How to impress a model scout (2024)

Have you ever flicked through your ELLE magazine and wondered how a model bagged a glamorous campaign? Or perhaps taken a couple of minutes (/hours) to shamelessly stalk Cara Delevingne on Instagram, only to find yourself questioning just how she became so cool?

Well, fear not, future supermodels, as ELLE has the answers direct from director of scouting at Premier Model Management, Anthony Gordon – whose team, as of tomorrow, will be at Benicassim on the lookout for raw new talent along with Premier founder Carole White.

Herein we reveal all the hidden secrets on what it takes to shine, how to spot the difference between a genuine and fake scout, and the best places to visit to (un)intentionally be noticed…

How do I know that a scout is genuine?

A genuine scout should be affiliated with an established modelling agency. They should have a business card with an address, phone number and an e-mail contact on it. They should have an online presence so you can do research on them.

Are there any warning signs to look out for that may suggest they're fake?

Yes. Anyone who asks for money upfront will not be a professional scout. Also, never go anywhere with someone who has approached you. Always do some research on them before going in for a meeting.

What kind of questions should you ask the scout?

It would be good to ask a scout which other models they have discovered, and perhaps what type of model they think you could be.

What are scouts looking for?

Scouts are looking for physical requirements like height (between 5'8"- 5'11" for girls, and 6'-6'2" for guys), age (14-21) and healthy skin and hair, but a good scout also looks for someone who stands out from the crowd. This could be an unusual face, a charismatic personality, or something that inspires other people to want to be around them. Those people are more than models. They are muses.

What can I be done to improve the chances of being scouted?

There are always scouts at music festivals, shopping malls – and especially Topshop! Another way is to submit your photos to an agency online.

What happens next?

After you are scouted, you will be invited into an agency for a meeting. Photos will be taken of you, and then your agent will formulate a career plan. Then get ready for some hard, but exciting work.

How to impress a model scout (2024)

FAQs

How to impress a model scout? ›

Photos that highlight your natural beauty and uniqueness are more likely to be successful with modelling agency scouts than heavily edited images. Focus on images that show of your personality, body shape and facial features!

How do you get model scouts to notice you? ›

Hang out at clothing stores in touristy areas.

If you are an aspiring model, spend a lot of time in places where scouts from modeling agencies tend to be searching for new talent. In big cities, there will almost always be scouts looking for new signings at clothing stores in prime, high-traffic areas.

What do model scouts look for in a model? ›

"Physical traits vary—I think what's really important is that the girls own their physical traits. When I'm scouting, I tend to like girls that have wide eyes and a strong nose, wild hair, and beautiful skin. A girl who looks 'expensive' can often look very plain to the naked eye.

What do model scouts look for in men? ›

The physique should always be athletic, but slim and also the minimum body height is often 1.80 meters. Many agencies recommend measurements around 100-80-100. The weight says less about the suitability as a male model. It is better if the proportions are right, and you have a body fat percentage of about 15%.

Is it hard to get scouted to model? ›

There's no surefire way to be scouted; it relies heavily on luck and being in the right place at the right time. It's not a good idea to rely solely on being scouted for a successful career in modelling, because it happens so infrequently. There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being scouted.

What height do model scouts look for? ›

Scouts are looking for physical requirements like height (between 5'8"- 5'11" for girls, and 6'-6'2" for guys), age (14-21) and healthy skin and hair, but a good scout also looks for someone who stands out from the crowd.

Do most models get scouted? ›

Being scouted is all about being in the right place at the right time. The likelihood of being scouted by a top modelling agency is similar to that of being struck by lightning – in other words, very rare! It's unrealistic to set your hopes on being scouted.

What weight should you be to be a model? ›

Their weight should typically be between 161 and 205 pounds, with a chest size of 41” to 45”.

At what age are models recruited? ›

The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.

What personality should a model have? ›

As a Model, you will need to be: fit, healthy and energetic. reliable, organised and punctual. confident, positive and persistent.

Can a 5 7 male be a model? ›

Male model height requirements are difficult to work around, but it is not unheard of for a shorter model to do well. Mark Wahlberg (who is 5'7) started his career as a model and shot to fame with the infamous Calvin Klein ad alongside Kate Moss (who is also short for a model at just 5'6).

What height do model agencies look for? ›

The standard height requirement for a female fashion model is 5 feet and 9 inches to 6 feet. For men, the required height is 5 feet and 11 inches to 6 feet and 3 inches. You might have heard of top fashion models, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss.

How tall should men be to model? ›

While there is a petite model category in many agencies, high-fashion demands that male models meet a specific measurement. Generally, male models in high fashion must be between 5'11” and 6'3″. Anyone above or below that may struggle to find work as a runway model.

What age do most people get scouted? ›

You can get scouted in football from the ages of 7 until 22 and most of the players get scouted by football academies at 13.

What age is best to be a model? ›

"Sixteen is a good age to start," says White. "Seventeen is the perfect age for a model, because most girls feel comfortable in themselves by then; 18 is good too, though, because then all their schooling is out of the way. If a girl started at 20, she would find it difficult to get work.

What is the best age to get into modelling? ›

For both male and female models, sixteen is considered the ideal age. This being said, female models may find themselves more popular than their male counterparts at a younger age. This is because male models are considered to get better with age, and have more success well into their thirties and even forties.

How tall are most models at 15? ›

The High Fashion World

Girls aged 14-15 are expected to be between 5'7″ – 6'0″. Those aged between 16-22 need to be around 5'9″ – 6'0″. Height is favoured by the high fashion modelling world; the above are typical measurements expected of teens wishing to make it in this type of modelling.

What are the 4 types of models? ›

9 types of modelling explained
  • Runway models. A runway model works most commonly on the catwalk, which is the runway at fashion shows where designers showcase their work, such as a new clothing line. ...
  • Fashion/editorial models. ...
  • Commercial models. ...
  • Photographers. ...
  • Textile designers.
Oct 23, 2022

Who is the shortest model to walk a runway? ›

Devon Aoki

What is this? Known for: Devon Aoki is perhaps one of the shortest runway models to hit the catwalk. But that did not stop her from walking in coveted shows like Chanel, Moschino, or Versace. In addition to modeling, Devon also appeared in films like '2 Fast 2 Furious', 'Sin City' and 'War'.

How do you get noticed in the modeling industry? ›

Tips on Getting Discovered as a Model
  1. Maintaining a Portfolio. By creating a portfolio of high-quality images, you can offer agents tangible examples of what you can do. ...
  2. Being Proactive. Attend events such as public model searches, open casting calls and fashion show expos. ...
  3. Physical Appearance. ...
  4. Preparation and Attitude.

What do model scouts look for on Instagram? ›

Photos that focus on your facial features, body shape and your ability to pose in different environments are all aspects that modelling agencies search for. Before you decide to make your Instagram a professional space, consider what tone and aesthetic you'd like your profile to follow.

How can you get a model to appear like? ›

Looking like a model includes maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping your skin, hair, nails, and teeth looking perfect, and choosing fashionable clothes and shoes every day. It's also important to develop a signature style, walk, and presence if you want to look like a model.

How do you get accepted as a model? ›

9 Tips for Becoming a Model
  1. Recognize your strengths. Being a model involves hyperfocus around your appearance. ...
  2. Understand the duties of the job. ...
  3. Take care of your appearance. ...
  4. Get headshots. ...
  5. Create a portfolio. ...
  6. Find a modeling agency that fits your brand. ...
  7. Try a modeling school. ...
  8. Look for open casting calls.
Sep 7, 2022

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