Just Do It: How to Become a Nike Model in 7 Sporty Steps

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Nike is an everyday lifestyle and household name that we’ve all come to know and admire. The brand doesn’t work with just any models—it finds real athletes who live out their brand ethos in real life. Does that sound like you?

Here are some reasons you might want to model for Nike:

• Massive global exposure: Nike products are sold in over 170 countries, which means that campaigns are seen worldwide in stores, commercials, billboards, ads, and across social media. Modeling for the company in even just one shoot gives you the potential for huge visibility.
• Empowerment: Resilience, achievement, movement—modeling for Nike positions you alongside a message that extends beyond fashion and into a wider cultural movement.
• Connections: Being part of a campaign run by leading photographers, videographers, producers, and stylists means rubbing elbows with the best in the industry and stocking your portfolio with high-level professional content.
• Values: With its history of supporting social justice causes, highlighting women in sports, supporting youth programs, and leading by example in diversity and inclusion efforts, modeling for Nike can offer a sense of meaning and purpose with your professional achievement.

Nike’s most famous ads often showcase world-class athletes—think LeBron James, Sha’Carri Richardson, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Megan Rapinoe, and Caitlin Clark. Aside from its roster of famous athletes, though, you’ll find a range of athletic builds, authentic looks, and natural confidence from its everyday models.

• Fit: As an athletic apparel brand, it seems obvious that Nike would employ models who have reached a certain level of physical fitness. What is less obvious, though, is that the brand highlights a wide representation of fitness that includes all varieties of body type, skill, and athleticism—from marathon runners to powerlifters to adaptive athletes.
• Diverse: If you’re looking for representation across race, culture, age, gender, and disability, Nike is a safe bet.
• All ages: While most Nike models are adults in their prime athletic years, the company also hires kids, teens, and older adults for campaigns.  
• Athletic: Above all, Nike’s vibe is a comfortable, natural, sporty look. Its ads include people living authentically active lifestyles. Models usually have minimal makeup, natural hairstyles, and an overall healthy aesthetic.
• Confident: Nike campaigns often showcase emotional storytelling around determination, joy, personal achievement, and empowerment. Models for Nike find ways to communicate these emotions through body language and facial expressions, showcasing confidence, grit, passion, and hard work.

Related

How to Become a Model

Models for Nike can expect to make between $19–$39 per hour as in-house models, but pay can range up to $125 per hour or more for freelancers. The average annual salary is around $76,000, but it varies widely depending on type of modeling, experience, scope, and market size. Athletes and celebrities are, of course, paid more. Make sure to remain flexible in your expectations of how much you can earn, and remember that the more experience you have, the better off you will be.

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1. Research. 

Before working with any brand, you should spend time researching its campaigns, styles, and models to familiarize yourself with their goals and ensure it aligns with your own image and values. As mentioned, Nike values natural looks with authentic energy, so come prepared in simple clothing and a confident energy.

2. Curate an athletic portfolio.

A professional modeling portfolio is essential for landing a gig with a brand as well-known as Nike. Your photos should include headshots and full-body shots in athletic wear and casual attire, and your poses should accentuate living a healthy and active lifestyle.

3. Practice active posing.

In order to model for Nike, it’s necessary to be comfortable with movement and action shots. You don’t have to be a pro athlete, but you should look comfortable in motion: running, stretching, lifting, or playing a sport. Spend time practicing active poses and even photographing with props like weights or other sports equipment. Nike works with genuine athletes, so make sure you feel comfortable and that you communicate through your modeling that you’re at ease being active.

4. Sign with an agency. 

Major agencies like Wilhelmina and Ford Models have established relationships with sports brands like Nike, giving reps access to exclusive opportunities that can help you get your foot in the door. While having an agent isn’t always necessary in the modeling industry, it can greatly increase your chances of being submitted for castings that Nike may not post publicly. If you’re primarily an athlete over a traditional model, connecting with sports agencies or influencer management firms can also be effective.

5. Harness the power of social media.

A strong social media presence goes a long way toward increasing your exposure. Post high-quality athletic photos and videos on your page and consider using relevant hashtags like #nikewomen, #justdoit, or #nikerunning. Follow Nike’s official social media account and search for relevant hashtags like #nikecasting to keep an eye out for open calls posted on social media. While Nike often works with celebrity athletes first, having an athletic influencer presence online can help give you a leg up.

6. Keep an eye out for open casting calls.

Nike occasionally posts public opportunities, so pay attention to online spaces that announce open casting calls, like our open model jobs casting call page. While having an agent is recommended, it’s not impossible to find and attend open casting calls on your own, especially if you live near a big city like Los Angeles, New York City, London, or by the brand’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

7. Network with fitness and sports communities. 

Seek out brand collaborations, gyms, and fitness communities in your local city. Trainers, athletes, and fitness influencers are sometimes chosen for ad campaigns because they embody Nike’s values on a regular basis—so stay consistent in your fitness circles, and always keep your ears open for events and opportunities that Nike might be a part of.