When asked, “how to become a model?”, most people would say that “looks” are the greatest asset for models. And they are not entirely wrong. You see, looks are the primary value proposition in the modeling industry. However, it takes more than just looks if you aim to be a supermodel and have a successful modeling career. First, you have to know what sells products and then understand the business’s nitty-gritty. That is why industry giants give the most attention to models like Giselle Bundchen, Heidi Klum, or Jerry Hall.
Below are the basic requirements that you would need to meet to have a shot at becoming a model. Following these would help you understand how to be a model and what it takes to stay at the top. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
1. What Does A Model Do?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Types Of Fashion Models
4. 10 Tips On How To Become A Model
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Illustration: How To Become A Model: 10 Effective Tips To Follow
What Does A Model Do?
A model showcases products, services, or artistic concepts through various mediums such as photography, runway shows, commercials, or live events. Here are key aspects of a model’s role:
- Promote Products: Models wear or use clothing, accessories, or other items to highlight their features for brands or designers.
- Pose for Photoshoots: Work with photographers to create visual content for advertisements, magazines, or portfolios.
- Walk Runways: Display outfits or collections during fashion shows, following precise movements and postures.
- Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with stylists, makeup artists, and directors to achieve the desired look or message.
- Express Concepts: Convey emotions, attitudes, or themes for artistic projects or advertisements.
- Maintain Appearance: Stay fit and groomed to meet industry standards and requirements.
- Market Themselves: Build and maintain a professional portfolio and network to attract clients or agencies.
Models often work in diverse settings, from studios and fashion shows to outdoor shoots, adapting to various roles and styles.
Key Takeaways
- Beauty/glamor models, runway/fashion models, body types/diversity models,and commercial models are the four types of models.
- To become a successful model, practice walking gracefully, learn about and try new facial expressions, and be confident in front of the camera.
- Make a portfolio consisting of around 30-50 of your best photos. The portfolio should be professional and simple-looking.
Types Of Fashion Models
Fashion is a broad field, and stylistic preferences vary drastically from one person to the next. Therefore, there are five important categories of fashion models, as mentioned below:
- Beauty/Glamor Models
Beauty or glamor models sell the idea of the product. They should ideally have attractive, soft, smooth, and clear skin. Beauty models are hired to make products look good. Their main purpose is to be pretty and demonstrate what a product will do for the consumer if they buy and use it.
Sometimes, beauty modeling can be as simple as just having perfect skin or hair, and the product is shown as an accessory that you can use to keep up with your beauty.
- Runway/Fashion Models
A runway model showcases how the designer’s clothing will look on someone and how it is supposed to fit. For instance, if there is a new line of women’s jeans and jackets. They might bring in a thin and tall model, representing the target consumer base. It also goes to show that extreme sizes do not restrict the clothes.
For yoga pants, sunglasses, or cute hats, the designer may choose a model who looks more mature but also athletic and hip. Their style has a younger flair, but their age makes them appealing to an older crowd. In this case, it is not about what they wear but how they carry them.
The audience should be able to look at the runway model and visualize themselves in the clothes. So, it is important to bring in the right type of model to wear your creations so that people can see how it is supposed to look on them.
- Editorial/ Print Models
An editorial model showcases clothes created by designers and international fashion houses on the cover of high-fashion magazines. These jobs take place in studios or outdoor locations.
- Body Types/Diversity Models
The beauty and fashion modeling industry has diversified now. Models come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors. In the past, fashion models were usually tall, white women with abs of steel and long legs. But today, the field has opened up to a more diverse group of people, including models of diverse ethnicities and plus-size models, who are now more visible and celebrated in mainstream campaigns.
You will also find advertisements that don’t use a single model and instead show representations of various sizes and shapes. It helps demonstrate that people of different shapes and sizes can wear the clothing.
- Commercial Models
Commercial models are usually very attractive and have special skills to help sell the products. The purpose of commercial models is to show products being used properly. They could explain how much better their product is than the competitor’s, or they could just show the products you know and love. They demonstrate how buying the product can make your life better. The main purpose of commercial models is to show you how awesome their product is.
- Catalog Models
Catalog models are people who work as product or clothing models for catalogs, online retailers, or advertising materials. They are selected according to predetermined standards, including height and general look that complement the target market and the brand’s aesthetic. These models often work in a studio environment, posing for pictures that feature the products the company wishes to market.
They usually have an adaptable demeanor that can fit into various styles. To successfully portray the desired style of the catalog, they need to be flexible and varied in their poses, facial expressions, and body language. This particular niche in the modeling industry prioritizes consistency and the capacity to properly highlight the products.
Once you have decided on the kind of model you want to become, you can work on the core skills needed in the profession. Check out the next section to know all about them.
10 Tips On How To Become A Model
- 10 Tips On How To Become A Model
`Models are usually expected to walk the runway with style and elegance. It means getting rid of any weird movements you might have, like hanging your hands at your sides or swinging your arms back and forth. Instead, practice making entrances for things, and pretend you are on a runway by strutting instead of walking. This is also what they teach in modeling schools.
- Work On Your Facial Expressions
Learn how to emote for photos so that you can sell a product better and be more impressive on the runway or the screen.
- Get A Tan
Or, if you don’t want to get a tan, use bronzer or some other spray-on tan product. You can also choose products that make your skin darker naturally.
- Your Clothes Should Fit Your Body
They should look like they are the right size. Make sure you are not unprofessionally dressed when meeting casting directors or producers. Avoid too big or ill-fitting clothing because it can make you look much larger than you are when on camera or in a photo.
- Wear The Right Amount Of Accessories
If you are unsure what that ’right amount’ means, ask your photographer or stylist for advice.
- Hair Should Be Clean And Styled
If you have curly hair, try to style and manage it to look good rather than unruly on camera or in photos. If you have straight hair, maintain your mane’s volume and give them a clean hairstyle.
- Practice Posing
You can do this in front of a mirror to see what you look like when you are on the camera, taking photos, or in modeling competitions. Memorize poses that accentuate your best features, but don’t be afraid to try new things because sometimes new poses can look great too.
- Try To Look Natural And and Friendly
You don’t want the camera to capture a photo of you looking angry, sad, or intense because those emotions are not very attractive. The general idea is that models should always look happy and confident in their photos. If you don’t feel confident about your abilities, pretend until you do.
- Make Sure Your Photos Are Edited Well
You can hire someone to edit your photos or if you know how to do it, feel free to edit them yourself. The photos should be edited so that the background looks as neutral and uncluttered as possible. That way, the viewer can focus on you and your face.
- Build Your Portfolio
Have about thirty to fifty of your best photos ready for when you go on an interview or on modeling auditions. Use a modeling portfolio that is simple and professional-looking, but one that shows off your personality well to get a modeling contract.
It might take a while to get into professional modeling due to lack of opportunities, experience, or adequate training, but you may still want to get exposure as soon as possible. You can take to social media and share content that shows your daily progress, learnings, and creative ideas. Take inspiration from accounts of top Instagram models for ideas on how to structure your content and increase engagement. If you improve at what you do, you may be contacted by brands for real modeling opportunities, finally kickstarting your journey!
In A Nutshell
Becoming a model is not as glamorous or easy as people might think, but this article’s modeling tips can help aspiring models. First, remember that modeling is more than just being pretty for pictures — it is about selling products and looking natural on camera. And don’t be afraid to practice posing in front of a mirror until you feel confident enough to walk gracefully down the runway or sell a product confidently. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and become the best model you can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How important is networking in the modeling industry?
Networking is crucial in the modeling industry as it helps build relationships, discover opportunities, stay relevant, and gain valuable insights. Strong connections with industry professionals can open doors to gigs, collaborations, and long-term career growth.
2. What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting a modeling career?
Common mistakes when starting a modeling career include neglecting professional photos, signing with unverified agencies, failing to network, ignoring self-care, being unprepared for castings, and lacking persistence. Avoid scams, stay professional, and build a strong portfolio to succeed.
3. What is the maximum age for modeling?
Modeling is a field where everyone, regardless of age, is welcome to join. Models are chosen depending on the product they are modeling for.
4. What are some common challenges faced by models and how can I overcome them?
Challenges faced by models include rejection, criticism, successfully navigating the industry, meeting deadlines, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, unpredictable job and income, low self-esteem, etc. You can overcome these by acknowledging that not everyone will like your work, educating yourself about the industry, keeping yourself fit overall rather than focusing on short-term goals, and planning ahead for a rainy day.
5. Is modeling a good career?
Modeling enhances your poise and boosts your confidence. It also allows you to travel to different places and interact with creative people. Therefore, modeling is a promising career.
Illustration: How To Become A Model: 10 Effective Tips To Follow
Here’s an illustrated guide outlining 10 effective tips for becoming a model. Each tip is visually represented in a clean, motivational style to help you follow and implement them step by step.
Personal Experience: Source
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
