How to Become a Model: Celebrating Your Unique Attributes

You don’t need to be a size zero, five-foot-eleven, or have flawless skin to become a model. The industry is changing-fast. Brands now want real people. Not just perfect faces, but real stories. Real bodies. Real confidence. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m not enough”, this is your sign to stop comparing and start building.

Forget the Old Rules

Ten years ago, modeling meant one thing: tall, thin, and white. That’s not the case anymore. Today’s top campaigns feature models of all sizes, ages, ethnicities, and abilities. Look at Ashley Graham. Or Winnie Harlow. Or Emme, who started modeling in her 30s. They didn’t wait for permission. They showed up as themselves-and the world noticed.

Model agencies aren’t just looking for a checklist anymore. They want personality. They want authenticity. They want someone who can connect with a camera, not just stand still. If you’re curious about modeling, the first step isn’t booking a photoshoot. It’s understanding what makes you different-and why that matters.

Know Your Type

There’s no single mold. Models fall into categories, and knowing yours helps you target the right opportunities. Here’s what’s actually hiring right now:

• Fashion models-tall (usually 5’8”+), slim, but not always size 0. Brands like Savage X Fenty and Aerie hire curves.
• Commercial models-everyday people who look like your neighbor. Used in ads for banks, supermarkets, insurance. Age 18-60. All sizes. All backgrounds.
• Plus-size models-size 12 and up. Demand is up 40% since 2020, according to Fashion Spot’s 2025 industry report.
• Fit models-used by designers to test clothing. Must have precise measurements. No need to be tall or thin.
• Parts models-hands, feet, legs. Yes, people get paid just for their hands.
• Instagram models-not a formal category, but brands pay influencers with strong engagement. 10K followers can be enough if your audience is loyal.

You don’t need to fit every box. You just need to know which one fits you.

Build Your Portfolio-Without Spending a Fortune

Your portfolio isn’t about looking like a magazine cover. It’s about showing range. A good portfolio includes:

• One clean headshot (natural lighting, no filters)
• One full-body shot (standing naturally, not forced pose)
• One expression shot (smiling, serious, playful-show emotion)
• One lifestyle shot (you doing something real: walking, laughing, reading)

You don’t need a $2,000 photoshoot. Find a local photography student on Instagram or Facebook. Offer to trade: you model for them, they give you 5 edited images. Most are eager to build their own portfolios too. Do three sessions. Pick your best six photos. That’s your starter portfolio.

Upload them to a free site like ModelMayhem or Behance. Don’t overdo it. Six strong images beat 30 blurry ones.

Find the Right Agency

Not all agencies are equal. Some are scams. Others are legit but won’t take you unless you fit their current client list. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Legit agencies don’t ask for money upfront. They earn commission only when you get booked.
• Scams ask for $500 for “training,” “portfolio packages,” or “membership fees.” Walk away.
• Check the agency’s website. Do they list real clients? Do they have a physical office address? Search their name + “scam” on Google.
• Look at their Instagram. Do they post real jobs? Or just stock photos?

In the UK, agencies like Select Model Management, Premier Model Management, and Models 1 are reputable. Apply online. Send your portfolio and a short bio. Don’t send 20 photos. Don’t write a novel. One page. Clear. Honest. Say what you’re looking for: “I’m seeking commercial and plus-size work.”

Use Social Media Smartly

Instagram isn’t the only path-but it’s a powerful one. Here’s how to use it without burning out:

• Post consistently-once every 2-3 days. Not every day.
• Use hashtags like #PlusSizeModel, #RealBodyModel, #CommercialModel, #ModelLife.
• Tag brands you love. Not just fashion labels. Think Target, Lush, John Lewis. They’re hiring real people.
• Don’t wait for 10K followers. Brands care about engagement. 500 likes on a post with 2,000 followers? That’s better than 10K followers with 50 likes.
• Share behind-the-scenes: your morning routine, how you prep for a shoot, your favorite outfit. People connect with stories.

One model in Manchester, 28, size 16, posted a photo of herself in a swimsuit with the caption: “I didn’t lose weight to be seen. I’m here because I’m proud.” It got 27,000 likes. A week later, she got her first paid gig with a UK swimwear brand.

Own Your Story

The biggest mistake new models make? Trying to be someone else. You don’t need to look like Gigi Hadid. You need to look like you.

What’s your story? Did you overcome illness? Are you a single mom? Do you wear glasses? Have a scar? A tattoo? A unique way of walking? That’s your power. Brands are tired of perfect. They want real.

When you walk into a casting, don’t say, “I’m new.” Say, “I’m here because I believe in representation.” That’s the kind of energy that sticks.

Prepare for Rejection-Then Keep Going

You will get rejected. A lot. Even top models get turned down. One model I spoke to in London got 47 rejections before her first booking. She kept applying. She kept improving. She kept showing up.

Rejection isn’t about your worth. It’s about fit. Maybe the brand wanted someone taller. Maybe they already had a similar look. Maybe the client just liked someone else’s vibe. It’s not personal.

After each rejection, ask: “What did I learn?” Not: “Why didn’t they pick me?” That shift changes everything.

Start Now. Not Tomorrow.

You don’t need to wait for the “right time.” You don’t need to lose 10 pounds. You don’t need to fix your smile. You don’t need to move to London or New York.

Today, take one step:

• Take a selfie in natural light. No filter.
• Send it to three local photographers with a simple message: “Hi, I’m exploring modeling. Would you be open to a trade shoot?”
• Research one agency in your region and apply.

That’s it. That’s how it starts.

The industry doesn’t need more clones. It needs more you. Your height, your curves, your scars, your laugh, your quiet confidence. That’s not a flaw. That’s your edge.

Be the model the world hasn’t seen yet.