When starting out in fashion modelling, it's best to be ready for the competition. This article gives you information about how to get work as a freelance model.
Written by professional model photographer Bob Pardue, this book will tell you what to do and what not to do if you want to make it as a fashion model on your own.
How to Put Yourself Out There as a Freelance Model
If you'd rather talk about yourself...
Some models would rather do their own marketing than work with an agency. There's nothing wrong with this, but you'll have to do more work.
If you sign with an agency, they will promote your business, talk to clients on your behalf, set up your shoot dates, take the heat if you don't show up, etc.
But there are a lot of "loners" in the modelling world who don't want to work with anyone unless they choose to.
Read on if you are one of these models...
There are many ways to get your name out there. I'll try to give you a step-by-step plan for getting the word out about your modelling skills.
The first thing to do..
The first step in self-promotion is to put together a professional portfolio.
After you've followed the above tips for your portfolio, it's a good idea to get comp cards and business cards made.
A) Business cards: Your card should have as much information as possible about you on it. Extra words don't cost much, and this way you can add more information than just the name and phone number.
I would suggest putting your photo (preferably a headshot) on the card for the best results and for just a little bit more money. People don't usually get rid of pictures as quickly as they do cards. If you don't want to include a photo, you can write it on your card instead.
Your name, phone number, email, and website address should all be on the card.
You might also want to list your height, weight, special skills, and the type of modelling you specialise in as bullet points (your modelling strength area)
B) Composite Cards: You should definitely get composite cards (comp cards) made to give to possible clients or agents and to leave with clients or photographers you work with. A comp card is one of the cheapest ways to get your name out there, but it says "I'm a professional model" in a big way.
Here's how a comp card is usually set up.
Front: Your name and a picture of yourself (I recommend a good, strong headshot) cover the front of the card.
Back: Four to six photos showing different looks (indoor and outdoor) in different clothes and at least one good body shot (swimwear or tight-fitting clothing).
On the back of the card, important information about you and your stats will be written, such as...
How to get in touch (Who to contact, phone, email, web address, etc.)
Height
Weight
Bust size / cup size
Waist size
Hip size
Dress size
Shoe size
Hair colour
Length of hair (short, shoulder length, long)
Eye colour
What kind(s) of modelling jobs do you want? (i.e. commercial, fashion shows, catalog, promotional, etc.)
You don't have to feel stressed out about getting your comp card ready. Online, you can find a lot of companies, like CompCard.com, that have versions and templates that will help you every step of the way.
Also, remember that there are many different kinds of comp cards, so the one you choose will depend on your own tastes.
C) Modeling Websites: I could probably write whole books about websites, but I'll try to make this part as easy to understand as possible.
Is your website paid or free?
Should you pay to have a website made for you or use one of the free online services that list websites? How you promote your website will depend on how much experience you have and how much money you have to spend.
If you're actually an oddball millionaire and you're only modelling because you're bored, by all means hire a professional web designer and start from scratch to build a website that will make other models jealous. But even if you go this route, you still have to think about the cost of advertising and the time it will take. You could use that time to improve your modelling skills and meet clients who need you for their photo projects.
I think it's best to start by using a mix of paid and free online services to get your name out there. You can do a search to find many listing sites, but at the time this article was written, two sites that seem to be getting a lot of attention are and.
One Model Place & Model Mayhem
Both of these sites have a free basic package and a premium package that costs money. Either way, this is a cheaper way to test the waters and see if you have a look that people want.
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A warning about putting your model photos on the Internet
When putting your photos online, make sure to stay safe. Don't tell the person who contacts you too much about yourself or where you live until you've looked into them thoroughly.
If you are under 18, put the email address of your parents in the "contact" section and have them handle any offers that come in.
Never, ever meet a photographer or potential client alone. Take a parent or a friend, preferably a man, with you until you are sure you are in a safe place. I just can't say this enough!!
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There are other ways to promote yourself on or off the Internet, like contacting local high-end clothing or department stores for fashion shows or catalogue work, jewellery stores if you do hand modelling, hair salons, etc.
This is the first step you need to take to become a real model. Try to think of different ways to market yourself as a professional model.
Remember that you can be the most beautiful and talented person in the world, but if no one knows where to find you, it won't matter. So, get up and go to work!!
