Newly Signed Model - What You Need To Know (2024)

New Face Model - Discover Tips For Your Top Modeling Career!

Not every model hits the ground running in the industry. Whether you’re signed to a small agency or a large agency.

You’ll have to pay your dues.

As a new model, you’re up against models who already have an established reputation, also known as a ‘seasoned model’.

A client may be looking for a newly signed model to use for their product, or they may want to book a model with more experience.

No one knows in the beginning how fast their career will take off.

Either way, don’t be discouraged when you don’t book frequent jobs at the beginning of your modeling career, persistence is key.

Once you first sign with an agency, you’ll be in the ‘development’ stage, also known as new faces.

This can be a fun stage during your modeling career.

Some modeling agencies offer model apartments and some don’t. Once you meet your agent, they will tell you about the industry.

such as

• What clients look for when booking a model during castings

• What to expect during Fashion Week

• How to stay prepared and stay ready for last-minute photo shoots and castings

• The proper essentials for traveling

• Healthy eating tips

As a New Face, building your portfolio is the first thing you’ll do. So you’ll spend most of your time testing with photographers, and also attending casting calls.

Your agent will first set up a test shoot with a reputable photographer, that has experience with working with new models.

Test Shoot: A very basic photoshoot

• outside or studio

• little to no makeup

• hair natural

• clothes basic: white and black top and jeans or pants.

After your first test shoot, many other photoshoots will start to roll in.

In a strategic way your agent is trying to get a move on developing your modeling portfolio, for upcoming fashion week and model jobs.

You begin to shoot:

Beauty(think of the posters you see in Sephora and Ulta)

Commercial ‘ Print’: Have you ever shopped at American Eagle, Zara or Forever 21?

Essentially you be shooting fun personality images.

Fitness:If you play or played a sport, then you’ll greatly benefit from this shoot.

Typically, the photographer will capitalize on the sport you played and photograph you in that element.

It makes the images look more natural when you’re in your element, and since you’re new to modeling, feeling awkward at a photo shoot is common.

Who was born walking in heels?

Not me!

Luckily, your agent will set you up to take a runway class.

You’ll work with experienced coaches who will teach you how to strut down the runway with ease and confidence!

Preparation for the industry is what this stage consists of.

It’s like your first day at a new job.

Typically, a company will give you time to ease into your position.

You’ll be taught what to do and be explained the rules and regulations about the company.

There are a lot of things you’ll learn through experience, but at least you’ll have some preparation beforehand.

Don’t worry too heavily about the money during your first year.

Easier said than done, I know.

Retain the information that’s being presented to you and practice modeling even when you’re not working.

More experience leads to a better looking portfolio, which clients will love!

Some models start off very well during their first season and book jobs quickly, while others don’t.

Just know that it’s not abnormal that you’re not booking many jobs at first.

In due time you’ll gain more experience, get to know clients, possibly change your look, and become more comfortable around modeling in front of people and the camera.

That’s determined by your experience and the demand for your look.

The rate of modeling jobs differs for every job that you book.

As a new model, your main focal point is to gain experience.

Sometimes you’ll receive free products from the shoot as compensation.

Runway and Editorial jobs work well with marketing a model to the fashion industry as the next top model!

Every job is an advantage for exposure, and it will lead to greater opportunities, so take them all seriously.

You’re not as experienced as a seasoned model, so the jobs you book won’t require you to do those crazy poses like you see your favorite model doing.

Your shoot will be subtle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put much effort into posing.

Always practice in the mirror beforehand. Go on your modeling agency’s website and study the models.

Check out a few model posing guides.

There are many guides on posing techniques that you can study.

Look at the faces they make and the way their body is positioned and try to emulate that.

Don’t worry about looking ‘inexperienced’. Most of the time the craziest poses look the best!

The more comfortable you are when you’re shooting, the better your photos will come out.

Clients will notice that and potentially book you for a higher-paying job.

Remember, persistence is key

That’s a frequent question that runs through every model’s mind.

To tell you the truth it takes time, and sometimes it’s a very long time.

As a model (no matter what stage you’re in) you’ll receive a check within 3-6 months.

Some models have expressed that it took up to a year to receive a check from a job they booked.

If you have an awesome agent and the right look, they’ll do their best to keep you working frequently throughout the month.

Your agent understands that you have expenses to pay

That’s why it’s their duty to negotiate the highest compensation from a client, and keep you working on a consistent basis.

The more jobs you book the more frequent you’ll receive compensation.

That way you’re not waiting for one check to pay your expenses!

Yes, and No, it’s more beneficial if you do.

Whether you have experience or not, your best bet is to live near your agency. It makes it easier to develop you overall as a model.

If I live out of state, will my agency send photographers to me?

N0!

They won’t send the photographer or client to you.

That’s silly!

Commitment is ideal for this industry.

Living near your agency will allow you to test with multiple photographers, go on more frequent castings, and be submitted for last-minute jobs.

You’ll gain experience quicker this way, which can lead to you signing to another fashion market.

Just know that you don’t have to live there forever.

If you’re a new model (or you’re still in school) you’ll be asked to stay during the summer and possibly holiday breaks.

You can fly home during the holiday, but you’ll have to return usually the day after.

Sometimes your agency won’t require you to move near them. Typically, this option is because you live the next state over.

For example,

if you live in Vegas but you’re signed to an agency in California, you may not be required to move there just yet!

The driving distance isn’t too far, and if you’re willing to make the commitment to driving a distance for jobs booked and casting calls, then the agency will feel more comfortable with signing you.

But, your agent has to believe in you.

They have to believe that your look is highly marketable and that clients will be interested in working with you.

If you have the right look for the market, the agency will work with you!

Eventually, you’ll be asked to room with other models for at least a week for development.

Once you have some photos under your belt, you’ll be able to go back home to your daily duties, and anxiously wait for a job booking!

If you’re not in school, moving closer to your agency will greatly benefit you. It can lead to more work.

Can I model while in high school/college or even be signed out of state during this time?

Yup!

It actually happens all the time!

Obviously, it’s easier if you live within the same state as your agency.

But, if a model lives out of state it’s still doable.

Education is important, and no one should be able to take that away from you.

That’s understood by your agent, and trust me, they want you to succeed in all your endeavors.

They’ll work with you, so be sure to update your agency on any changes that happen within your schedule.

Depending on how serious you want your career as a model to be, you’ll more than likely miss a few events.

That’s why it’s important to know whether this industry is for you or not.

Think about it.

Will your career as a model be worth it?

Possibly

It depends on what you want to do in life, and you don’t have to be a model forever.

You can use it to your advantage.

You can work to pay for your college courses, your first car, take trips around the country during off-season, or gain experience in the fashion industry!

It will surprise you of how many models become photographers, or start their own agency.

Modeling definitely has its advantages, that’s the great part!