Beginning a career in a cut-throat world like the modeling industry can be very tough, especially if you don’t have anything to show off to potential agents. But when it comes to modeling, showing off is a must. It’s a way of showing clients you’re serious about your profession.
Investing in a portfolio website is the way to boost your career to new heights. One that not only improves your chances of getting noticed but gives you a leg up on the competition. Fortunately, creating your portfolio website is pretty easy. The great news is that you don’t even need to spend a fortune to set up your website.
With the following steps, you can significantly improve your chances of standing out to kickstart your career
Determine what you want
You’ll need to start from scratch if you’re completely new to the game. This means setting time to figure out what kind of modeling you want to enter. For many aspiring models, there are many types of modeling one can be. The key is to choose the one you prefer and think you’re best suited to, as many have their requirements.
For example, a promotional model will have to look approachable and friendly, then just attractive.
Once you have an idea, you can take your photos accordingly, as they will reflect the type of modeling you’re hoping to get. Whether that’s fashion modeling, live modeling, or commercial modeling, specifying it early on will help you market yourself for the part, with the bonus of making it easier for recruiters to place you in a particular category.
Hire the right photographer
Your photos are the highlight of your modeling portfolio! Now is the time to take the right photos that show off your skills. That’s why investing in a highly experienced photographer is foremost.
If you’re looking to make the most out of your portfolio, you can look for a professional who already works in the modeling industry. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can always ask someone who’s still building their photography portfolio.
The key to hiring the right photographer is to get a background check on their previous work. It’s great if he’s an expert in your field so you can benefit from their artistic direction and expertise.
A great tip to remember is to ensure you have a clean studio and photos, as they make you look more professional and can make you stand out in the eyes of agencies.
Present your perfect shots
Perhaps the most challenging task is sorting through your portfolio photos. With your photoshoot done, you probably have a large collection of photographs to choose from the album.
You’ll only want a handful of your best shoots for a professional portfolio—around 10-20. You’ll also want to showcase a variety of poses and looks so you can display your range as a model.
Potential clients tend to pay attention only to the few images appearing the moment they land on your website. You must take time to represent the best shots you’ve worked on, and remember—quality over quantity.
The next step is creating a striking homepage that includes a range of your most eye-catching photos, making you stand out.
It’s also a good time to get other people’s perspectives and help you.
Choose a suitable template
Once you have your best shots, it’s time to set the ultimate template for your website. With so many default templates available online, this is your chance to up your game. You will want something that suits your needs, style, and personality.
There is nothing worse than an unprofessional-looking site. It should offer a high degree of flexibility to allow you to personalize your website according to your brand and artistic sense of style.
With so many options, choosing one that makes your online portfolio effective and attractive is best. A good tip is to check out other portfolio websites of some of your top fashion industries to understand how a good portfolio website looks.
Understanding how other people leverage their portfolios will help you build your perfect portfolio website.
In any case, make sure you have a perfect balance of modern elements and effects. Too little or none will make your site look basic. Too many, and it’s an overkill. Add a few web transitions here and there, and that should be it.
Include contact information
Of course, remember to add your contact information! No matter how striking you make your portfolio, it won’t matter if potential clients can’t reach out to you.
It should be included on a separate page or visible so you don’t miss out on the opportunity. Besides your basic information, you should also consider providing a business email address and phone number. A live chat widget can also help potential clients get instant responses back.
Social media handles
Social media can be an additional part of your portfolio. Through your social media profiles, viewers can get to see more pictures and even get to see a new side of you!
You can add a little ‘about me’ blog to introduce yourself and get personal. This way, people get a fuller picture of your personality and abilities, which they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
If you have an impressive Instagram, that will work too. All you have to do is directly set your feed to show now on your model portfolio.
Regularly update your portfolio.
As a model, keeping up-to-date with your most recent pictures is one of the most important things to do. There is nothing worse than out-of-date images.
Having new photos makes you appear to keep up with the latest trends in fashion and styling, automatically putting you at the top. And if you need inspiration, just check fashion websites that adhere to your style.
This helps model agencies to forward your latest images to clients so they can make a final decision.
Conclusion
In building a modeling portfolio, you don’t need more than hundreds of photos or spend tons. Luckily, it mostly boils down to having the right photographer, a suitable template, and regularly updating your website. With the perfect portfolio website, you can establish an online presence with flexibility and creativity, representing the best version of yourself.
Finally, with these tips on your fingers, you can create a portfolio that is not only attractive but stands out—landing you the job of your dreams.
