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How to Become a Freelance Model and Be Your Own Boss! Our Tips & Guidelines

What does it mean to be a freelance model? It means you: choose your rates, choose your levels, choose your working conditions, and choose your photographers.

To put it simply: Choose to be your own boss :)

Many people choose to become freelance models because they like to be in control of their modelling careers, they work when they want with who they want, and they aren't paying some agency a chunk of their paycheck!

If you are a new model, we also recommend reading How to Become a Successful Freelance Model - Top Tips & Advice (which includes a step-by-step guide for creating a model portfolio). For tips on arranging photoshoots with photographers and other creatives, check out How to Arrange A Successful and Stress-Free Trade (TFP) Shoot.

Are you an aspiring freelance model?

Here are some things you will want to consider when embarking on this new, and very independent career choice, in no particular order:

Organisation

Record everything via Google Spreadsheets/Google Docs (free), you ideally want to keep track of all of your work interactions, and these are nice, easy-to-use platforms, and all you need is a google account. If you are new to the freelancing aspect of things, you should declare yourself as self-employed regarding your taxes, and you can be employed and self-employed at the same time, by the way.

Here is a useful GOV.UK link for our UK members, and US government guidelines are here, which will hopefully answer all your questions about the paperwork side of things.

Communication

Be prepared to do a lot of this engagingly (you are your own agent!), so make an effort with your messaging! We recommend keeping comms on-site because if a problem arises, we can help you A LOT more easily.

We recommend using Grammarly, a free writing tool Google extension that ensures you're not making embarrassing spelling blunders, among other grammatical slip-ups. Clear, concise, friendly, yet thoroughly professional communications are what you ought to aim for.

Approachability/Visibility

Have a social media presence, and have precise, available info about what you offer, your rates and, of course, your contact details in the appropriate areas.

Be aware that your Facebook rants are probably damaging your business. Try your best to separate your personal and professional life. First impressions do count for something in this industry. If you want to book those shoots, you don't want to give people any reason to dislike you.

Accessibility/travel

Be prepared to travel for work. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you may have to consider acquiring your own means of transport.

Safety

There is a reference system on PurplePort. Please use it!! It's located at the bottom of people's portfolio notes. Always check that section when vetting your collaborators.

Another thing you can do to be thorough is check in with other models that have worked with said photographer/studio/etc. It's common practice if you're looking for more reassurance when booking shoots.

We run a pretty tight ship on PurplePort, but please be aware of the risk out there in the big bad world of scammers and catfishers. Remember that we have an amazing feature that allows you to google search people's images via the grey cog drop-down menu when viewing an image on-site.

Also - don't go putting yourself in physical danger just because it might make a good photo, be aware and be safety conscious, and don't do anything you don't want to do - you are the boss of yourself and your income; you decide.

Self-care

This is, of course, important for everyone, but especially for you lovely models; a good sleep regime, exercise regime, good food, and a good skincare/hair routine (yes, having spa days is part of the job, woohoo!), and also time spent being kind to yourself should factor in.

It's not all about the physical, so try not to fall into the slippery comparison trap too often if you can help it, you focus on your own awesomeness and have fun!

Research

Study the industry, study your fellow freelance models and their success, learn how it all works, and turn a little time well-spent researching into your own success. We also have some useful articles that we think will help here on PurplePort!

Portfolio

Get what you need first, including headshots and full-length images, and show off your uniqueness if you can! Got a cute collection of freckles somewhere, or maybe statement bushy fashion brows?

Quality of content

Take time to EDIT your portfolio/galleries, you do not want every photo ever taken of you to be on there. Keep it fresh and fun, and engaging.

Collaborate

This could mean working on a trade shoot. With whomever you want. Create work with people that inspire you when you can, maintaining your passion for creating beautiful images is important too, but remember that you need to be able to support yourself and your lifestyle.

Reliability

This is a key quality of a successful model. If you want repeat shoots with people and to maintain a good reputation, you must work hard to be extremely reliable. The word "reliable" given about a model is music to photographers' ears. Nobody wants to book a flakey model, unreliability is no bueno in this industry.

Talk

Talk to the PurplePort Community, if you haven't noticed already, our Groups and discussions are more active than any of our competitors by far. We're really incredibly lucky to have such a helpful and vibrant community here, so please don't be afraid to say hello and voice your queries.

Then there is our wonderful Support Team, who are always happy to help with any problems. To contact them, create a support ticket from our Help & Support page and explain the issue.

Browse and explore PurplePort

There are TONS of useful articles on PurplePort regarding working in the model-photography industry! And pro tips on making the most out of PurplePort itself, as this site is peppered with amazing tools and shortcuts to make your life easier.

Be professional

In all facets of your profession, messaging, behaviour, whatever, it's good to have fun, but keep in mind that a lack of professionalism on your part can exacerbate things for yourself. You need that box checked at all times if you want peace of mind.

Time management

If you get a good system of managing your time, man, you will flourish in this business! If you don't know where to start with this one, go and learn from the best, someone that has this quality and whom you admire greatly for it. Invest in a book or read up on it online if you think you need to - it's definitely worth your time and effort.

Irregularity of income

Be aware of this and take measures to ensure that you always have enough to see you through your monthly expenditures. Bear in mind that for some, there is a seasonal nature to model work, so please plan for that possibility. Take care you don't mistakenly splurge money on inessential items! And my goodness, be sensible and make sure you have some put away for those modelling dry spells.

A little time spent doing your homework will definitely make your modelling careers a lot more fun and relaxed and hopefully brimming with photoshoot opportunities! Just remember: be safe, be kind, be compassionate, and be honest :)

Here are a few other things to help you

Below are some valuable guides and articles full of advice and tips to help new freelance models:

We recommend anyone new to modelling (or PurplePort) to read these.

What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

Join the fastest growing, most feature-rich service of its kind and start making magical photos a reality!