Modeling is a lucrative industry for aspiring models. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for models was $42,460 in 2017. That’s more than $20 an hour! And the industry is only projected to grow by 6 percent from 2016 to 2026. So, modeling may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for a career with good pay and plenty of growth opportunities.
However, it can be a competitive industry, and breaking into the business is not always easy. One way to increase your chances of success is to create a strong portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best images demonstrating your modeling skills and style. It’s like a resume for models and can be a powerful tool for landing jobs.
If you’re new to modeling and wondering how to create a portfolio, don’t worry! It might be challenging, but you can achieve it by following these tips.
Build Your Asset Bank
One of the most important aspects of being a model is presenting yourself in the best light possible. It often comes in the form of photoshoots and videos. When potential clients or employers see your portfolio, you want them to be blown away by your beauty, grace, and style. So, putting your best foot forward is essential and ensuring your portfolio is high quality.
You’ll need some great photos and videos to create a great portfolio. Ensure all the images are well-lit, high resolution, and accurately reflect your modeling style. The same goes for your videos – ensure they’re professional and showcase your best skills.
Also, choose the right images and videos for your portfolio. You don’t want to include unflattering shots that don’t reflect your modeling style. Instead, focus on selecting photos and videos showing your strengths as a model.
When putting together your portfolio, keep in mind that it should be polished and professional. So, take your time choosing the right images and videos and ensure everything looks excellent before you upload it online or send it to potential clients or employers. A strong portfolio can increase your chances of success in the modeling industry.
Show Off Flexibility
Models need to be versatile to be successful in the industry. This often means being able to model for different purposes, which may require investing in extra clothes, accessories, and modeling techniques.
For example, a model might need to be able to pose for high-fashion shots and catalogs or commercial ads. To do this, the model may need to have a good wardrobe of stylish clothes and know how to pose for different shots. They may also need to have other hair and makeup styles that will work for different types of photo shoots. You might also need to consider different hairstyles, which will vary depending on the clients you land. Fortunately, you can find a wig shop that provides plenty of options for your efforts.
Likewise, a model may need to be able to do runway modeling as well as photo shoots. This means they’ll need to know how to walk confidently down a runway and pose for photos. They may also require different clothing and accessories for runway shows versus photo shoots.
So, models must be versatile and invest in clothes, accessories, and techniques to help them a model for different purposes. This will increase their chances of finding work in the industry.
Marketing Your Brand
As a model, you need to market yourself as a brand. This means creating an image or persona you want people to associate with you. It’s essential to be strategic about this and consider what makes you unique and what type of modeling work you want.
For example, if you want to do high-fashion modeling, you’ll need to create an image that reflects that. This may mean having a more sophisticated look and persona. If you want to do commercial modeling, you’ll need to create an approachable and relatable image. The key is to be authentic while also considering the type of modeling work you want.
You’ll also need to consider your social media presence when marketing your brand. This is because social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach a larger audience. So, it’s essential to be active on social media and use it to share your brand with the world.
You can use social media to share photos and videos of your modeling work and behind-the-scenes content. You can also use it to interact with your fans and followers and build relationships with other people in the industry. When used correctly, social media can be an influential asset in your modeling career.
Build Your Portfolio Today
Now that you know more about model portfolios, it’s time to start building your own. Keep these tips in mind as you put together your portfolio and showcase your unique skills and talents. A strong portfolio can increase your chances of success in the modeling industry.