A professional model is someone who gets paid for taking pictures, participating in runway shows or doing commercials for a client. Becoming a professional model is client-driven. Look is important, but not all models are size two and tall. Some have a certain look like “mom,” “soccer coach,” or “grandpa,” that a client wants to capture. This means you don’t necessarily have to be a certain size, body type or “beauty ideal,” in order to be a model, but you do have to have a look that will somehow appeal to an audience that would be most interested in buying the product your “look” sells.

High fashion modeling is the most exclusive field, and few attain the goal of becoming high fashion, and walking the runways of Paris and New York. Commercial modeling has a much looser definition. Certain body types may not be required, but you do have to fit what the client wants. People who have one fantastic feature, like their hands, can get a lot of work as body part models. Great hands or feet could have you working as a hand or foot model.

Every model needs an agent. This means you will need to have both a headshot, and a portfolio of pictures. Pictures will cost anywhere from 800 to several thousand US dollars (USD), and it helps to get your pictures done by a photographer known in the fashion or commercial industry.

Agents charge 10% of what you are paid, and should not charge upfront fees for representing you. Agents should also not be associated with modeling schools, which are usually scam operations. You can also try getting jobs by going to open calls with your portfolio, but these calls are few and far between. Some are not even legitimate, but attempt to get you to take classes at a modeling school. Representation is the best bet toward getting actual work.

Having an agent doesn’t guarantee work as a model. As you meet clients, you need to exhibit a good personality, good modeling skills, and willingness to change your look; you need to sell yourself as a product advocate. You will also meet with a lot of criticism, so high self-esteem is desirable if you want to be a model. You can’t necessarily change your look, which will not appeal to all clients. Clients have an idea in mind of what they want, and you will usually not be able to change their mind.

You should be comfortable with meeting lots of people, have a terrific personality, and have some acting training if you want to be a commercial model, since part of your work might be making television commercials. In all cases, when you have to meet clients, present yourself as a blank slate. Don’t wear excessive makeup or jewelry, keep the hair simply groomed, and wear very simple clothing. While your personality should be good and your attitude excellent, personal style can interfere with the client’s ability to see you as what he or she needs for a shoot.

Practicing modeling can also help you. When you’re on set you need to give the client what he or she wants. This means you should be familiar with poses, looks, and body positions. Scrutinize all types of modeling representing the area in which you want to work. Study and copy these poses in front of a mirror.

Move to a major city and think locally. Most major cities have small reputable agencies for work within that city. Unless you are one of the very few who appeals to the high fashion crowd, you will probably not be paid to travel. Large cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Austin regularly have clients that need local models. You will also encounter less competition if you are in a city other than New York.

In all, there are many more people who want this goal than those who can attain it. Being a model can be difficult work that involves discomfort, long hours, and lots of time in between jobs. Be prepared for a lot of rejection, as you will likely get it. Perseverance can assist you, but also help yourself by deciding on a fallback career that keeps you financially stable while you pursue your goals.