You Need a Portfolio
In order for any modeling agency or company to trust you as a model, they need to see some kind of portfolio showcasing how you look and what you can do. These portfolios can either consist of images taken by professionals who take pictures during fashion shoots or if you’re still starting out, there may only be amateur shots captured by friends and family members. It doesn’t matter where these photos come from; all agencies will want to see what you’ve got.
Models also need a portfolio of their measurements, which typically includes height and weight as well as any other notable physical features that may set them apart from the rest of the crowd. Fashion designers and booking agents will want this information before booking any model for a campaign, photoshoot, or runway show because they’ll likely have specific requirements about size and shape.
Network Network Network
With your skills on display in both pictures and numbers, an agency should be able to gauge better how qualified you are at modeling and if they want to sign you – but there’s still more work to do! The best way for newbies looking for representation/jobs or current models trying to make connections with potential clients is through networking: attending events, reaching out on social media, and joining industry organizations.
Check places like Meetup or Facebook for any local groups where you can connect with other models and creatives in your hometown (I’m a big fan of Drink and Click Austin).
If you see any events like local fashion shows, volunteer! Modeling isn’t just bout looking pretty or unique – you have to show that you’re willing to put in the work. And the more places you can show your face in the industry, the more likely you are to meet someone who might just be looking for a model like you for their next project.
“The best way for newbies looking for representation or current models trying to make connections with potential clients is through networking: attending events, reaching out on social media, and joining industry organizations.”
What Type of Model Do You Want to Be?
There are many different types of modeling jobs available for those who want to break into fashion!
The Runway Model
The most common type of modeling career is runway models. Hearing “runway model”, you may think of famous supermodels such as Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Kate Moss, but there are many models that strut the catwalk of high fashion shows during Fashion Week season (September through January) whose names aren’t as famous but they are just as important. In many cases, once you’ve walked for a designer once you will likely be selected to walk for them again and again.
The Commercial Model
Another type of modeling is commercial and editorial fashion photography, which can often be seen in magazines or advertisements. This kind of work requires a lot more experience and understanding about what goes into creating the perfect photo – but it’s also potentially one of the highest-paying types of modeling jobs!
The Fit Model
And I don’t mean fitness. A fit model is a type of model that specializes in helping designers create clothes and fashion lines for specific sizes. Fit models are often seen as more down-to-earth, relatable, and realistic than other types of models because they can represent real-life “average-sized” women like themselves who want fashionable clothing.
The Social Influencer
There are other opportunities for models to branch out even further than just runway and commercial photoshoots. For example, there is an emerging trend (particularly among millennials) that sees women using their bodies as art through social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat where they post pictures with various poses that depict them wearing clothes from brands such as Balenciaga or Versace or Chanel. These “fashion bloggers” and “fashion influencers” have small followings on these sites, which allows them to charge advertisers for space in their feed.
Attend Casting Calls
Some agencies have open calls where any interested model new to the industry or wanting to changes agencies can meet and greet a casting agent.
Many cities have their own fashion weeks, like Austin Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week.
The first step is to fill out a model application form that you’ll likely find on their websites, and then you may be asked to attend an in-person casting call or submit a video of your runway walk.
If all goes well you’ll have access to many fashion opportunities, runway shows, photoshoots – even travel! But don’t forget about networking because it will make a huge difference in how successful you are in becoming a consistent and celebrated model.
