Your Complete Roadmap to Freelance Modeling
Start Modeling on your own terms
THE INDEPENDENT MODEL
Maybe you’ve wondered, “Is it possible to model without an agency or any connections?” The answer is Yes, you can!
I’ll show you how in my step-by-step guide. You’ll learn how to create and promote your online portfolios, network in your local area, and book yourself for paid and collaborative photoshoots.
As someone who started with no modeling experience to now booking 100’s of my own paid photoshoots the past 4 years, I have a proven method to share. Your first photoshoot awaits!
YOU'RE INVITED
YOU'RE INVITED
Discover a
new approach
to modeling
No Modeling Experience? No problem.
After completing the class you will be equipped with everything you need to book and prepare for your first photoshoot and the many more after.
Exceed your own modeling expectations.
Discover the abundant opportunities that are available through freelance modeling, and how it could become your next best income stream
Your step-by-step guide is waiting for you …
JOIN THE TRAINING NOW
ENTER THE INDEPENDENT MODEL MASTERCLASS WITH ALL YOUR QUESTIONS & GET YOUR ANSWERS.
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Freelance modeling is open to such a wide range of individuals, and there are opportunities for all different types of looks, ages, and styles.
The typical requirements of traditional modeling are NOT present in freelance modeling. Once you distinguish yourself as a freelance model you become one, meaning there are no barriers imposed by anyone else.
Let's address some factors you might be thinking about:
Age:
Freelance models can be of any age. This program is only for people 18+, but there is no age maximum. Each age group has its niche.
Body Types and Sizes:
There is demand for all body types and sizes, including petite, plus-size, and everything in between.
Height:
While traditional runway and high fashion modeling often have height requirements (usually 5'8" and above for women, 5'11" and above for men), freelance modeling has no height requirement.
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Freelance modeling is accessible in nature, meaning there aren't many requirements to start apart from the know-how to take on the industry.
Upon completing the course each requirement and how to acheive it will be discussed. An overview is:
Access to the internet to create online profiles
Clothing (what you have from your existing wardrobe works!) and any other items you use to prepare yourself for a photoshoot
Transportation to photoshoots (could be a car you drive, a friend joining you for the shoot, public transit, anyway you can get there!)
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Freelance modeling differs from agency modeling in that it offers models complete independence and control over their careers, allowing them to choose clients, set rates, and manage their own schedules.
Unlike agency models, who rely on agencies to find work, negotiate contracts, and handle finances in exchange for a commission, freelance models actively seek out their own opportunities through networking, social media, and online platforms.
This independence provides greater flexibility and the ability to explore diverse markets and niches. It requires models to market themselves and communicate with photographers and brands to book upcoming photoshoots.
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Fashion, commercial, print, runway, fitness, dance, still life, and more. Explore different styles to see what fits you best.
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Freelance modeling offers a flexible time commitment, allowing you to tailor your schedule to fit your lifestyle and your modeling goals. You'll start by spending time developing a portfolio and networking, then keep up with this by routinely updating your social channels and expanding your network.
Photoshoots can be scheduled around your other commitments as you will book around your schedule. Overall, freelance modeling provides the freedom to manage your time effectively while pursuing your passion.
FAQ
How It All Started
One day I offered to help my friend who was exploring photography as a hobby. I was tasked to assist with lighting on an upcoming photoshoot, and when I arrived I saw an established model on set. I was thinking… how does my friend know any models to hire??
After talking with them both I realized they connected online through a platform designed for creators to collaborate on independent projects.
It blew my mind that there were so many independent projects out there with modeling work available.
I immediately dove into this path and found more and more ways to network with creatives and brands. I’ve taken my modeling to new cities and countries I moved to, and realized this was something that could be done in any area if I immersed myself in the creative local community.
I discovered what freelance modeling was 4 years ago, long after I had already tried other ways to model and gave up on the possibility of modeling.
I had no idea I could pursue modeling on my own schedule, bypassing the red tape of the traditional modeling path.
I went from thinking I would never be able to model to booking myself for 100’s of photoshoots!! I learned how to become a pro at the business side of freelance modeling, which is key to consistently booking myself for paid work.
Hi! I’m Melicity
Creator of The Independent Model
You’re probably wondering, what is an independent model?
It’s independently finding and managing modeling opportunities.
It means seeking out modeling opportunities yourself by networking with industry professionals local to your area who are casting for independent projects.
You monetize your time and modeling skills with an hourly rate, without any agency representation or specific modeling experience required.
To get started, you need a desire to model and a willingness to learn the digital networking strategies that set you up for opportunities to come your way.
In my step-by-step guide I share the exact method I got started with 4 years ago, and the processes I use to secure new bookings to this day.
Here’s everything you get inside The Independent Model Masterclass
CHAPTER ONE: What is an Independent Model?
Learn what makes a freelance model different to a traditional model, how freelance models find work, who exactly can be a freelance model (spoiler… it’s anyone who wants to try it!) and what steps you need to take to get started. Whether you're starting with a clear vision or feeling uncertain about where to begin, this initial chapter will demystify the process and provide you with a structured approach to beginning as a freelance model.
1
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ What is the role of a freelance model
✓ The types of projects you’ll work on
✓ What field of creatives you will work with
✓ How scheduling works for freelance models
✓ The skills you’ll develop as you continue modeling
✓ Vocabulary sheet with industry specific terms
CHAPTER TWO: Safety is Key
Any time you’re meeting and working with someone new, especially from the internet, you need to equip yourself with a healthy set of safety precautions and forward thinking. Learn safety tips that I personally follow every time I have a photoshoot in order to advance my modeling as far as possible while keeping safety and sanity top of mind.
2
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ Why safety is important for models
✓ 10 suggested safety precautions
✓ How to do reference checks
✓ Who you should bring with you to a photoshoot
✓ How to effectively express preferences in shoot styles and genres
CHAPTER THREE: Creating Your Platforms
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This is the core of the program, where you'll dive deep into building your modeling brand. You'll be guided step-by-step as you create profiles on several free websites, which will serve as your online portfolios. These platforms will be instrumental in discovering opportunities for modeling bookings. You’ll learn which platforms to focus on and how to set up your page to attract maximum attention.
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ Which websites to create profiles on
✓ How to write your biography
✓ Which of your existing photos to post initially
✓ Tips for your first posted photos
✓ Importance of a stage name
✓ How to network within group pages
CHAPTER FOUR: Setting Up Photoshoots
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Now that you have your profiles created, it’s time to start booking photoshoots! You’ll learn where photoshoot inquires come from and he different methods available to network digitally through these. There are both passive and active ways, and using both will increase your profile’s visibility and chances of success.
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ Active and passive networking approaches
✓ Where to find potential collaborators in your area
✓ Outreach strategies for effective communication
✓ How to distinguish between paid and free photoshoots
✓ Tips for engaging with creatives digitally and in-person
✓ How to handle photoshoot inquiries
Become an Independent Model
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Sign up now!
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Become an Independent Model — Sign up now! —
CHAPTER FIVE: Garments and Gear
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Freelance models are in charge of providing their own hair, makeup, and wardrobe. That means you have a few skills to brush up on! But don’t worry, there are a lot of ways to streamline your process and work with the items you have. Learn how to coordinate with collaborators before a photoshoot to create your desired vision and top ways to maximize efficiency.
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ How to organize photos received after a photoshoot
✓ How to curate a versatile and professional wardrobe
✓ Efficiency tips for preparing for a photoshoot
✓ Modeling Bag essentials
✓ Bonus items that simplify modeling
✓ Preparing for studio vs. on location shoots
CHAPTER SIX: Elevating Your Platforms
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Any time you’re meeting and working with someone new, especially from the internet, you need to equip yourself with a healthy set of safety precautions and forward thinking. Learn safety tips that I personally follow every time I have a photoshoot in order to advance my modeling as far as possible while keeping safety and sanity top of mind.
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ How to organize photos received after a photoshoot
✓ How to plan your feed to match your brand
✓ The importance of captions and hashtags and where to find inspiration for them
✓ Instagram analytics and how to schedule posts
✓ Which photos you should boost
CHAPTER SEVEN: The Long Game
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A lot of success in freelance modeling comes from establishing and maintaining frequent collaborators. l’ll show you important steps to preserve connections you’ve made in order to increase your chances of repeat photoshoots. We’ll also explore the extended opportunities that freelance modeling can lead to and how to incorporate these into your skillset.
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU’LL LEARN:
✓ The value of frequent collaborators
✓ How to get repeat photoshoots
✓ What it means if there isn’t a repeat photoshoot
✓ The different between freelance models and influencers
✓ Other opportunities extended from modeling
✓ How travel modeling works
CHAPTER EIGHT: Conclusions
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Last minute reminders to keep in mind as you begin your freelance modeling journey. You’ll review through the action items presented at the end of each chapter.
THE INDEPENDENT MODEL MASTERCLASS sets you up for success with an easy-to-follow, actionable system so you can hit the ground running
The moment you join, you get instant access to all chapter guides that include walk through videos, checklists, and action plans. After completing the course you will immediately be ready to put yourself out there are start modeling.
Reach Your Modeling Goals
Get Your Start
Break free from the industry standards you were taught to believe and embrace your modeling potential.
Learn From Accomplished Pros
Follow in the footsteps of those who have been able to succeed in creating opportunities for themselves.
Build Connections
Get the guidance you need to tap into established modeling communities, which are key to thriving in freelance modeling.
Create Your Brand
Discover the methods required for building your image and presenting it to photographers and brands.
ALL FOR LESS
THAN THE AMOUNT YOU’D LIKELY MAKE
ON YOUR FIRST PAID PHOTOSHOOT
or
Payment options that work for you!
Navigate and pioneer your success as an independent model
Many aspiring models never pursue their passion due to misconceptions about the industry or doubts about their own potential.
I went from having no modeling experience to landing my first paid photoshoot within a few weeks of setting up my online platforms and effectively networking.
I've helped my friends start their own modeling journeys and witnessed their success. Now, I want to share this lesser-known path to modeling so that you don't miss out on the opportunity simply because you haven't heard of it before.
Don’t abandon your modeling dreams because you think it’s impossible.
Once you begin and learn the insider know-how, you’ll realize the hardest part was simply starting. Take the leap and start on your journey to success as a model.
Have questions about joining?
Send me a message on IG @theindependentmodel or
send an email to contact@theindependentmodel.com
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