For aspiring fashion models, modeling may seem like an easy field to break into. All you need is height and the right look, right? Wrong! While those two things are important, there’s plenty more that aspiring models should focus on if they want to succeed in this business. If you’re looking to break into modeling and haven’t gotten where you want to be yet, try implementing these 10 tips into your daily routine and see how much better you do next time!
1) Listen To The Industry
Part of why modeling is such an excellent fit for those just getting their feet wet in fashion is that it isn’t a cutthroat industry. Many model agencies are very accepting of up-and-coming talent and, in some cases, will even reach out to you if they see a new face on one of your social media platforms.
While that doesn’t mean you should flood them with emails or resumes, always keep an ear to what they say: You could land a gig simply because someone saw your picture online. All it takes is one person agreeing with your look to send you down a brand new path—if they do, it can make all the difference. Here are three ways Korean models are dominating American runways.
2) Get out there
One of your most important tasks as a new model is participating in as many open calls and castings as possible. Most of these will not turn into paid modeling jobs, but walking in front of scouts regularly will make you better at casting calls and hopefully help you break into an agency.
And if it means that you get to meet some famous Korean models or famous Korean designers, who knows what could happen? In Korea, Seoul Fashion Week (and its accompanying Seoul Fashion Festival) are two huge events where Korean models strut their stuff—but there are smaller fashion shows all over Korea. So don’t miss out! The bigger events usually have auditions posted online beforehand, so check those out and try to attend one near you!
3) Put yourself in places where you can be seen
Do you know who is great at finding modeling jobs? People in positions of power. Agents, casting directors, magazine editors, and fashion photographers are always looking for new talent, so you must get your face in front of them regularly.
If possible, attend fashion events—preferably with a friend or a group of peers—and community gatherings that may attract industry insiders. Be friendly and outgoing, dress to impress, and be ready to leave an impression when opportunities arise. You never know who might be watching!
4) Have a good portfolio
While it can be difficult to find agencies specializing in plus-size models, companies such as Los Angeles-based Ford and Elite New York work with models of various sizes. Don’t let yourself get discouraged by any size restrictions listed on their websites – an agency is bound to represent your look eventually if you continue to submit photos.
Until then, it may be a good idea to keep modeling wherever you can. Find local photo shoots in your area or start scouting modeling jobs on Craigslist. It may not seem professional initially, but many successful models started doing these types of jobs when they were first starting. Some of them still do!
5) Be courteous to everyone you encounter
You should treat them professionally and respectfully, even if you’ve just met someone. Make sure you’re always on time for your appointments (and stick to any agreements), even if it means letting go of other important things. By being professional, you’ll show others what kind of person you are, which could help your career in various ways. And who knows? You never know when a conversation might lead to a modeling opportunity down the road!
6) Learn more about the industry and how it works
The fashion industry is no stranger to controversy, but it’s important to understand what makes it work—and what doesn’t. Don’t walk into an agency expecting them to be able to change your appearance dramatically or have you knocking down runways in designer clothes overnight; even highly successful models need consistent hard work and a little bit of luck. Ask around and do some research before you begin your modeling career—make sure you know what you’re getting into and how long it will take to get there.
7) Get an agent
While many people will tell you that you don’t need an agent, that is not true. A fashion model’s most valuable tool is her agent; they often do everything from getting her on fashion show runways to booking magazine photo shoots. To find an agent who works with your desired market (print, runway, commercial print), start by asking other models and industry professionals (hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers) whom they recommend.
Once you’ve done that, it’s just a matter of contacting them! You can reach out by email or telephone, but also remember that these people are professionals who probably get bombarded with calls and emails all day.
8) Stay humble
It’s impossible to make it in fashion without a keen sense of self-awareness. When you’re spending most of your time surrounded by people who have been handpicked to represent an aesthetic—whether within their modeling portfolio or at an exclusive industry party—it can be easy to lose sight of who you are and where you came from. For example, if someone compliments your look and says something like, Wow, you sure do know how to fill out a dress! Or You pull off that red lipstick! Could you take it as a compliment? Be kind: We are all human, and our industry has plenty of room for kindness.
You may be surprised to learn that many modeling agencies don’t look at online portfolios as much as you think. Rather, they rely on social media to make initial decisions about potential talent. Make sure your profile is professional and thorough by adding photos of your work (not selfies) and links to model pages that already feature you. Also, follow modeling agencies on all their social media platforms—don’t post promotional material unless they request it from you.
10) Attend industry events.
Networking is an extremely important part of any career; models are no exception. The business side of modeling is just as important as your physical appearance, so you should do everything you can to attend industry events, charity functions, and fashion shows.
The more connections you make, and the more people who know your name, means more opportunities will come to you over time. So leave behind a lasting impression at these events: Be polite and professional with everyone around you!
Final Thoughts
It can be easy to forget about your health while modeling as a full-time career. But as in every other industry, keeping yourself looking and feeling your best is key to staying on top of your game. The fashion models who push themselves—getting plenty of sleep, drinking enough water, eating healthy meals, and doing some regular exercise—are usually at their fittest, healthiest and happiest! It’s certainly not an easy profession: For models with long commutes or an irregular schedule, commuting between their home city and New York City can become even more of a burden than it already is. If you want to model professionally in New York City (as well as many other cities), there are opportunities available!
