The thousand-step journey to becoming the next Cindy Crawford or Lucky Blue Smith starts with your first modeling job. Now more than ever, the industry is offering opportunities to anyone interested. That being said, becoming a model is no easy runway to navigate. Below, we break down the knowledge, materials, and direction you’ll need to get your foot in the door (in some cases, literally).
Are you picturing your face on a billboard or your leg in a luxurywear magazine? Before you start the job hunt, you should know what kind of modeling you’re most interested in.
- Runway and fashion modeling: This is what most people think of when they hear model. Runway models can be found at fashion week presentations or in magazine editorials. Traditionally, this avenue has had strict height and body type guidelines, but this is slowly falling out of fashion (pun very much intended).
- Commercial and print modeling: Specializing in catalogs, billboard ads, brochures, and book covers, this subset of the industry is everywhere you look. If you’re just starting out and want to keep your options open, consider heading down this road.
- Fitness modeling: Sportswear ads and videos call for fitness models. You’ll need to be in athletic shape and able to perform feats of physical strength and endurance, so the barrier to entry is often high. (But hey, if you want to go down this path, you’re probably used to jumping over hurdles.)
- Promotional modeling: Walking the floor of an auto show or handing out free Red Bulls at sporting events is known as promotional modeling. These gigs come with the additional responsibility of acting as a spokesperson or ambassador for the product. If you’re more interested in direct conversation and the salesmanship of modeling, this could be the right path.
- Swimsuit modeling: Swimsuit modeling is essentially a cross between fashion and fitness modeling. Expect to grace the pages, screens, and stages anywhere that sells swimwear. There are no specific measurements required and, like fashion modeling, this subset of modeling has become more inclusive in recent years.
- Parts modeling: Want to show off just your hands, legs, or feet? Parts modeling is a great option. If you keep your fingernails in impeccable condition or were lucky enough to be born with evenly shaped toes, consider parts modeling.
How to Become a Parts Model- Assemble headshots and digitals: You’ll need to get professional headshots, as well as a full body shot, that show off your look. Carefully conduct research to make sure you work with a photographer who makes you feel comfortable. “Headshot sessions are emotional and personal experiences. If you aren’t comfortable, there’s no way that you can expose your true self in front of a camera,” says image consultant Tom Burke. In addition to headshots, create a few digitals (also known as Polaroids), which are photos captured in simple lighting with no makeup or editing. This shows off your most natural look.
- Create comp cards: A comp card is essentially the business card of the modeling world. It should include four to six photos of you, along with your measurements and contact info. You can design your own or hire a professional; either way, always have them on hand.
- Practice modeling: The saying “practice makes perfect” definitely applies to modeling. Work on walking and posing at home or in front of friends and family. Study images or videos of models you want to emulate. Figure out what feels best or what you excel at.
- Engage in self-care: Take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Keep up good hygiene habits when it comes to your hair, skin, teeth, and nails. Emotionally, modeling can be a draining industry. Check in with your mental health and listen to your mind and body when they need a rest.
Once you know what kind of jobs you want and have properly prepared, it’s time to start looking.
Casting calls: You’ll need some experience (and a trusted agent) before getting your foot in the door for closed calls, so start with platforms like Backstage for open modeling casting calls. You can begin with a broad search or head straight to more niche opportunities, including:
- Fashion modeling casting calls
- Print modeling casting calls
- Fitness modeling casting calls
- Hand modeling casting calls
- Teen modeling casting calls
Social media: It can be tough to break through the algorithm-driven noise, but platforms like Instagram and TikTok are viable places to promote yourself as a model. Just ask Lameka Fox, who was walking a Marc Jacobs runway just months after being discovered by IMG Models through the agency’s “We Love Your Genes” search. “I just hashtagged three pictures where I looked the most natural and wasn’t wearing really any makeup,” Fox said at the time.
Social media is also a great place to stay up-to-date. Follow brands, photographers, designers, and other industry professionals so you never miss a call for new faces.
Networking: Cultivating a crew of like-minded people is essential because doing so provides a support system. The fact that your network might open doors down the line is an added bonus. Attend industry events, modeling workshops, and classes. Be open and honest, but focus on asking questions and learning, not job opportunities.
Local businesses: If industry meccas like New York and L.A. feel overwhelming, look local. Businesses in your immediate area often need models for social media posts and promotional materials. Be smart about your choices, of course, but small gigs like this are a great way to start building your book of work.