If you’ve ever considered making a living off your looks, you should think about becoming a model. You can either work for an agency or on your own as a freelance model. The second option of working as a freelancer allows you to manage your time and revenue from assignments, as well as the ability to work without restrictions.
A job as a model may offer an exciting opportunity to combine your interests with your work. While many models work for agencies, others may opt to be more in charge of their careers by working as freelance models. It is critical to understand what this professional path entails in order to ensure that it corresponds with your ambitions. We define a freelance model, describe what they do, outline the stages to become a freelance model, identify critical skills to develop, and examine the work environment, compensation, and career prospects for these professionals in this post.
What is a Freelance Model?
A freelance model is a professional model who works independently. They do, however, represent themselves, unlike other models. They are responsible for seeking out and securing their own work because they are not under contract with or affiliated with any modeling agency. While this might entail more effort than models who are tied to agencies do, it allows independent models greater creative control over their work and might even increase their income by preventing them from having to deduct agency fees from their earnings.
How to Become a Freelance Model in Nigeria
Here’s how to become a successful freelance model in Nigeria:
1. Enroll For Online Modelling Courses
Although having confidence and a good outer look are the main requirements for modeling for work, you would also need to complete some online introduction classes. You can find a ton of courses that can guide you through your career as a freelance model on websites like Udemy. You’ll learn from professionals in the field how to comprehend the numerous modeling niches available, about best procedures for photoshoots, and much more. Fundamental of Modeling and How to Become a Model (Modeling 101), to name a couple, are examples of online courses on Udemy that could help an aspiring freelance model learn more about the industry.
2. Consistently Practice What You’ve Learned
You must polish your craft if you want to stand out in Nigeria’s very competitive modeling market. And one surefire approach to achieve this is by consistently putting what you learnt from your online classes and seasoned freelancing models into practice. Strides and stances that highlight your greatest features should be practiced when walking. You improve, gain experience, and hone your skills as you practice more. It’s advised to have a camera at home so you may record your practice sessions and monitor your development.
3. Build Your Portfolio
Building a portfolio comes after you’ve completed a crash course in modeling ideas and put your newfound knowledge into practice. Your portfolio needs to include a few images and quick movies that highlight your best qualities. You should recognize your best physical qualities and adopt poses that highlight them. To develop a strong portfolio early on in your freelance modeling career, you might have to charge less. Applying for jobs is much simpler when you have a portfolio ready.
4. Pay Attention to Grooming Your Outward Appearance
You must take care of your appearance because it is your selling point if you want to create a successful career out of modeling. Make sure you always look really good, even when you’re just walking around your neighborhood or shopping in a mall. Spend money on skincare products, fashion accessories, and other items that would improve your physical look.
5. Create an Online Presence
You are aware that managing the work you receive is your responsibility as a freelance model in Nigeria. Having an online presence might help you stand out from the crowd by increasing your exposure and chances of getting hired. You should invest in a website where potential employers may easily find your whole portfolio, contact information, and the modeling niche you specialize in. Creating a website is a smart move for your freelance modeling business. Additionally, educate yourself on how to drive traffic to your website, which will inevitably boost the number of prospective leads and conversions. Consider best practices for SEO and other online marketing strategies. You can engage with an online audience in addition to owning a website by using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. The impact a good web presence offers to your freelance modeling job cannot be overstated.
6. Networking
How far you advance in the profession is greatly influenced by the networks you build. You must put in a deliberate effort to network with other industry professionals as an aspiring freelance model if you want to establish yourself in the field. There are various ways to establish this link, including participating in modeling workshops led by seasoned professionals, making cold calls to other industry specialists, and teaming up with other freelancers. Through your website and social media platforms, you may network with individuals online as well, so make sure to update these regularly. Your chances of finding a job increase when you begin to establish a name for yourself in the field through all of your networking efforts.
7. Focus on a Niche
Nigeria’s modeling market is highly competitive, thus if you want to stand out you must specialize. There are numerous specialties available, ranging from runway and fashion modeling to TV advertisements and participating in film shootings. Making a specialty for yourself will lessen competition and improve your chances of getting work. Find the modeling jobs you are most comfortable doing and concentrate on those.
8. Apply for Jobs
You are in charge of finding jobs if you want to be a freelance model. As a result, you must apply to modeling jobs often. You should make it a habit to email prospective employers on a daily basis. When applying for jobs online, you should make sure to put together a portfolio that highlights your strengths and write a strong résumé. Additionally, you can send cold emails to other experts like makeup artists, photographers, and other possible customers. Make sure to list your contact information, your abilities, and your area of expertise. Continue sending these cold emails even if you don’t receive much reaction until the offers start flowing in.
9. Sign Up for Modelling Competitions
Try out modeling competitions as a terrific chance to put all you’ve learned to the test as a freelance model just getting started. You get to demonstrate your abilities to seasoned professionals in the field and the general public. You’ll gain practical experience and get constructive criticism in your weak areas. Even if you don’t win your first few competitions, use it as a learning experience and make the required changes.