Five Tips To Be A Model

Modeling can be a highly glamorous and lucrative career, filled with lots of opportunities. Being considered a model doesn’t mean you have to be a bombshell knockout like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. You can also get plenty of experience and make lasting connections with key industry professionals by being a promotional model at events like trade shows. No matter what kind of model you aspire to be, here is some realistic and helpful advice to help make it happen for you.


1: Be healthy and take care of yourself.
It goes without saying that models need to have a pleasant outward aesthetic and lots of inner energy! What this means to us is:

● Eating lots of healthy foods to keep your body full of natural energy. Use coffee and energy drinks sparingly!

● Keep your skin clear and glowing. Your face and smile are the first things that your audience will notice, so be sure to exfoliate and remove makeup before going to bed.

● Exercise on a regular basis. Do some light to moderate cardio and strength training several times a week and you’ll not only look good, but you’ll feel amazing, too!

2: Do an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as a model.
While it’s true that anyone with any kind of look can be a model, it’s better to be realistic and aspire to reach your natural talents. If you don’t possess a certain industry-standard look, your odds of getting a regular stream of work and launching a successful modeling career are stacked against you. So do yourself a favor and take a long look in the mirror and come up with an honest assessment of what your best assets are. Invite close friends or family members to give their own opinions too. Do you have a beachy California glow? a svelte European look? a cute girl-next-door vibe?

3: Determine what kind of model you want to be.
Based on your honest self-assessment, do some research about the different kinds of modeling you’d be a good fit as. As we mentioned before, there are lots of different aspects to modeling, and you don’t necessarily need to be strutting the runway or posing for photo shoots all day long. Below is a short list of the types of models that are currently out there; take a look and get inspired!

● Runway model
● Plus size model
● Hand or foot model
● Swimsuit model
● Print and editorial model
● Spokes model
● Promotional model
● Trade show model

4: Create a visual portfolio showing off your talents!
Here’s the fun part! After you determine what your signature modeling look will be as well as what kind of modeling work you desire, it’s time to create a visual portfolio to help sell your image!

For this, you will need professional photography images. Don’t skimp and use a cell phone or your cousin who just got a new DSLR. Consider this an investment into your future and hire a pro-grade photographer who is skilled at making you look your absolute best. Work directly with this photographer to come up with a well-rounded portfolio that includes (at the very minimum) a headshot and full body shot. Include a variety of looks and poses if you can, but always include a headshot that makes you look friendly and approachable, particularly if you are searching for trade show modeling work. As part of your portfolio, be sure to take and record your physical measurements and stats including height, weight, shoe size, dress size, hip and chest measurements, etc.

5: Visit modeling agencies with your portfolio.
Most major cities will have several agencies for models, so check out their websites and give them a call to find out how you can be considered. Many times, the agencies will hold “open calls” when they search for new talent, so be on the lookout for this term. If you happen to score an interview with a modeling agency, you can expect to be asked to show off your portfolio and perhaps demonstrate your poses and walks. You may also have your measurements taken on site. If you are accepted, some agencies may ask for a monetary investment to come aboard, but this amount should not be extravagant. Typically, you will only pay the agency a commission if they happen to find you work.