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" If you&amp;#039;ve been caught rocking out to Madonna&amp;#039;s &amp;quot;Vogue&amp;quot; more than once and you think you want to give the catwalk a real shot, check out these 17 tips that all-star model, Porschla Kidd, gave us on how to break into the biz! 1. There is no need to go to scouting events and pay a lot of money. You can submit pictures directly to agencies.  &amp;quot;Coming from Gulfport, Mississippi, where fashion and modeling are planets away, I fell victim to trying to break into the modeling world through scouting events at pricey hotels. We spent thousands hoping for a big break and needless to say, I never even got signed to an agency!&amp;quot; 2. Take digital images for submissions\u2014nothing professional! Have someone take them against a plain wall (close-ups to see face and full body shots). You should wear a bathing suit. 3. Along with pictures, submit measurements and stats including name, age, height, waist size and contact info. 4. When visiting agencies in person, you should be simple. Wear skinny jeans, a white tank or tee, and heels. Let your beauty speak for it self. Absolutely NO makeup! 5. Do your research to make sure an agency is legit. You can check their talent license in the state they are in. 6. You shouldn&amp;#039;t have to pay any up front fees to be with an agency. If an agency wants to represent you, they will advance the cost to develop you. 7. A big name agency isn&amp;#039;t always the best to go with. There are many great boutique agencies that can launch your career. You want to go with the agency that is most excited about you. 8. Plan for the long haul. Every model doesn&amp;#039;t have immediate success. It can take a year or two before you make enough money to support yourself. 9. Make sure you know what your expenses are from an agency and keep track of all of your jobs.  &amp;quot;It&amp;#039;s so important to be aware of your &amp;quot;charge backs.&amp;quot; I remember I got booked for a high paying job and I was so excited to finally get a check\u2014NOT! When I received my check the amount payout was $0! I was so confused. I looked at my account and saw a laundry list of charges. They were all legit, but I was so naive in knowing.&amp;quot; 10. Models are paid as sub-contractors, so keep your receipts and have an accountant that can let you know what you are allowed to write off as a business expense. &amp;quot;You have to understand business. I didn&amp;#039;t have much guidance financially and never put money aside for taxes\u2014big mistake! I was slapped in the face when I received a letter from the IRS. Oops!&amp;quot; 11. It seems like a glamorous life, but the industry has to be looked at as a business. Always be professional even when others are not, be on time and show that you are serious. 12. Make sure your lifestyle is conducive to modeling. Eat healthy, exercise, and make sure your skin is always clear. &amp;quot;Always be prepared. I can&amp;#039;t tell out how many times I got that call about a job and my body was out of shape and my skin was broken out!&amp;quot; 13. Do your research on photographers and designers. Know what client you are seeing on your go-see and dress appropriately.  14. When traveling abroad, make sure you know the expenses you will be paying for (there are sometimes extra hidden fees)! 15. Never compromise your integrity.  16. Develop a good relationship with your booker and always keep a positive attitude. 17. Don&amp;#039;t be gullible! Enjoy every minute, but be smart!  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/celeb-beauty/news/a19130/porschla-kidd-modeling-tips/>