6 Ways to Get Scouted for Modeling

Candice Swanepoel was perusing goods at a local flea market when she was scouted for modeling; Gisele Bündchen was eating at McDonald’s. We’ve all heard the stories of models who were scouted while they were simply out in the world, living their lives. While this absolutely can happen, there are ways that you can up your chances of such an encounter. In this article, we’ll take a look at what you can do to give yourself better odds of getting scouted and jump-start your modeling career. 

1. Leverage social media.

Before you go out and touch grass, make sure your social media accounts are properly set up for scouting:

• Prepare: Focus your attention on visual mediums such as Instagram and TikTok, clear out any content where you don’t look your absolute best, and make sure that your accounts are set to public.
• Post: Post regularly, and ensure that all of your content is of the highest quality and that you are always putting your best foot forward.
• Hashtags: Go through your content and make sure that you’re using appropriate, industry-relevant hashtags like #model, #modellife, #modeling, #aspiringmodel, and #scoutme. You can find other relevant hashtags by following models whose careers you admire and wish to emulate.
• Engage: Connect with agencies and brands online. Like, comment, and repost, but make sure to do it in an authentic way, and only interact with companies that you actually admire and want to work with. And don’t forget to check your direct messages! Sometimes messages on Instagram in particular get filtered out as message requests, so make sure you’re checking them regularly so you don’t miss a potential opportunity.
• Grow: Accumulate as many followers as you can, since a large following can often catch the eye of scouts.

2. Network in the industry.

Networking can be intimidating, but it’s vital if you’re hoping to be discovered. Here are a few ways you can put yourself out there:

• Events: Attend industry conventions and workshops like those put on by IMTA and HMM, and participate in local fashion shows or photo shoots.
• Groups: Join online modeling communities on Meetup, Reddit, and other social media platforms.
• Social capital: Build relationships with photographers and other models—they may represent the one connection you need to succeed.

3. Prepare for and attend open casting calls.

Casting calls are more than an audition for a specific modeling gig; they also get you seen by other people in the industry who just might have an upcoming project with your name written all over it. To make the most of the opportunity: 

• Get ready: Proper preparation means living a healthy lifestyle to maintain your appearance. This includes ensuring you’re well-hydrated, eating healthy foods, regularly exercising, and getting plenty of sleep each night. It also means cultivating your look and style, which you can achieve by dressing with purpose and accessorizing with specificity to create a style that is uniquely yours. When you’re ready to go to the audition, dress appropriately for the casting call and always purport yourself in a professional manner.
• Gather your materials: Make sure that you have your headshots, portfolio, and comp cards prepared, and that all of your contact info and social media handles are up-to-date.
• Find casting calls: Look for and apply to modeling gigs that match your look, age range, and location on our comprehensive casting call database.

4. Approach agencies directly.

Start by researching reputable modeling agencies, which is as simple as searching for modeling agencies in your city. Once you’ve identified a few agencies you would be excited to work with, reach out to them via their website or on social media, and provide links to your online portfolio or Instagram account. Follow up in a few weeks if you haven’t heard back, and prepare yourself for agency meetings or interviews.

5. Get your face seen.

Landing a true scouting experience is a matter of being in public places and having a touch of luck. Take these stories as inspiration: 

• As a child, Natalie Portman was eating pizza with her mom after a dance class when she was approached by a modeling scout. But even then, she knew what she wanted, and asked the agent to put her in touch with someone in their acting department.
• Chloë Sevigny was scouted while skateboarding in New York City’s East Village. An editor for Sassy magazine saw her and asked her if she’d be interested in modeling. She said yes, and went on two years later to star in her first film.
• Charlize Theron was having a heated discussion with a bank teller regarding a paycheck she was having trouble cashing. As luck would have it, a talent agent was standing behind her in line and handed her his business card.
• Natalia Vodianova was selling fruit at a market when she was spotted by a model agent, who convinced her to move to Paris.
• A teenaged Kate Moss was scouted at the airport while traveling with her family—by the brother of Storm Management founder Sarah Doukas, no less! 

6. Consider alternative opportunities.

There are a few other ways you can get scouted, including:

• Participating in modeling contests or reality shows
• Using college campus scouting events
• Exploring niche or specialized markets such as parts, tattoo, or glamour modeling