A job as a model may appeal to you if you like the fashion world. A flexible work schedule and the chance to cooperate with other creative people are only two benefits of being a model. Knowing where to look for modeling jobs could help you plan and get ready for a career.

A model is a fashion industry worker who performs poses for a piece of visual art or photography. Usually, these pictures serve as product or brand advertisements. Although they frequently work for agencies, models can also work for themselves as independent contractors or freelancers. Other duties performed by a model include:

• Collaborating with hair and makeup stylists, fashion designers, photographers, artists and other professionals in the art or advertising industries
• Promoting a company’s products, services or brand
• Developing a portfolio of their modeling work to show to industry professionals

Here’s some advice on how to find model jobs if you’re new to the industry:

1. Practice self-care

Take care of your emotional and physical health. Having a healthy body and skin can help models find new employment opportunities and perform at their best.

It’s also important to practice emotional and mental self-care. Some models may work overtime or encounter challenging situations while on the job. Knowing how to take care of your mental health, such as by practicing deep breathing exercises or spending time with loved ones, can help models maintain their work-life balance.

2. Build your portfolio

Create a modeling portfolio containing both headshots and full body shots. If you have some past professional modeling experience, include your best photos from these experiences in your portfolio. If you have little to no professional modeling experience, you can either take some photos yourself or hire a professional photographer. Strive to include a range of photos that showcase your features and use high quality lighting.

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It’s a good idea to maintain both a digital and physical version of your portfolio. A digital portfolio is typically easier to submit as part of your application to modeling agencies or gigs. Physical portfolios, however, are useful when attending in-person events, such as casting calls or interviews.

3. Design comp cards

Create and give away comp cards to other professionals whom you network with in the modeling, photography or art industries. A comp card is a type of business card customized for models. Designs for comp cards can vary, but the front of your comp card typically contains your headshot and personal details, such as your contact information and measurements. The back of the card often has four to six additional photographs of you from your portfolio. A comp card can make it easier to network with professionals and build lasting connections.

4. Look for an agency

Consider finding a modeling agency to represent you as you begin your career. Some models prefer to work as freelancers or independent contractors rather than with a modeling agency. However, a modeling agency may help models have more reliable job opportunities, especially models who are just beginning their careers and don’t have many professional connections.

5. Go to casting calls

Casting calls are another phrase for open auditions. Sometimes, talent or modeling agencies may hold casting calls when looking for new employees. Other times, companies might hold these casting calls themselves for specific advertising campaigns. Going to casting calls can be a great way for early career models to develop their portfolio and network with other professionals.

6. Enter contests

Search for modeling or photography contests to enter, as this is another way to seek new opportunities. Some companies hold modeling contests to help them discover new models for their advertising campaigns. These companies may ask for any style of modeling photos or request that contestants submit a particular kind of photo, such as outdoor photographs. It’s a good idea to carefully review the contest requirements before you submit your application.

7. Display confidence

Project confidence when networking or applying for a modeling job. Displaying confidence can help both you and your prospective employers believe in your ability to perform well as a model. Here are some methods that may help you project confidence:

• Maintaining eye contact
• Using positive facial expressions and nonverbal communication such as body language, smiling and sitting up straight
• Researching modeling opportunities or companies beforehand so you’re prepared to talk about why you’re interested in the job

8. Interact with other models

Interacting with other models can help you learn about new opportunities and hear advice from models that might have more experience than you. Going to in-person modeling events like workshops or casting calls can be a great way to meet other models. You might also consider looking for modeling groups online.

9. Highlight your strengths

Discover and showcase your modeling strengths. Knowing the best type of modeling positions for you may help you successfully land more modeling jobs. For example, if you regularly exercise and participate in multiple sports, you may a good fit for athletic modeling roles.

10. Build a professional network

Develop and maintain a network of other professionals in or related to the modeling industry, such as photographers, agents, makeup artists or hairstylists. There are a range of ways that models can build their professional network, including:

• Regularly giving out comp cards
• Joining a professional association
• Attending casting calls
• Going to conventions, conferences or lectures
• Taking classes on modeling or attending modeling school

11. Use social media

Having one or more social media accounts can help you build your unique personal brand as a model. Other strategies for using social media to help develop your modeling career include:

• Incorporating products into your social media photographs and tagging the brands that made those goods in your photos
• Posting a diverse range of your modeling photographs, videos or artworks
• Including hashtags in your post that express your interest in being scouted

12. Browse jobs online

Some companies might use digital job boards to advertise casting calls and other modeling employment opportunities. Consider subscribing to an email alert for modeling positions in your area so that you can hear about new modeling roles right away.