What is the day-to-day life of an independent model?
The life of an independent model might be perceived as carefree, but behind the scenes, it requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. You are always going to be thinking where to get your next booking, which means you need to be tapped into your online presence everyday.
Even if that day is busy and filled with photoshoots, the key to being successful as a model without an agency is staying checked in and communicative. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk in the shoes of an independent model, this post will give you a detailed glimpse into our daily routine.
While the routine will differ for every model, the day-to-day responsibilities generally stay the same. From early morning calls to late-night networking events, here’s what a day in the life of an independent model looks like.
Starting the Day Right
While we all know it’s best practice to not check your phone first thing in the morning, this goes out the window when you’re modeling. If I have a photoshoot lined up that day, I’m going to look at my messages immediately to make sure everything is still planned and on schedule.
Once I see that there’s no alarming messages of cancellation or I communicated with my collaborator that the photoshoot is still on, I feel relieved. After confirming, I will likely stay on Instagram or another online platform and engage with other people’s posts by liking or commenting. This is key. I mean it when I say it. If you want to build connections with other people in this industry then you have to show fellow support. In return you can hope that you get the same support back, which is great for everyone involved.
Once I’ve spent 30 minutes or so going down my feed, I’ll reply to other direct messages I received. Even if its just a story reaction or a small message, I respond to it as soon I’m able to. Don’t let messages linger or else you won’t keep up that momentum to eventually work on a photoshoot together. In my course, The Independent Model Masterclass, I talk a lot about maintaining connections with other collaborators as these are your best bet at being successful.
If you have a collaboration in the works with someone or you have already worked with them before, it can take months to eventually plan something. Hang on and you’ll both eventually get something sorted, you just have to make sure to be active and engaged through the process.
If I have a photoshoot lined up for the day, then it’s probably about that time that I start getting ready. My order is doing my hair, then my makeup, then packing my clothes. When it comes down to getting ready, it’s not just your appearance you have to worry about. It’s also the communication beforehand, which together can all take up a good bit of your day if you don’t know how to be efficient at it yet. If you want tips on how to streamline your preparation for a photoshoot, I encourage you to download my free “Photoshoot Planning Checklist” which will make remembering every step you have to do so much easier.
At the Photoshoot
Of all the steps it takes, this part is the most fun. Independent models put in a lot of effort from start to finish to plan and coordinate a photoshoot, so what makes it all worth it is actually being on set and getting creative. It can be tiring if the set includes long hours, so it’s best to maintain energy levels. If I know that I’ll be on set for awhile or walking around on-location a lot, I won’t tire myself out with poses too early one. I keep energized with some music, water and snacks.
Being on set requires versatility and professionalism. There will be a lot of communication about ideas, so I always remember to let my creativity shine through, but keep in mind that this is a mutual effort. As a model you must adapt to different roles and styles, so take pride in showing the range of your skills.
Evening: Wrapping Up and Personal Time
After a day filled with photoshoots or other work, models often spend their evenings wrapping up any remaining responsibilities. This might include answering emails, updating social media profiles, and planning for the next day. Keeping a social media account that has consistent posts is important for getting noticed. Often these posts showing up on people’s feeds is what draws them to your page and encourages them to work with you. Planning out social media posts can take awhile, so that’s why you need to set aside a good deal of time to curating these.
Once you’re sent images from a photoshoot, choosing your favorites is a big moment of decision! For every post on my Instagram it takes me around 30 minutes or so to plan, but it could be less if I know exactly what I want to post and when.
Ready to Start Your Modeling Journey?
As an Independent Model, you manage everything yourself. Simplify the process and avoid feeling overwhelmed by enrolling in the Independent Model Masterclass. Step-by-step instructions will guide you on how to get started and then advance your skills for a successful, lasting career as an Independent Model.
You’ll benefit from:
Comprehensive guidance on digital platform creation and development
Effective networking techniques for building and sustaining collaborative relationships
Expert tips and strategies for securing modeling bookings
Insights into crafting and cultivating a distinctive, coveted personal brand.
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