A modeling website is important because you need to let the world know that you exist and that you’re looking for work. Your modeling website should include your portfolio, stats and contact information. Never give out too much information though, only your first name and e-mail address is required on most modeling websites.

Composite cards (comp cards) are an excellent way to market yourself to potential agents, casting directors, etc. Think of your comp card as your business card. The best comp cards I’ve seen are about 5.5x8.5 in size, with a headshot on the front and 4 smaller images with 4 distinct looks on the back. You’ll also want to include your stats, e-mail address and website information on the card as well.

1. Petite or Plus size modeling – this is growing in popularity and the need for petite and plus size models for catalog and showroom modeling is gaining more and more interest. For petite models, you typically need to be between 5’4”-5’7” tall. For plus sizes, you typically need to be between 5’7-5’11 and wear a size 12-18.

2. Parts modeling – if you have great feet, hands or legs, you may want to consider parts modeling for companies that need photographs of great feet, hands or legs for the products they are selling. Your target market might be nail salons, jean companies, shoe manufacturers, etc.

3. Runway – runway modeling is for various types of people, but you are mainly judged on your presence once you enter the room. You need to maintain that stage presence for the designers when modeling their clothing on the runway to help them sell their designs more effectively.

4. Catalog modeling – If you are 5’8 or taller, with the “All American” look, you’re a great candidate for catalog modeling. Not only is there a lot of work available in this field, but it’s one of the best and most steady-paying work as well.

5. Commercial/Advertising modeling – This can be extremely lucrative if you have a “real person” look. There are generally no age or height requirements for commercial modeling because the achieved look will depend on what the client is looking for. Commercial modeling is for print ads, billboards, brochures and commercials.

6. Showroom – This is great for new models because showroom models go to the designers’ location and display that particular designer’s fashions for an audience. It’s more about how the clothes look and hang on your body so there aren’t a lot of requirements for this kind of modeling either.

7. Fit modeling – This type of modeling requires you to stand for long periods of time while the designer completes and tweaks his/her clothing looks. If you wear the exact size of the designers sample size, you’d be a perfect model for fit modeling.

8. Editorial modeling – Editorial modeling influences fashion trends and is the most sought after type of work. If you are between 14-21 years old with a high fashion look, editorial modeling might be for you! Women are generally at least 5’9, slender, wear a size 6 or 8, and have measurements of 34x24x34. Men should be at least 6’0, slender, and wear a size 40 or 42 regular or long.

9. Kids modeling – All types and sizes of children are needed for kids modeling, TV commercials and catalog shoots. Children who are the designer’s sample sizes (size 5 or 10) usually end up with the most work since that’s the most popular sought-after size by designers to showcase their clothing.

Once you’ve acquired some work through passing out your comp cards and showing your portfolio (in person and online) you’ll want to save copies of the printed ads where you’ve appeared. You’ll need to tear out the ad (called “tearsheets”) and place them in your portfolio or scan them in to place on your website so that future clients, agents and casting directors can see your past accomplishments!