Cover Models

Read me - there's something in here for you! Good covers are appetisers that catch the eye and arouse curiosity about the inner workings of an issue. Models who appear on the front pages have made it. You want that too? You can have it. But how do you become a cover model?

What is a cover model?

The face that greets you on the front cover of fashion magazines such as Vogue Germany, Cosmopolitan or Harper's Bazaar, the oldest of the fashion publications. Or boosting sales of fitness magazines such as Men's Health or Fit for fun. Top dogs among the publications that are also available as e-papers in addition to the print edition.

Why be a cover model?

Page 1 is by no means the sole privilege of stars like Gisele Bündchen or Kate Moss. Good for the image, targeted cover shoots are also used to increase the visibility and recognition of less famous faces. Although the fee may be lower compared to a photo shoot for a complete campaign, that's not the point! A cover shoot is an icing on the cake with value in itself, because it is a priceless step on the career ladder: being a cover model boosts your market value and ensures that you land more - and higher-paying! - jobs. In short: if everyone wants you, you can be choosy - and you can pick and choose your favourite projects.

Which cover model are you?

If you dream of being discovered on the street, forget it. Chance rarely plays out as successfully as it does with models like Toni Garrn. What then? Do your research and find out what type of model you are and where you would like to work. Are you the woman or the man next door who promotes brand products from electric cars to event tents as a commercial model for adverts? Or are you more of a catwalk model who sets the scene for fashion brands - and can therefore also be seen as a cover model on magazines and in online publications? In fashion and editorial modelling, for example, photos tell a story: publishers are looking for models who perfectly match the image of their magazine.

How do you become a cover model?

Your portfolio , model book and social media are a reflection of your work. If you already have a few covers to show, all the better. To fill your portfolio, you need practice, practice ... and more practice! Make the most of the opportunities that cross your path - such as modelling for a local fashion show , working as a hair and make-up model in a hairdressing salon, etc. etc. The aim is to gain experience, make contacts and get your famous foot in the door. And to take expressive photos, as headshots, body shots, in various styles at different locations . One option is TFP = trade for print - this is how both photographers and models expand their portfolios.

What can a modelling agency do for you?

As an upcoming cover model, you are travelling in a highly competitive industry. Do you have the necessary drive to succeed? Congratulations. Now you just need to team up with an established modelling agency . Covers open the door to being booked internationally for the catwalks of New York, London and Paris. Your model agency will support you, act as a model booker between you and the clients and organise shoots and go-sees for you. Did you know? Reputable agencies don't charge you anything for being included in the model file - because they only get their money after a model has been used.

Do you have what it takes to be a cover model?

Beauty has many facets - curvy, freckles, every skin colour. Model measurements? No longer exist in this form, but the must-haves vary according to job and project profile or legal requirements such as a healthy body mass index of at least 18, as in France, for example. The starting age? Generally between 14 and 23, but smart best agers of all ages are also in demand!

Dare to take a career leap now?

Are you a model and want to increase your opportunities and expand your radius? Every day, editors, photographers and production companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland scour the Starboxx database for cover models who fit their projects. Register now for free on starboxx - simply register online and upload your photos!