How to Become a Model for Urban Outfitters in 7 Steps

Recognized internationally for its youthful and eclectic style, many models get their start modeling for the URBN portfolio. The clothing brand was first opened in Philadelphia in 1970 as the store Free People. A few years later it was renamed Urban Outfitters and grew into the chain we’re familiar with today. Now, URBN is the parent company to a handful of brands, including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, and Nuuly, and has over 200 locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. 

Here are some reasons why you may want to model for Urban Outfitters:

• Exposure: With a portfolio of many well-known brands and locations across North America and Europe, the company has the potential to serve as a jumping-off point for modeling for a number of other reputable brands.
• Aesthetic and audience: Urban Outfitters has a distinctive, trendy look that blends street style and youthful culture with vintage inspiration. Modeling for UO means being part of creative and visually inspired shoots that appeal to younger, fashionable audiences.
• Creative, less conventional modeling: The clothing line leans toward creating an image of “hanging out” rather than high-fashion poses, so you’ll likely be showcased in a variety of nonconventional modeling locations. Everyday environments such as apartments, coffee shops, college sporting events, and rooftops are common backgrounds, meaning you’ll get to showcase more personality than with other brands. Since Urban Outfitters is a company that celebrates individuality, edginess, and quirk, its models are allowed to rock tattoos and visible piercings and are even encouraged to bring their own flair to auditions and shoots.
• Credibility and a hefty portfolio boost: Urban Outfitters has a strong and recognizable brand identity, so images from its campaigns can serve as a significant portfolio boost for future work.

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• Playful and casual: In general, models showcase a sense of fun over a sterile, perfect look. UO campaigns feature models with a strong sense of self, personal style, and unique features, who let their differences shine through.
• Young: Since it aims to target a younger audience, Urban Outfitters tends to work with models aged 18–30. Its newest “UO Haul” Back to Campus campaign targets Gen Z consumers, highlighting a wide variety of college-aged models tailgating at sporting events, wearing college merch, and moving into dorm rooms. 
• Diverse: Urban Outfitters leans heavily into diversity when it comes to its models, celebrating a wide variety of backgrounds, skin colors, and cultures. Its website and campaigns span feminine, androgynous, and masculine looks that allow for a full range of self-expression. However, the brand doesn’t have the best track record with plus-size models or inclusive sizing, which is something to think about if you’re considering modeling for the company.

According to Glassdoor, models at Urban Outfitters make anywhere from $17 to $43 per hour or $36,000 to $65,000 per year. It’s important to remember that salaries in the modeling industry are highly varied. Earnings can change based on experience, campaigns, demand, the specific market you’re in, and the type of modeling you’re doing.

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1. Research the brand’s aesthetic.

Getting to know the UO aesthetic means you can feel confident about what you’re walking into when you show up to a casting call. Urban Outfitters touts a culture of community and creativity, so figure out what makes YOU unique and highlight it.

2. Create a portfolio that matches its look.

Follow our guide to creating a modeling portfolio, with a focus on styles and poses that match Urban Outfitters’ models and campaigns. You want to show that you’re capable of providing what it looks for in a model. 

3. Follow its talent channels. 

Urban Outfitters posts about open casting calls on its career page and recruiting account. It also works with major agencies like Wilhelmina, Ford Models, and IMG. While working with a modeling agency isn’t the only way to bag a shoot with Urban Outfitters, it will likely increase your chances.

Also keep your eye on our modeling jobs casting call page. We post hundreds of modeling jobs on a regular basis, which can be a huge resource for you to land your next gig with Urban Outfitters or a similar brand.

4. Attend open castings.

If you’re in or near a big city, pay attention to announcements for open casting calls. Remember the aesthetic and show up dressed in the brand’s casual but stylish look, as if you’re ready to jump right into a shoot.

5. Network in creative circles.

Staying connected in various music scenes, art communities, or other creative spaces online and in person will help you build connections that can give you a leg up. UO’s events page lists upcoming music appearances and creative conversations, and its Community Cares page highlights nonprofits that it partners with and causes it supports. Find some near you.

6. Curate your social media.

Curating your Instagram to reflect the types of brands you want to work with can help you stand out. Make sure your page is professional, stylish, and matches the energy of the types of roles you’re aiming for. You can even tag Urban Outfitters in photos that match the brand’s aesthetic—you never know who’s watching.

7. Practice! 

As often as you can, spend time practicing. Run through your poses in front of the mirror or work with a friend who has a camera—what’s most important is that you feel confident. The UO brand is built on individual creative expression, so bring yours and watch the magic happen.