How to Promote Yourself As a Model

In order to become a successful model, you should know how to effectively promote yourself. Modelling agencies and brands are inundated with choice – it’s your job to stand out from the crowd and sell yourself.

Read on to discover how to promote yourself as a model.

How to Become a Successful Model

There are several factors that contribute to making a model successful. A large part of it is luck – being in the right place at the right time. Many top supermodels are noticed by agency representatives whilst out and about (this is known as being scouted). Other successful models are the daughters or sons of other famous faces.

For the best chances of success, many models choose to pursue a career in the modelling industry by working full-time, though this isn’t always an option for some people.

Starting out young will give you a leg-up on the competition, especially if you want to be in high fashion. It will give you valuable experience and will enable you to build a strong modelling portfolio from early on. You will also have already networked and met people who might help you find modelling opportunities in the future.

It’s a good idea to be smart about your location. Top models tend to be situated in main cities in the UK like London or Manchester. You must be willing and prepared to do a lot of travelling if you are outside a major city.

Being a top model does take a certain amount of good luck and excellent genes, but they must also work hard to ensure they make a good name for themselves in the industry.

A model should be polite, willing to learn, good at listening and able to manage critique or rejection in a healthy way. A model must also ensure their physique is well-maintained all year round.

How to Get Noticed as a Model

Standing out from the crowd isn’t easy. Modelling is an extremely competitive business and unfortunately only a lucky few make it to the big leagues. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a successful and lucrative career as a model.

Aspiring models should look into getting signed by a modelling agency. A modelling agency will help put a model in front of top brands and increase their job opportunities. Having a top modelling agencies backing is also a way of showing brands you have potential.

You should also try to utilise social media. Social media, in particular Instagram, is a great way to put yourself out there and build a fanbase. Having lots of followers will also help attract the attention of agencies and brands, who may even hire you through the network. Many models make a lot of money through Instagram alone.

Networking is another vital aspect of modelling. It’s not what you know – it’s who you know, and that couldn’t be more true for the modelling industry. Knowing the right people can open doors and give you many more opportunities for work.

Let’s take a look at these more in-depth.

What to Know About Modelling Agencies

Agencies are always on the lookout for fresh faces. But they get inundated with thousands of hopeful applicants every week, so it’s difficult to get noticed.

It’s very typical to be rejected from an agency, especially when you are just starting out. Don’t be despondent or feel targeted – it happens to all models at some point. Remember you can apply to as many agencies as you want, and you can re-apply as often as needed. 

You need a really strong portfolio to be considered by an agency. That doesn’t mean you need loads of experience; it just means you need a book of strong folder of photos showing off your potential and range as a model. If you don’t yet have any professional modelling photos, you should strongly consider booking in with a photography studio. This will give you vital practice in front of the camera and you can purchase your favourite photos to include in your portfolio. Only include up to 20 of your absolute best photos, and make sure they are printed off in an extremely high quality. Remember that you can also use these photos on your z-cards.

You should also include your modelling information in your portfolio. This includes your name, height, dress and shoe size, and your bust (shoulders if you’re a man), waist and hip measurements.

Being Scouted

Unfortunately, you can’t plan to get scouted – it happens by pure luck. It is best to focus your efforts on applying to agencies – you may be waiting a long time if you want to be scouted for modelling.

If you are approached while out in public, be cautious. There are a lot of scam agencies around that try to take money from aspiring models. Never give your personal information such as bank details to a stranger. Always double-check the credentials of anyone who approaches you. Ask for their name and job title, then call the agency for confirmation (don’t use a number they give you). It is always better to be safe than sorry.

A proper agency will not ask you for money upfront, and they will want to meet you at their head offices before taking you on. Always take a friend or family member (or a parent/guardian if you are under 18) when meeting new people. Read through any contracts thoroughly.

For a better chance of being scouted, make sure to dress mindfully whenever you go out. Ensure hair is clean and tidy, and wear make-up that enhances your natural beauty. For outfit inspiration, take a look at what other models like to wear when they are off-duty. 

How to Sell Yourself at an Audition

If you are scouted by a modelling agency, or if an agency shows interest after you have applied to them, you will be invited to an in-person audition (also known as a casting call). It’s extremely important you make a good impression as this is where they will decide whether or not to sign you. 

First, make sure you arrive in a timely manner. Give yourself plenty of time to find the address and get delayed by potential traffic. Double-check the address and use a map to help you avoid getting lost. If you have time, it’s a good idea to go there on your day off just so you are comfortable with finding it.

Your outfit, hair and make-up should be carefully considered. You should wear something that shows off your physique without being too distracting. A form-fitting pair of jeans and a nice top should do the trick. 

Hair should be clean and neat. There’s no point putting it up in an elaborate up-do as you will likely be asked to take it down so they can see it. Similarly, don’t spend ages setting hair into place if you leave it down – they may ask you to put it into a bun so they can see your bone structure. Visit a hairdresser beforehand and make sure roots are touched up if you dye your hair, and all split ends are off. 

Keep jewellery and accessories flattering and minimalistic. Make-up, too, should be there to flatter and enhance your natural features – save the smokey eye for another day.

It’s a good idea to wear or bring a pair of nude underwear and a pair of heels, just in case they ask you to try some clothing on. Bringing your own shoes will mean you know you can walk in them. 

Bring some snacks and water in case you need to wait to be seen.

Don’t forget to bring your model portfolio! This showcases your experience/range and also has your contact information on.

Remember – be polite and courteous. Listen to instructions and don’t be afraid to show off your charisma and personality.  

How to Network

As we mentioned earlier, networking is a really important aspect to modelling. As a model, you will constantly be meeting other professionals in the industry – you will have endless opportunities to make business contacts. Even your hair stylist has the potential to be a good friend in the industry. Be kind and friendly to all new people you meet, and try to get people’s contact details (or add them on social media) to keep in contact with them. 

A z-card is a handy tool to keep on you to help with networking. A z-card is like a model’s business card; it has some photos on and their contact details. They’re handy for giving to new people you meet to save time.

Social Media

Social media is ideal for helping models with self-promotion and marketing. It allows you to have control over your image and how the public perceives you. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are the most popular platforms, but Instagram is the best for an aspiring model. 

There are some basic tips to get noticed on Instagram, but they are constantly changing due to the Instagram algorithm which controls how posts are seen. The most popular profiles post on a daily basis at specific times. Instagram also favours accounts that have a lot of post engagement, and who themselves engage with other users. It also likes when you use all aspects of the site – so post pictures to your feed as well as to your story mode, and don’t forget to post the odd video.

Focus on posting high-quality, professional images to your account. Remember to ask the permission of the photographer or brand before posting any modelling photos.

Don’t just post selfies (though research shows people to like to see faces on Instagram). Post yourself at work on the job, your outfits, hair and make-up. Post every stunning look you wear and think about the type of content you yourself like to see from your favourite models. Many top models like to vlog because they travel so often.

Model Website

Some top fashion models have their own websites. This is a bit like an online portfolio and can showcase your best work.

WordPress and Wix are both great places if you have never designed a website before and do not have the money to pay someone to make it for you. They are free web host platforms that make it easy to build your own site and manage it yourself.

A website allows you to reach potential clients who you may not get to meet in public. Make sure your contact details are easy to find.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in modelling? Register with us today and we can help you achieve your dream!