The Do's and Don'ts of a Model

Barbizon Midwest Graduate & Model
Katrina Hoernig

Modeling is a tough line of work and portrayals of models in films and on television perpetuate the idea that models are cold, unfriendly people who think only of themselves. In the real world, such an attitude will hurt any aspiring model and if someone with such an attitude were to succeed in the world of fashion, it would be in spite of her bad behavior. To help you improve your chances of succeeding as a model, here are some do's and don'ts of modeling.

DO be contactable at all times.

Have your mobile phone on you at all times as you never know when your agent might call about a casting call or a job. If you are consistently difficult to get in touch with, your agent will stop bothering you and give the work to other models.

DON'T be mean to anyone.

However insignificant someone you encounter may seem, do your best to be civil and even nice to them as you never know who will go on to bigger and better things in the world of fashion and you'll kick yourself for having gotten on the wrong side of these people when they were underlings. Plus, if you're friendly, people are far more likely to help you out when you need them.

DO add to your portfolio constantly.

As a model, your portfolio is your CV, so don't neglect it. Whenever you do a shoot, try to get copies of the photographs from the photographer to add to your portfolio. You want a broad portfolio that shows the full range of your abilities, so try to get a copy of all kinds of work you do, from photo shoots to video work.

DON'T go against your own personal values.

You shouldn't have to compromise your values for any job, so if something goes against your personal values, voice your concerns with your agent or just do not take the job.

DO arrive on time to shoots.

Nobody likes tardiness, so make it your business to arrive on time, or even a few minutes early to all of your bookings. This will not go unnoticed and people may ask for you in the future if they know you're reliable.

These tips go for both newbies to the world of modeling and established models. It's important not to become drunk on success if you do make it as a model. If you suddenly stop going to bookings when you don't feel like it and abusing the people you work with on shoots, you'll soon find yourself out of work and forgotten about.