Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (Paperback)

by Natasha Esch (Author), C.L. Walker (Author) "Generally, your chances of becoming successful as a female print model are best if you are between 5'9" and 5'11", a dress size 6-8, with..." (more)
Key Phrases: catalog rates, editorial model, modeling industry, New York, Calvin Klein, Wilhelmina Models (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
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. -- Review

Review
Dominique PalomboPhotographer for Seventeen and MademoiselleIf 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 MagazineNatasha 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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (June 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684814919
• ISBN-13: 978-0684814919
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.3 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.com Sales Rank: #460,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 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

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.

15 of 18 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)

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.

12 of 14 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

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!