Modelling for free is a strategy that many hopefuls are forced to implement to start or further their career. Volunteering your time has a positive effect and opens many doors for established and new models. It is certainly not a waste of your time as it can lead to paid work by building connections and strong relationships with other creatives.

Working for free also allows for you to develop experience in the industry by practicing posing, walking the catwalk and working with new people. It is not an easy industry to break into and voluntary work helps to challenge barriers and become noticed in a large arena. Professional models who work for the likes of Vogue, Chanel and Harper’s Bazaar have all given their time for free at some point in their career.

Finding Free Work

It is usually an easy task to undertake as there are many photographers and designers starting out who need aspiring models to gain a portfolio of work and promote their talent. A great place to begin is universities and colleges with a fashion, photography or beauty department as it is more than likely that students will require female or male models for their assignments.

Contact Photographers

Aspiring fashion photographers will need to organise photoshoots with emerging designers and stylists to pass their course and form evidence of work to showcase their skills. Designers will also require images to promote their talent on a female or male figure. Hair and makeup artists will demonstrate their skills within the shots. With little money to spare as students, new faces will be asked to work for free with the promise of professional images to use to further their career.

Ask Boutiques

Small independent stores without a huge budget to fund their marketing campaigns and model bills will seek aspiring talent who are willing to work for free. Volunteering your time will gain you a wide exposure by appearing online via their website. You will then be in a position to ask for a small sum of money as the boutique thrives building a strong relationship. The images used will also be a vital part of your portfolio. A resource that will be a significant way of landing roles to ignite your career; a useful tool for your future.

Join Modelling Communities

Forums such as Model Mayhem welcome collaborations with photographers, designers, stylists and models. It is the perfect platform for young, keen hopefuls to find work with similar minded creatives who will all benefit from the partnership. By all gaining a portfolio every party is a winner and a formula that works in the industry. Platforms such as these allows for registered users to post asking for models who are available at a certain date. A lot of these sites are legit but act with caution to remain safe whilst navigating in the industry.

Know Your Limit

There are many options to model for free. It is the perfect choice to build your career when paid work is not an option. Use your time and talent wisely to secure connections in the industry, which will eventually bring money for your work. However, there is a limit of how much voluntary work is acceptable. Realistically you need to be paid for your time as often as possible. Always assess if the free work is worthwhile and will it benefit you for future jobs. Do not be taken advantage of.

Modelling Agency Contracts

When signing to a model agency, always read the contract to understand how much percentage they will deduct from each fashion show or photoshoot. It is common practice for modelling agencies to take a percentage of your wage. It is their reward for their part in securing the casting call/role.

Also, always check who is covering expenses when you are offered a job. A photoshoot in New York sounds incredible yet check who is footing the flight and accommodation bill. If it deducted from your pay, you will be essentially working for free. Being paid in clothes is another way that designers try to pay lesser known faces. A trick not typically used on supermodels who have earned their status in the industry. If designer clothes and walking on the catwalk is enough for you then accept. If not be clear on your preferences. Be careful and check the small print.

Are you considering volunteering to further your career? Have you had much luck?