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.
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!
Thank you for sharing such a wealth of information – it is very helpful.
I’m a model. It wasn’t really that hard for me to get signed to an agency. The first one I went to in LA, i was in right away. The hard part is when you go on millions of castings and just get like one or two jobs. It’s really fun though. The only downside is that you are under A LOT of pressure to be super thin (i’m a size 0 and 5’9″), flawless skin, and girls can sometimes be a nightmare to work with.
I’m 19 and have been told by several strangers that I should model, including a make up artist and a photographer. I have absolutely no idea where to start though…
help?
yo tengo 13 años y mi mayor deseo es ser modelo pero hay un problema lo q pasa es q yo tengo estrias en las piernas y no se como hacer para poder seguir con mi proposito ese seria mi mayor deseo ser modelo o llegar a una academia de modelaje queria saber si me pueden ayudar
por favor 3003450314
Thanks a lot for the article its verry helpful,…
Thanks a lot natasha u gave a lot info
thanks lisa,kathrene and savanah
Is money a big problem for models to get started?
I’ve talked to some models that don’t have the money to invest in the portfolio, clothing, etc.
Is this a big problem?
I want to do modeling ,so i want to know were to start from here?
Ohh this is so stressful! my friends, family, and some other people all say I should get into modeling..nothing super big, but there’s a dress shop that has locations scattered over Indiana (where I live) that say they’d love to have me go do stuff for them..but, I’m barely 5 foot, and my jean size is like a 6. I feel like I’m just too fat!
im only 15, i really want to become a model
though of course modeling for appropriate photography because of my age
where can i get help that i will be successful?
or how can i?
Can I ask how far are you? I’m aspiring to be a model too. And I’m 16.
I like the article but get none for me like m 5.3 and live in india,and i think for promoting of the cosmetic of any popular brands heights doesn’t work
My name is Godwin i am jst 20years old, dark and tall
I’ve always wanted to model and many people tell me to do it because I have a Nice body and i’m pretty!! I been trying to do photo shoots but I don’t know anybody! Now i’m interested in modeling but I don’t know were to start! Help out please.
everyone who has been commenting, there is no need to say ‘please help me I want to model how do I do it’ all of the information and tips have been published above if you haven’t noticed, I think everyone who was lead to this sitehas wanted to be a model. I am 15 and have been trying to be a model. Its been a very slow journey and I always wonder if it will go any further but you will need patience as well to be a model. All of the information said above IS your way to become a model if you have the looks that society and agents like.
I want to be a plus model
This has really helped me out alot modeling has been a passion of mine. I’m trying to get involved with it, just not sure how to get started.
What’s the minimum height to pursue a career in modelling.. I m by the way 5′ 7”..
and if any other physical requirements in addition??
I’m a beginner and I want to know. What I need to start modeling .
when i read this, “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.” i was so dissapointed in some agencies called “INTERFACE” thats exactly what they do, when i went over there with my mom, you could easily tell that all they wanted was money. thats was the first thing they asked for, we wanted to leave pecause it was way a lot of money but they didn’t want to let us go without leaving something that really broke my heart. whenever i think about that i’m just like is this what all the agencies are going to do >?
Plus size
I’ve always wanted to model but I’m scared I will fail because I don’t know how to pose or catwalk. Any suggestions?
Great tips what about those who are still in year11 any subjects that can enhance my modelling carrer??
I have always wanted to be a model, but I am just kind of stuck . Do you need any sort of training or a height requirement ? What are some commercial agencies ? I’m sorry to ask but I’m just curious .
i am 15 and i what to be a molde how do i start
Wow! That’s a solitary of the very greatest blogs I’ve anytime arrive throughout on this topic. Merely Wonderful
I’m 5′ 2 and I love modeling and I’m to short to be a model
This article is very helpful I’m a bigger body type but I’m willing to lose the weight I’m 5,9 and I’ve just admired everything about modeling since I was little I love it. Great advice and encouragement
Hi my names Antoinette an i want to be a model.Im currently 15 an stand 5`0.How can i become one.
Hi, I also want to become model, but my height is 5.4 inches so can i forsee my carrier in Modellng.
Hey
I am a student, I want to be a model how can start this field
I have always dream to become a model and I’m 5’4 so I love these tips on this website. How I become an model and finding a agent?
I am really worried about what agencies to trust!! Any suggestions on good ones to send my portfolio to???
omgggg i want to be a model so bad but i dont know what modeling thing i should go to. i wish someone can help me. by the way i wanted to be a model for a long time
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..
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¡¡
Hi I have tattoos does that change anything
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, 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 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.
Just go on https://www.talentell.com/ and request an invitation. Start networking there.
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…
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
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!
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 .
Do any of these comments even matter?
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
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 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 http://www.icarus-media.co.uk
Many thanks
Paul H
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.
Hi I’m 12 and I’m actually starting on modeling when I’m in college or so I’m thinking ahead . I’m 5’1 still short and I weigh 102 but for the past months some friends have told me I have a very pretty smile and a great face and I start to think about modeling. My choice is to become a commercial model but I still am young but I’m planning for my future.?
I am currently curious about what I want to do with my life after high school. I do not mind if it is somewhere outside of my home town. I am 5’2 and 105 pounds, but I would like to be a catwalk model. Would there be any hope or should I try to go a different way? I have always been told I have a physically attractive body. I play sports so I have muscle in my legs and stomach. I have what other people consider abs which are not bad in considering I’m 15. I do not have a big butt nor big breasts. But curiosity has over come me and I would love to know if I could ever pursue a career in modeling specifically on the catwalk. I have no experience in modeling. I have long arms and legs though. So if anyone can help me that would be great.
Hi! I’m 13 and thinking about ehat I am going to do after highschool. Most of my friends have told me that I am very attractive and I should be a model. I am around 5’2/ 5’3, and 97 pounds. I’m aware that I am 13 and 97 pounds, I come from a naturally skinny family and to be honest I wish I was a bit….. Bigger. It probably doesn’t help that I dance. I have been thinking that I should just dance, but to dance cost a lot of money. I have no professional modeling background, but I do like getting my picture taken. I don’t know how to start modeling, I don’t live in a very big town. Do you think I should keep working for a modeling career, or should I stick with dance? I really love both.
i have not modeled before but i would just like to tell you that athletic type careers are very difficult to pursue and unless you are extremely good at what you do (and even if you are very very good) it will be extremely hard to make a full-time career out of anything like that. Hope this helps a little!
Hello I’m 18, I’ve been told by my family and friends that I should try modeling but I have had some bumps in the road to where I wasn’t confident in my looks. However I have come to love who I am and want to try modeling because I’ve always wanted to. I would love some help in what steps to take and what agencies to look at.
I am a young female interested in modeling from I was very small I always had it in me every where I go ppl always ask if I modeled or something like that and I would often say no .. All my friends encouraged me to do it but at first I was scared and I didn’t have any guidance now am a bit older I feel like this is the time to try and do something about it being that it’s my dream to become a model but where am living at the moment it’s so hard to even try and do it it’s so difficult but after reading this I was really inspired and I feel like following these guidelines I dnt know if I’ll get recognition any time in the future but nothing beats a person that tries…..I am more of the swimsuit athletic type a person
Hey, I’m 13 and I always wanted to be a model. All of my friends tell me I should be a model but I don’t know how to begin or who to turn to for advice. I’m around 5’3/5’4 and I’m 107 pounds, my dad has taken pictures of me posing and stuff because he’s also a photographer. Sometimes i practice for fun with my moms heels the catwalk till I get it right. I mainly wanted to get Into the whole modeling career when I’m older. Can you please give me some advice to start.
Hi, im a 12 girl around 5’5 and weigh around 98-100 pounds. so many people have told I should model since I’m very tall and thin. I would love to model I just don’t know where to start. I personally know two people who model that are around my age but I’m too shy to ask.
honey in most agencies you have to be above 5’9” so good luck but 5’5” isnt tall
I’m a 12 year old girl, 5’4″ and around 86 pounds. My friends and even my 4th period teach have made remarks about how I should be a model when I’m older. I believe my teachers exact words were “your tall, slim, and in my opinion, beautiful. You should really think about being a model.” Being shy little me, I brushed it off but then I started thinking, when I grow up, the way things are going now I will meet the requirements for print modeling. Any tips to make sure that when I’m that age I will still be up to standards? (Too shy to be a model now so don’t even go there).
hello, i’m a 13 year old red headed girl. i have always been told that i should model. all of my friends and family strongly encourage it. they’re always pointing out on how beautiful of a redhead i am. i am 5’6 and 106 pounds. although i have braces they are coming off soon. my parents say they will get me into modeling once they come off. any advice on starting to model? or how to jumpstart a career?
I am a fresh face a modeling agency would love to experience. I want to execute my skills to help me advance further into my professional adulthood. My daughter depends on me!
My doctor, parents, friends, and boyfriends have told me I have an amazing body to show off. They told me that I could be a swim suit modelist/ lingerie modelist, but I’m small chested, thin, and not s whole lot of butt. Can I still get in?
I am 45 yrs old and modeled many many years ago, between 19-25 and I would have to say that this piece was so informative and very precise. My hope and prayer is that all new models will read this. Bravo! From an Old Ex-Model. Lol! Angela
i am a student now and many people of my circle says that why you not trying in modeling ? i am heared only yhose things but now i decided that “i want to be a fashion model”.what i can do for my bright future in this field”. please suggest me.
thanks……………
hi…
i am a B.C.A.’s student in Rajkot(Gujrat) and i want be a successfull fashion model…so plzz give me direction how to start My carrier ,so i could be successfull…….
Hi my name is Diamond im 15 yr old i want to become a modle . Im tall and beautiful . i go to school .people ask me every day to be a modle .and i know i can be a model .What should i start out with doing?..
this was really helpful!
I think that it is important to believe in yourself. I am 5’7″ and I just do not have the money to start if anyone has an affordable way to get into this industry help me please!
I’m 5’9 wish I’m really thankful for because becoming a model is all I’ve ever wanted to be. Traveling, shooting, and becoming a part of the fashion world sounds like heaven unfortunately I have braces but as soon as I get them off I want to start and see where it leads.
Edie Sedgwick and Mia Farrow were both 5’4 when they were/are models. Twiggy was only about 5’5. Just get use to heels, improve your posture. Do some research you don’t have to be a skinny giant to model. It’s been proven.
Nice article, and I agree with some of the recommendations below for good networking communities.
We all know MM, and OMP, but there are less known, more artisan communities out there, my personal favorite is https://www.fotoshoot.com, and http://starnow.com but look around and you’ll find the right one for you.
I would love to be a model, everyone tells me that I should be a model. I would love to but I’m not really sure of how to do so. This article & reading a lot of the comments helped a lot with what is needed to start modeling. I really want to, it would make my dream come true!
im 12 my uncle is a photographer and i have met several models several have told me i should model also strangers have told me that i should be a model i have already had a photoshoot with my friends i am very short and i dont have long legs and i am very skinny should i go for modeling or should i wait till i grow
Oh hie l’m Tina l’m 17 years old and l ‘m still in high school l have heard this strong passion for modeling but l dnt kno where to start l hve done modelling competions at different high schools and hve became the qeen twice. And now I dnt kno hw l can get into modeling at all and the other thing my mom doesn’t want me being a model but l have all it takes to be 1 .l realy feel this spirit when l’m catwalking in front of people that this is where l belong and also feel the music.
Im 19 and i’ve wanted to model my whole life, i’ve just been shy but i’ve broken out of my shell and ready for my dream to come true. SOS
Hi! I’m Katelyn I am 21 years old and about to start attending a cosmetology school soon. My whole life I was always that tall girl in a very early age and I stopped near 5′ 9″ or 5′ 10″. I’ve also always been told I should model but just stuck with sports and working. Luckily, I have grown a passion to model, but also act even though I have always thought about them since I was a ltitle girl. So, of course the older I got the more passion I grew to go into those fields. My dilemma is I just have absolutely no idea how to even get started in those from the area I’m from. Any and all help is very much appreciated! Thank you! ☺
Hey there! I’m a 17 year boy around height of 5’5 and weight about 60kg. My friends group told me to do modeling.i like to doing poses and fashioning in photography.so please help me or give me the advice. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d6a0ee667cdba7152992ef03188a95855ea0e99beae631bf1ed2a8329ebf6a2d.jpg
Hi, I truthfully don’t know how to get in touch with someone to do a portfolio of me. Alot of people I know tell me I could be a model because I am slim with some curves. I would really like to become a model. I am 16 years of age. Please contact me so I can become my dream
i have been in fashion shows and i am interested into becoming a model
Hi. I really enjoy ready the comments . I have always wanted to model,neaver have. Busy raising kids, now that I’m older, kids are raised & gone. I would love to give it a try. Have stranger telling me how pretty Iam & beauty white hair.it is natural. Please tell me what state should I go to?were & what I should do?
I think in getting the
attention of an agents you should know how to make perfect modeling portfolio. As what my talent source – Explore Talent, told me “First impressions last forever”, and that’s what you want to happen when you auditions right? You have to impress them first with your best shots that showcase your different looks. So, to all aspiring models there..you should probably start now making your perfect modeling portfolio. Good luck!
Hello ,I am a 19year old Swazi girl tall , with brown eyes and black hair a little bit lighter in complection,My wish is to become part of the modeling industry but I don’t know where to start or where to go can someone please help me Start please.
Hi! I’ve always wanted to become a model and still do but I really want to move to New York and become a model there. Can someone tell me if New York is a good place to start a modeling career and if it’s not, what countries or places are the best to become a model at?
ive always wanted to model for agencies like gucci and etc
Im looking to become a model but im unsure how to start.. i live in a smaller town.. I’ve always wanted to but was insecure to do so others started telling me I should do it and I honestly started getting the confidence here recently but I don’t know how to continue, any suggestions or help?
Thanks alot it’s was really helpful
Hello, Im interested in becoming a model in cincinnati and dont know where to start. It just seems like everytime I try to make any attempts at this it never works out. I know I need a portfolio but are there any modeling agencies that will take unexperienced beginners?