Part time modelling jobs is a regularity within the industry. The majority of roles are for a limited period and never offered on a full time basis. It is paramount that hopefuls realise the working hours within the industry before pursuing the career as a profession.

What to Expect

It is a mixture of early starts, late finishes, last minute offers and tight schedules. A modelling career is certainly not for those who thrive off routine and set hours and the reality demands flexibility and organisation on the models behalf.

Many aspiring models break into the field with a few irregular part time modelling jobs with the hope to build up connections each year. Even high profile models are hired by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle magazine for a number of hours rather than a permanent contract.

How to Fund Your Modelling Dream

The majority of aspiring fashion models secure numerous part time roles that centre around their modelling opportunities. It may be wise to look into areas where your interests, passion and talents lie within the creative world. Acting, dancing, writing and singing are just a few ideas that individuals have pursued whilst still actively seeking modelling work.

These skills will benefit your modelling roles by providing connections, confidence and the freedom to express yourself creatively. Others prefer to find a job that will pay the bills to concentrate solely on modelling ensuring that the part time job is social but not overly rewarding or relevant. These job titles include bar staff, waitress/waiter, customer service operator or retail; either route is perfectly respectable and is determined by experience and skill.

Working for Free

Some part time modelling roles are voluntary, which can also advance your career. The experience gained by accepting such opportunities are valuable and will enhance your portfolio and networking skills. Agreeing to unpaid work does make your other part time roles extremely important as you will rely on the rewards for paying rent, bills and travel.

Some voluntary positions will offer to pay for your travel or lunch as a compromise with no fee for your modelling work. Other benefits include securing relationships with experts within the industry that may hire you for your modelling ability for a paid sum. Making a good first impression by working hard, showing dedication and flexibility will be extremely beneficial to your repertoire. It is highly likely that those impressed will ask for you to return to work for future modelling projects.

Make Sure That You Are Organised

Working as a part time model will demand flexibility in an organised way. Keep a diary to note down your schedule including your shifts, social commitments and model jobs. It is important that when an opportunity arises you immediately know if you can make it. Having a part time job that allows for you to swap shifts or has no set contract is extremely useful.

Owning a diary will allow for you to not double book as rejecting modelling work after agreeing will give you a bad reputation. Sharpen your organisational skills to stay on top of your workload as this will help you with all aspects of your modelling career.

New jobs may be offered at short notice therefore, a quick, decisive last minute answer is needed. Your diary will immediately allow for you to know your availability and on some occasions you may have to say no! Do not be afraid to do so as you cannot turn down work for a better (in your eyes) opportunity as again you will not be respected for this action. Show enthusiasm and explain your predicament as they will understand your position. Of course, if you are available then go for it!!!

Think About Your Location

Position yourself in an area that will have a lot of model jobs. Large cities are known for their creative opportunities where fashion truly comes alive. Fashion models gravitate towards the cities from smaller English towns and the picturesque countryside of Wales. London, especially central London, is where its happening.

Many Head offices are based in the capital of England, which naturally brings more opportunities in the city. Castings will most likely be held in the city centre near their office base and photoshoots also unless it is a location shoot, which might send you to Europe. London Fashion Week offers a lot of amazing opportunities. Therefore, being based in the city will certainly help with logistics of fittings, run throughs and a very full itinerary.

Other large cities such as Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham and Leeds will have opportunities but on a smaller scale in comparison to London. Therefore, you will get some work from agencies based there yet may find yourself travelling to central London on a regular basis. However, if you live in the countryside of Yorkshire for example, finding any work related to modelling could be tricky.

Manage Your Finance

Although it may be fun, fast paced and creative it is also very expensive. Before the big move, think about how you will manage your finances. Rent is not cheap in central London and with bills to pay also a part time job on top of modelling commitments may be necessary to begin with. The capital is a large place therefore, research the best place to live thinking about your safety and bank balance. Do you want to live in North London or South East London? The decision is completely up to you.

Make sure you save before moving but also check if you have any relatives or friends that have a spare room that you could rent for much cheaper. Some choose to live on the outskirts in places like Surrey where an hour commute actually saves money.

Read the Contract

Before accepting a modelling job make sure that you read the contract first. There are many different kinds of contract types that need to be understood before you sign on the dotted line. This goes for parents too as models under 18 need their mum or dads consent before accepting a modelling job. If you are struggling to understand the contract type please make sure you seek professional help.

Where to Find Model Jobs

It’s not as simple as quickly doing a Indeed or Gumtree job search to find modelling roles. There may be a few that are worthwhile but on a whole it will not produce regular modelling jobs. The best way to make a name for yourself is to concentrate on being signed to an agency and producing high quality images that showcase your talent.

It is not easy with tough competition yet once signed to a reputable agency offers will begin. You will have to go to a lot of castings to secure roles. It is a lot of hard work but worth the reward. If you decide to take the freelance route you will have to find work yourself, which does give more freedom but is trickier.

For more information about modelling jobs take a look here.