By: Kristina Anderson, Barbizon International

As a professional model, the work doesn’t stop when the photo shoot ends. There are many things that all aspiring professional models need to work on to every day to keep the ball rolling for new opportunities. A lot of work goes into becoming the kind of model that casting directors seek out.  Here are a few of the things you should be working on to build your career even when you aren’t modeling.

Work on your personal brand.
The way you portray yourself when communicating with industry professionals leaves an impression. Take a step back and ask yourself questions about the things you use and do every day that can be seen by someone in the industry. Is your email address professional? Do you stay on top of work related emails? Does your voicemail greeting sound professional? Do you return phone calls on time? It’s the small things things that add up to make a big impression on the way you are perceived as a professional.

Don’t forget to look over the printed items you bring with you to castings and go sees. Is your comp card a good reflection of your range as a model? Are your stats still accurate? When looking at your portfolio, is it a true portfolio that shows real work you have done? Does it show a range of the best work you have done? Having a professional portfolio is another great way to solidify your brand as a model.

Build your social presence.
Like it or not, social presence will continue to play a role in the modeling industry. As your career grows, brands will want to know how many Instagram followers you have. If a casting is between you and another model with thousands of followers, you may just lose out on a booking.

Additionally, models with a large following can often draw in a larger commission from a booking. This comes not only from their work on a campaign, but also the access to followers via social media.

Work on test shoots.
Test shoots are often unpaid opportunities to gain experience. Generally, a photographer will provide a photo shoot at no cost and the model will also work free of charge. Both benefit because they will each be able to use the images as examples. Test shoots are a great way to network with photographers and have professional photos taken.

Try to gain representation.
If you don’t already have representation, it is important to spend time researching agencies and managers in your market. Agents and managers can help you take your modeling career in the right direction. They can connect you with jobs and helping you navigate the industry. Not sure about the difference? Visit our website to learn about the difference between an agent and a manager. Also, be sure to research an agency / person before attending go sees or submitting. Know what you are walking into before you get there and be careful to only work with reputable companies.

Research the industry.
There are many blogs and publications that offer information and advice for models. Spend time on the internet researching the industry, best practices and learning new things. Staying on top of trends and expectations within the industry can help keep you one step ahead of the competition.

Stay healthy.
It may seem obvious but needs to be said: models have to stay healthy and should be in shape. This does not mean every model has to wear a size 0. All it means is that you should be the best possible version of yourself. There is a place in the industry for many different sizes and looks.

Eating healthy will help you feel better. It can improve your skin quality and give you the energy you need to work long days. Exercising means keeping fit and also feeling better. Getting enough sleep means waking up with more energy and fresh faced. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and keep you feeling good. See a trend? It’s all about being the best version of yourself from the inside out.

Interested in learning more about the modeling industry? Schedule an audition with your local Barbizon school today.