Do you have the confidence to walk runways, pose for photographers, and promote brands, products and designs? A career in modelling may be your calling.
In this quick guide, we’ll help you decide if modelling work is for you.
What Are Modelling Jobs?
Modelling jobs can be extremely diverse. Primarily, however, the function a model is to promote and advertise countless products, including clothing and footwear.
On a modelling job, you may find yourself at a photoshoot or fashion show – even music videos, TV commercials, convention or trade shows. The variety of this job is one of its main perks.
How To Find Modelling Work
Finding modelling work can be difficult – it’s helpful to know your strengths and the modelling work that you want to pursue. Creating a portfolio that represents you as well as possible is a great way of working this out.
Good quality headshots, body shots and several poses will help both you and your prospective employers understand what you are capable of.
Websites
There are countless sites for you to search online to help you find castings for the branch of the industry you are interested in.
Making sure your online portfolio is of a high standard should help when applying for these.
Networking
People often say, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” when looking for work – this is extremely true in the modelling world.
Getting yourself out there, speaking to the right people and letting them know about your career goals may lead to recommendations or to people letting you know of suitable jobs that come up.
Events
Fashion events, shows and exhibitions are a great way to network and meet the people that might help you with job opportunities in the future.
Having some background knowledge about the people attending is helpful. Social media is a great way to find out more and even interact before, during, and after an event.
Job Alerts
A job alert to your phone or email will help you avoid missing out on opportunities. It will also give you a better idea of what opportunities are coming up and popular locations.
Advertising on agency sites
Agency sites are a great way to be seen. This will be the first port of call for people in the industry when they are on the lookout for a model.
This is where a good, up to date portfolio and excellent working relationship will come in handy.
How To Prepare For A Modelling Audition
Preparing for a modelling interview can be daunting – but don’t worry! The right preparation should give you a good chance of getting the job.
Here are the top tips for preparing for a modelling interview;
- Research – Researching modelling agencies will let you know what kind of models represent them, the body style they are interested in, and find out what requirements or portfolio they would need.
- Prepare your portfolio – The agency will usually want to see your portfolio. Including a bare-faced shot is a must, so they can see your natural look. Other photos should showcase your body in different positions and poses – but don’t overwhelm them with too many.
- Prepare your resume – List any of your previous relevant work. This helps the interviewer get a better idea of the campaigns you have worked on and what experience you have. You can include measurements; however, some agencies will request this in a comp card, which may be worth checking.
- Ensure your appearance is suitable – You should make sure you are clean and well presented, with as natural a look as possible. Clothing that compliments your body means you have another opportunity to show them how you will look in certain campaigns.
- Work on your modelling – As you may expect for a modelling job, the interviewer will want to see how you pose or walk. Filming yourself and analysing this as well as seeking constructive criticism from friends and family is a great way to improve.
- Prepare for the questions – Be ready to answer questions on your modelling career and previous experience, as well as why you think you would fit in well with that agency in particular.
How To Win Modelling Interviews
Making a good impression will be the best way to ace your modelling interview. Following the previous advice should put you in a good position.
Turning up early by around 15 minutes shows that you are reliable; being friendly and engaging will also help show the agency that you are easy to work with.
Asking relevant questions for further information will be a positive way to engage, and make sure your outfit doesn’t overpower your personal look is also important. Don’t wear jewellery and go for solid colouring in your clothes.
Asking for feedback and even sending a thank you after the interview shows that you are keen to improve and are grateful and professional.
How To Make Better Money
Networking and experience will help you get bigger and better jobs as you go on. You will be able to focus on a particular branch of modelling and tailor your resume in future interviews.
Your average salary would be much higher in certain fields of modelling, such as high fashion.
Safety
As a model, your safety is paramount, and it is important you take the steps necessary to keep yourself safe on jobs and with your information.
Personal safety
You will be able to research anyone on new jobs as well as being able to ask for references. Searching for social profiles or a website is a good way to find out about legitimate and trustworthy people to work with.
Always let someone know where you are going and if you are still wary, bring a trusted friend or family member.
Personal data safety
Never give out your personal information or your phone number.
Be wary and alert if you have been contacted by someone new, and be sure to research online to find out how trustworthy a person, job or agency is.
Safety of minors
A parent or guardian must accompany all models under the age of 18 in the UK.
If anyone asks for you to meet them without them or asks you not to tell alarm bells should be ringings, it is important to let them know so it can be investigated as soon as possible.
