Modeling has changed a lot in the past decade. Agencies and brands now book people of every age, size, and background, and many jobs come from social media and e-commerce rather than magazine covers. The industry is still competitive, but there are more ways in than ever. This guide explains the main types of modeling, how modeling auditions (called castings or go-sees) work, and how to prepare.
Types of Modeling Work
Runway and Fashion
Runway modeling has the strictest physical requirements. Most major agencies look for women roughly 5’8″ and taller and men roughly 5’11” and taller, with specific measurements. Castings focus on your walk, your look, and how clothes hang on you.
Commercial and Print
Commercial models appear in advertising for everyday products, from banks to cereal. Height and size requirements are much more flexible. Brands want people who look relatable and can show natural emotion on camera. This is one of the largest areas of the market.
E-commerce
Online retailers need models to photograph thousands of products. These shoots are fast paced and repetitive, and they reward reliability and consistency. Many working models earn steady income here.
Fitness
Fitness models promote activewear, gyms, supplements, and equipment. A toned, athletic build matters more than height, and you should be able to hold dynamic poses safely.
Plus Size and Curve
Curve modeling has grown quickly as brands expand their size ranges. Agencies look for confident models with good skin, strong presence on camera, and measurements that match the sizes brands produce.
Parts Modeling
Hands, feet, legs, and hair are photographed for close up product shots. Parts models need to protect the feature they are known for, so hand models, for example, avoid activities that could cause cuts or calluses.
Children and Teen Modeling
Kids model for clothing, toys, and family brands. Parents handle submissions and must follow state rules for work permits and earnings. Read our parent’s guide to child acting rules for the basics, which apply to modeling too.
Mature Modeling
Brands in health care, travel, finance, and beauty regularly book models over 40, 50, and beyond. Many people start modeling later in life in this category.
How Modeling Castings Work
A casting or go-see is usually short. You may be asked to:
- Sign in and provide your comp card or show your book.
- Have digitals (simple, unretouched photos) taken against a plain wall.
- Walk for the client if it is a runway or showroom job.
- Try on a garment to check fit.
- Answer a few quick questions about your experience and availability.
Many castings now happen online first. Clients ask for current digitals or a short video introducing yourself and showing your profile and walk before inviting anyone in person.
What You Need Before You Start
Digitals
Agencies want to see what you look like right now with minimal makeup and simple clothing. Take a full length shot, a waist up shot, a headshot, and profiles from both sides in natural light. You do not need a professional photographer for these. Our beginner’s guide to model digitals and comp cards explains exactly what to shoot.
Accurate Measurements
Have someone measure your height, bust or chest, waist, hips, inseam, dress or suit size, and shoe size. Be honest. Clients plan wardrobe around these numbers, and inaccurate stats can cost you the job and your agency’s trust.
A Simple Portfolio
As you work with photographers, collect your strongest images in a book or online portfolio. Quality matters more than quantity. Six to ten great photos beat thirty average ones. If budget is tight, see headshots on a budget for ways to get professional looking results without overspending.
How to Prepare for a Modeling Casting
- Dress simply. Fitted basics in neutral colors let the client imagine you in their product. Black jeans and a plain tank or fitted tee is a reliable standard.
- Keep makeup and hair natural. Clients want to see your skin and features. Arrive with clean, styled hair and light makeup at most.
- Bring the right shoes. Women attending fashion castings should bring heels. Everyone should have clean, simple shoes.
- Practice your walk. Walk with your shoulders back, chin level, and steady pace. Film yourself and adjust.
- Be on time and professional. Reliability is one of the main reasons models get rebooked.
How to Find Modeling Auditions Safely
The safest path is to submit to licensed modeling agencies through their websites or open calls. Good agencies make money by taking a commission when you work. They do not require you to pay large upfront fees for photos or classes as a condition of representation. Watch for pressure tactics, vague job descriptions, and requests for payment. Our guide on how to spot a fake casting call covers the warning signs in detail.
You can also build experience through local boutiques, student photographers, and community fashion shows. If you are interested in on camera work as well, read our guide to acting auditions and how to get an acting agent, since many talent agencies represent both models and actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be tall to model?
Only for high fashion runway work. Commercial, e-commerce, fitness, parts, and curve modeling all have flexible height requirements.
Do I need professional photos to apply to an agency?
No. Most agencies prefer simple digitals taken on a phone in good light. They will guide you on professional shoots after signing you.
How old do I need to be?
There is no single age. Babies, kids, teens, adults, and mature models all work. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian involved in every step.
What is a comp card?
A comp card is a printed or digital card showing a few of your best photos along with your stats and agency contact. It works like a business card for models.