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Model Agent POV: How Long Does It Take to Get Your First Modelling Job?
written by
Ione McLeod
PART 9: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR FIRST MODELLING JOB?
One of the most common questions we are asked by new and aspiring models is simple: how long does it take to get your first modelling job?
It is a fair question, and an important one, but the answer, however, isn’t that simple. The modelling industry does not operate on a set timeline, so some people book quickly, while others take longer to build momentum, and what matters more is understanding how the process works and what can influence it.
As Daisy and Georgia from our booking desk explain, there are several factors involved.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO START GETTING MODELLING WORK?
When you first join a modelling agency, there is often an expectation that work will happen immediately, but in reality, it can vary significantly.
GEORGIA: “There’s a few factors… when we’re taking new models on, we do so because we definitely feel we have the right clients to secure your work, but whether that happens a week later, two weeks later, it really does depend.”
Some models may be right for a brief that comes in quickly, and others may need to wait for the right opportunity that aligns with their look, age, or casting requirements.
Commercial modelling, in particular, is driven by client briefs, so work is not created in advance, it is reactive. That means timing plays a role alongside suitability.
If you are new to the industry, it is worth understanding the full process from application through to booking, which we cover in more detail in our guide on how to get scouted online.
WHAT AFFECTS HOW QUICKLY YOU GET BOOKED?
While timing is a factor, there are practical things that can influence how quickly a model begins working, and availability is one of the most important.
Many commercial jobs come in with tight turnaround times, so being available can make a difference, and models who are flexible and able to attend castings or shoots at short notice are often easier to place.
Responsiveness also matters.
DAISY: “Have good availability, be prompt in your responses to emails.”
In such a fast-moving industry, delays in replying can sometimes mean missing an opportunity because booking teams are often working to tight deadlines, and quick communication helps keep you in consideration.
Portfolio quality is another key factor.
DAISY: “Ensure that your portfolio is nice and up to date.”
Your images are how clients assess whether you are right for a job, so having an up-to-date portfolio that’s reflective of how you look now and other work you’ve done recently is crucial. If you are unsure what agencies are looking for at this stage, our guide on what to expect from an SR casting gives a useful overview of how you are presented and considered.
WHY SOME MODELS WORK QUICKLY AND OTHERS TAKE LONGER
It is important to understand that not booking immediately is not a negative reflection on your potential, as many castings involve a large number of suitable models, with the final decision often coming down to very specific details. A particular look, a certain energy, or how someone fits within a wider campaign.
At Sandra Reynolds, we regularly see models who are shortlisted multiple times before securing their first job, and that process is completely normal.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO START MODELLING SOONER
While you cannot control every aspect of the process, there are practical ways to support your own progress:
- Being organised
- Keeping your availability up to date
- Checking emails regularly
- Responding clearly
- Maintaining your portfolio
Also, understanding the type of work you are suited to can also help: Commercial modelling covers a wide range of briefs, from lifestyle campaigns to TV commercials, so understanding where you fit, what your strengths are, and where your experience is can help.
A FINAL THOUGHT
There is no fixed timeline for starting work in modelling. Some models book quickly, others take longer to find their rhythm.
From our experience at Sandra Reynolds, what makes the difference over time is not speed, but consistency, so being available, prepared and responsive allows opportunities to build naturally.
The first booking is important, but it is only the beginning; what follows is what shapes a career.
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written by Ione McLeod
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