Editorial Model: 5 Tips - Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Breaking into the editorial modeling scene can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it's entirely possible. This guide provides five practical tips to help you navigate your way towards becoming a successful editorial model. Let's dive straight into it.

1. Nail the Portfolio

Your portfolio is your professional calling card—it's what agencies and clients look at when considering you for a job. It's not just a collection of photographs, but a showcase of your versatility, talent, and professionalism as an editorial model. Here's how to make your portfolio stand out:

Professional Photographs

First things first: invest in professional photographs. High-quality, professionally taken photographs can make a world of difference in how you're perceived by potential clients. They show you're serious about your career and ready to deliver the polished, high-end look associated with editorial modeling. It's not just about looking good—it's about capturing your unique personality and style, too.

Showcase Diversity

Being an editorial model means being adaptable. Your portfolio should reflect this. Include photographs of yourself in a range of styles, moods, and settings. Show that you can pull off high fashion, commercial looks, and everything in between. Remember, you're not just selling a look—you're selling your ability to transform and adapt to different creative visions.

Update Regularly

Keep your portfolio fresh and relevant by updating it regularly. As you gain more experience and expand your range, make sure your portfolio reflects that. It's also a good idea to swap out older photos with newer ones to show you're active and current in the modeling scene. Remember, your portfolio is a living document of your career as an editorial model—it should grow and evolve just as you do.

2. Perfect the Walk

As an aspiring editorial model, mastering the runway walk is key. It's not just about strutting down a catwalk—it's about conveying attitude, confidence, and a certain je ne sais quoi that captivates the audience. Let's explore how you can perfect your walk:

Practice Makes Perfect

There's no shortcut to a flawless walk—it takes time, practice, and dedication. Start by walking in heels around your home, then graduate to practicing your walk in front of a mirror. Experiment with different strides, postures, and expressions until you find a style that feels authentically you. Remember: practice makes perfect, and even the world's top editorial models had to start somewhere.

Walk with Confidence

Confidence is key on the runway. Believe in yourself and it will shine through in your walk, boosting your appeal to clients and audiences alike. It's not just about looking confident, but feeling it too. So, hold your head high, maintain good posture, and remember: you've got this.

Adapt to Different Runways

Every runway is different, and as an editorial model, you'll need to adapt your walk to suit each one. Whether it's a long, straight catwalk or a winding path through a crowd, being able to adjust your walk on the fly is a valuable skill. It shows clients that you're versatile, adaptable, and able to handle whatever comes your way.

3. Master the Poses

As an editorial model, posing is your bread and butter. It's what sets you apart in photoshoots and graces the pages of high-fashion magazines. But mastering the art of posing doesn't happen overnight—it requires dedication, creativity, and a deep understanding of your body. Let's delve into how you can master the craft.

Study Fashion Magazines

One of the best ways to learn is to study the pros. Flip through the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, or Elle, and observe how the models pose. Notice the subtleties—the tilt of a head, the arch of a back, the positioning of hands. These details can make or break a shot, and as an editorial model, you should be aware of them.

Learn from Professionals

If you can, take the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. Attend workshops, sign up for modelling classes, or even watch online tutorials from established models. The insights they provide can go a long way in helping you perfect your poses.

Practice in Front of the Mirror

Finally, practice. Just as with walking, posing requires regular practice to improve. Spend time in front of a mirror, trying out different poses and expressions. Be critical, but also be patient with yourself. With time, you'll find your style and become more comfortable in front of the camera.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

As an editorial model, your body is your most valuable asset. It's what you present to the world, and it's what gets you jobs. But maintaining a healthy body isn't just about looking good—it's also about feeling good and being able to perform at your best. So, let's talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports your modeling career.

Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy body. This means consuming a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid crash diets or fad diets that promise quick results. Remember, you're not just feeding your body, you're feeding your career.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is another crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't necessarily mean spending hours at the gym; you can choose activities that you enjoy, like yoga, swimming, or dancing. The goal is to keep your body fit, flexible and ready for those long photoshoots.

Plenty of Sleep

Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. It not only helps your body recover from the day's activities, but it also keeps your skin looking fresh and vibrant. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.

5. Build Networking Skills

Being an editorial model isn't just about perfecting your walk and mastering your poses—it's also about making connections in the industry. Building a network can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow your career. So, how do you do it? Here are a few tips:

Develop Your Personal Brand

Think of yourself as a brand. What do you want people to think of when they hear your name? Is it sophistication, elegance, or cutting-edge style? Once you've defined your brand, everything you do should reflect it—from your portfolio photos to your social media posts. This will help you stand out in the crowded field of editorial modeling.

Network with Industry Professionals

Attend industry events like fashion shows, parties, and trade shows to meet like-minded individuals and industry professionals. Don't be shy about introducing yourself and striking up conversations. You never know who might be able to give you your next big break.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of social media. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can be excellent tools for networking and showcasing your work. Use them to connect with photographers, designers, and other editorial models. But remember to stay professional—your social media profiles are an extension of your personal brand.

If you're excited about building a successful career as an editorial model, don't miss the workshop 'How To Produce An Editorial Shoot' by Ara Coutts. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of the process behind creating stunning editorial shoots, and help you develop the skills necessary to thrive in the modeling industry.