Life is all about learning and growing from past experiences. Entering the modelling industry is the same. It’s easy to make mistakes along the way which can impact your progress in the profession. Models Direct has broken it down in this blog. We’re listing the top ten common mistakes we see new (and existing) models of all ages make and our expert suggestions on how to avoid them so that you can have a fulfilling career! Let’s go!
1. Not doing background research on the industry
Like with most things in life, you have to do your background reading. Not doing so is a common mistake we see our models make. Areas such as not understanding how agencies operate, how to do self-promotion the professional way and what to do if you attend a casting call are some of the areas we see our models fall short on.
How you can overcome this:
Simple – do your background reading! Research the industry online. See if there’s anyone you can directly chat to. Read our models’ journeys. Immerse yourself into as much modelling knowledge as you can so you’re more prepared.
2. Ignoring the importance of your portfolio
Neglecting your portfolio means clients won’t see the current you. They won’t know who you are, your personality, style or current look. This might misalign with what they’re looking for and they could reject you.
How you can overcome this:
Schedule an achievable time to some your portfolio some TLC. This could be a fortnightly activity or monthly but remember to keep it consistent. The investment will pay off.
- Top 10 Mistakes New Models Make and How to Avoid Them
- Behind the Veil: Why Bridal Modelling Is Big Business
- Child Modelling in London: Real Stories, Big Clients and Bright Futures
- Summer Modelling Tips to Boost Your Portfolio in 2025
- From the Tube to the Skyline: London’s Commercial Modelling Opportunities
3. Not informing your agency about extra skills
You might not include extra talent in your application such as singing, dancing and acting because being a model is just for modelling work, right?
How you can overcome this:
Clients want to know more about you and so does your agency. You could get booked for more work with your extra skills which could interest clients so let them know!
4. Not practising mirror work
If you don’t practise poses and expressions, it might feel awkward doing it for the first time in front of cameras pointing at you.
How you can overcome this:
Grab a mirror and a camera and practise your poses and expressions. Research other models and how they strike the pose. It takes time but you will build muscle memory if you dedicate time to it.
5. Attending your assignment unprepared
A common error is to turn up for an assignment but not have read through the brief to understand important things like who the client is, their mission, what you’ll be expected to wear and hair and makeup requirements. Chances are your agency will inform you about the finer details beforehand but if you look over this, clients might not be impressed.
How you can overcome this:
Read your brief carefully! Understanding it will help save time and also elevate your reputation as a serious model who comes prepared to understand their client, their needs and what’s expected from them in their role.
6. Unprofessional behaviour
No one likes a person who portrays unprofessional mannerisms. If you turn up late without informing your client or if you’re rude or abrupt, chances are your client won’t be putting in good feedback for you and considering you again for potential future projects.
How you can overcome this:
Stay professional, calm and polite. You will be remembered so be remembered for the positives rather than the negatives such as being a good team player, listening to instructions and taking constructive feedback well.
7. Last-minute assignment cancellation
You might need to call in sick for an assignment or there’s been a change of circumstances. Whatever happens, don’t forget to inform your agency or within your means, leave it so late that arrangements can’t be made to fill in your absence.
How you can overcome this:
Aim to inform your agency as soon as you know that you cannot attend the gig. Even if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to let them know so that they can find a standby model just in case you can’t make it.
8. Not taking care of yourself
You could have a busy timetable fitting your commitments around modelling. Therefore, you might not have the chance to take care of your health as much as you’d like resulting in fatigue.
How you can overcome this:
Try and plan your time. Life can be challenging especially when you have to fit so many things into your day. But if you have a general vision for how your day and week will look, you might be better prepared to take time to rest, sleep, and eat better.
9. Taking rejection personally
You might feel deflated or annoyed that you haven’t been securing gigs. It’s been a while since you’ve been on an agency’s books and you’re wondering why you haven’t heard from anyone. You might even feel like withdrawing your modelling profile.
How you can overcome this:
Feeling rejected is an understandable feeling when you have heard little to no news. Don’t give up though! Touch base with your agency regularly to see how your portfolio is getting on. Your agency can help you navigate through your feelings if you talk to them.
10. Not keeping your socials professional
If you’re active on social media, you might be tempted to include some images that might not be deemed appropriate without realising. If your account is visible to all, clients may view your snaps and could be deterred from hiring you.
How you can overcome this:
If your socials are visible to all, ensure that they’re viewer-friendly. You can imagine you’re a professional looking at your portfolio. Are there any Friday night or wild partying images your portfolio could do without? If yes, hit that delete button!
And there you have it! The top ten common mistakes we see models make regardless of whether they’re new to the industry or not. Models Direct hopes this helps you avoid these errors and have a successful career as a model.
