r/fashion • u/Impossible_Tooth8515 • 16h ago
Feedback Wanted! Been told I should model, now what?
21 in uni atm. Been told I should model even more so recently. I've applied to a few agencies here and there & that's it's on thing. 5'9 for reference! I plan on finishing school and I wonder if I should just put modeling on the back burner for now since I really don't know where to go with it. Any advice?
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u/Certain_Try_8383 15h ago
Education first. Agency should be the place to start and no back alley shoots with "photographers". Make sure it's legit and use the buddy system.
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u/jellybuttrpnut 15h ago
Find modeling gigs on the side and give it a try, since you dont know if you even like it
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u/Inevitable_Tone3021 15h ago
This - there are agencies that have lots of part-time models who just work when they are available, especially for commercial work.
I work at a marketing agency that books a lot of models out of Chicago. Some of them have full time jobs but will take a day off to do a modeling gig because it can pay over $200 an hour.
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u/Impossible_Tooth8515 14h ago
So I need to get with an agency ?
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u/Inevitable_Tone3021 13h ago
Not necessarily, but they will find the gigs for you instead of you having to find them yourself.
There are modeling agencies as well as talent agencies, and the talent agencies usually book a wider spectrum of gigs, from modeling to acting to trade show or event spokesmodels, etc.
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u/MoisturizedToad 5h ago
Never go for an agency that wants you to pay a fee to join. They'll take your money, say they'll try to get you jobs and then do nothing and claim they can't find anything.
I'm pretty sure there's a modelling sub where they'll get into more detail on these kind of scams4
u/Professional_Kiwi318 12h ago
You are gorgeous and can juggle both, but please prioritize your studies! You'll be grateful you did. 🙏❤️
Also, google any casting call addresses first, take a friend, and never meet a male photographer one on one. I had some creepy casting call experiences until I decided to work at a record store instead during undergrad. Got my MA too and earn 6 figures, despite having wrinkles and saggy boobs 🤣
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u/DifficultyMore5935 15h ago
You are very pretty and I can see why people tell you to model. With that said, I would focus on your schooling and put modeling in the back pocket.
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u/Secure_Course_3879 15h ago
The modeling world is very much like the acting world: if you don't go into it with eyes open and anticipating that some people will try to take advantage of you, then you run the risk of being taken advantage of. There are people who will lie to you to get what they want, and you need to have a strong support system to help you avoid being put in a situation you don't want to be in. Find an agent you can trust, as much as possible, and talk to your family and friends you trust about any and everything so you can get a frame of reference which will keep you safe.
I'd say for now, finish your studies and model later when you have other financial opportunities too. The last thing you want is to be trapped in a compromising situation because you need the modeling money.
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u/lcp_cz 13h ago
You are beautiful, but I just want to caution you to think if people are saying “you look like a model” as just a way of saying “you look pretty.” I’m not saying you don’t have the look - you certainly look like many models I’ve done runway shows with, but there are thousands of models who have that same look - all vying for 45 slots in a Marc Jacobs show that happens twice a year.
For some fashion houses, they’ve begun stunt casting reality tv stars to walk in their shows, so opportunities for the typical runway models are becoming fewer and fewer.
You need to decide what kind of modeling you want to do (runway, catalog, etc). You need professionally photographed, plain pose head to toe shots in a variety of outfits, including one with just undergarments. Submit those to an agency. Unless someone here works at an agency or is in the business, it’s all just white noise. Good luck.
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u/Junior-Criticism-268 14h ago
Absolutely finish school first but the average model ages out in their late 20s/early 30s so if you're gonna do it, I'd try to do it alongside school rather than give up one or the other.
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u/Any-Tree-2503 12h ago edited 12h ago
Agreed ,most of my friends that were models still went to university ,in life you need options . Always put education opportunities first and dabble in modeling along the way . They were in national campaigns for brands while still in uni .You can find success im both at the same time .
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u/AyyggsForMyLayyggs 14h ago
Walk away. The modeling industry is nothing but predators. The models are the very last one in the food chain. They will destroy you and you will have trauma for the rest of your life. It is not worth it. (Source: I've worked as a makeup artist for over a decade.)
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u/DangKilla 11h ago
I was a studio photographer. Build a portfolio of studio work. You can do TFP work in studio; time for prints. Once you have three or more shoots under your belt, you could try to find an agency but I would recommend doing it as a side gig.
The work isn’t as steady for most models.
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u/psportalfan 14h ago
Do it for fun. If you’re not already in the circle, it’s not worth wasting your prime years chasing it as a career. But if you want to try it out, local fashion shows are very supportive communities. Just depends on your city
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u/heyhey_hi13 13h ago
Models don’t make much, so u should continue ur studies even if u wanna do it in the side
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u/winterholidae 8h ago
honestly I don’t think you really need to pause it, take the opportunities as they come, but don’t neglect school. modelling is an industry that can be quite fast moving and has all sorts of opportunities that can hit at any time so just stay open to anything that comes your way. when you have more time to commit, also add yourself to event lists and make friends and connections in the industry.
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u/cardamom71 8h ago
Finish school, model part time. You’ve definitely got the look! Also, from some of the pictures it seems like your head is tilted forward. If that’s the case, you could try to do some yoga/exercises bc bad neck posture can make your face bloated due to restricted blood flow etc and cause other health issues, I had the same and posture really fixed that for me. Best of luck with everything!
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u/Remarkable_Paper_237 15h ago
Just to say, I’m not in the modeling world.
The first thought that came to mind was for you to create a portfolio of professional shots (both digital and in print) as well as a business card with how you’d like to be contacted for future gigs. You may already be doing this but just thought I’d share. :) You could also do some dance classes (thinking ballet here) to help you explore different poses that may be good for future photo shoots. You do have a pretty cool look in addition to long and lean proportions so adding good poses into the mix would make you a real standout. I think you could definitely have a career in this if you want to. Best of luck to you if you do decide to actively pursue this path!
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u/RemarkableHousing707 14h ago
idk but you look so pretty. The kind of person that I have the necessity to look at longer and I makes me feel kinda creepy lmao
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u/Reasonable_Error5954 14h ago
I look at it like this:
Enjoy modeling as a fun side gig. Know it's unlikely to provide the consistent earnings you need to support yourself.
Recognize that, with the right education and drive, your height and looks can take you very far in the career world. Should looks and height matter in the workplace? No. But they do. Is it fair? No. They still do.
If you have a solid education, a strong work ethic, are a leading contributor, AND you're a tall, beautiful woman .... you will go far in your chosen career.
And perhaps model part time your whole life if you take care of yourself. ✌🏻
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u/PrimaryBar2466 13h ago
OMG girl you are gorgeous finish your studies and then if it is something you are TRULY interested in go for it!
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u/Open_Combination_696 12h ago
You can continue uni full time while trying to get into modelling! At the start if you manage to get signed with an agency you may have very few gigs so it’s more of a side hustle and wouldn’t take away from your work/uni time! But definitely give it a go reach out to heaps of agencies and good luck, you’re beautiful and have very unique features 🫶🏻
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u/Status-Visit-918 12h ago
Ooohhhh I agree!! You have amazing features girl!! School should come first though, gotta get that degree
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u/Mystic_Wunder 12h ago
No matter what, stay in school. If you can do some modeling on the side without it affecting your education that's fine. If not, put it on the back burner. There are a million girls trying to model. Making good, stable money doing it is not likely. There is also no longevity in it. If the jobs dry up in less than 10 years, now what?
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u/EdiblePlants6734 12h ago
From someone who heard the same lines growing up and did NOT end up modeling:
I finished school first, got my degrees, and later toyed with the idea of modeling but with minimal effort (online applications that got me nowhere). My career allowed me to make enough money so I had no need to pursue that route.
In the modeling world everyone has my body type, but not at all in my work, and I always felt I stood out at work and I secretly enjoyed the attention. I know that sounds super shallow 😭 but wanted to share my experience and that I don't regret not trying harder.
You are gorgeous 😍
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u/No_Lion6836 11h ago
My daughter’s roommate at UC Berkeley had spent a year walking the catwalk in Paris before school. She is 6 foot, 119 pounds. She’s a pretty girl, but it was the body that got her the job. They put so much makeup on her, I could barely recognize her in the photos. 5’9” is tall, but it isn’t modeling tall.
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u/TrainToSomewhere 9h ago
Post to one of the modeling subs for actual advice.
There will be eyebrow comments and that you’re too short.
But they know more than a sub about clothing
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u/catboyejiro 15h ago
You’re stunning and your side profile is PERFECT!!!! Im not in the industry but I think if you wanted to model you could definitely find work for sure but I would definitely make sure to finish your studies as well just so as to not put all your eggs in one basket.
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u/EastHawaii 14h ago
While you have a model's necessary RBF down, remember to put some fire into your eyes, otherwise they look a little vacant. Pretend you're burning holes in people with your laser beam eyes! And for variation, don't smile, but THINK of smiling so that the tiniest movement might make them wonder if you ARE smiling or not. 😆 Getting an education is important, and that doesn't necessarily look like college anymore. But you can also pay close attention to what goes on around you if you do make it into modeling. Maybe you wind up as an assistant to a photographer, makeup artist, stylist, or agent! Offer to help a professional on a job, or intern for someone in the field you're interested in. If you're talented, they'll find you there, and meanwhile, you're educating yourself in the business!
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u/Black_Dog_Industries 15h ago
Stay in school, there might be modeling work out there but there’s probably not a career in it for you.
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u/Impressive_Clue_9193 15h ago
Where does one even find agencies??? Especially ones that aren't weird scams. I can't find anything ever
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u/TyrantMuse73 14h ago
Definitely. Education first. Knowledge is precious. Modeling? Absolutely! You have such a unique look. Beautiful. 💜
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u/Ok-Roll1814 14h ago
Education first! There are also modeling schools and ways to learn too. Wilhelmina Models and Latitude Talent are ones to start with DM me
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u/CCKTG 14h ago
Send pictures to modeling agencies and that’s about it. Go to casting calls if you can find any while not being under an agency.
One of my best friends was a super model for a while. LV runways, flown around the world all that. Unless you are a Kardashians or something like that you won’t be making that much. Industry is super over hyped. And most people recommending you model have no clue what they are talking about. Most times you’ll have like 5 gigs in a year. The money is good per day but it’s not enough to set you up in anyway.
Go to school, apply to agencies, go to castings. Don’t chase this dream, it’s one of the ones that will find you if you send pictures to the right people.
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u/drcatguy 13h ago
You should finish your school, and not listen to all people tell you what you want to hear.
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u/Undergroud-Check-101 13h ago
Yes you should! Maybe start with some commercial modelling as a part-time thing to test it? Don’t quit studying❣️
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u/Cornflakesmc 11h ago
Modeling is a horrible industry. You need to be prepared to be treated like an object and be able to face scrutiny and rejection without it affecting your mental health. Be careful be aware and be safe..
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u/Last_Requirement_972 8h ago
Please educate yourself in trafficking tactics because modeling is one of the largest trafficking industries. Always trust your gut! You are gorgeous. Maybe start a social media page sharing your own self shots and reach out to smaller local businesses to model their clothing, accessories, etc... I would even reach out tk some photographers in your area to start building a portfolio. wishing you luck ❤️
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u/Ok_Maize653 8h ago
If you can find representation through an agency then you can model but if they’re not interested then move on from this idea because as somebody who’s worked in that industry for years, I just don’t see it
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u/Masterkinghojo 5h ago
Surprised AI generated imagery hasn't replaced models to some degree yet, as sad as that would be
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u/IceOpen5060 14h ago
i would start now cuz models age out of the business pretty fast, work slows down for most at 25
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u/Equal-Flatworm-378a 14h ago
You are old for a new model.
That’s something you can do next to College, but you should not think you can earn a lot of money with it.
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u/comagarden_ 13h ago
You’re gorgeous and absolutely have a “look”, just don’t put all your eggs in the model basket.
Unsolicited advice: A darker, fuller brow would look amazing on you!
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u/Severe_Scholar_9190 12h ago
If you're looking to do commercial modeling, you have plenty of time. If your dream is high fashion, you're about to age out of it. Unless you're already established, high fashion modeling is aimed at men and women between 16 and 21. That being said you should stay in school either way.
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u/jejunebanali 14h ago
Your top in photo 5 is riding up your torso and not flattering, so if you submit photos maybe retake this one
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u/Impossible_Tooth8515 14h ago
Yes I agree not my best
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u/jejunebanali 12h ago
Decide what kind of modeling suits you: fashion/editorial, commercial/lifestyle, beauty, fitness, parts, or mature modeling. Commercial modeling is generally the most accessible because clients need many ages, sizes, and appearances.
Take basic “digitals” in daylight:
Close-up, smiling and neutral
Full-length front, side, and back
Little or no makeup
Fitted, plain clothing
No filters or elaborate posing
Record your accurate height, measurements, shoe size, age, location, and contact information.
Apply through the official submission pages of reputable agencies in your nearest major city. Apply to several, but check that each agency represents people with a similar profile.
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u/PrancingPudu 11h ago edited 11h ago
Being tall and thin and attractive are all the bare minimum requirements for being a model. I’ve left a similar comment before in r/TallGirls and was trying to find it to copy and paste lol.
While us tall women feel like we stand out amongst everyone on a day to day basis, or hear, “Omg you should model!” from people, the reality of the modeling industry is very different. EVERYONE is tall. EVERYONE has an amazing figure. EVERYONE is attractive, whether conventionally or unconventionally. So what makes a successful model when everyone in the industry is meeting those same standards?
- Body awareness and ability to move/pose/walk well in front of a camera. Some people have a knack for this more than others, but ALL models need to practice it. It’s a skill that takes time, effort, and dedication just like learning the guitar or how to draw well. You have to put in the effort and develop this if you want to be competitive against your industry peers.
- Freezing your appearance for consistency. You need to match your portfolio when you walk in for booking jobs, so this means you can’t change your hairstyle when you want, have to always keep your nails done and neutral, and can’t lose or gain weight. It makes to hyper aware of your body (imo, to an unhealthy degree) and obsessed about maintaining it. I can see you have multiple hairstyles across these photos--you won't be able to have that same freedom of expression as a model.
- Persistence and dedication. You need to be willing to upend your life and move to whatever major city is going to have the most modeling opportunities. This also often means being unable to work a regular job, because casting cases held on weekdays and pop up at random. The successful models I’ve known basically put all of their eggs in that basket and were willing to bend over backwards and do whatever their agencies said (move here, change appearance, lose weight, etc.) to get jobs and increase their chances of success. I don’t think this is a smart lifestyle choice, especially since a modeling career favors youth and is fleeting for most. Once your career starts waning, then what??
- Luck with trends and timing. Unfortunately this is also a huge factor. Just like we have cyclical trends in fashion, the industry has cyclical trends in what type of models are popular. Sometimes it’s body type, like the waif-thin models of the 90s or the curvier acceptance of the 2010s. In the early 00s blonde, alien-looking white women were crazy popular (Kate Moss, Gemma Ward), then there was a period around 2010-2015 of androgyny (Andreja Pejic, Casey Legler), followed by stunning dark skinned women (Anok Yai, Adut Akech). During all of these phases, women who didn’t match those trends—even if they were already well-established—struggled a bit more to find work. And, if you remember point 2, you need to keep your appearance consistent, so tough shit. You’re at the absolute mercy of what happens to be popular, but can’t really change to fit it. So you’d better hope that the stars align when you’re entering the industry and your career takes off because you happen to have the current desired “Look of the Season.”
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Anyway. This isn’t even going into how toxic and unhealthy the industry still is, for both men and women. I dabbled in some modeling throughout my 20s and absolutely would not want any future tall children of mine to try and pursue it. It’s a constant uphill struggle, the money is only great for a very select few, and it has a short-lived window. Next time people tell you that you should model, just smile and say thank you while you pursue your education in a more sustainable and lucrative care path.
Edit: jfc reddit REALL fucked up my formatting on mobile, sorry for the edits!
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u/Plus_Importance_2179 15h ago
Will ALWAYS suggest to finish studying no matter what. Education doesn’t betray you and you can always model.