How to Become a Model: A Beginner's Guide

The world of modeling has something for everyone. There are so many niches and specializations that
you can find at least one that fits your look and personality. Once you decide becoming a model is the
right move, it’s time to choose which path you’ll take to get there. There’s a lot more to modeling than
being really, really, ridiculously good looking.

Let’s Get Physical

The first thing every aspiring model needs to know is what their best features are and how to flaunt
them. Inspect your face, free of makeup and with your hair pulled back. Gone are the days when the
industry demanded strict symmetry and Eurocentric features. What is interesting about your face? Do
you have full lips? Sleepy eyes? A gap in your teeth? Any of these can be advantageous when it comes to
being remembered by casting agents.

Make faces in the mirror. Practice over-the-top emoting, laughing on cue, and bending your body into
interesting positions while still looking natural and comfortable. Get comfortable in heels or other shoes
you don’t normally wear. You may be asked to run, jump, and even skip in heels. Learn how to move
fluidly, with small movements between shutter clicks instead of completely different poses from snap to
snap. Think of each session as if you are trying to create a stop-motion flip book. Your photographer will
thank you.

Build Your Modeling Portfolio

Once you know your angles and your poses, it’s time to hire a photographer. In order to get your face
out there, you’ll need more that a few selfies and party pics snapped on your iPhone. You’ll need to
build a modeling portfolio. Portfolio standards have evolved a lot over recent years and you want to
make sure your portfolio is professional and polished.

There are two types of portfolios you’ll need to curate. The first is a traditional, hard copy portfolio. This
is like your resume. You’ll bring this with you to all in-person casting calls. It’s should feature your best 8
to 12 images, and be presented in a portfolio case with a brief catalogue of your modeling experience.

The second is your online portfolio. This is where you can really show the breadth of your experience
and versatility. Building a strong portfolio shows casting agents just what you bring to the table and
what you can do for them. It should be ever-evolving as you gain more experience.
Make Love to the Camera

Get started on your modeling portfolio with a captivating headshot. Headshots can be just head and
shoulders or from the waist up. Your headshot should show you in your “natural” state. Simple makeup,
minimal jewelry, and minimally styled hair. If you have facial hair, it should be well groomed. In other
words, leave the winged liner, statement jewelry, and teasing comb at home. Smiling or serious, your
headshot should put your best face forward and be the first image in your portfolio.

Next, you’ll need a full body shot. These are usually very simple, wardrobe-wise. You’ll need a fitted
white shirt or tank top and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans or a tailored trouser. Long skirts or jackets or
too many layers just cover up what the casting agents are looking for. Ladies, break out those heels and
gents, a casual dress shoe will do the trick. Keep it simple and classic—you can get creative in other
photos.

You might also want to include a swimwear shot. Many people protest at the idea of a swimsuit photo.
Just try to remember that some jobs require a uniform and this is one of those jobs. Keep the photo
fierce or playful, especially if you want to explore commercial modeling.

how_to_become_model_photoshoot

Now let’s have some fun! To show your versatility you’ll want to include some editorial work in your
portfolio. Find a theme, create a look, and collaborate with a team if you don’t have anything striking
enough.

Commercial modeling is arguably the hardest to get across in your portfolio. Take your photographer to
a food truck festival and really enjoy those tacos. Use your purse or backpack as a focal point in the shot.
Pore over magazine ads, and try to recreate them. Commercial modeling is acting in print and can be
incredibly hard to sell. But when you do it right, the photographs are incredibly compelling and sell both
the product and your abilities as a model.

Lastly, you’ll want to include any tearsheets you have. A tearsheet is a page torn out of a publication
where you’ve been featured. For your digital portfolio, linking to the publication will suffice. If you are
going to include tearsheets in your physical portfolio, be sure that they have cleanly cut edges and are in
protective plastic sheets. It will leave a bad impression if your pages look tattered.

These are your portfolio must-haves. This will leave you with a small collection of photographs. You can
fill it out by adding other shots from these categories. Make sure there is at least one of you smiling, and
end on a compelling headshot.
Go Out and Play

You have a portfolio, some experience, and an itch to do more. Depending on the kind of modeling work
you are interested in, you have several options available to you:

Bulk up your portfolio with more images. Photographers are expensive and worth every penny, but not
everyone has that kind of financial freedom to pay every time you want to boost your portfolio. Find
photographers who are just getting started and arrange some TFP (Trade for Print) sessions. The same
goes for stylists, hair and makeup artists, and designers. Most—if not all—creatives need portfolios, and
therefore often need models. This is also a great opportunity to try things out of your comfort zone and
grow as a model, as well as a way to keep your portfolio fresh.

Volunteer. Work with local retailers and designers to help facilitate fashion shows. Walk every runway
like it’s Paris Fashion Week. Treat every booking like it’s for Vogue.

If fitness modeling is your goal, work with a trainer. Be their spokesperson. Be their walking, talking
before and after ad.

Acting, yoga, posing for life drawing classes, and dance classes can connect you with different sides of
yourself. As you learn different ways to emote and move your body, you’ll be able to incorporate that
knowledge into your work.

Get Signed

If you want to be a model, like in any industry, you’ll want to have someone in your corner who can help
guide your career. That’s where agents come in. They can help you refine your book, set up go-sees, and
help direct your career.

Agencies are now casting a much wider net to find talent via social media. Inviting Instagram users to
add a hashtag to their posts allows recruiters to view thousands of potential models without ever
leaving their office.

You can also skip the middleman and approach agencies directly. Do your research and find agencies are
in your area. Look for ones that align with your desired career path, then simply email them your
website and a quick, attention-grabbing cover letter.

A word of warning: if an agency is demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars up front, keep looking.
That’s not the agency for you.

What the Heck is a Go-See?

Do the Hustle

While you work towards being the world’s next supermodel, this is a great time to advocate for yourself
and make yourself your number one client. Use Instagram to your advantage. Create a professional
account and keep it that way:

No food pictures. Casting agents don’t care about your dinner.

Unless you’re holding or posing with them, keep your pets on your personal account.

Harass your friends to take your picture so your feed isn’t all selfies.

Pay attention to trending hashtags and use them properly.

Blog. A lot of influencers and models we all know and love started as vloggers, bloggers, and Instagram
personalities. Blogging creates valuable content for your digital portfolio and allows you to work on
smaller passion projects that may not be right for your portfolio.

how_to_become_model_2

Deciding What Kind of Model You Want to Become

An important step to take to become a model is deciding on what type of model you’d like to be.
Different types of modeling will have different model requirements, such as height, style, and clothing
size. There are almost as many types of modeling as ice cream flavors, so here’s a brief rundown on just
a few of them:

Fitness Model

Do you like to hit the gym? Do you lift? Does the idea of being covered in baby oil and flexing your hard-
won muscles for an appreciative audience appeal to you? Sounds like you’ve got the what it takes to
become a fitness model. A fitness model is dedicated to displaying a healthy, toned physique and
focused on maintaining highly defined muscles. Fitness modeling has become a driving force in the
industry. Beyond the dedicated competitions, there are several industry and commercial magazines ripe
with opportunities for gym buffs.

Glamour Model
Lights! Camera! Smoulder! Glamour modeling is surprisingly diverse. Unlike many other types of
modeling, there are no industry standards or limitations to body size and shape. Glamour models
embrace the sexier and sultrier side of modeling. Bikini, boudoir, and lingerie modeling all fall under this
broad umbrella. Glamour models sell a high-end lifestyle—whether it’s in a music video, an art house
print, or a bikini calendar.

Alt Model

Do you have an ever-expanding collection of tattoos and piercings? Is your everyday look other people’s
idea of a fancy dress costume? Alt, or alternative, models don’t typically fit in with industry norms when
it comes to beauty and style. With their tattoos, piercings, radical hair, and wardrobes brimming with
spikes, corsets, and PVC, alternatives models are the wild children of the modeling world. Alt modeling is
usually a cross between glamour modeling and art modeling.

Plus Model

With the majority of American women falling into the plus-sized category, this type of modeling has
been growing at a rapid pace. Traditionally, plus models were sizes 6 to 8 US (4 to 6 UK), but with the
plus fashion industry changing as rapidly as it has, the industry has seen a rise of models of all shapes
and further size diversity. Plus size models are gaining a lot of traction, especially on social media, and
designers are continuously expanding their size ranges to embrace this growing market.

Runway Model

Divas to the runway please! Runway models are the crème de la crème of the fashion world. Adhering to
strict regulations regarding height, weight, and measurements, these models travel the world and are
often seen walking for the best of the best designers and fashion houses. Some runway models even go
on to create their own fashion lines or agencies.

Editorial or Commercial

Finally, we have editorial models. While all of the above can also be editorial or commercial print
models, editorial models know how to really interact with the camera and create interesting shapes with
their bodies to show off a garment. Depending on the theme and mood of the photos, anyone can be
cast for an editorial shoot. Print models tend to be the most varied and versatile of the group.

Work that Runway

Now that you’ve had a primer on how to get into modeling and how to choose the type of modeling
that’s right for you, it’s time to go out there and werk! Find your light, your angles, and your stride.
You’ve got this. The single biggest factor that will help you become a model? Confidence!
modeling in egypt

What Else Do I Need to Know About Becoming a Model?

Now that you’ve built a modeling portfolio and understand the type of modeling, you want to make sure
you’re well equipped with the tools to become a model. Whether you want to become a fashion model
for high fashion, a glamour model, or a plus size model, here are some extra tips for aspiring models on
how to become a model.

Do You Need to Go to Modeling School?

If you’re looking to get started in the modeling industry, you might be considering going to a modeling
school. However, it’s not a must. In fact, many models start their modeling career by simply submitting
their headshots to agencies and scouts. That being said, if you’re looking to find professionals to teach
you and learn how to be a model, how to walk down the runway, and how to pose in front of the
cameras, you can choose to enroll in a modeling school.

In addition to posing, they may teach you other skills, such as makeup application, portfolio
development skills, and understanding lighting and camera angles. Aside from modeling schools, you
can also take workshops and classes to improve your poses and catwalk to help you develop the skills
needed to become a model. If you’re new to the industry, taking classes will also allow you to meet
other aspiring models.

How to Find a Reputable Modeling Agent

Finding a reputable modeling agency can be daunting especially if you’re new to the industry. When
searching for a reputable modeling agent, make sure you do thorough research.

You can look at local modeling agencies in your city and reviewing their website. In addition to boutique
agencies, there are also large international modeling agencies that have offices in many cities. Head over
to their website and social media platforms. Take a look to see the type of models they’ve signed and
the work they’ve done previously. Understand the companies and partners the modeling agency has
worked with to get a feel on the brands you may be able to work with. If you’re looking to become a
high fashion model and walk the runway in New York, you would want to see whether the modeling
agency has had experience at those popular fashion events.
Finally, take a look at online reviews for the agency or reach out to your network in the modeling
industry to find reputable agencies they are currently working with. Remember, find an agency that
matches your needs and requirements. Once you’ve chosen the right agency, submit your modeling
portfolio to them, and prepare for your audition.

Practice Posing in Front of the Camera

Practice, practice, practice! Modeling is one of those skills where practice makes perfect. Your ability to
pose or strut down the runway is what differentiates you from a model and a professional model. Try
setting up a simple studio in your home—all you need is a tripod and a camera or phone, set the self-
timer on, and you can start document your poses in front of the camera.

You can even try different locations, like a park, convenience store, or a library. Invite a friend to come
with you and have them help you take photos. You can review all the pictures taken to see the poses
that work best for you and how you can improve.

How Tall Do You Have to Be to Become a Fashion Model?

In the modeling world, height requirements can vary. Depending on the type of modeling you’d like to
pursue, being lean and tall may not be a critical factor. That’s why, aside from height, the agency will
often look at the other features too.

If you are interested in modeling for editorial, commercial prints, body parts, or catalogs, brands will
look for models that can resonate with their brand. From body physique to facial structure, criteria for
the model can differ for each job. However, if you’re looking to become a high fashion model, most
modeling agencies may have a requirement of at least 5”8 to 5”11. Even so, there are a few high fashion
models that are 5"7 or over 6"0 tall. Companies may make exceptions, as long as they fit other
requirements.

Be confident with your body and find the type of modeling that you’re most interested in. Remember to
showcase your modeling portfolio online to help you get noticed!