1) Research the industry.
Start by mapping the landscape so you know where you fit and what to pursue. The main categories include high-fashion/editorial (magazines, designer campaigns), runway (showroom and catwalk), commercial/print (brands, e-commerce, lifestyle), beauty/hair, fitness, parts (hands/feet/legs), petite/curve, mature, and promotional. Study how each niche looks: the body types and height ranges commonly booked, the styling, and the expressions. Follow reputable agencies and casting directors on social media, read industry blogs and trade press, and watch model interviews to learn how jobs are cast, who makes decisions, and what professionalism looks like day to day. As you research, note the geographic realities (e.g., fashion capitals vs. strong commercial markets) and the difference between agency-signed and freelance careers so you can choose a path intentionally.

2) Assess your attributes.
Take honest inventory of your physical features (height, proportions, skin, hair, teeth, hands), your movement ability (posture, walk, flexibility), and your “energy on camera” (range of expressions, comfort taking direction). Identify what is naturally marketable—maybe striking bone structure for beauty, great hands for parts, or a bright, relatable look for commercial. Note any skill gaps (e.g., runway walk, facial control) and make a plan to improve them. Keep basic measurements up to date (height, bust/chest, waist, hips, inseam, shoe; plus jacket, neck, sleeve for men), and learn to measure yourself accurately. Remember the industry increasingly books diverse sizes, ages, and looks—authenticity plus professionalism is a real advantage.

3) Build a starter portfolio (“digitals” + tests).
Begin with digitals (polaroids): simple, well-lit phone photos—front, ¾, and profile headshots; a natural smile and a neutral face; full-length front and ¾; close-ups for skin/hair. Wear fitted basics (solid top and jeans; heels for runway categories). No heavy makeup, filters, or retouching. Next, invest in test shoots with reputable photographers to add variety: clean beauty, lifestyle/commercial looks, and 1–2 stylized frames that still feel like you. Aim for 8–12 strong images total that show range without redundancy. Create a one-page comp card (front: best headshot; back: 3–4 varied images + measurements + contact/agency). Keep files organized by look, and label by date so you can track progress.

4) Find (and verify) a reputable agency.
Shortlist agencies that actively book your category in your region. Compare their boards: do they represent talent with your look and experience level? Submit via official website forms with your digitals and measurements; if they host open calls, those should be free and clearly listed. Red flags: requests for upfront fees for representation, mandatory paid classes/photos, vague contracts, pressure tactics, or “lifetime” exclusive agreements. Legit agencies earn via commission when you work. If offered a contract, read it carefully (term length, territory, exclusivity, commission %, expenses, termination clause, usage rights). Ask questions; consider a lawyer for anything you don’t understand. If you choose to freelance, build your own roster of photographers/clients and use vetted casting platforms.

5) Develop core skills.
Practice posing with a mirror and timer: start with simple S-curves and strong lines, then add micro-movements (hands, chin, eyes) between frames. Study campaign poses for your niche and recreate them to build muscle memory. For runway, learn posture, pace, turns, and exits—film yourself and refine. For beauty, train facial control (brows, eyes, mouth) and stillness. Consider workshops for runway/posing, on-camera movement, and brand storytelling. Treat shoots like sport: warm up, hydrate, and bring a kit (nude/black undergarments, simple heels/sneakers, lint roller, clips, lip balm, hair ties). Professionalism—being on time, prepared, and coachable—gets you re-booked.

6) Network with intention.
Build relationships with photographers, stylists, makeup artists, and other models. Attend local shows, showroom events, and portfolio days; join reputable online communities. When doing TFP (trade-for-print) tests, align on mood boards, deliverables, usage, and safety (see below) before you confirm. After a great collaboration, send a concise thank-you and share tagged images when published. Keep a simple site or professional profile with your best 10–15 images, digitals, measurements, and contact. On social media, curate a grid that reflects the work you want to be booked for: clear captions, consistent look, and professional highlights.

7) Stay healthy—and job-ready.
Modeling is performance work. Maintain a balanced diet, sleep routine, hydration, and sustainable fitness that supports posture, mobility, and stamina (think Pilates, strength, and breathwork). Prioritize skin and hair health over heavy covering: gentle cleansing, sun protection, and minimizing new products right before shoots. Keep nails neat and neutral unless a job asks otherwise. Bring any essentials the brief requests (e.g., clean shaven or natural stubble, neutral nails, untanned lines). Health > extremes; you can’t perform well or safely if you’re depleted.

8) Stay informed.
Track trends in your niche (e-commerce poses, beauty lighting, athleisure movement, etc.), and understand how usage drives rates (web, print, OOH, social, geo/term exclusivity). Learn basic business terms: day rate vs. hourly, test vs. paid, buyouts, options/holds, kill fees. Keep a simple ledger for bookings, invoices, and expenses; save receipts for taxes. As the industry evolves (e.g., short-form video, UGC, virtual castings), adapt: be comfortable filming self-tapes, reading briefs, and delivering clean slates plus a few on-brand takes.

Safety and scam avoidance (read this twice)

How to submit to agencies (quick flow)

Research 5–10 agencies → prepare digitals + measurements → submit online (or attend a clearly listed open call) → if invited, take digitals in office and walk → review contract terms at home → ask questions/seek counsel → sign only when you understand exclusivity, territory, commissions, expenses, and termination.

Casting etiquette & on-set professionalism

Arrive 10–15 minutes early; bring comp cards, digitals on phone, and your kit. At castings, state name/agency, measurements, and be ready for a slate, walk, and 3–4 poses. On set, listen carefully, hit marks, protect garments, and keep phones away unless asked for BTS. Credit teams accurately when posting, and respect embargoes/NDAs. Afterward, invoice promptly per the PO and agreed payment terms.

Portfolio upkeep & social presence

Refresh digitals quarterly or after major changes (hair length/color, braces off, tattoos). Swap in stronger work; remove older or off-brand images. Keep bios short and specific (height, sizes, category, location, contact). Pin your best three posts and maintain consistent highlights (digitals, runway, beauty, campaigns, contact).

Useful resources to explore

Persistence and mindset

Rejection is routine—even top models hear “no” more than “yes.” Treat each casting as practice, track feedback patterns, and keep improving your walk, posing, and stamina. Celebrate small wins (a stronger headshot, a better turn, a callback). Professionalism, reliability, and kindness spread quickly in this industry; they’re your long-term advantage.

Final encouragement

Modeling is part craft, part business, and part team sport. Learn the market, refine your skills, protect your safety, and show up like a pro. Build steadily—digitals, a tight portfolio, targeted submissions—and keep learning. With consistency and good boundaries, you’ll put yourself in the path of the right opportunities.