Question 1

How do I get into modelling with no experience?

Accepted Answer

Everyone starts as a new face — no experience needed. Three steps: (1) take clean, natural digitals (see the digitals guide), (2) apply to legitimate agencies and to the board here — it's free, (3) be reliable and easy to work with. You don't need a paid course or an expensive shoot to begin. Our full walkthrough is on the How to become a model guide.

Question 2

Should I ever pay an agency to sign with me?

Accepted Answer

No. A legitimate agency makes money by taking a commission when YOU get paid for a job — not by charging you up front. Registration fees, compulsory paid shoots, or 'training' you must buy are the classic signs of a scam. Walk away. Real representation (including the board here) is free to apply to. There's more in the Modelling scams guide.

Question 3

Is there a height requirement? I'm 165cm — am I too short?

Accepted Answer

Height only matters for some divisions. High-fashion and runway do tend to want ~175cm+ for women and ~185cm+ for men, but commercial, beauty, fitness, hand/parts, plus-size and lifestyle work have no strict height rule — they cast real people of all heights. 165cm is absolutely workable in commercial and beauty. See Model height & divisions for the breakdown.

Question 4

Do I need professional photos to apply, or are phone digitals enough?

Accepted Answer

Phone digitals are enough — and often preferred. Agencies want to see what you actually look like: clean photos, natural light, minimal makeup, hair down, fitted clothes, no filters. A pricey retouched 'portfolio' can actually hide that. Save your money; take good digitals first. The Modelling digitals guide shows exactly how.

Question 5

What should I wear and bring to a casting / go-see?

Accepted Answer

Keep it simple so they can see your shape and face: fitted plain clothing (skinny jeans/leggings + a fitted top), minimal makeup, hair natural, clean nails, heels for women if you have them. Bring your comp card/digitals, be on time, and be friendly. Confidence and reliability get re-booked more than anything. The Prepare for a casting guide has a full checklist.

Question 6

Can I model if I'm under 18?

Accepted Answer

Yes, minors can model, but with safeguards. A parent or guardian must give consent and is generally present at shoots, child-employment rules and permits apply (they vary by state), and there are limits on hours and content. On models.au, applicants under 18 must apply with a parent/guardian. Never work with anyone who wants to skip guardian involvement. See the Child & teen modelling guide.

Question 7

How do I spot a modelling scam?

Accepted Answer

Red flags: up-front fees of any kind; 'guaranteed' work or instant fame; pressure to decide right now; vague or no physical address; asking for revealing photos to 'apply'; wanting to communicate only on a messaging app; or asking you to pay for mandatory shoots/training. Legit work has a clear brief, a contract, and pays YOU. When unsure, slow down and verify.

Question 8

How do models actually get paid, and what's a typical rate?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the job. Commercial and editorial work is usually a day rate or job fee; some jobs add a 'usage' fee for how long and where the images run. The agency takes an agreed commission from your fee (commonly around 20%). Rates vary hugely by client, experience and usage, so there's no single number — but you should always know the fee and usage before you shoot, in writing.

Question 9

What exactly are digitals/polaroids and how do I take them?

Accepted Answer

Digitals (or polaroids) are simple, unretouched photos that show the real you. Standard set: front, both sides (profile), and back; one head-and-shoulders and one full-length each. Natural daylight, plain wall, fitted clothes, hair down, no makeup, no filters, phone held steady at chest height. That's it — clean and honest beats fancy. Step-by-step in the Modelling digitals guide.

Question 10

How do I prepare for my first paid shoot?

Accepted Answer

Day before: confirm call time and location, get good sleep, hydrate, skip anything that marks your skin, and arrive with clean hair, skin and nails (a 'blank canvas' unless told otherwise). On the day: be early, bring your basics, take direction, ask if unsure, and stay positive through the waiting. Professionalism on a first job is what turns it into a second.

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