FAQs: How to Become a Model

1) What are the main types of modeling?
Runway/ramp, print & catalog, e-commerce, commercial/TVC, beauty/pageants, fitness/sports, plus-size/curve, editorial/high fashion, parts (hands/feet/hair), and social/influencer.

2) Do I need to be a specific height or size?
No single standard. Runway often favors taller, proportional bodies; print/commercial is more flexible. Professionalism, confidence, and versatility matter as much as measurements.

3) How do beginners get started?
Choose a niche, shoot digitals/polaroids (natural light, minimal makeup), create a simple comp card, and start applying to reputable agencies and vetted casting calls.

4) What are “digitals,” and why are they important?
Unedited photos (front, ¾, profile, full-length) in natural light and neutral outfits. They show your true look to scouts and clients—often required before any test shoot.

5) How many photos do I need in a portfolio?
Quality over quantity: 8–15 strong images showing range (beauty, lifestyle, full-length, movement). Update when your look changes (hair, body composition, tattoos).

6) What is a comp card and what goes on it?
A one-page snapshot: best 1–3 photos, name, stats (height, measurements, shoe, hair/eye), contact or agency details, portfolio link/QR.

7) How do I find legitimate agencies and avoid scams?
Research rosters and clients booked, check contracts and fees, avoid cash-for-job promises, and never pay for “mandatory” expensive courses to get signed.

8) Do I need professional training?
Not mandatory, but catwalk, posing, and expression coaching can accelerate progress. Acting basics help for commercials and digital ads.

9) How are modeling rates decided?
By market, client, usage (where/how long images run), exclusivity, and experience. Editorial is often low-pay/high-prestige; ads and e-commerce pay more reliably.

10) What is “usage,” and why does it affect payment?
Usage defines where (e.g., TV, social, billboards) and how long your images/videos appear. Wider or longer usage = higher fees. Always get usage terms in writing.

11) What should I bring to auditions (go-sees)?
Comp card, clean digitals, neutral tee/jeans, appropriate footwear (heels for runway), grooming kit, water, and punctuality. Keep nails/hair neat; minimize accessories.

12) How important is social media?
Helpful but not everything. A clean, consistent feed with highlights/reels (walk, posing, expressions) supports your portfolio and discoverability.

13) Can I model while studying or working another job?
Yes. Many start part-time with e-commerce, catalog, and commercial gigs. Keep a flexible schedule and clear communication with clients/agents.

14) How do I stay safe and protect my rights?
Insist on written contracts, clarify usage, day rate, hours, travel, and deliverables; bring a chaperone if underage; share locations with someone; avoid private hotel-room “shoots.”

15) How do I handle rejection and stay consistent?
Treat casting as practice, request feedback when appropriate, keep grooming and fitness routines, continue testing with good creatives, and refresh your book quarterly.

16) Do tattoos, piercings, or braces hurt my chances?
Depends on niche. Commercial and fashion can book distinctive looks; disclose clearly in digitals and your comp card.

17) Should I pay for a portfolio before getting signed?
Start with free digitals; consider a modest test shoot to get 6–12 versatile images. Build gradually—no need to overspend up front.

18) What’s the difference between freelance and agency-signed?
Freelancers self-market and negotiate; agencies represent you, submit you for castings, and take a commission. Some models do both (where allowed).

19) How do I measure myself correctly?
Use a soft tape: bust/chest (fullest), waist (narrowest), hips (widest), plus height, inseam, shoulder, and shoe. Record in cm/inches consistently and update monthly.

20) What are quick actions I can take this week?
Shoot digitals, draft your comp card, compile a short walk/expression clip, publish a clean portfolio link, and apply to reputable agencies/castings.