How to Become a Freelance Model

A model is someone who advertises for a client by representing their specific product or lifestyle – whether it involves modelling hair, clothes, fashion, shoes, brands (designer or otherwise), make-up, jewellery or sports… The list is endless.

Ultimately to become a model it is firstly all about the way you look; the face and body are your selling points when it comes down to being hired.  This does not necessarily mean you have to conform to a particular image; for example being ‘unusual’ looking can often make you unique and therefore well sort after.  However, being a certain size and height will more often than not determine whether you can make it as a model. 

There are many opportunities that come with modelling, such as the chance to travel all around the world – particularly with fashion based work and runway modelling where you could find yourself in Paris, Milan and New York..!

There will be certain attributes, skills and expectations that will be required of you as a model, these will all depend on what type of model you want to become.  Whether it’s fashion, sports and fitness, commercial modelling – all of these will have different requirements:

• Height, measurements and weight – these will vary depending on your chosen category.  Fashion modelling has the strictest guidelines – you will need to be at least 5ft 7.  If you want to be a plus-size you will have to be above a size 12.  To get into fitness modelling you will need to make sure you’re fit and toned.    
• Good clear skin and healthy hair – being a natural ‘beauty’ is important as it is not ideal to only look half-decent with layers of make-up on!  Have an effective beauty regime such as drinking plenty of water, taking off your make-up properly, using hair treatments etc.
• Enthusiasm, passion and confidence – you will have to love doing this as a job – modelling comes with long and hectic hours, having to hold and come up with a variety of interesting poses, being able to take criticism and perhaps having to live in another country for a long period of time.
• Professional and good time management
• Up-to-date knowledge on what is expected of your type of modelling – for example if you want to be a fashion model you will have to be aware of current trends etc.
• Keep yourself healthy – looking after yourself is vital, as you will be put under a lot of pressure and stress with long hours, travelling etc.  Making sure you exercise, eat properly and get enough sleep is imperative.

Modelling Agencies / Schools

You often hear of stories of people being spotted in the street and being signed up as a model there and then.  Though this does happen, this is very rare. 

You will need to get out there and find the work yourself.  The easiest way to do this is to join up to a modelling agency, though you must take care when doing this.  It’s sensible to be wary of signing contracts without reading them properly; always look around before joining an agency to see what each one offers.  Some may take more of a percentage of your earnings – be cautious of any agencies that want money from you upfront.

Models Connect is a useful website that can help you to find modelling agencies.  They set up a portfolio for you on their site so that agencies can look through your photographs and decide if you’re right for any jobs they have.  UK Model Agencies is a directory and database of model agencies across the country. Another agency could be Eclipse Model Management.

It’s also worth looking into modelling schools, they can be pricey, but will teach you the essentials of how to train as a model and can even help make connections to important people in the industry.  London School of Modelling is a well-known and highly recommended school; try looking on FreeIndex for a list of modelling schools around the UK.

Benefits of freelancing as a Model

There are many advantages in becoming a freelance model, some of which include:

• Greater tax benefits being a freelancer
• Enjoying your job
• Flexibility and time management
• The opportunity to make more money – by finding the clients yourself, you can avoid the middleman and take home 100% of your profit.

By using our Freelancer Calculator you can work out exactly how much you could potentially take home.

Finding work as a Model

This is a very competitive industry to get into, so to be successful you will need to have an impressive and up-to-date portfolio for agencies and clients. Knowing how to market yourself is vital for gaining clients.

Here are some useful suggestions on how to promote yourself:

• Set up a professional website. This is where your digital portfolio will be available for everyone to see.  Take advantage of social-networking sites by setting up links to your modelling website.
• Create a composite card (or z card as it’s also known).  This is the equivalent of a business card, but is especially for models or actors.  It will need your statistics, contact details and at least two photographs.  Always keep them at hand to give out to potential clients.      
• Look out for modelling websites.  These are a good source as you can upload your professional photographs or even link your website on them.  With a website such as Net-Model; photographers, models agencies and stylists can all register.