Amateur Modeling Vs. Professional Modeling
By Elisa C.

Amateur Modeling

Every model has to start somewhere, right? If you have never been hired as a paid model by a company or modeling platform or agency, but you aspire to become a paid model, then you are considered an amateur model. Basically, the main difference is that amateur models don’t get paid, and professional models do get paid.

Now you might wonder, why would amateur models work without pay? Well, they do this for the same reason that a student works without pay at an internship position. Amateur models have little to no experience, so they are trying to build their resume and portfolio. Smaller companies are willing to hire amateur models if they agree to work for free. The amateur models will only ask for copies of their photo prints in return, so they can add them to their portfolio.

Professional Modeling

Professional models are hired by companies or modeling agencies for paid gigs. Not all professional models start out as amateur models, though. Sometimes a scout for a modeling platform or agency may happen to see an attractive adult at an airport or restaurant by chance and then offer them an audition opportunity. If the adult passes the audition, then they are hired as a professional model.

Unfortunately, most models are not that lucky. The models who desire to become professional models have to work really hard for it. They could spend months or even years as an amateur model while working ordinary jobs on the side to make a living. It can be a very time consuming and stressful process for them. Some models give up if they haven’t gotten hired after a couple of weeks, months, or years.

Like all show business positions, there is a certain level of luck involved in the hiring process. Even if you are physically attractive and have an impressive portfolio, you must have the right look that the employer wants. This must be a look that stands out from all the other models. After all, there are hundreds to thousands of other amateur models trying to compete for professional modeling jobs. How are you going to beat this kind of competition?

As an amateur model, your level of determination will govern your chance of success. Try to exhaust all possible resources in order to accelerate your modeling career. Attend a modeling school and learn from former models about the right and wrong things to do. Continue to maintain a gorgeous physique by eating the right foods and exercising daily. Do whatever is necessary to make yourself the best possible modeling candidate that you can be.



If you still can’t get hired by a professional modeling platform or agency, then become an independent model on social media. Some amateur models have become professional models by simply promoting themselves on Facebook and Instagram. If you can accrue a large following to your social media accounts, then companies will take notice of that. They like to hire anyone with a large social media following, whether it was earned by modeling or not.