Free Sample
The Complete Guide to Becoming A Model
The real numbers, daily grind, and career path behind the photoshoots — so you can decide if this job is actually for you before you spend a dime on headshots.
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: What Does a Model Actually Do?
When you hear the word "model," you probably picture a runway in Paris or a sparkling magazine cover. That image is technically accurate, but it represents maybe 2% of the work that actually goes on in the industry. The reality for most working models - and especially for anyone just starting out - is far less glamorous, far more physically demanding, and a whole lot more about logistics and patience than it is about striking a pose.
Let's strip away the fantasy and talk about what a model actually does, hour by hour, day by day. Your core responsibilities as a model aren't just "standing there looking good." They are, specifically and in order of frequency: attending castings (auditions), preparing your body and materials, performing during a booked shoot or show, handling the business side of your career, and managing an unpredictable travel schedule. If you can't handle at least three of these five on a consistent basis, this job will chew you up.
Castings and Go-Sees
A casting, often called a "go-see," is your job interview. But it's an interview where you don't say much, you're judged almost entirely on things you can't control (bone structure, height, skin quality), and you'll often be waiting in a hallway with thirty other people who look remarkably like you. Your agent - or you yourself, if you're freelance - will submit your "comp card" (a physical or digital card with your headshots and measurements)