Start by getting a professional headshot

-the most immediately visible piece of your brand is your headshot. This is your logo. And it´s the first thing casting directors see before deciding whether to book you. So, when planning your headshot, above all, prepare, prepare, prepare

Here are some tips you need to consider

-casting is done digitally now, so agents are looking at closer shots now more than ever. Think “postage-sized” pictures.

-this is not a place where you want to cut corners or be cheap. So, don´t do it! If you´re serious about your career and playing with the big boys, invest in photos that will communicate your level of commitment and professionalism.

-present yourself in a polished way in your resume and headshot. Because if you send casting directors an amateurish resume and old, crummy photo, guess what? Whether it´s true or not, you´ve just told them you´re unprofessional actor and you´ll be better off to go back to community theater and get out of this market

-this is your session, not the photographer´s. Be specific about what you want in your photo to convey your brand

-a professional headshot is essential if you truly want a successful acting career

Once you know what it is you´re selling, your brand, it is much easier to get a dynamic headshot that will attract the roles you want

-know first what you´re selling

-for the sake of preparation, build your character from the shoes up. But remember that you´re only going to be seen from the collar of your shirt and above

-get plenty of rest before a shoot

-choose four current TV, film, theatre or commercial characters you can play. Decide what they´ll wear and what they´d be saying. Give each character at least four lines of dialogue so you understand their character better. This will give you three or four looks.

-research different photographers in your area and choose three or four that photo the kind of pictures that match your brand-self

-don´t try to be everything or you will be nothing

-for each setup, be intentional in your thinking. Remember, you´re an actor, so your pictures should be engaged and active in the eyes

-then go pick a photographer

Once you have your headshot, here are more steps you can take to develop your brand

-get pinterest account. Search for brand and business cards to pin to your account so you can get an idea of fonts and colors you may want to use

-create Facebook pages

-create a business card, postcard and marketing materials

-make reels/clips and a website

-work with acting coaches/advisors

-write a compelling resume