Becoming a successful model takes more than just good looks. There are certain skills and qualities models need in order to build a career in the competitive modeling industry. With the right education and training, aspiring models can gain the expertise required to thrive as a professional model.
What Personal Qualities Make a Good Model?
There are several personal attributes that top models possess beyond physical beauty:
- Self-Confidence – Models need to project confidence in front of the camera and on the runway.
- Professionalism – Models need to act professionally and respectfully when working with clients and staff.
- Competitive Spirit – The modeling industry is highly competitive so models need drive and persistence.
- Ability to Take Direction – Models must be coachable and willing to take direction from photographers, designers, and clients.
- Interpersonal Skills – Building positive working relationships is key for getting hired for jobs.
- Resilience – Models need to handle rejection well and bounce back from setbacks.
Models also need to take great care of themselves through proper diet, exercise, and beauty regimens. Having natural photogenic looks is an advantage but models must also learn how to work with photographers to capture their best features. The most successful models exhibit professionalism, confidence, and ambition to keep pursuing opportunities in their career.
Important Skills to Develop
Beyond personality traits, there are concrete skills aspiring models should focus on developing:
Posing and Movement
Models must learn how to properly pose their bodies and position their faces for different types of photoshoots. Excellent posture is critical. Models also need to master different types of catwalk walking and showcase smooth, fluid movements. Posing courses and movement classes can provide immense help. Gaining experience posing in test shoots builds this skillset.
Runway Expertise
Mastering runway walking technique is vital. Models must display proper pacing, gazes, pivots, and arm movements. Studying video of top runway models helps observe proper form. Partaking in runway workshops gives hands-on practice. Test runs and amateur runway shows offer experience before major fashion events.
Photoshoot Savvy
Models must learn how to work well at photoshoots by posing efficiently, following artistic direction, and showcasing different emotions through facial expressions. Understanding lighting setups, camera angles, and how to work with photographers takes photoshoot practice. Assisting at test shoots is great for gaining technical knowledge.
Media and Networking
Building a modeling portfolio, website, and social media presence is key for getting discovered. Models must learn how to network and connect with modeling agencies, local photographers, and designers. Media and networking skills help models self-promote and land jobs.
Foreign Language Skills
For models wanting to work internationally, learning foreign languages like Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, or Japanese can be extremely advantageous for booking jobs around the world.
Education Options for Aspiring Models
There are several educational paths models can pursue:
Modeling Certificate Programs
Many modeling schools and agencies offer condensed certificate programs that provide training in fundamentals like runway walking, posing, and networking over a 3-6 month timeline. These programs allow aspiring models to quickly develop skills. However, they can be expensive with limited financial aid options available.
Modeling Camps & Workshops
Short-term modeling camps and weekends workshops offer targeted instruction in areas like runway, editorial modeling, and fashion photography. These are affordable alternatives to certificates to gain training experience quickly.
Associate’s Degrees
Two-year associate’s degrees in modeling give students well-rounded training in modeling techniques along with general education classes. Many community colleges offer these degrees. They allow flexible schooling options for working models.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Four-year bachelor’s degrees in fashion modeling provide extensive training along with broader education. Students gain valuable expertise through coursework and internships. Earning a degree displays commitment and discipline to the industry.
Online Instruction
For models with busy travel schedules, online modeling courses offer flexible alternatives to gain knowledge. Aspiring models can access e-courses, videos, and virtual instruction to study posing, runway, and social media marketing skills.
Key Modeling Subjects to Study
These are some of the most important topics models should learn about:
Posing
– Posing types like face, body, sitting, and hand modeling
– Transitioning between poses
– Working with photography equipment
– Posing for headshots, full body, swimsuit, lingerie
Catwalk & Runway
– Proper pace and timing
– Leg and arm motion and positions
– Making turns and pivots
– Entering and exiting the runway
– Conveying style and theme
– Projecting confidence and attitude
Movement & Dance
– Balance, strength and control
– Graceful motion
– Flexibility and agility training
– Learning choreography
– Yoga, Pilates, and dance classes
Acting & Facial Expressions
– Conveying emotions through eyes and face
– Developing character and theme
– Working well with photographers and clients
– Improving body language
Fashion & Style Knowledge
– Understanding fashion history and trends
– Knowing influential designers and brands
– Hair, make-up, and styling techniques
– Developing your own fashion sense
Photoshoot Training
– Posing for different shoot types
– Responding to artistic direction
– Working with lighting setups
– Building rapport with photographers
– Gaining experience at test shoots
Nutrition & Wellness
– Following diets for maintaining weight
– Exercising safely and effectively
– Practicing good skincare
– Managing a healthy lifestyle
– Caring for physical and mental wellbeing
Business Practices
– Building your modeling portfolio
– Creating profiles with agencies
– Contract negotiation
– Accounting and financial management
– Marketing yourself through media
– Networking and making connections
Choosing a Modeling Specialty
There are several modeling categories to consider specializing in:
Fashion Modeling
Fashion models showcase clothing and accessories on the runway and in magazines. They work at fashion shows and photoshoots. Being tall, slender, and photogenic is advantageous.
Commercial Modeling
Commercial models promote products and services in advertisements, catalogs, and commercials. There are more varied physical requirements than high fashion work.
Glamour Modeling
Glamour models pose in sexy, alluring images for magazines, calendars, and advertising. Maintaining a beautiful, fit physique is important.
Fitness Modeling
Fitness models display athletic apparel and sports nutrition products. Having outstanding fitness levels and muscle tone is necessary.
Art Modeling
Art models pose for paintings, sculptures, and photography for fine artists and art students. Physical aesthetics are less important than ability to hold poses.
Parts Modeling
Parts models specialize in featuring specific body parts like hands, feet, legs, eyes, or torsos for product ads and artistic work. Unusual features are assets.
Carefully consider your physical attributes, interests, and goals when selecting a modeling specialty to pursue. Meet with agencies and photographers to get feedback about which genres you are best suited for. Be open to trying different modeling areas as you build your career.
Creating a Modeling Portfolio
A modeling portfolio is the most vital marketing tool for models. Here are tips for creating an effective portfolio:
- Work with a variety of photographers to build portfolio diversity.
- Display 6-12 strong images highlighting your best features.
- Demonstrate range with different poses, facial expressions, and concepts.
- Have a professional do your hair, make-up, and styling.
- Wear minimal jewelry and solid color clothing that flatters.
- Invest in retouching services to polish your best shots.
- Showcase your specialty like fashion, glamour, fitness, etc.
- Format portfolio as both high-quality printed book and digital.
Update your modeling portfolio every 3-6 months as you gain experience and improve. Continually work to take higher quality photos showcasing your skills.
Gaining Modeling Experience
Below are effective ways aspiring models can gain invaluable experience:
Take Test Shoots
Test shoots allow models to practice posing and working with photographers without the pressure of official jobs. Testing helps expand portfolios and hone skills.
Enter Modeling Competitions
Modeling competitions like IMTA and ModelSearch provide great exposure. Competing allows models to showcase abilities for agency scouts and demonstrate drive.
Attend Modeling Conventions
Major modeling industry conventions like L.A. Model Expo allow networking with agencies and photographers. Attending classes and workshops adds to knowledge.
Join a Modeling Troupe
Troupes provide training, test shoots, workshops with agencies, and amateur fashion shows. This gives beginners mentoring and experience.
Work as a Background Model
Working as background talent provides entry-level experience on professional sets for TV, film, commercials, and advertising.
Take Unpaid Test Shoots
Photographers often look for models to test new equipment, locations, lighting techniques, and styling methods. Unpaid testing expands your portfolio.
Gaining any type of real-world modeling experience possible will open doors to bigger opportunities down the road. Don’t wait to start applying for jobs once you finish training. Seek constant hands-on practice.
Joining a Modeling Agency
Signing with a modeling agency provides models with valuable representation and access to prominent clients. Here are tips for getting signed:
- Research reputable agencies that specialize in your niche like plus size, fitness, runway, etc.
- Submit your portfolio digitally and provide full body measurements.
- Be professional in communications and eager to take direction at meetings.
- Weigh the pros and cons if multiple agencies offer representation.
- Thoroughly review any contracts before signing agreements.
- Start with local or boutique agencies to build experience before going to big national firms.
- Work to impress your agent by being easy to work with at bookings.
- Avoid agencies that charge upfront fees which are often scams.
Having agency representation can really accelerate a model’s career. But do your homework researching agencies to find an ethical one that will invest in your success.
Key Modeling Markets to Consider
The top fashion markets for models to find work in include:
- New York City – The fashion capital of America and home to major agencies and clients.
- Los Angeles – Numerous commercial, print, and swimsuit modeling opportunities.
- Miami – Plentiful lifestyle, beachwear, and ecommerce modeling jobs.
- Chicago – Strong market for catalog, showroom, and commercial models.
- San Francisco – Hub for west coast print, fitness, tech clients and agencies.
- Seattle – Home to major brands like Amazon and Microsoft providing modeling work.
- Las Vegas – Large entertainment and nightlife industry with steady promotional gigs.
- Paris – Considered the fashion capital of the world along with New York City.
- Milan – Premier fashion destination in Italy for runway and editorial work.
- London – Major fashion market in Europe along with Paris and Milan.
- Sydney – Strong swimsuit, beauty, and ecommerce modeling market in Australia.
Models should be willing to relocate or travel regularly to have the best access to prominent fashion markets and top agencies. But good opportunities can be found by starting locally as well.
Earning Income as a Model
There are several ways models can earn income in their careers:
- Hourly Rate – Models may be paid by the hour for fittings, shoots, rehearsals, travel time.
- Flat Fee – Some clients pay a daily flat rate for a shoot or runway show.
- Usage Fees – Additional payments based on how images are used for different campaigns.
- Buyouts – Paying an agreed fee for unlimited usage of photos for a set time period.
- Royalties – Models can earn royalties from sales on prints and merchandise with images.
- Retainers – Top models may receive a set monthly fee to remain available.
- Event Appearances – Models get hired for trade shows, galas, fashion events.
- Speaking Engagements – Established models may earn money public speaking and teaching workshops.
The highest paid fashion models can make millions per year through campaigns and contracts with major brands. But the average model earns closer to $40,000-$60,000 annually in the early stages of their career according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Persistence and hard work is required to scale earnings.
Maintaining a Modeling Career
Models must engage in ongoing development throughout their career. Key tips include:
- Take regular training to keep skills razor sharp.
- Keep networking and making new agency/client connections.
- Be professional and gracious to work with at all times.
- Promote yourself actively through social media and media appearances.
- Travel to key fashion markets for exposure to top clients.
- Expand your modeling portfolio with new distinct looks.
- Keep your body in peak condition through diet and exercise.
- Consider new specialties like plus size or mature modeling.
- Set aside earnings to cover dry spells common in the industry.
Modeling takes immense dedication, perseverance, and flexibility. But models who continually work at improving their skills and networking can build thriving long-term careers.
Dealing with Rejection as a Model
Rejection is inevitable in the modeling industry. Tips for handling rejection include:
- Remember rejection is usually not personal but rather about finding the right look.
- Boost resilience by practicing positive self-talk and focusing on strengths.
- Gain feedback on why you did not book jobs to improve weak areas.
- Enter multiple competitions and castings to get used to the rejection experience.
- Record your accomplishments in a journal to maintain confidence.
- Find encouragement through friends, family, mentors, and online modeling communities.
- Stay persistent and view rejections as stepping stones to your eventual success.
The most successful models have learned to not take rejection personally and handle the letdowns as well as the triumphs. This enables them to survive the ups and downs of the fast-paced modeling industry.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional model involves dedication to training, gaining experience, building a portfolio, networking, and maintaining resilience. While natural beauty is a prerequisite, models must continually strengthen their skillsets around posing, runway, media presence, and business savvy. There are many educational paths from certificate programs to degrees that provide a modeling foundation. By exhibiting professionalism, persistence, and hard work, aspiring models can develop into successful working models. The industry is highly competitive so staying motivated through rejection is also crucial. With the right education and attitude, an exciting career in modeling can become reality.