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How do I start modeling with no experience?
I haven’t had any modeling training
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3 answers
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Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Ebony - yours is an interesting question. Below I have placed links to a similar question from CareerVillage with good advice and to information specific to Australia.
I would like to emphasize the points below that are made repeatedly:
- Take care of your physical and mental heath. Maintain attractiveness through good nutrition and exercise, not through starving yourself.
- If you want to use a modeling agency, make sure it is legitimate. Check reviews online and try to speak with people who have had experience with them. Stay away if the agency asks you to pay them money up front or asks you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. If their promises sound too good to be true, they probably are.
Wishing you good luck!
Previous CareerVillage question - https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1023700/how-do-i-start-my-modeling-career-ive-always-wanted-to-be-one-but-never-knew-where-to-start
Modeling in Australia - https://thephotostudio.com.au/modelling/how-to-become-a-model-in-australia/
I would like to emphasize the points below that are made repeatedly:
- Take care of your physical and mental heath. Maintain attractiveness through good nutrition and exercise, not through starving yourself.
- If you want to use a modeling agency, make sure it is legitimate. Check reviews online and try to speak with people who have had experience with them. Stay away if the agency asks you to pay them money up front or asks you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. If their promises sound too good to be true, they probably are.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ebony !
I would be happy to advise you on what goes into becoming a model because when you learn about this business more and become trained, it will seem more real to you. If you are under 18, your parent will need to oversee and accompany you for all go-sees and work. Agencies and clients in Australia and other countries require written permission from parents. Parents should also be involved in researching reputable agencies and supporting your schedule and wellbeing.
To know how to do this career, it is vital to obtain full training at a Modeling School. I will explain why. As a model, you will need to know various terms and jargon used by photographers and agencies and companies that hire. You will need to be able to do modeling for runway, print, television, video and film and on site live projects. The more formal training you have for this, the more confident modeling agencies feel to sign you on and get you work. It's not something to just jump into without knowing how to model and how the business is run.
Another reason to attend Modeling School is that they will show you exactly what is needed for your portfolio for the professional industry and you will get experience through your modeling school that can be featured in your portfolio. The school will also be able to tell you where to network and about fashion events to attend. It would be very difficult to do this on your own without the support of Modeling School and it would seem confusing and disappointing to just do it on your own without training and knowledge.
You can keep your social media accounts for personal use, but not for a Modeling career. There are consequences that models face when using social media for their modeling and I emphasize not taking this risk. The way it is done is that when you sign with a modeling agency, they have a website that features all of the models they represent. Companies call the agency and request a go-see with a specific model in their agency. It is not done by putting your photos and personal statistics and information on social media.
So, you do need experience modeling to eventually get paid as a model, just like any other career. Modeling School is the best way to do it. It will depend on how much you want this as a career as to how much time you invest in it. Modeling school also does cost money so maybe your parents can help you out with the costs for additional photos, a resume, necessary clothing, makeup, accessories, admission to events, etc. Modeling Schools in your country, on average, can range from $150.00 to $1,000.00 depending which school or training you take.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward towards a very exciting Modeling career in the future !
I would be happy to advise you on what goes into becoming a model because when you learn about this business more and become trained, it will seem more real to you. If you are under 18, your parent will need to oversee and accompany you for all go-sees and work. Agencies and clients in Australia and other countries require written permission from parents. Parents should also be involved in researching reputable agencies and supporting your schedule and wellbeing.
To know how to do this career, it is vital to obtain full training at a Modeling School. I will explain why. As a model, you will need to know various terms and jargon used by photographers and agencies and companies that hire. You will need to be able to do modeling for runway, print, television, video and film and on site live projects. The more formal training you have for this, the more confident modeling agencies feel to sign you on and get you work. It's not something to just jump into without knowing how to model and how the business is run.
Another reason to attend Modeling School is that they will show you exactly what is needed for your portfolio for the professional industry and you will get experience through your modeling school that can be featured in your portfolio. The school will also be able to tell you where to network and about fashion events to attend. It would be very difficult to do this on your own without the support of Modeling School and it would seem confusing and disappointing to just do it on your own without training and knowledge.
You can keep your social media accounts for personal use, but not for a Modeling career. There are consequences that models face when using social media for their modeling and I emphasize not taking this risk. The way it is done is that when you sign with a modeling agency, they have a website that features all of the models they represent. Companies call the agency and request a go-see with a specific model in their agency. It is not done by putting your photos and personal statistics and information on social media.
So, you do need experience modeling to eventually get paid as a model, just like any other career. Modeling School is the best way to do it. It will depend on how much you want this as a career as to how much time you invest in it. Modeling school also does cost money so maybe your parents can help you out with the costs for additional photos, a resume, necessary clothing, makeup, accessories, admission to events, etc. Modeling Schools in your country, on average, can range from $150.00 to $1,000.00 depending which school or training you take.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward towards a very exciting Modeling career in the future !
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Ebony,
You can absolutely start modeling with no experience, most beginners do. You don’t need formal training to get started.
A simple way to begin is by building a small starter portfolio. You don’t need professional photos at first; clean, natural pictures taken in good lighting (full body, profile, and close‑up) are enough. From there, you can apply to reputable agencies through their online submission forms, they usually look for potential, not experience.
It also helps to use Instagram or Facebook as a mini‑portfolio. Agencies and photographers often check social media, and having a clean, consistent feed with your best photos makes it easier for them to see your look and reach out for opportunities.
You can also practice posing at home, follow beginner modeling tutorials, and try local opportunities like student photoshoots, small brands, or creative projects. These help you gain confidence and build your portfolio over time.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and avoid any agency that asks for money upfront. Everyone begins somewhere, and you don’t need training to take your first step.
You can absolutely start modeling with no experience, most beginners do. You don’t need formal training to get started.
A simple way to begin is by building a small starter portfolio. You don’t need professional photos at first; clean, natural pictures taken in good lighting (full body, profile, and close‑up) are enough. From there, you can apply to reputable agencies through their online submission forms, they usually look for potential, not experience.
It also helps to use Instagram or Facebook as a mini‑portfolio. Agencies and photographers often check social media, and having a clean, consistent feed with your best photos makes it easier for them to see your look and reach out for opportunities.
You can also practice posing at home, follow beginner modeling tutorials, and try local opportunities like student photoshoots, small brands, or creative projects. These help you gain confidence and build your portfolio over time.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and avoid any agency that asks for money upfront. Everyone begins somewhere, and you don’t need training to take your first step.