I worked as a fashion model in NYC for two years. I was signed with an agency and booked several campaigns. I walked in New York Fashion Week, I was the winter face of GAP this past holiday season, and I have several successful print campaigns including JCPenney, NARS, and Elizabeth Arden. I’ve partied with the best of them, worked with some amazing talent, and learned A LOT about the modeling industry. I had to learn these on my own- but thankfully you don’t have to. If you are an aspiring model, read on.
1. Own your size.
People are constantly going to ask you how tall you are, what size dress you wear, what your hip measurement is at, what shoe size you wear. All of these things factor into you being given the job. Size matters because the clothes matter. Clothes are meant to fit a certain way. On one hand, this has absolutely nothing to do with YOU. Don’t take it personally. Decide what size is healthy for you and stick with it. Be unapologetic, but know- it will always be a topic of conversation.
2. Be prepared to hear no.
No is more common than yes. No is sometimes relieving to me now. There are always hundreds of girls up for consideration when a job opens up. Depending on where you live, markets can be competitive. I was a model in New York City. Each casting I went to had at least 10 girls- you have a 10% chance of getting cast. No is more common. No is ok. Be ok with no.
3. You always have to wear heels.
Regardless of how tall you already are, or how uncomfortable the feeling is, wear as much as possible. One of my friends is 6’2” and she wears 3” heals everywhere she goes. And she gets noticed EVERYWHERE she goes.
4. Practice your walk.
If you are going to a city for fashion week, you’ll need to get your walk down. Look up videos, practice in front of the mirror. Practice on video. Practice with friends. Watch Naomi walk.
5. Always look the part.
Going to the grocery store? The cuter you look, the more you’ll get noticed, and the more work you’ll get. I’ll never forget the day I ran into a casting director I knew in the dead of winter with a completely mismatched outfit, dirty hair, and no makeup. I didn’t book any jobs through her after that.
6. It truly IS about who you know.
Networking is KEY. I have gotten more than half of my modeling jobs through my Instagram. I also go out quite often- I have a bad case of FOMO. But it is important! I have met many models, photographers, casting directors- you name it. You can’t get to where you want to be by sitting at home every night.
7. Most models live in model apartments.
The reason everyone can afford to live in cool places regardless of how many jobs they AREN’T booking, is because they are usually living for free, or charging it to their agency. Models often reside in the same apartment, most usually with bunk beds in each room in order to make it cheap. Dorm style living in a way. You can imagine 9 girls in a 600 sq. foot apartment is not the most ideal environment.
8. Money takes a while to start flowing.
It takes an average of 3 months to get paid for jobs. Sometimes sooner but usually not. Don’t expect to be paid on time, ever. Even the most corporate of companies follow this model. In fact, they established it. Don’t be afraid to demand it! Sometimes your agents have better things to do than to send a reminder email about payment. Bug them until they remember.
9. Save for taxes.
As a freelancer, you are considered an independent contractor and therefore expected to pay taxes on your income. I suggest putting a percentage of each paycheck in savings.
10. Always look out for yourself.
Be your own manager. There have been times when the staff forgets to order the models their lunch, or the client will hold you an hour after the shoot was supposed to wrap. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and tell your booker to charge them overtime. You must demand people to respect you in this business.
Don’t forget to have fun! Modeling has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and it’s not over. Here’s to learning more tips.