Embarking on a professional modeling career requires specific physical attributes, professionalism, and a strategic approach to the business. While success is not guaranteed, dedication makes it an attainable goal. Navigating the initial steps correctly can set the foundation for a sustainable career, but it requires resilience and an understanding of how the industry operates.
Understanding the Different Types of Modeling
The modeling world is a diverse industry with several distinct niches, each with its own requirements. Understanding where you might fit is a preliminary step. Aligning your attributes with the right market improves your chances of being noticed by agencies and clients.
Fashion (Editorial and Runway)
Fashion modeling is often what people first imagine, encompassing both editorial and runway work. Editorial models are seen in fashion magazines, telling a story through artistic poses. Runway models walk in fashion shows, requiring a confident walk to showcase clothing in motion. The physical requirements are stringent; female models are 5’9″ or taller, and male models are 6’0″ or taller, both with slender frames.
Commercial
Commercial modeling is broader and focused on relatability, with models appearing in advertisements for a wide array of products. There are fewer strict height and size requirements, as the goal is to appeal to everyday consumers. Agencies look for models of all ages, shapes, and sizes with an approachable look who can express a range of emotions.
Fitness
Fitness modeling centers on promoting health, wellness, and athletic products. This specialization requires models to have a healthy, toned, and athletic physique with well-defined muscles. A genuine passion for fitness and nutrition is often expected, as these models are the faces of gym brands, athletic apparel, and nutritional supplements.
Parts
Parts modeling is a specialized field where a model is hired for a specific body part, like hands for a jewelry ad or feet for a shoe campaign. The focus is entirely on that one feature, which must be nearly flawless. The rest of the model’s appearance is secondary.
Plus-Size and Petite
As the industry embraces more diversity, plus-size and petite modeling have become prominent. Plus-size models, starting at a dress size 12 and up, work in both commercial and fashion settings. Petite modeling caters to models under 5’7″, who often find work with brands that design for shorter individuals.
Building Your Modeling Portfolio
A portfolio is your visual resume, and the initial step is creating digitals or Polaroids, not investing in expensive photoshoots. These simple, unedited photographs show your natural appearance without professional styling or makeup and are the first thing agencies want to see.
To take effective digitals, use a smartphone with good natural light against a plain wall. Wear a form-fitting outfit like jeans and a tank top with minimal or no makeup. You should capture headshots from the front and in profile with your hair up and down, and full-body shots from the front and side. These images should be updated every six to twelve months or anytime your appearance changes.
Only consider a professional portfolio after an agency shows interest or you have a clear career direction. Aspiring models often mistakenly spend thousands on photos before they are ready. An agency, if they sign you, will guide you on the type of photos you need and may arrange test shoots with trusted photographers.
When you move on to professional photos, it is possible to manage costs. Collaborating with photographers on a “Trade for Prints” (TFP) basis allows both parties to build their portfolios without exchanging money. Working with photography students or participating in group shoots can also reduce expenses. The goal is to gradually build a strong collection of images that reflects your brand without incurring unnecessary debt.
Finding Representation
Securing representation from a modeling agency is a significant step. Agencies connect you with clients and manage the business aspects of your career. The two primary methods for getting noticed are submitting to agencies online and attending open casting calls.
When submitting online, follow each agency’s specific guidelines. Most will ask for your basic information, including name, age, height, and measurements, along with your unedited digitals. Your submission email should be brief and professional. Research reputable agencies that represent your type of modeling in relevant markets.
Open calls provide an opportunity for a face-to-face meeting with agents. Before attending, check the agency’s website for their open call schedule and instructions. Wear simple, form-fitting clothing and minimal makeup to showcase your natural features. Arrive prepared with your digitals and be ready to present yourself with confidence.
Patience is a large part of this process, as rejection is common. Some successful models attend numerous castings before getting signed. Use this time to improve your portfolio and practice your poses and walk. A strong social media presence can also be beneficial, as many agencies now scout for new talent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Avoiding Common Scams
While pursuing representation, be aware of scams targeting aspiring models. Legitimate modeling agencies make their money by taking a commission, typically 20-25%, from the jobs they book for you. They do not charge upfront fees for representation, classes, or contract signings. Any individual or company demanding payment to get you started is a major red flag.
Guarantees of work or promises of instant fame are also telltale signs of a scam; no one in the industry can promise success. A legitimate agent might express confidence in your potential but will never guarantee bookings.
Protect your personal information and safety.
- Never send nude or suggestive photos, as this is not a standard industry practice.
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an agent or scout by checking the agency’s official website or calling them directly.
- Be wary of communication from generic email addresses rather than a professional company domain.
- Meetings should always take place at the agency’s office during regular business hours, not in private or unusual locations.
The Casting and Audition Process
Once you have representation, the next step is the casting and audition process. A casting, or “go-see,” is an audition where clients and casting directors meet you to see if you fit their project. The process is often quick, so making a good first impression matters.
Arrive at castings with your modeling portfolio, or “book,” and composite cards (comp cards). Your appearance should be clean and simple, with form-fitting clothing and natural hair and makeup unless instructed otherwise. Professionalism, a positive attitude, and punctuality are expected.
During the casting, you may be asked to have new digitals taken, demonstrate your walk, or pose for the camera. You might also be put on video to get a sense of your personality and how you move. It is a fast-paced environment, and you will likely audition alongside many other models.
Rejection is a normal part of the casting process, as you may not be the right fit for a job for reasons beyond your control. Developing resilience and maintaining a professional demeanor, whether you book the job or not, are attributes of a successful working model.