How Long It Takes to Become a Model: The First 2 Years

Working as a model in New York, Paris, Milan, and London, the first two years as a model.

The fascinating and diverse job of a model takes you to the most exciting fashion capitals in the world, including New York, Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona, Berlin, Hamburg, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, Beijing, and Los Angeles. If you manage to reach this coveted level, countless opportunities will open up for you, and you will undoubtedly have a dream profession that many young people can only dream of.

From school to shows by Burberry, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, etc.

Becoming a model.

But how do you make it as a model abroad and achieve international success? It is important to understand that the path to success is not an easy one, and nobody becomes a star overnight. Behind every successful model, there is hard work, perseverance, and a constant learning process. Although you may only see glamorous campaigns on TikTok, eye-catching billboards in the city, or captivating commercials on television from the outside, you must understand that the journey involves much more than meets the eye, especially for aspiring models.

How long does it take to become a model?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, how long does it take to become a model? Today, I want to give you a more detailed answer and shed light on the entire modeling process.

First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that you are unique and should accept yourself as you are. You are wonderful and just right the way you are. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and in the end, the clients decide which model they want to book for their campaigns. However, with the right look, self-confidence, and hard work, you can definitely pave your own path to success. The duration can vary. It can be faster or slower.

Model management, mother agency.

Step one: choosing a reputable modeling agency.

The first and crucial step is to apply to a respected modeling agency. These agencies have years of experience in discovering and nurturing talented models. After a successful application, you will be invited to a casting and have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the agency in person. If the casting is successful, you will receive your first modeling contract. This usually happens at the age of fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, or up to twenty-one years old.

A mother agency means you have an agency that knows and supports you from the beginning, just like a mother. This close trust will provide you with much support on your journey. Your mother agency also takes care of everything, from initial discussions with your parents if they have questions, to the first test shoots with good photographers, the first castings, your inquiries, the first jobs, working abroad for the first time, later travel planning, ticket and hotel bookings, and much more.

Now, the building phase begins.

First test shootings, the first months.

Step two: the first shootings and experiences in the first months.

After you are signed by the agency, your exciting building phase as a model begins. You will start participating in test shoots with selected photographers to gain valuable experience and build your modeling portfolio.

Why don't good photographers shoot for free?

Through Instagram and other platforms, you might think it's super easy to get photos. That's not true. You need the right photos. Quality over quantity. It's better to have only two good photo shoots in six months than six shoots in two months. Why? No client looks at twenty photos. At the beginning, you only need four, five, six good photos. That's it.

Good photographers earn money. They don't just shoot with models for free. They only do it to get new material for themselves. Let's say a photographer wants more beauty clients. Then they will do a few test shoots to have sample material for clients. That's how good test shootings with good photographers, which benefit you, are created.

Therefore, trust your management fully. Don't organize anything on your own without consultation. If your agency says no, don't see it as an attack, but as a decision based on experience. This way, you will have a portfolio that clients will love. It is an important time of growth and development where you can enhance your modeling skills.

First jobs in domestic and international markets, about one year.

After the initial test shootings, the first jobs start to come in gradually.

Step three: first jobs in domestic and international markets, one and a half to two years.

After the first few months, you may start receiving small jobs in your home country. These jobs can include social media shoots, e-commerce assignments, small campaigns, showrooms for designers, and occasionally even fashion shows. It is an exciting time where you can prove yourself as a model and show that you are ready to establish yourself in the industry. These beginnings are crucial for laying a foundation and building initial references.

Step four: advancement to bigger jobs.

If you consistently deliver good work and gain the increasing trust of your management in your modeling abilities, you will be recommended for bigger and more significant jobs. This could involve participating in renowned campaigns, working for well-known brands, and making a name for yourself in the industry. Your persistence and dedication will now pay off, and you will have the chance to truly launch your modeling career in the fashion industry.

First international model agencies around two years.

The better your portfolio becomes through selected test shootings and photos from jobs, the better you become. You work faster, know the procedures, poses. Teams enjoy working with you and trust you. This creates trust to the point where your mother agency recommends you to other good model agencies worldwide.

Step five, placement with other model agencies.

One thing you should know is that the world of modeling agencies is interconnected. Agencies know each other, exchange information, and share promising new faces. Your mother agency, the model management you work with, will place you with other leading agencies worldwide. This provides you with even greater visibility and opens up new opportunities. Your mother agency takes care of all contracts, appointments, negotiations, and usage rights, allowing you to fully focus on your modeling career.

Direct booking.

Step six, working with international agencies.

By being placed with other agencies in different countries, you will also be included in their model boards. This means you will be represented by multiple agencies simultaneously and can benefit from their networks and contacts. With your unique look and your previous success, you now have the chance to receive direct bookings. This means that clients of the agency book you directly for their assignments without requiring a separate casting or audition. This is an indication that your modeling career is on the right track, and you are already considered a sought-after model.

On stay.

Step seven, working abroad.

Now is the time to take the next step and work abroad. This means living and working in an international fashion capital for a certain period of at least thirty days, ideally sixty days, or sometimes even ninety days. Cities such as Paris, Milan, London, or New York could become your temporary home. Your agencies cover the travel costs because they believe in your talent and think you will do a great job. It is a unique experience that allows you to further develop yourself in the international fashion industry and expand your network.

During your stay abroad, you will collaborate with other talented models, renowned designers, photographers, and creative minds. You will participate in exclusive castings and be involved in major events, fashion shows, and photo shoots. It is an intensive period where you learn a lot about the industry, further develop yourself, and establish valuable connections. Some friendships last forever, and you may meet again for a vacation on a beach in Mexico. Then you plan to spend time working together in Milan. There is much more to learn about on stay later.

A real model life.

That's it. The first two to three years as a model. Remember that the path to success as a model requires time, patience, and hard work. You must be willing to constantly work on yourself, evolve, and improve your skills. But if you pursue your dream, express your uniqueness, and work passionately and persistently on your modeling career, you will have the opportunity to travel the world as a model, celebrate international successes, and make your dreams come true.

And then? Ideally, you will have so many jobs that you earn good money on the side and can even work for an agency or focus solely on modeling. Just one campaign can pay the rent for an entire year, and with five campaigns a year, you can enjoy the Maldives, Mexico, and all the freedom you desire.