So, you want to become a model — but you have no idea where to start?

You’re not alone. Between Instagram fame, agency myths, and conflicting advice online, the path to becoming a real working model can feel confusing (and crowded). But here’s the good news: there is a proven way to break into the industry — and it doesn’t require a million followers, celebrity connections, a leaked sex tape or a one-in-a-million face.

If we haven’t yet met – Hi! I’m Kate, your Model Coach and new BFF in the industry.  I’m going to walk you through exactly how to become a model — with practical, honest, and experience-backed steps you can take from wherever you are right now. You get my 15+ years working as a Model and my 20+ years working as a branding specialist – for free! From finding your niche, building your portfolio and mastering your brand, to preparing for castings and protecting yourself from industry red flags — this is the starting line I wish I had when I began.

Whether you’re dreaming of fashion runways, commercial campaigns, or something entirely your own, I’m here to help you build a career that’s visible and viable.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

1. How to discover your model type and niche
2. How to master the art of first impressions and personal brand
3. What to include for a strong starter portfolio
4. How to pose and move like a pro
5. What agencies actually want
6. Building a model mindset (self care, self love and self worth)
7. How to avoid model scams (and glaring red flags)
8. How to master the business side of modelling
9. Model resilience and confidence, from day one
10. Speed up your success with a model coach to fast-track your career
11. FAQs: How to Become a Model

Time for school. Let’s begin.

1. Discover Your Model Type and Niche

The model industry is vast and diverse, offering various pathways that cater to different looks, skills, and personalities. Understanding where you fit is crucial to carving out your niche and setting yourself up for success.

One of the first things I ask every new client is: “Do you know what kind of model you want to be?” Because here’s the truth — modelling isn’t just one industry. It’s a dozen mini-industries rolled into one. And understanding where you fit will make everything — from your portfolio to your submissions — ten times easier (and more effective).

Before you even think about posing for the camera or applying to agencies, you need to figure out what kind of model you are — not just physically, but energetically.

There are ten core types of modelling work, plus a few bonus categories that are growing in demand. The sooner you know your niche, the sooner you can build toward it with intention, not guesswork.

Are you the high-fashion editorial type? More catalogue and commercial? Are you petite, plus-size, mature-aged, athletic, or pageant-ready? There’s space for every kind of face and body in the industry these days — you just need to know where to start.

Here’s a quick guide to help you clarify your direction:

Top 10 model categories & model types

1. Fashion / Editorial – High-end, artistic, and designer-driven work for magazines and luxury campaigns.
   
2. Commercial – Everyday branding, lifestyle shoots, TVCs and product-focused campaigns.
   
3. Runway – Catwalk modelling for designer shows, fashion weeks, and live fashion events.
   
4. Swimsuit – Confident, body-focused work for swimwear and resort campaigns (not to be confused with lingerie).
   
5. Fitness – Activewear campaigns, athletic brand shoots, and wellness-focused commercial work.
   
6. Print – Still image campaigns in magazines, brochures, catalogues, and advertising.
   
7. Bridal – Modelling for wedding gowns, hair/makeup trials, styled shoots, and runway events.
   
8. Body Parts – Specialised work (hands, feet, legs, lips, face/skin, hair etc.) often used in beauty, jewellery or tech campaigns.
   
9. Fit – Behind-the-scenes fitting work where models are used as live mannequins for sizing and garment design for the purpose of pitching to internal boards, investors and stakeholders.
   
10. Promotional – Brand-facing event and campaign work including expos, product launches, and trade shows.
    
    And of course, there’s an honourable Bonus #11:
    
11. Pageantry – While technically not a model job, rather a tenure you have the opportunity to win for 12 months, beauty and platform-based pageants are still a key industry gateway and networking tool. Poise, public speaking and personal branding matter here more than ever.

Within these primary categories are existing (and ever growing) niche markets including:

• Plus/Curve Modelling
• Classic/Mature Modelling
• Petite Modelling
• Baby, Children, Teen Modelling
• Pregnancy Modelling
• Transgender, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary and/or Androgynous Modelling

Pro Tip: Your niche doesn’t limit you — it just gives you a starting point. It’s in your best interest to start in as many categories as you can feasibly fit into. When I first started I did ALL OF THEM. For two years. Then you narrow it down. Many models work across 2–3 categories over their career, and that’s where the magic (and the money) often is when you’ve mastered your craft. 

Want to do a deep dive? I’ve broken down each of these categories (including height, size, age, and industry expectations) in this free guide here: Types of Modelling and Industry Requirements.

Further Reading: How Much Money Do Models Get Paid?

2. Master the art of ‘First Impressions’ and your Personal Brand

This is where I see 90% of models fall off the eligibility circuit before they’ve even had a chance to start. You have ONE CHANCE to make a good first impression. Can you do it? Do you know how? 

In the model industry, your first impression isn’t made when you walk into the room — it’s made before you even get the invitation to the door. And that’s why personal branding is everything.

Throughout my model career I have always led business-minded first, physical appearance second. Because I learnt early on that modelling is 20% looks and 80% business.

Let me take you for a short walk down memory lane…

Fresh out of school and tertiary education, I started my corporate career as a branding specialist (expanding on my consultant pathway from graphic design to marketing, communications and social media curation). As it turns out, this translated effortlessly over to my model career. You wouldn’t pick it now, though I was solidly on the ‘insecure side’ when I first started in my 20s. I was walking into rooms with gorgeous, glamorous women who specialised in (and were extraordinarily good at) makeup artistry, spray tanning, hair styling, hair extensions and personal training (many of whom had photographer boyfriends or professional industry connections), and of course plenty had nepotism to thank for their level of success too. And I had none of that. Whilst I could not compete with those skills and connections, what set me apart was my ability to command a room, to start and maintain a conversation, to leave a memorable impression, to pitch myself without being or sounding desperate or fake. THIS is how you start to get booked.  

From the moment an agent glances at your comp card, clicks your Instagram, or watches you walk into a casting, they’re deciding: “Do I get it? Do I like it? Can I sell it?”

All it takes is for you to look shy, insecure and unsure – and not be able to string a sentence together, for your first impression to feel flat, ill prepared or inauthentic. That opportunity you could have aced is now gone. 

So what does “branding” actually mean as a model?

It’s not just a cute bio and curated grid (although, let’s be real — that helps). It’s how you carry yourself, how you show up online AND in person, and how consistent your energy, aesthetic and professionalism are across the board.

Here’s what I encourage all my model coaching clients to build out early on:

Key Elements of Model Branding that you need to consider:

• A signature look or energy – Are you the girl-next-door? The edgy one? The fresh face? Your “vibe” is part of your brand.
  
• Polished presentation – Clean nails, good posture, minimal makeup unless otherwise requested. You are the product and the packaging.
  
• Online consistency – Social media is a business card now. Your social media profile(s) should align with your portfolio, tone, and direction.
  
• Punctuality & communication – Emails, texts, DMs — keep them professional, prompt and polite. Model manners is a thing. Etiquette doesn’t date.
  
• Model materials – Sharp digitals, a clean comp card, and an intro email that sounds like you (without sounding like ChatGPT, ironically).

Pro Tip: Modelling may feel like a “look-based” industry on the outside, though clients book people who are memorable. And memorable starts with branding. In fact, many of the models I’ve coached who stand out the most aren’t the tallest, thinnest, or loudest (myself included). They’re simply the clearest about WHO they are.

Want to polish your personal brand and get casting-ready? Explore my 1:1 coaching sessions or join The Institute of Modelling — the blueprint I wish I had when I started.

Further Reading: 4 Headshot Tips for Beginner Models.

3. Build a Strong Starter Portfolio

One of the most important parts of learning how to become a model is building a professional portfolio. Let me let you in on something that might surprise you: you do not need 20 images, a Vogue cover, or a six-figure shoot budget to get started as a model.

What you do need is a clean, clear, and professional starter portfolio that shows you’re versatile, reliable, and bookable. This is your visual CV — and it should do the talking before you even walk in the room.

Your portfolio doesn’t just show your face — it shows your range, your ability to hold emotion, your presence on camera and your potential to sell a product or story.

What should be in your starter portfolio?

Start with 4–6 strong images that reflect your chosen model categories. Quality over quantity — always.

• Natural headshot (minimal makeup, clean hair, neutral background).
  
• Full body shot (in form-fitting basics — nothing too styled). You don’t have to choose lingerie or swimwear as a category to move into if you don’t want to. Opt for gym clothes or skin-hugging clothing to show your figure for this.
  
• Profile or side angle (this shows your structure and awareness).
  
• Smiling vs neutral expression (yes, your teeth matter — but so does your mood range).
  
• Editorial-style image (if you’re pursuing fashion, beauty, or swimwear).

If you’re aiming for a few different categories (say, commercial and runway), you’ll want to show images that suit both. But don’t try to be everything to everyone — curate intentionally.

And no, selfies don’t count. Don’t think about adding any photos with filters either. The only thing you’ll be given there is “I’m an insecure amateur.”

Pro Tip: Agencies and clients don’t want to “guess” what you might look like on set. Give them polished, professional images that make it easy to see you in the role. The closer you are to a blank canvas in your Model Digis will get you booked from photos. Not sure where to start? I work with aspiring models around the world to build their first, high-impact portfolio — either in person or remotely.

Further Reading: 4 Headshot Tips for Beginner Models.

Further Reading: 7 Tips for Choosing a Model Coach.

4. Learn to Pose and Move Like a Pro

There’s a big misconception in the model world — that if you’re photogenic, you’ll be good at modelling.

Not true.

Being photogenic might help you take a nice selfie, but being a professional model means knowing how to move with purpose, emotion, and precision — with a solid understanding that each brief is different (ie. you don’t look the same in every photo or on every photo set), and without being told what to do, you just pose like a pro.

And the best part? Posing is a skill. That means it can be taught, practised, and perfected. You don’t have to be born knowing your angles (goodness, you should see my first photoshoot, ewww). But you do need to be willing to learn (and know that you’ll suck at it the first few times).

Posing Basics Every Beginner Should Know:

• Start with posture – Lengthen the neck, drop the shoulders, soften the hands.
  
• Work in micro-movements – Slight shifts create entirely different looks. Chin down, eyes left, hip tilt… subtle but powerful.
  
• Emote with your eyes – You don’t always need to smile. You need to feel something behind your eyes.
  
• Know your best angles – This comes with practice and coaching (and yes, plenty of trial and error).
  
• Hands matter – The difference between “model” and “awkward” is often in the hands. Keep them soft, engaged, and intentional.

If you want to be hired again and again, become the model that makes a photographer’s job easier. Learn to flow between poses, read and take direction quickly, and embody the vibe of the brief. It will be different for each garment, and different for each client. 

Pro Tip: Posing feels awkward before it looks effortless. Every model I’ve ever coached (myself included) has looked back on their first shoot and cringed — and that’s a good thing. Growth in this game is guaranteed if you show up, stay coachable, and keep practising.

Further Reading: How to Get a Job as a Model.

5. Understand What Agencies Are Really Looking For

Here’s the myth: “You have to be tall, a size 2, and look like Gigi Hadid to get signed by a model agency.”

Here’s the truth: When it comes to learning how to become a model, you don’t need to look like anyone else — you just need to know how to market yourself properly.

Agencies aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for potential. They want faces they can brand, personalities that are easy to work with, and looks that fill the briefs they’re getting from clients.

You could be the most beautiful person in the room, but if you have no idea how to walk into a casting, no sense of your niche, an ego inflated to the heavens and bring zero professional polish? You’ll be overlooked for the girl who does. 

What Agencies Actually Care About:

• Do you understand your marketability?
  Can they visualise where you’d get booked (editorial? commercial? fitness? curve?)
  
• Are your materials clean, current, and aligned?
  This includes your portfolio, digitals, comp card, and social media. When they meet you in person does it all align? Key word: integrity.
  
• Are you coachable and reliable?
  If you take direction well and show up consistently, that’s more valuable than being “naturally talented” or “tall and thin.”
  
• Do you have presence and potential?
  You don’t need to be “finished” — but they need to see something they can work with and develop.
  
• Are you low-maintenance?
  If you require an entourage, a ring light, and 87 filters to show up — you’re not what they want. Be real, ready and most of all: respectful.

Pro Tip: You don’t need a hundred agencies to say yes. You need one that sees your value — and sometimes, the best agency is the one that helps you grow over time, not the one with the flashiest name. If you don’t succeed with the top agencies, there are thousands of other options. 

Free Download: Top 20 Model Agencies in Australia.

6. Build and Maintain the Model Mindset (and Body)

Let me be clear: this isn’t about looking like a filtered version of yourself, starving for a shoot, or obsessing over your weight.

This is about sustainability. If you want to model professionally — and more importantly, keep getting booked — you need to take care of your physical health, your emotional wellbeing, and your professional development like they’re non-negotiables. Accountants, Real Estate Agents, Lawyers (you get the picture) all have annual training, qualifications and skills to maintain. Whether you think so or not, models have always needed to do the same.

Because the truth is, modelling is not just about being tall, thin and photogenic. It’s demanding. You need energy, presence, emotional resilience, and consistency. And all of that starts with your mindset.

Physical Health:

• Stay active in a way that suits your body — whether that’s Pilates, boxing, walking, dance or a good old fashion gym membership where you can do a mix of cardio and weights.
  
• Focus on nourishment, not restriction. Think hydration, balanced meals, and regular sleep.
  
• Look after your skin, nails, hair, and posture — you are literally your brand. This does not mean you get TikTok inspired coffin nails with artwork, on the contrary. Less is more. Bare everything and a blank canvas is actually the model mood board. Keep that in mind before splurging on acrylic nails and infills when you don’t need to.
  
• Book regular movement-based classes to improve posture, grace, and confidence on set (yes, even ballet or yoga counts). If you have little to no experience or exposure to runway or catwalk training, the good news is you can book a class. Join my VIP List here to be notified of future runway classes and workshops. 

Mental & Emotional Health:

• Get on top of anything lingering under the surface: personality disorders, attachment wounds, past trauma, undiagnosed bodily issues or self-doubt will always sneak into your photos if it’s not being worked on behind the scenes. We are all carrying a little something-something, and whatever it is that you have going on, will exacerbate the more you immerse yourself into the model industry. Nip it in the bud or at least get it manageable for yourself. 
  
• Set boundaries. You don’t need to take every job. You’re allowed to say no. In my model coaching I always lead with safety and security first. Check out this free resource for a deep dive into red flags and when to walk away or report: How to Tell if a Model Agency or Opportunity is Legit.
  
• Learn to separate rejection from identity — every “no” is either redirection or misalignment. Repeat after me: rejection is redirection. Say it again until it sinks in. 

Professional Growth:

• Keep learning. Take a ‘How to Become a Model’ model course, read books, work with coaches (hello 👋), and learn from others in the industry.
  
• Explore other income streams so you’re not putting financial pressure on your creative passion too early. I worked part-time as a model before transitioning to full-time for a decade. Nowadays you can supplement with content creation (social media influencing), user generated content (aka UGC) or your existing job/career whilst you’re building your model career. It will take time, and you need to cater for that (bills still need to be paid, and you can’t live at home with your parents forever).
  
• Stay in alignment with who you want to be beyond your modelling work — that’s where longevity lives.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be perfect to be bookable. But you do need to be well. The models who last in this industry aren’t just genetically blessed — they’re self-led, self-aware, and self-invested.

Further Reading: How to Stay Hydrated: 3 Infused Recipes to Make Your Insides Sing.

7. Industry Scams and Red Flags

This industry can be beautiful — but it also attracts its fair share of opportunists. And nothing breaks my heart more than hearing from a new model who’s been scammed, misled, or exploited because they didn’t know what to look out for.

Here’s the golden rule:
If it sounds too good to be true, or if they’re asking you to pay thousands upfront, it probably is.

Watch out for:

• “Agencies” that charge you for representation without booking you work.
  
• Overpriced photoshoots you’re told are mandatory to get signed.
  
• DM scouts who promise global fame but won’t get on a Zoom call.
  
• Contracts with no clear exit clause or exclusivity that locks you in. 

Pro Tip: A legitimate agency earns money when you do — through commissions on booked jobs, not sign-up fees.Your Model best friend will always have your back. I’ve got yours. Check out: How to Tell if a Model Agency or Opportunity is Legit.

8. Learn the Business Side of Modelling

Modelling might look creative and glamorous from the outside, but let’s be real — it’s a business. And if you want to go from “aspiring” to professional, you need to treat it that way.

That means understanding how to protect your work, manage your income, and set yourself up financially to thrive — not just survive — in this industry.

Business Basics Every Model Needs to Know:

• What type of personal or business insurance you need to work legally, ethically and professionally. Spoiler alert, you need to be covered, or you’re operating illegally (and if you’re injured or indemnified, game over). 
• How to issue invoices for freelance work or contribute to a job sheet for your Agent
• What usage rights, exclusivity, and buyouts actually mean (and why they affect your rate)
• How to budget during slower seasons or between jobs
• Why saving for tax matters (spoiler: it always does)
• How to stay financially independent (and budget wisely) while building your brand.

Wherever you’re based, the logistics will differ slightly:

• Australia: You’ll likely need an ABN (Australian Business Number), track your income for GST if you earn over $75K/year, and plan for your own superannuation contributions if you’re self-employed. Some links to get you started here: Register for an ABN, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) information, Superannuation for Self-Employed.
  
  
• USA: Models typically operate as independent contractors (1099), pay quarterly taxes, and should set up an EIN (Employer ID Numbers) or register for an LLC (Limited Liability Company) for long-term career management. More information for you: IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Guide to Self-Employment. For non US citizens, you will also need to consider (as an individual or via an Agency) an appropriate USA Work Visa.
  
  
• UK: You’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC (aka His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), file annual tax returns, and manage your National Insurance contributions. Some links to get you started: Gov.UK, Revenue & Customs, Become a Sole-Trader, UK National Insurance Information, and (if applicable) UK Work Visa.
  
  
• Europe: Each country differs, but most models are considered freelancers and must register for VAT and social security where applicable. Start by checking Your Europe: Business Portal for country-specific freelance setup and tax info.
  
  

• Other international markets: Research local small business registration and tax guidance through your government portal or official embassy website. For example:
  
  • UAE: UAE Private Sector Laws & Regulations or UAE Ministry of Human Resources or Department of Economic Development
  • Singapore: ACRA Business Registration
  • South Africa: SARS eFiling for Freelancers

Fast-track your career and learn ‘How To Become a Model’ with The Institute of Modelling.

Further Reading: How to Become a Fitness Model.

9. Build Resilience and Confidence From Day One

Modelling will challenge you — emotionally, physically, energetically. You’ll get rejected. You’ll get ghosted. You’ll see jobs go to people with less experience but more TikTok followers. Welcome to the wild world of the industry.

And still… if you know how to back yourself, none of it can shake you.

The models who go the distance aren’t always the prettiest in the room — they’re the ones who keep showing up. They’ve built a deep sense of self-worth, a thick skin, and an even softer heart.

How to stay grounded and grow:

• Work on your inner voice. If it’s negative, no amount of validation will fix that.
  
• Rejection isn’t personal — it’s business. It means “not right now,” not “not good enough.”
  
• Create a ritual that recharges you — journaling, walking, therapy, good sleep, quiet mornings.
  
• Surround yourself with people who stretch you, not stress you.

Pro Tip: Confidence isn’t about never feeling scared. It’s about knowing you’ll survive the outcome — and grow because of it.

Further Reading: How To Become a Male Model.

10. Invest in a Model Coach or Course That Speeds Up Your Success

You can try to figure it all out on your own — the posing, the portfolio, the submissions, the branding, the contracts, the mindset work. But why would you, when you could cut years off your learning curve with the right support?

The smartest models I’ve worked with aren’t the ones trying to hustle solo — they’re the ones who ask questions, invest in their development, and surround themselves with people who’ve walked the path before them. It’s why I started model coaching in the first place, the industry exists and has for decades, and no one was teaching professionally in the space. Welcome to The Institute of Modelling.

Whether you’re brand new or have dabbled for a while with no clear strategy, coaching is your shortcut to clarity. It’s personalised, efficient, and full of honest feedback — the kind you don’t get on Instagram.

Here’s what a coach or model course gives you that Google can’t:

• Accountability and structure.
  
• Expert feedback (not fluff or false flattery).
  
• Strategy for YOUR goals and niche.
  
• Real-time answers to real industry questions, without the PC banner.
  
• Confidence from preparation — not guesswork.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to be “struggling” to seek support. You just have to want to do it smarter, faster, and with less confusion… and long term, less money and fewer years lost in the guesswork.

Ready to stop winging it and start building your career with confidence?

Explore my signature course How To Become a Model via The Institute of Modelling. — my signature course that walks you through everything from A to Z — or book a 1:1 Coaching session and let’s tailor your journey together.

FAQs: How to Become a Model

1. How do I become a model with no experience?

You don’t need a portfolio or agency to start — just a clear understanding of your model category (e.g. commercial, runway, curve, fitness). Start by taking clean, natural photos in good lighting (called digitals or polaroids), research reputable agencies, or consider freelancing to build experience. Confidence, consistency, and knowing your niche are key.

2. What body type do you need to be a model?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Traditional high fashion models are often tall and slim, but commercial, fitness, curve, petite, and alternative models are in demand too. The industry is evolving — what matters is knowing where you fit and marketing your unique look strategically.

3. Is it better to freelance or sign with a modelling agency?

Both paths can be successful. Agencies can offer credibility, connections, and guidance — but they take a commission and have selective rosters. Freelancing offers freedom, flexibility, and control over your brand, but requires strong self-promotion. New models often try both.

4. How much money do beginner models make?

Earnings vary wildly. A beginner model might earn $150–$500 per day for entry-level commercial work. With experience or agency backing, rates can jump significantly. Freelancers set their own rates, but must handle their own bookings, taxes, and invoicing.

5. What should I avoid as a new model?

Avoid any agency that charges upfront fees, guarantees work, or pressures you into expensive photoshoots. Scams often target beginners — trust your gut. Always get contracts in writing, protect your image rights, and never send inappropriate photos. Red flags = run.

Over to YOU

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that modelling isn’t just about being seen — it’s about being remembered. And building a successful career in this industry takes more than good looks. It takes clarity. Confidence. Consistency. And someone in your corner who gets it.

I’ve walked this path — from agency signings to international campaigns, from rejections that stung to moments that changed everything. I’ve coached aspiring models through the exact same fears, questions, and opportunities you’re facing right now. And I built The Institute of Modelling and my coaching programs because I didn’t have that kind of support when I started… but I wish I did.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a place to begin — and a mentor who knows how to guide you through it.

Further Reading: 5 Reasons You Need a Model Coach.

If that sounds like what you’ve been waiting for, then welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s build the career you’ve been dreaming about — together.

Ps: This is a quality guide and I don’t mind you sharing it. I’d appreciate it if you follow standard professional etiquette and please quote + credit my content appropriately when you do:

Kate Heussler kateheussler.com | Instagram: @kateheussler Thank you!