What is a portfolio?

Whether you are Gigi Hadid, a regional runway model, or yet to take your first step into the industry, having an impressive portfolio is vital for every model.

Taking the form of a collection of printed or digital works, a modelling portfolio acts as the key medium for a model to showcase their talents.

What goes into a modelling portfolio?

First and foremost, a portfolio’s role is utilised to highlight a model's creativity and vision. The usage of beautiful images that demonstrate both a model's skills and talent is a must.

Whether digital or physical, a portfolio will contain a carefully curated selection of between 10 and 20 images. These high quality photographs allow a potential agent or employer to witness a model’s capabilities in a clear and concise way.

In addition to a set of uncluttered images, a model’s portfolio must include a page of statistics and a short biography. Again, accuracy and clarity are two absolutes to keep in mind when a model is deciding how to present their information.

Are professional portfolios really necessary?

As an individual first delving into the world of modelling, cutting corners and saving costs by creating a portfolio through personal connections or non-professional means may be tempting. 

Regardless, this form of shortcut will only hinder a model’s probability of finding employment. 

While entering a casting agency with an unprofessional modelling portfolio is a positive way to showcase a model’s talents prior to organising a professional shoot with the agency, it should not act as an absolute alternative. Sunk costs are a necessity across many industries, with modelling not acting as an exception to this rule.