Supermodels SA November 2014 Issue 39 | Page 51

TIPS FOR PLUSSIZE MODELS: 1. Take care of your body. Plus-size models aren’t obese or unhealthy. Clients and modelling agencies require that you have a firm, toned body, a defined waist and no stretchmarks. You should exercise and eat healthily and, most importantly, exude confidence. 2. Measure up. To work as a plus-size model in South Africa you must be at least 1.68m tall and wear a size 38 to 44. Your body must be in proportion, which means not too busty; everything needs to be balanced. 3. Find the right agency. Don’t be discouraged if the first agency you approach turns you down. If you’re not what they are looking for in terms of their height and size requirements, keep looking. It’s important to have an agency, though. An agency will help you put together a portfolio, send you to castings, negotiate on your behalf and give you advice. They’ll also provide you with a Z-card. This is a model’s ‘business card’ and consists of pictures of you in different shoots and your agency’s contact details. Source: Elle Magazine Sout Africa