Over the past few months, our Models 101 column has given you the inside scoop on the modeling world, and a look at the faces that bring our favorite fashion collections to life. We’ve covered everything from the ad campaign faces to watch this spring, to plus size models, and even models that are challenging gender roles.
But the one aspect of modeling we haven’t covered yet is how to become a model – and by the looks of the comments and emails we’ve received, it seems like many of you are curious about entering the modeling world yourselves.
If people have always told you that you should be a model, and you’ve been looking at models in magazines and on billboards, with a voice in your head saying, “That should be me”, you may be wondering… what’s next?
Where do you start and how do you get your foot inside the door of the modeling world?
Here, I’ll lay out a few basic steps that every aspiring model should follow.
Table of Contents
1. Choose a Market
In modeling, there are various different markets, and choosing the one that you are most suitable for will have a major effect on your success.
The main markets are for catwalk, plus-size, commercial, and swimsuit/lingerie models.
Catwalk models are generally at least 5’8″ and, as we all know, quite thin with very few curves.
Plus size models also tend to be about this same height but most wear over a size 10.
Commercial models, on the other hand, can be a little shorter and their body types can be more diverse – imagine the type of models you see in catalogs and television commercials here.
Lastly, swimsuit/lingerie models, often referred to as glamour models, often have larger chests with smaller waists.
Of course, these are just guidelines and there are always exceptions to every rule. So if your body type doesn’t seem to fit that of a catwalk model but you know you have an enviable strut or a unique look, don’t be discouraged!
Your first step should be to seek out an agency to help you look for jobs that will embrace your aesthetic.
2. Create a Portfolio
A model’s portfolio is incredibly important, as it includes pictures and past work, and is the first thing casting agents, brands, or designers will look at, in order to determine if they want to work with you.
Of course, when you’re just starting out modeling, your portfolio, also known as a book, will be sparse. In time and with success, it will expand.
For now, though, ask a friend to take a few snapshots of you to give agencies an idea of your look. Your pictures might not be up to professional standards, but try to use a nice camera and make sure the lighting is flattering.
What the pictures should look like will depend on the market you’re targeting.
No matter what market you want to work in, your portfolio should include a few headshots, just of your face from various angles, but if you’re going for commercial modeling, make sure you include a decent amount of smiling shots, whereas any other type of model should have an equal or larger amount of straight-faced ones.
Then make sure to include some full-length shots; agencies usually like some of these to be swimsuit shots, but again, it depends on the market.
For glamour models, swimwear shots are clearly a must.
Once you have a good set of pictures, put them together in a portfolio and make sure to include a page with your stats in this book, too: this should list your height and all your other measurements, along with your hair color and eye color.
3. Submit to Agencies
With your completed portfolio all set, it’s time to get in touch with some modeling agencies.
First of all, do your research and make sure to find reputable agencies that cater to the market you’re interested in. Then, check out the agencies’ websites to find out how they prefer you to submit your book – some will have you mail it in, while others will let you fill out forms and upload pictures online.
Additionally, many agencies have open casting calls, which are a great opportunity for aspiring models. At an open call, models bring in their portfolios and meet with casting agents. The agents then take a look at the models up close, in order to decide which models are a good fit for the agency.
If given the opportunity, I would always suggest going to a casting call over just submitting a book. In real life, your personality can shine through and instantly enhance your look.
If you do go to one of these castings, be sure to bring a composite card that has your picture on it, along with your name, number and stats.
4. Keep Looking for Exposure and Experience
Finding an agency can be a long process, so if it takes a while for someone to see your true potential, don’t be discouraged. In the meantime, look for other ways to get exposure and experience.
Some colleges, especially those in major cities, have modeling clubs where aspiring models share information about castings they’ve heard of and give each other tips on everything from how to photograph well to what to wear to a go-see.
While a club like this is great, be careful of other scams, though: there are so many “modeling schools” and faux “agencies” out there that promise to make you a star but really just want your money.
In general, if they ask for money up-front, you don’t want to work with them.
So always be skeptical and make sure to fully check out anyone you’re thinking of working with on your way to the top.
Thoughts?
Have you thought about modeling? Have any of you modeled in the past? If you have, do you have any tips to offer other College Fashion readers? Do these seem like the right steps to take? Let us know by leaving a comment!
I am 16, female and weigh 107 lbs. I have absolutely no experience in modeling but have been wanting to do it for awhile. Stil debating of i wanna wait til i move to NYC to start.. ill be just turning 18 or starting now so i have a head start on molding my career. I dont mean to sound way like out there and out of my mind but my ultimate goal is to be a Victoria secret model. I know thats a bit high standards but i really do. I definitely dont think i could just start modeling swimwear and lingerie at the age iam right now but i just dont know how to start if anyone could give me some advice that would be great.
I am a highly experienced fashion and advertising
photographer based in the UK currently working on a series of TV programmes
about people looking to start a career in modelling. I would very much like to
hear about the experiences of people – male and female – who are trying to
break into the profession. For anyone interested please get in touch via the
contact page of our website www.icarus-media.co.uk
Many thanks
Paul H
My name is Emily, I’m 22 and have been told by a few friends that I should model. I’m somewhat skeptical. I’m happy with my body but not at the same time. I weigh 120 and still have a tummy but I am proud of my butt and breasts. I am too short to be a glamour model and not skinny enough for lingire or swimsuit. What should I do? ><
i want to realy a moidel ihave more interested in join of modeling feild pleas who anybody else &get me into modeling field thank you
Do any of these comments even matter?
I am 17 wanting to model really bad. I just been on every website looking into modeling , an close by ones, that’s all I want to do before I graduate and go off to college , I will feel like it’s to late to even college. even though it wouldn’t be. but i’m just trying to reach out to someone too show me where I could model at.. and how to start to model, im 5’8 . still in high school , senior .
No I am no female, but I am a Male wanting to become a Male Model. Yes, looks are all about becoming a model. Agencies aren’t going to care about how many people told you that you should become a model. All they care about is if you have the correct dimensions to become a model. I am at a stand still because at this point in my life I am currently trying to find Colleges with the Majors of Music and Modeling. I am still in the works of getting my body to the “Model” guidelines. To shorten it up, I use to weigh 210 pounds: Now I weigh 143 pounds. I have put so much work into trying to get the right body. Do I believe i’m there yet? No, not at all, but that doesn’t mean i’m going to give up. With that said, you can’t just expect one day to wake up and become a supermodel! You have to put your own sweat and blood to be what you want!
Hi my name is Olivia and I’m 15 years old and I was wondering is it to late for me to model. I would really love to model and was just wondering what model agencies would you recommend for me???…Thank you
i would love to start modelig im in my mid 20s and would to start im very excited to try this. let me know how i can get started here…
Just go on https://www.talentell.com/ and request an invitation. Start networking there.
I really love this because Is what I have been dream of but I don’t know where to start or who to meet, please I need more information about it.
Hi, Modelling is my passion and my dream from my childhood days but I haven’t take any reactions against them. Now am started reacting to it. Am 5.91f and this height is enough , currently am working for getting six packs.so it makes unique among some models. I always use to go with one principle that is what job we are doing is not important, do the job which makes u satisfy and happy is important. These tips are helpful for me. Thanks to everyone. One day I’ll come out with colours.
I’ve been thinking of being a model, but now that I read all these comments, it will be really hard for me to even start. I am about 5 ft. 90lbs and Hispanic.
Hi I have tattoos does that change anything
i really want to be a MODEL but i dont know a lo about it a want to be abel to take pics and look nice ..BUT i just dont know were to start at or what i need to do .. its my dream to become a model
i do got really good pics but its not helping if in the only one that sees what i can do ..
instagran.. @ztephani_
facbook … fany mn
plezz HELP¡¡
I wanted to become a super model.. But the moment i stared at those models piccs i’m bit nervous… because i’m just 5’2.. Even then i’ll try to put all my efforts.. Can anyone suggest how should i start my career.. At present i’m studying and it takes 1 1/2 yr to complete my graduation.. Then i’ll be 21 yrs old.. I surely wanted to become a model at any cost.. How should i start my career??Whom should i meet??What should i do?? Please suggest me..