVER pay to be in a show!!!!! Now there are some exceptions….

• The show you are paying to be in gives you ALL UNWATERMARKED photos AND video from the event.
• The show you are paying to be in does the following AND allows you to keep the garment.
• The show you are paying to be in also coaches you along the way…. EX: modeling lessons, portfolio reviews, resume review, brand leads, etc

If any of these do not apply then do not pay.

I suggest going to at least one fashion relevant event a month to stay in the know of things. You don’t have to always participate in them either, just go to network! The more people see you the more they will want to know you. It’s not easy to stay on top of things but in order to be successful, this piece of the industry is a MUST.

Photo: KevinMax Photography

Just know,

The only person who is going to promote you is YOU. Once you have done all of the following for AT LEAST 6 months, apply to some agencies. Legitimate agencies will not charge you to join their agency. Find their website and apply on there. You should find a section called “Become A Model” or something similar. They will ask you for certain photos, measurements, bios, resumes, etc. Be thorough and accurate on these things. Local agencies are great starts to getting paid locally. Larger agencies are great for big brands but it involves many unpaid travels and castings. So be mindful of where you want your career to go immediately.

Photo: Brian L Giddings Photography

So, all in all, just know modeling isn’t for everyone. Also know that I am always here if you have any questions or concerns along the way! I have been through the good and bad sides of the industry and have always said I will forever help those trying to navigate this crazy world! Feel free to comment below or reach out to me via IG @candi_m_and_ms .