13 Tips to Become a Model with No Experience
You might have heard of the saying “Natural talent” being used to describe a person who does something so effortlessly without having any experience nor requiring much practice. This term is applicable in several fields and the modeling industry is no exception. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to become a model without any prior experience, we are here to tell you it’s very possible because where there’s a will there is a certainly a way.
You can develop your natural talent by grooming yourself to be at par with a model with years of experience. However, you must understand that to be a model you must be committed and realistic in your objectives. This article entails careful steps you can employ to become a model
without requiring any experience.
1.) CARRY OUT THOROUGH RESEARCH
The first step you must take if you want to understand something is to educate yourself on the subject. This is now easy as technology has given us the privilege to access variety of information from the comfort of our cellphones and laptops. To become a model, you need to conduct thorough research on different types of modeling. Also researching modeling agencies near you and finding the best opportunities to get started is as easy as going on Google to research brands. Model safety is very important.
Having a basic understanding of the modeling industry will help you outline the best modeling niche for you. You can then proceed on learning as much as you can on your desired niche. You can watch videos on YouTube, read interviews and articles by modeling agencies, scouts, and professionals. These materials will give you information about the industry and help you understand the steps you need to take.
2.) BUILD YOURSELF FOR THE MODELING NICHE YOU DESIRE
What type of model are you? Researching should provide you with enough information to be able to identify the various aspects of modeling that interests you. You should outline the modeling niche you are interested in or you believe you can strive in and learn as much as you can on those aspects. These are some of the different modeling niches.
Glamour Modeling
Glamour modeling involves the sexy, racy, and sultrier aspects of modeling. Glamour modeling requires a nice body and a pretty face. Glamour models are swimsuit models, video vixens, etc.
Fitness Modeling
If you enjoy working out and displaying your well-trimmed muscles, then you might be cut out to be a fitness model. Fitness modeling is all about showcasing a healthy and well-groomed body. There are several opportunities for fitness models in health, food, fitness, fashion industries, etc.
Runway Model
Runway modeling is the biggest aspect of modeling and has produced the most famous models in the world. Runway models travel the world and wear the breathtaking designs of the world’s biggest designers on the biggest red carpets. To the runway please! Runway models
Alt Modeling
Alternative modeling involves the bohemian style of modeling that doesn’t fit the typical industry modeling norm. From fancy tattoos to piercing, black eyeliners, and spikes, alternative models are a blend of glamour modeling and art modeling.
Plus Size Modeling/ Curve
The model industry was previously strictly for slim models but this is no longer the case. Today, big brands are using plus-size models from size 6 and above.
Editorial or Commercial Modeling
Editorial modeling is about bringing an idea to life. An editorial model can involve anything ranging from an automobile commercial to a shampoo billboard. Editorial and commercial modeling requires versatility and the ability to interpret a theme.
After choosing the modeling niche you prefer, the next step is to build yourself to meet the physical and fashion requirements of this niche. Your desired niche might require you to gain some weight, hit the gym, or get some trendy clothes. Whatever it may be, you will need to put in the work and get in the right shape.
3.) START PRACTICING AT HOME
Becoming a model without any experience means that you have to create your own experience. So you have to start by practicing at home by looking up materials online and learning the looks, poses, and characteristics of professional models.
If you want to be a runway model, you can turn your hallway into a mini runway and practice your steps. By practicing from your home, you will learn the basics of modeling and also develop the consistency and commitment to maintain a healthy life that will physically and mentally prepare you for a career in modeling.
4.) LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING
If you’re aspiring to become a model without having any experience, one way to see if you have what it takes is through pictures at a model studio. You shouldn’t be shy to get in front of the camera and explore your talent. Taking pictures will help you find your best features and know the best angles to display these features. If you have nice eyes, or great cheekbones, or beautiful long legs, we suggest that you jump in front of the camera and express yourself. Taking pictures is a good way to develop a signature smile and learn flawless poses that will give you the perfect model look.
5.) CREATE A NICHE SOCIAL MEDIA ON INSTAGRAM
Social media is a powerful tool in showcasing talents. Modeling agencies and scouts have discovered numerous talents online who didn’t have any previous professional modeling experience and gave these talents the chance to model professionally. Starting to model on Instagram is very important.Your social media accounts are an opportunity for you to showcase your talent and attract the right attention. Your social media is part of your portfolio, hence you should build a body of content that shows you have basic knowledge of the modeling niche you are interested in. You have to watch what you post online and avoid posting things that might be too different from your niche. You should also create content through blogging and using hashtags. This will give you more visibility and help you build a community.
Today, there are many fashion influencers and models who got their big break and make top dollar through social media. So, social media is a powerful tool for you to become a model without having any experience.
6.) BUILD A CATCHY PORTFOLIO
Your portfolio is your resume and it’s the first contact prospective clients, scouts, and agents will have of you, hence you should make a good first impression. You should have a strong portfolio that contains professionally take pictures and content that showcase your understanding of your desired niche. For example, a beautiful natural portrait of your face will be a great addition to your portfolio if you want to be a face model. In building your portfolio, you can get inspiration from magazines and professional models. You should maintain a physical and virtual portfolio. Your portfolio should include pictures and contents of different styles, looks, poses, and themes. That way, you can display your versatility and knowledge of the job. Remember to research any photography studios to ensure they suite your needs. Avoid paying thousands on portfolios.
7.) VOLUNTEER FOR FASHION SHOWS
To become a model without having any experience you must be willing and ready to learn on the job. This means that you have to model to get some experience, and for the most part, to get a chance to model you have to possess some experience. You see that it can be some type of catch 22. However, there’s an easy way out and that’s by volunteering.
By volunteering for small companies and doing little gigs, you will be giving yourself much-needed publicity that will take you a step closer to becoming a model and meeting the right people. You can volunteer for charities, small businesses such as local saloons, small boutiques, printing shops, or other businesses or causes that require your modeling services, etc. When you volunteer, try to be professional and approach the job like you’re working for a big brand. This will develop your skills and help you build a good relationship that might be beneficial to you in your goal of becoming a model.
8.) ENTER MODELING COMPETITION
You might enjoy spending several hours watching modeling competitions online and on TV. However, have you thought about entering any of those competitions? If you desire to become a model without having any experience, competition is an avenue to achieve this.
There are supermodels whose first modeling experience came after entering a modeling competition. These competitions can give you massive visibility and training from the best which will open doors of opportunities for you. While there’s no guarantee that you will be selected amongst countless other applicants, there’s no arm throwing your hat in the ring and getting a life-changing opportunity to work with professionals.
9.) COLLABORATE WITH OTHER CREATIVES
As an aspiring model with no experience, it can be challenging and quite expensive to work with established photographers, stylists, makeup artists, and top studios. One of the ways to get visibility and work with experience creatives is by collaboration. Finding and locating free casting calls can also help.
There are many up-and-coming photographers, makeup artists, stylists, and aspiring models who are open to collaborating. You can find collaborators on social media and choose which one is the best fit for you. You can arrange some TFP (Trade for Print) sessions that will be mutually beneficial to all parties and also help you develop your modeling skills. Collaborations give you a chance to network and build relationships which is a very important aspect of becoming a model.
10.) YOU CAN CONSIDER ATTENDING A MODELING COURSE
Modeling courses can be expensive especially those organized by top modeling agencies and beauty companies. However, if you can afford to take a modeling course it’s a good way to gain valuable knowledge on modeling which can help you in becoming a model even without any experience.
A good modeling course will teach you the best make-up, style, hair, and pose techniques. You can also learn auditioning skills and get practical examples of how modeling sets work. This knowledge can give you an edge over hundreds of aspiring models. Such courses also serve as recruitment grounds for scouts and talent agencies.
11.) YOU MAY NEED TO MOVE TO A BIGGER CITY
To become a model without experience, you might need to take the bold step of moving to the city if you are unable to find a modeling agency near you. Cities such as California, New York, Chicago, and Miami Modeling have the best opportunities for aspiring models to strive. These cities are also home to top modeling agencies, so you might need to move to the city to be closer to the action, meet the right people and build important relationships.
12.) GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND STOP SECOND-GUESSING YOURSELF
The world of modeling is very competitive and demanding and to become a model with no experience, you have to be ready to leave your comfort zone and invest in yourself. You can’t afford to doubt your potential and shy away from opportunities.
Networking, entering competitions, collaborations, and moving to the city in pursuit of your dream require that you step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. You must be ready to take advantage of opportunities and believe in your abilities. When you believe in yourself, you will be able to put in the work that will make others believe in you and allow you to become a model even when you have no experience. Many new models are under the impression that to become a model, it is free. That is simply NOT true. You always need to invest in your marketing to get started as a beginner.
13.) FIND A MODELING AGENCY
To start modeling without any experience, you might need to acquire some experience, and having an agent can guide you in the right direction. Agents and talent scouts are now using social media to find talents with no modeling experience which they can sign and promote. Companies like Latitude Talent Studios provide a platform for models to connect with castings calls and agencies. You can also fill out online applications for a modelling agency.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Many of the world’s top supermodels started as inexperienced aspiring models searching for their big break. These models started from the bottom and worked their way up to the top and if their study teaches anything, it’s that it’s possible to become a model without any experience. With commitment, consistency, creativity, and hard work, you can start small and in no time, you will move up the ladder to become a model.
