Higher Learning... A Model's Education

There is some debate in the SL modeling community as to whether or not attending modeling school would be beneficial to you career. Simply put, the answer is YES! I can tell you from personal experience that you benefit for a number of reasons including you learn the basics of SL Modeling, you establish a support system and networking group, you receive tools and resources designed to assist you in your career and in many cases you have an opportunity to gain experience by participating in a photo shoot and runway show.

Some may argue that some of the top models in Second Life never attended modeling schools. That might be true, but most of them are now affiliated with or run a school. Further, most agencies won’t even consider taking you on unless you’ve had formal training.

All modeling schools are not created equally. Some schools offer prestige while others offer the bare essentials. The best way to determine what’s best for you is to do some research and determine where you will fare the best. Prices range anywhere from 3000 – 10000L and the programs generally run for a week or two. I know you may think that these prices are steep but modeling is not an inexpensive undertaking. Modeling school is one of the best investments you can make if you are serious about a career in the industry.

Several agencies have their own schools and it might be a good idea to attend a school that is tied to an agency that you know to be hiring new models. Another option might be for you to attend a school affiliated with an agency that you aspire to be a part of someday. While some of the more well known agencies do not typically hire models fresh out of their academies, they have been known to provide modeling opportunities to alums.

Some of you may prefer a more untraditional approach to studying (i.e. one on one instruction or a more flexible class schedule). There are programs out there for you too, you just have to do your homework. Others may even deem it beneficial to attend more than one school like I did. That worked for me because I was able to apply what I learned during the first program in the second and thus was a much better student the second time around. Personally, I had a much better understanding of the tools and resources made available to me the second time around.

If money is an issue for you right now, please note that most schools start new classes monthly and they offer class times that work for just about anyone. So don’t worry, you will be able to make this work.

Some Modeling schools that you may want to look at as part of your research include the following:

Ewing
UVogue
GLANCE
EVANE
Avenue
Neiva Kumasi
Super Elite
Boulevard
Moda
Maniera

Build upon this list and take the time to compare what the schools offer. Then take the time to determine which one best suits you. Good Luck!