5 Tips on How to Start a Modeling Career

Are you looking for modeling career tips? With the flashing lights, glamorous clothes, hefty paychecks, and creative options, modeling is a career that many people dream of having. But, due to these alluring perks, the competition is as intense as ever. 

If you have a vision of walking down a runway or posing in front of the camera, here are 5 Realistic Tips on How to Start a Modeling Career.

5 Realistic Tips on How to Start a Modeling Career

1. Decide what kind of model you want to be:

“Model” is an all-encompassing term that is defined as “a person with a role either to promote, display or advertise commercial products, or to serve as a visual aide for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography.” 

That being said, there are many different categories of “models” for you to pursue. 

For example, there are runway models, plus-size models, hand or foot models, swimsuit models, print and editorial models, promotional models, and trade show models (to name a few). Not all models need to look like Victoria’s Secret Angels! 

Before you dive head-first into your dreams of modeling, you need to spend some time deciding what kind of model you want to be.

2. Understand your strengths and weaknesses:

One of the ways that you can ensure you are going down the right modeling path is to truly understand your particular strengths and weaknesses. To do this accurately, you are going to have to be honest and realistic with yourself. What kind of look do you have? What are you willing to pose for in the industry? Understanding the types of images you are comfortable and happy with shooting will make it easier for you to recognize when a project is a good fit for you and when it isn’t. 

This step can be the hardest part to do alone, so ask close friends and family for their honest opinions about the unique vibe you give off or communicate with a modeling agency about what niche they think you would be best suited for.

3. Curate a portfolio:

Once you have decided what kind of model you want to be and understood your strengths and weaknesses, it is time to get the ball rolling with a portfolio! Your portfolio is a book of images that casting agents, brands, and designers will look at to get a sense of your past work and style. 

Your portfolio is going to be indispensable for landing jobs and potential representation, and it will frequently be updated as you progress in your modeling career. 

No matter what niche you are pursuing, make sure your portfolio includes headshots of your face from various angles (mainly non-smiling shots), as well as full-length shots (preferably in a bikini). It also needs to include a page with stats, such as your height, your body measurements, dress size, and your hair and eye color. 

Steer clear of wearing distracting jewelry, clothing, hairstyles, and make sure the photos are actually an accurate representation of yourself!

4. Continually learn from the best:

Now that you know that modeling is something you want to pursue, in order to grow, you must continually seek to learn from the best. Study your chosen niche and pay attention to what those models are doing, whether it is their facial expressions, hand placement, or special walk. 

Just like with anything in life, when it comes to your modeling career, there are always areas for you to improve and people whom you can learn from. Never believe that you already know it all: instead, stay humble and study the masters.  

5. Network for exposure and experience:

Signing with a modeling agency is the goal of many budding models and is definitely something you need to chase if you are serious about your modeling career. Do your research to find what reputable agencies are located near you and find the contact information for the appropriate people. Agencies often host “open calls” where they search for new talent, so make it a point to attend as many of these as possible! 

Keep in mind that it can take a while for an agency to pick you up, so in the meantime, network as much as possible for exposure and experience. 

When people think of “models,” they instantly think of fashion models strutting down the catwalks at Paris Fashion Week or dominating billboards in Times Square. However, fashion modeling is only a small part of the modeling industry. Just because you aren’t fashion model material, doesn’t mean you can’t model! 

Consider commercial modeling, as these ladies and gents don’t have to fall into the specific physical requirements of fashion models. Instead, they can be short, tall, curvy, thin, old or young, and of any ethnicity.