Modeling dreams can spark at any point in an aspirant’s life. Some have twirled in front of mirrors, imagining crowns and spotlights since childhood, while others found themselves intrigued by this alluring world later on, quietly wondering if they could be a part of it. Regardless of how long you’ve nurtured your dream or how sure you are of your intentions, there are some important things to keep in mind before you decide to leave everything else behind and take the plunge to live out your modeling dreams.
One of the most important pieces of advice for all modeling aspirants is this: make modeling a hobby until you can make it your full-time job
You might have heard many big things about tunnel vision, unwavering passion, and absolute commitment. And while those are powerful things, succeeding in any career path also requires smart planning.
Although modeling is a wonderful profession, it is also unpredictable. And it’s definitely not easy. So, it is a good idea to begin pursuing modeling as a hobby until you can gradually reach a place where you can make it your full-time job. In this article, we’ll explore how to do this and help you bridge the gap. Here are some things to keep in mind:
The Power of Wholehearted Effort
To achieve greatness in any field, you must put your heart and soul into it. Modeling is no exception.
Being a successful model requires getting the right information from trusted sources and acquiring training that will guide you correctly into the profession of your dreams. Cultivating a habit of self-improvement in the sphere is not possible without hard work and practice.
Devote at least an hour of your time each day to work on upskilling yourself by practicing your craft. Study poses, practice facial expressions, and work on your body language. Explore different face angles, and research different modeling types and niches. Whether it is your posing skills or your ramp walk, you need to devote time and effort to refining your abilities.
This will give you the chance to explore your passion and nurture your love for modeling as a hobby, without the pressure of achieving immediate success. And as a bonus, wholehearted effort in honing your craft will lay a solid foundation for a future modeling career.
Reach Out to Agencies ONLY When You’re Ready to Launch Yourself
Before seeking agency representation or even reaching out to brands as a freelancer, it's essential to be well-prepared and ready to impress. Remember, the first job that you do will lay the foundation of your professional reputation, and potentially get you many other jobs in the future.
At the core of your success lies the art of building a powerful personal brand, a process that requires time and dedication. In today’s world, both brands and agencies pay careful attention to a model’s social media profiles. Once you have practiced your skills the way we mentioned previously and have started to feel a bit sure of yourself, start putting your skills into practice and working on building your social media presence, which works as your digital portfolio.
It’s important to curate a captivating social media profile and share high-quality images and content that accentuate your best features. To do this, you must learn the art of taking good self-portraits using strong posing and emoting skills. These work as amazing content for your socials and help you build a more captivating profile. A useful tip is to practice taking these self-portraits every time you get dressed to go out. With enough practice, you’ll be able to drastically improve the quality of your self-portraits over time and will soon be capturing stunning photos showcasing your beauty. Another good idea to upgrade your Instagram is to collaborate with good freelance photographers, stylists, and makeup artists to capture beautiful photos of you. A combination of these tips will soon help you level up your digital portfolio to a level where you feel confident in your online presence as a model.
Once this is done and you feel ready to launch yourself into modeling, only then is it a good idea to start reaching out to agencies and brands for work. Doing this will increase your chances of success and create valuable opportunities for your future career.
Focus on Other Career Paths
In the dynamic world of modeling, taking care of your mental health and building unwavering confidence are crucial elements of a successful career. To achieve this balance, start by treating modeling as a hobby while simultaneously establishing another source of stable income in the form of a different profession. This not only allows you to develop a well-rounded personality but also provides stability during the inevitable ups and downs that are part and parcel of the industry.
When you engage in activities beyond modeling, you prioritize your mental well-being. These interests become outlets for self-expression, allowing you to find joy and fulfillment outside the confines of the fashion world. By cultivating a diverse range of passions, you create a safety net of emotional support, empowering you to navigate the challenges of the industry with resilience.
Furthermore, nurturing interests apart from modeling has a profound impact on your mindset. By avoiding a singular focus on your modeling career, you free yourself from the sense of desperation that can often overshadow your self-assurance. Instead, you radiate an aura of confidence and self-assuredness that instantly enhances your appeal as a model. Casting directors and clients are drawn to individuals who exude a sense of independence and a well-rounded approach to life.
Set a Timeline
Effective planning requires setting achievable but ambitious goals to a realistic timeline. Just as success isn't achieved overnight, the same holds true for modeling. It's essential to understand that finding your footing in the industry and reaching a professional level where modeling can become your primary occupation takes time. Managing your expectations and being practical are key components of this journey.
Give yourself a pre-planned time frame to give modeling a genuine shot, ideally around 2-3 years. This period allows you to immerse yourself in the industry, gain experience, and develop your skills. It also grants you the opportunity to evaluate your progress objectively when the time comes to plan your future in the field.
As you embark on your modeling journey, remember that starting with modeling as a hobby is a wise and strategic choice. By gradually building your personal brand, investing in a strong online presence, crafting an exceptional portfolio, pursuing other interests, and giving yourself time to grow, you'll position yourself for success. Keep the passion alive, nurture your talent, and let your journey unfold organically. With dedication and perseverance, you'll transform your modeling dream into a fulfilling and sustainable career.