How to become a model

As the UK’s no.1 modelling employment agency, it won’t surprise many people that thousands of talented individuals approach us with aspirations of working with us and our clients in some of the best modelling jobs available. How have they realised their dreams and become a Models Direct model? Is it as simple as registering details with our team? Read on to find out…

Becoming a model isn’t as easy as you might think, nor is it an impossible task. It takes research, a dose of realistic ambition, a genuine desire and, yes, a little slice of luck. But it’s definitely something everyone can achieve – and thousands have already done so. We’ve increased the number of registered models since we started out in 1990, and we’ve helped a huge number of talent – all with ambitions of starring in commercial photo shoots and short films with renowned brand names.

Apply to be a model

How can you start out on your path to become a model? The very first step is not signing up with a decent agency. No, models must want to become a model; it’s not just a passing phase. Whilst we understand that modelling isn’t a full-time career for a lot of would-be models (in fact, lots of models are content with occasional part-time work), they need to have the focus and determination to succeed.

Once you have the focus, be prepared to concentrate on your realistic expectations. Modelling success is not guaranteed. It may take a few weeks or months to be chosen by one of our clients. Modelling is highly competitive, so it’s unrealistic to assume once you have signed up with us there will be a flood of modelling jobs arriving on your doorstep. Many of our models do receive repeat bookings, and we do have the amount of clients to make modelling assignments happen, but for some it will take time to be offered that first job. And if you’ve read our informative blogs, you’ll have conducted research to know that we don’t choose models – our clients have always picked the models that they’d like to make their campaigns happen.

When you think modelling is for you and you’ve researched the industry, the next step is to register with a reputable agency like Models Direct. Experience isn’t required – which makes commercial modelling more accessible than most industries. The business isn’t age or gender biased either, and our clients regularly ask for models from all backgrounds and physical characteristics. Modelling is really for everyone.

Once you have completed our quick registration (complete with two clear headshot photos), models can’t forget about their obligations. The most important one is to keep all portfolio photos current, as our clients have access to our model’s portfolios when we put them forward. They want to know what models look like ahead of choosing them, not what they looked like a few months ago. This cannot be emphasised more for perspective models – if you want to become a Models Direct model, all portfolios must be up to date.

Hire a model

Doing the basics well will set great models apart from good ones. Be realistic, have determination, sign up with us, keep your portfolios updated, and keep in touch with us should you have any queries.