Bikini Models

About Bikini Models

Bikini models fill a specific niche in the world of modeling. You'll find them in fashion magazines, catalogs, on the Internet, on fashion runways, opening shopping centers and drawing attention to the newest vehicles at the auto show.

Physical fitness plays a large role in the swimwear modeling industry. Along with lingerie models, these women must have the supreme confidence to strut their stuff in little more than strips of elastic fabric. A pretty face is a great asset, but cellulite, love handles and a flabby stomach will not win the majority of jobs being offered. It takes a lot of hours working out to achieve the kind of muscle tone and sculpting you see on the most sought after swimwear models.

Sports Illustrated

For most bikini models, Sport Illustrated's Swimsuit issue is the brass ring. The circulation of this single issue is larger than that of any other magazine in the world, and an appearance here can send a model's career into the stratosphere.

Some of SI's favorite models include:

• Elle Macpherson
• Kathy Ireland
• Christie Brinkley
• Bridget Hall
• Carolyn Murphy
• Naomi Campbell

Want to Give It a Shot?

Who knows where the next top bikini model will come from? If you think you have what it takes to join the ranks of today's leading bikini models, there's only one way to find out. Go for it!

Here's a basic list of what you'll need to begin promoting yourself and building your career.

High Quality Photos

Glossy hard copies and digital images will both come in handy since you may want to submit them in person and online. This is one area where it definitely does not pay to cut costs. Hire the best professional photographer you can afford, and keep your portfolio as recent as possible.

Of course you'll need bikini shots, but for your general portfolio consider wearing a regular string bikini instead of a more revealing micro. You can never be sure exactly what each job will call for, so it's best to start out with a suit that is attractive but tasteful.

You should also have available:

• Head shots- These should show off your face and hair to your best advantage.
• Action shots- These can be shots of you running, working out, playing beach volleyball, etc. The point is to show some animation and personality, things that will help you stand out from the pack.

A Resume

If you're starting from scratch, your resume will likely be thin, but you will still need to include:

• Full contact info- This includes your home phone, cell phone number, email, etc. If an employer wants more info or even wants to hire you, he/she will need to reach you immediately. Remember, there may be hundreds of other models vying for the same job. If you're not available for an immediate reply, you may just loose out on the job.
• Your bio- Include your basic statistics such as height, weight and age, then move on to some more interesting facts about yourself.
• Be sure to include any industry-related experience you've had, including any modeling jobs, photo shoots, swimsuit contests, beauty pageants, etc. The more experience you have, the better your chances of at least getting a call.

An Agent

Agents are not easy to come by when you're first starting out. It's the old "catch-22" in action- you can't get experience without an agent, and you can't get an agent without experience. However, if your photos are really good, and you submit them to enough modeling agencies, you're bound to get a bite from at least one agent.

Conclusion

Many models start out working in the swimwear industry and parlay their careers into their own fashion labels, television shows, websites, magazines and more. The keys to success are hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It also doesn't hurt to have a great body in the bargain.