Even with the current media focus on the ugly and humiliating reality–TV version of modelling, being a fashion model is still the dream of many young girls, and some guys. For those who have never been in front of the camera, it can be difficult to sort out how far removed the dramatized version of modelling is from the real-life, everyday profession.

A good first step is to contact a few reputable modelling agencies. Some advise people to send snapshots, while others have what is called “open call”, where potential models can drop in during a designated time. “You don’t need to spend any money before you have been approved by a reputable agency,” says Rya Berkelaar, a booker with Richard’s Model Management in Vancouver. An agency will tell you on the spot if you have what it takes to be a model, since they won’t invest their resources in someone who they don’t think will get work.

In order to be considered by agents, girls must be between 5-8 and 5-11, and guys between 5-11 and 6-2; both sexes must have good skin and hair, and have the much-sought-after slim body. Agencies and clients prefer potential models to have a clean, unadorned look so that they can evaluate their features. “We are looking for a natural, fresh face—girls who haven’t coloured their hair or plucked their eyebrows,” says Jayne Craig, a booker from Lizbell Agency.

A successful model can’t rely on looks alone; it’s important to have a personality that makes clients want to work with you. “Obviously it’s your look too, but if you don’t have a good personality, you won’t get work,” says Kyla Jamieson, a model with Lizbell Agency.

Emma Hansen, also with Lizbell Agency, puts it this way: “You can’t be just another pretty face—there has to be something else about you.” In fashion capitals like New York and Milan, which are teeming with freakishly beautiful girls, this seems particularly relevant.

Since Vancouver has a comparatively small market for fashion, agencies make sure that the models they sign will be able to work internationally. Jamieson has worked in Hong Kong, Paris, Toronto, and, having just gotten her U.S. work visa, will soon take on New York. “Modelling is hard work, but it’s a really great job,” she says. “The best parts are definitely working with new people every day. You meet so many people that you wouldn’t get to meet otherwise.” Both she and Hansen agree that travelling and experiencing different cultures is the most rewarding aspect of the profession. The downside, they say, is the demanding schedule, which can be stressful. For example, on a recent booking in Europe, Hansen travelled for 15 hours, shot for seven hours, and then took a 15-hour flight back to Vancouver.

Although the short-lived nature of the job is unfortunate, modelling can be a means of gaining experience for careers down the road. “We don’t recommend anyone to quit school to be a supermodel,” Craig says, an indication of the unpredictability of the business and the importance of cultivating broader ambitions.

As Berkelaar, who has personal experience being a model, says, “You have to be positive, determined, tough, and you have to really want to succeed. It takes a lot of work—there are no guarantees and no formulas.” For those who are blessed with this culture’s narrow beauty ideal, it makes for a unique challenge.