How to Find a Modeling Job

In order to have a modeling career, you’ve got to find work! While modeling agencies find the work for their models, freelancers have to do things on their own. This article will be of the most help for those aspiring and already working freelance models.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• List of relevant websites
• Portfolio
• Photos
• Contacts for networking
• Modeling Agency Guide
• Answering Machines
• Pagers
• Photographers
• Voice Mail Services
• Work Permits
• Personal Organizers
• Portfolios
• Cellular Phones

1. Have a clear idea of what type of work you want to get and be sure you have the photos and skills to qualify as an ideal candidate. For example, if a client is looking for professional models with experience and a resume of past work, they may not even look twice at a submission from a model who hasn’t done any work before (unless she/he has a great look of course).

2. 
   Use the Internet to find work

   The Internet is the easiest way for freelance models to find work. To guarantee finding work that is targeted towards models, start visiting online modeling communities (www.modelmayhem.com and www.onemodelplace.com are just two of the many out there). Set up accounts (usually free) and post your photos and information. These sites often post information on the latest model casting jobs you can submit yourself for online. Take advantage of such resources.

3. Craigslist is also a place that posts a lot of work for models but because of the anonymity of it, be very selective of which ones you submit yourself to. Ask for references, websites with the client’s work, etc. Always make it a point to know who you are working with or are about to work with. If anything seems shady, move on.

4. 
   Use email addresses on business cards rather than phone numbers

   In addition to putting together a portfolio, also look into comp cards or even business cards that state what types of modeling work you are interested in and are available for. Include your model measurements (bust, waist, hips, dress, pants, height, weight, etc.) and an email address they can reach you at. For safety purposes, you should not list your phone number. Instead, when you have networked with someone legit, write your number onto your business card or comp card and then give it to them. This shows that they are important enough to you for them to have your number. You don’t want random strangers calling you, especially if it isn’t related to modeling.

5. As you submit to various castings, follow all the client’s directions carefully. Not including the right information or misreading the directions can result in your submission being ignored or deleted (for email submissions). Only include what the client specifically asks for. If the client is vague, send a headshot and body shot. Always mention what casting you are applying for. Clients often cast more than one project at a time and you don’t want your submission to get lost in the chaos.

6. 
   Modeling community website example

   If you have an account on an online modeling community, start contacting photographers who have worked with an impressive list of clients. Photographers who actively shoot for magazines and other publications have an unlimited number of connections. By introducing yourself, you may be able to tap into that network of connections. Many photographers have discovered models and helped them in their careers by introducing them to the right people or shooting with them and submitting their images for consideration. It really is about who you know.

7. Once you have worked with a client, be sure to follow up with a thank you email and subtlety include the offer that if they ever need a model for future projects, that you’d be available. You’d be surprised how willing a client will turn to the same models for work because of a positive experience as well as good correspondence. You want to build lasting working relationships that reflect positively on you as a model. One impressed client will undoubtedly spread the word to other, which can generate more work for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Models should also have a modeling resume as well as a portfolio of work. The resume lists the specifics of the work you’ve done and it always helps for a client to see the past work a model has done in writing.
• While it’s ideal to find paying work, it is also acceptable to do modeling assignments that offer other forms of compensation—namely tearsheets. Tearsheets are gold for a model’s portfolio and are completely acceptable in lieu of monetary compensation. Once you feel you’ve got enough experience under your belt, you can start submitting yourself for more paid work.
• Be wary of shady operations. Many people claim to be photographers who in fact do not have any professional experience and prey on new and inexperienced models.
• For safety reasons, try to set up a meeting in person with the photographer or client who is interested in working with you.
• If allowed, bring an escort who will not be distracting or intimidating. It's best to not bring boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses for obvious reasons. But the escort should be at least 18 (21+) preferred.

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[askmissmouth]

on 7/27/2009 My daughter has been modeling professionally full time for 10 yrs. She is now 26 (considered old) but still shoots with Elle ect. I would like to add just a few notes to this excellent article. 1.Go to a runway show or better yet offer you service as a dresser in exchange for some walking lessons. You have to learn a good strut!Go to a go-see and try to meet some friends that will help you learn to walk and turn. Then go to an agency with a good portfolio or Macy's Large Dept stores have a PR dept. Mail those comp cards out and whatever you do Avoid craigslist!!! And yes bring someone with you or meet for coffee. Never pay an agency a penny if you are bookable THEY PAY YOU! When they ask for money its a scam.

[cues]

on 7/22/2009 Great information!!! Another place to find FREE casting calls and auditions is All Casting Calls (www.allcastingcalls.com). It's completely free and lists all types of other modeling jobs and modeling resources.

[ruf1950]

on 5/31/2009 You're right; it's all about who you know - and being in the right place at the right time. It was the latter for me that got me modeling and acting work. One was an acting gig with a nationally syndicated TV show a few years back. Also right about bringing an escort; always have someone you really trust close by with cell phone communication possible. 5*****. Be careful out there!

[minaofgodsgirls]

on 5/31/2009 I'd avoid craigslist as much as possible. Seems to be nothing but pervs and scammers these days. I have had an awesome time on Modelmayhem, so don't completely rule out using the internet. Since I do shoot nudes, I usually require at least three references from photographers with no credits on their page (a lot of us just don't list them) or a limited portfolio. I agree with looking for small companies that need models. Look for clothing designers that have a look that you would fit well with.

[newdan]

on 4/24/2009 this is great!