Becoming a Model: A Beginners Guide

The 90s Supermodel.

Arguably the peak of the supermodel, during the 90s. You may still recognise the names of Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Christy Turlington who still model to this day.

The Catwalk Documentary.

The perfectly made doc follows Christy Turlington through fashion weeks in Paris and Milan showing the luxurious life of being at the centre of the fashion industry.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows. The job consists of some of the most amazing experiences however, going from country to country with hardly a break can be rather draining especially when it comes to behind the scenes of fashion week where the chaos begins!

How did they do it??

Of course, some are lucky enough to be walking along the street to be scouted by an agency but how do you become the next Hadid?

Agencies!

There are lots of reputable agencies out there however, it is important to come prepared. Every model needs their headshots. The first step is to create a portfolio with several professional photos, then send them to a modelling agency. Some agencies have open casting calls which involve showing the agency your walk and handing them your portfolio in person.

IMG models.

One of the most famous modelling agencies, IMG has scouted some of the most well-known models to date such as the Hadid Sisters, Alex Consani and Hailey Bieber. The agency was founded by Mark McCormack who strongly believed that models could have agents just like actors and musicians. It has become harder and harder to become a model in this day and age. However, over the past couple of years, agencies such as IMG have allowed people who may not live in fashion capitals to still have a chance to be recognised and scouted by them. For example, IMG have an Instagram account titled 'WeLoveYourGenes' that is used as a way to find new models. As well as this, not long ago they launched a TikTok campaign in which they scouted models. This doesn't just apply to IMG either but many agencies will partake in this. Being social media present in this way is very important, maybe posting your walk on social media could attract attention from agencies.

During her most recent 'Vogue Beauty Secrets' video, Kendall Jenner is met with the question 'Any tips for becoming a model?'. She says it is normal to be shy and nervous when you're starting but always remember to be yourself and show your personality!

TOP TIP.

Identify what makes you different from the rest and embrace that aspect of yourself!

Salary.

In terms of salary, there's no set amount, it really depends on what jobs you book, whereabouts in the world you are booking them and how many you get. The average annual salary for modelling in the UK is £45.9k. However, being a model doesn't always mean you have a permanent job, sometimes it consists of a photo shoot for a few hours with a brand and then you are onto the next job.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ci0ne (2009). Cat Walk pt1. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foBVdhrrOJ8&list=PL48DB8DBDB35C75B5 [Accessed 16 May 2024].

Cakman, O. (2023). IMG Models: International Modeling Agency. [online] Fashion Republic Magazine. Available at: https://fashionrepublicmagazine.com/img-models/#:~:text=IMG%20Models%20was%20established%20by [Accessed 16 May 2024].

‌www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Kendall Jenner’s Guide to ‘Spring French Girl’ Makeup | Beauty Secrets | Vogue. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQkQv1ULyzs [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024].

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