How to Start Your Modelling Career: A Step-by-Step Guide

The world of fashion is glamorous, dazzling, and extravagant. But there is much more to it than the fashion shows and magazine spreads we love and admire.

If you watch all the live streams of fashion shows, know different supermodels and their walks, or simply want to be the face of your favorite brand, modeling can be just the right career for you.

Get ready to practice, pose, shoot, and repeat to build a stunning portfolio and start your modeling career as a confident and skilled professional.

Continue reading to know how you can conquer the fashion world and be a top model in the industry – 

What Does a Model Do?

A model’s key responsibility is to visually represent the products and services offered by brands, designers, stylists, and other professionals associated with the fashion industry. They promote brands and showcase their clothing and accessories.

Models appear on runways, fashion and lifestyle shoots, and commercials and give life to the concepts designers and marketers had envisioned. 

What Are the Different Kind of Models?

There are different types of models and their work is distinct from one another. As an aspiring model, you can work in any of the niches you choose. 

1. Runway Models – These are models who walk on the runway in fashion shows to showcase different garments and accessories. Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, and Winnie Harlow are some of the most well-known runway models in the industry.

2. Fitness Models – They are known for their toned and athletic physique and often promote health and fitness products or associate with sports brands. Models like Bani J are known for their exercise routines and association with different forms of physical training. 

3. Commercial Models – Commercial models appear in video and print ads and promote different products and services offered by a brand. 

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4. Fit Models – These models are appointed by designers and brands to test the fit and fall of different garments and understand how the final product would look on a person. A designer recruits fit models representing different heights and body types to make sure the product resonates with their diverse consumers.

5. Parts Models – As opposed to other categories of modeling, parts models only showcase certain parts of their body to highlight different accessories – like hand models for bangles, watches, and rings and foot models for anklets, shoes, or socks. 

6. Promotional Models – Have you noticed models promoting brands and products at events? They are promotional models who, in addition to modeling, also have to be aware of the brand message, product details, and brand aesthetics and have great communication skills. 

Essential Skills to Become a Model

Models are versatile professionals who need to have an understanding of fashion and styling and the basics of photography. Here are some key skills you need to develop as an aspiring model – 

1. Body Language and Posing 

Body language and posing are two primary skills that are central to a modeling career. You must have a confident and upright posture and be able to pull off a range of styles and facial expressions. From heavy jewelry to high heels and dramatic and voluminous garments, you need to be camera-ready to pose in anything and look professional. 

2. Fitness 

Although not all models need to have perfectly toned abs and hourglass bodies, fitness is a must. You might be training for long hours, shooting in the sun, and posing in different ways that require you to stretch your body. Being fit and flexible will help you look effortless in all your poses.

3. Adaptability

As a model, even consecutive projects can be completely different from one another. Working with a team of diverse professionals – designers, stylists, makeup artists, and fashion photographers – requires adaptability. 

4. Soft Skills

Models often have to work tight deadlines and communicate with different professionals in the workplace. Developing communication, time management, and problem-solving skills is the key to better networking, maintaining healthy professional relationships, and creating a collaborative work environment.

Read Also: Top 10 Indian Fashion Designers Who Are Redefining Fashion Wear

How Much Do Models Earn In India?

There are multiple factors influencing the pay of models in India. From the niche they work in, the brand or designers they are working with, and the type of work they are doing to experience and popularity, the salary is not uniform across the industry. For instance, renowned models make more money than their lesser-known counterparts, similarly, models working for high-end or luxury brands have higher pay. 

Typically, in India, the average pay that professionals with a strong portfolio and little to no experience can expect is between – 

• ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 per project for Runway Models
• ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per project for Commercial Models
• ₹50,000 – ₹90,000 per project for Fitness Models
• ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 per project for Parts Models

Step-by-step Guide on How to Start Your Modelling Career 

If you are an aspiring model who wants to walk the runway or be the face of a popular brand but don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you are at the right place. We have created an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide that will help you approach your modeling career the right way –

1. Understand What Kind of Model You Want to be

Do you want to be a runway model, commercial model, fitness model, or a parts model? The first step in starting your modeling career is understanding what you are interested in, what skills you have, and what growth opportunities are in store for you. Ensure your goals and skills align with the industry requirements for a smoother transition as a professional. 

2. Practice and Train

The more you practice, the better your work will get. Start posing in front of the mirror. Look up poses, photos, and portfolios of models and practice different poses. Watch tutorials and tips to perfect your pose and understand the little details that make all the difference. 

If you want to become a fitness model or go for a niche that requires you to work on your physique a certain way, you can join a gym, look into yoga, and consult dietitians to prepare a customized diet plan to help train yourself for the role. 

3. Consider a Professional Course

Although it is not mandatory to enroll in a professional course to start your modeling career, it will help you understand the discipline, provide a glimpse of the industry, and acquaint you with different styles and techniques. In a professional modeling class you will learn – 

• The basics of a camera and how to confidently face it.
• Basic grooming, makeup, hairdressing, and styling.
• Fashion styling and the importance of the right posture.

You can either attend a modeling school for offline classes or enroll in an online modeling course. Most institutions offer a diploma in modeling that spans from 3 months up to a year and specialized certificate courses ranging from 6 weeks to 3 months.

4. Build A Modelling Portfolio

Wondering how to create a modeling portfolio? Start by getting your professional photos taken. You need to include a variety of angles, poses, and styles to showcase your versatility and skills. Some of the non-negotiable are-

• Clean and natural-looking headshots
• Close-ups to highlight your facial features.
• Full body shots in different poses to portray your adaptability. 
• Commercial-style shoots from your previous work or mock-ups shot in a studio.

In addition to the photos, your portfolio needs to have your contact information, resume, a brief introduction about yourself, and links to your online portfolio, past work, personal website, and social media handles.

5. Work With a Modelling Agency

Think of it like applying for jobs. Prepare a portfolio with all the necessary photos and information, write a cover letter, and contact agencies that align with your goals and objectives. Modeling agencies help aspiring models get more credibility and connect them to high-profile clients. 

By associating yourself with an agency, you will get access to – 

• Specialized training programs that meet your specific needs.
• Networking opportunities within the industry that help you build long-term professional connections.
• Feedback, inputs, and resources to create the perfect portfolio.
• Services like image creation, contract negotiation, brand management, and PR.
• Legal advice and support. 

6. Look For Opportunities Online

Brands often put out ads on their social media pages or professional platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Keep an eye on the vacancies and requirements and apply whenever they come along. 

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Make sure you always send your portfolio and customized cover letters highlighting why you are fit for the job to maximize your chances of getting hired.

7. Leverage Social Media 

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are great for showcasing your talent at modeling and creating a personal brand. It allows you to connect with brands and hiring managers conveniently and provides them with a peek into your work. 

Leverage the popular platforms to stay visible, identify and align with trends to engage with more people, and upload your professional and behind-the-scenes photos and videos to curate a humane and nuanced repository of work.

8. Network

Networking plays a crucial role in creative industries. You can join online forums to connect with fellow models, designers, and professionals and find growth opportunities beneficial to your modeling career. 

Follow brands you love, and agencies you want to work with, and stay in touch with the alumni base if you are in a modeling school.

With the right networking, you can get chances to attend professional events, and auditions, and enhance your visibility amongst the professional circle. 

9. Collaborate With Professionals

Collaborating with professionals can add to your credibility, enhance your work experience, and allow you to work on diverse projects. You can work with designers, stylists, emerging small businesses, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and other professionals from the fashion industry to enrich your portfolio and maximize your chances of attracting desirable opportunities as a professional. 

Read Also: Social Media Marketing Tips for A Fashion Brand

10. Participate in Pageants and Contests

Winning or sometimes just participating in a pageant can boost your confidence and help you kickstart your modeling career. These events are attended by high-profile recruiters, agencies, sponsoring brands, and designers providing immense networking opportunities.

Taking part in contests will help you perfect your walk and posture, teach you to work with other professionals, and allow you to get a glimpse of the industry.

Conclusion

As the Indian fashion industry expands, and e-commerce platforms become more popular, 2025 is expected to be a lucrative year for aspiring models. From opportunities to work with emerging brands to getting social media right, modeling is a good career choice if you want to work in the fashion industry and have the right skills and knowledge.

Read Also: The Role of Fashion Communication in Shaping the Industry

Start your modeling career by joining a professional course and building a remarkable portfolio. Choose a niche that aligns with your goals, and start practicing the perfect poses!

The AAFT School of Fashion offers a 3-month diploma in modeling that will guide you through your professional journey and provide all the tools, resources, and infrastructure you need to get a headstart in your career.