Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling [Paperback]

Natasha Esch (Author), C.L. Walker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 1996

Every year, thousands of young men and women descend on America's largest cities to make it big in the world of modeling. Unfortunately, most of them end up disappointed because they lack the knowledge they need to work in this exciting industry.

A few do make it, though, and you can be one of those who do. In The Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling, Natasha Esch reveals all her secrets to give you the edge you need.

In this informative and illustrated manual, you'll learn about:
• How to get started and find the right agency.

• The modeling opportunities in domestic and foreign markets, including new opportunities in the plus-size, male, and ethnic segments.

• The people who make it happen, including interviews with models, photographers, and stylists.

• And much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dominique Palombo Photographer for Seventeen and Mademoiselle If you want to know about reality -- not glamour and gossip -- read this. This guide will definitely give a head start to anyone thinking of becoming a model.

Top Model Magazine Natasha Esch shares the experience and insight of her own success in the exciting but competitive world of modeling. A must-read for any aspiring model looking for inspiration.

About the Author

Natasha Esch is the president of Wilhelmina Models. She is the author of Wilhelmina's Guide to Child Modeling and Wilhelmina's Modeling and Acting Dictionary. She lives in New York City.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684814919
• ISBN-13: 978-0684814919
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy-to-follow advice, May 3, 2000

By 

Gertrud35173 "Elise" (San Clemente, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (Paperback)

I have been an editorial/fashion/runway model for 10 years. This is definetely the best book I have read on the subject. I wish I had been written before I started out, because it would have saved me from some of the pitfalls in the business.

Natasha's writing is short and to the point, -without leaving anything out. It does contain a sample letter you can send to the agencies. It shows you exactly what kind of pictures to send to the agencies, as well. How to dress. What make-up to wear (or not wear). Everything you need to know.

I love her chapter on the foreign markets (London, Milan, Tokyo etc.) because she describes it exactly the way it is.

Another favourite chapter of mine, you get to know how photografers, stylists and designers feel about models....and what they expect from us.

She walks you through everything from A - Z. I can't think of anything she forgot to write about.

Best of Luck.....and go for it.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very little substance., August 30, 2004

By 

B. Hsu (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (Paperback)

Essentially this book, with its large fonts and generous helpings of superfluous pictures, contained scant information about the modeling industry. The pages are just filled with very shallow and unsubstantiated statements such as, "Your agent will navigate your career, setting in motion a business and promotional plan geared to market fully your unique looks and talent", with no further elaboration. Take for example its chapter on "Ethinic Modeling". It glazes over the subject on how its such a promising area of the industry and tops it off with two short interviews with 2 female black models - 7 pages in all, with plenty of pictures might I add. The interviews themselves were just as disappointing with superficial statements of little substance that only glamorizes the modelling industry. Above all, the author insults the reader's intelligence by shamelessly pitching the Wilhelmina modeling agency almost every other page. In fact, the entire book's message boils down to - try to sign up with an model agency (no less the Wilhelmina) and expect a 20% commission rate. Those who have rated this book 5 stars are obviously the author or Wilhemlmina employees.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book For Anyone Interested In Modeling!!!, November 9, 2001

By 

"silverveil" (near Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (Paperback)

I have been modeling for almost three years now; I wish I had read this book when I first started out! It does cover the business pretty well: how to get started, how to pick up speed and get ahead of the competition, etc. Very detailed advice on things YOU NEED TO KNOW, including what is expected from you by agencies and photograpers. I would especially recommend this book to all the aspiring models and New Faces out there!! Just remember that if you want to model, look up a few agencies and contact them TODAY! Never put off something so important that it can change your life forever!