Article: Though male models have a bit more flexibility in terms of their looks than female models, there are still some general standards that you should meet if you want to be a male model. But if you don't meet all of these standards, don't be too discouraged; if you've really got "the look," then you may be able to find work even if you're below the average height or above the average weight for male models. Here are some points to consider as you decide whether or not you should get in to male modeling: Industry standards are between 6'0" and 6'3" in height. Unlike female models, who are mostly out of work by the age of 25, male models can find work well into their 50s. Men from 15 to 25 make up the "young men's" market. Men from 25 to 35 are the "adult men's" market. A typical weight for men is between 140 and 165, but this will depend on your Body Mass Index. Average measurements are 40 regular to 42 long. Typically, the modeling industry doesn't go for overly hairy men in the chest and arm region. Be prepared to do some waxing before you pursue your career. The type of modeling you do can influence the way you look for work, the type of photos you take to get work, and the approach you take as you start off in your modeling career. For example, you will have to meet different standards to look like a runway model instead of a catalog model, who is supposed to offer a more realistic view of men. Here are the types of modeling that you may pursue: Fashion models promote clothing and apparel. High fashion models work with the famous fashion houses or designers. Editorial models only work for certain publications. Runway models work at fashion shows. Showroom models display clothing at fashion parties or boutiques. Commercial print models are photographed for magazines, newspapers, billboards and other print ad materials. Catalogue models are hired to appear in catalogs. Promotional models work in conventions or trade shows. Specialty models specialize one part of their bodies such as hands, legs, neck, hair or feet. Character models are used to portray ordinary people. Glamour modeling focuses more on the model than the actual product. Though you can skip this step and move right on to trying to sign with an agent, it couldn't hurt to have your face out there and to have some modeling experience so you have something to point to when you approach agencies. Try to appear in local newspaper ads, TV shows, magazines, or even fashion shows. You might get the attention of the right people without even appealing to an agent directly. However, this does not mean that you should get absolutely any work you can. Remember that you're trying to build and maintain your image, so don't do something that is completely below your dignity, not taken by a real photographer, or which doesn't represent who you are at all. Do not shoot in anything less than your underwear unless you're getting paid. You may be told that you should shoot nude or an implied nude to get some free photos, but you should avoid these kinds of offers like the plague. Don't shoot nude unless it's for a professional, reputable, and established a company that pays you for your work. If you take nudes with sketchy photographers, who knows where they will end up. Though you'll be able to develop your portfolio after you sign with an agency, getting some professional photos taken beforehand will make you look professional and will give you something to point to if you catch the eye of someone in the industry. Don't just get your photo taken by someone with a cheap camera who only has experience taking yearbook photos; get your photo snapped by an above-average photographer so that you look, well, above average. Make sure you get a Model Release form signed by every photographer you work with. This will ensure that you know exactly what happens to the photos that are taken of you. Don't waste your time with a "portrait" photographer. You want to take modeling shots, not your senior year photo. Make sure that you have a standard headshot and multiple full body shots. Because people needing your services will probably want to see what your body type looks like, include a full body shot in shorts or underwear and a tank top. Include an additional shot in casual clothing, and the third shot in business casual or a full suit. Get black-and-white and color photos. Unfortunately, scams are all too present in the modeling agency. You can get scammed during pretty much any step along the way, from being tricked into taking expensive photos from a shady photographer or getting "signed" with a fake or disreputable agent. Here are some things to be wary about as you move forward: Photographers who charge ridiculous rates for getting your portfolio together. Once you sign up with an agency, you'll be able to fully develop your portfolio, so avoid the pushy photographers who offer to sell you a portfolio for thousands of dollars, claiming it's the only way for you to approach an agent. Agencies who charge exorbitant up-front fees. If an agent asks you for a large registration or portfolio fee, run for the hills. Agents shouldn't profit until they get you a gig and get a cut of your profit. These untrustworthy agencies will typically not have many clients, be new in the industry, and won't have the connections necessary to get you work. Expensive modeling schools. Keep in mind that there are no certified schools for modeling. Sure, they can help you learn how to walk, pose, and manage your facial expressions, but you may be better off learning these skills online or from reading a book. These schools may claim to get you work, but don't get sucked in to them unless they can really prove that they have helped other models get work. People who approach you out of the blue. Sure, the occasional model has a story about being randomly approached at an event or even at a nightclub being told that he has "the look," but most of the time, this is done by shady characters who think they can get money just by stroking your ego. If these men ask for shady methods of payment, this is even more of an indicator that you should stop contact with them. Of course, if these men prove to have real connections, then you just got lucky. People who offer you money for your personal information online. Avoid any online sites, such as Model Mayhem, where people may offer you money in exchange for your credit card information and other personal information. This makes you a target for identity theft. If you're really serious about being a male model, then you can't live in a town with only two traffic lights forever. You should move to one of the big modeling cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles, London, Milan or Paris. You might also find regional work in other cities such as Chicago or Miami. Don't feel like you can't be a model if you can't afford the move right away; try looking up model searches in your area or contact agencies directly from home (more on that later).

What is a summary?
Meet the industry standards. Decide what kind of modeling you are interested in pursuing. Get some exposure. Get some professional photos taken. Avoid scams. Consider moving to a big city.