Alternative modeling caters to people’s individuality and uniqueness. Representing a diverse group of people, it celebrates personality and originality. If you have a distinctive style you want to showcase, try alternative modeling.

How do you book alternative modeling jobs? Let’s look at the steps you can take to get started. Follow the tips below and start building a lasting career in the industry.

What Is Alternative Modeling?

Alternative modeling challenges the conventions of beauty ideals set forth by traditional modeling. Beauty ideals tend to follow trends as seen in society or social media. Casting often reflects these trends and promotes them, continuing the cycle of what is then considered beauty standards. Traditional modeling and casting look for people who fit these standards’ mold. This creates a certain “type” of look.

Alternative modeling breaks out of the mold and showcases individuality. Rather than casting people who conform to the standard, it celebrates diversity and uniqueness. It challenges the norm and casts people from all backgrounds, giving opportunities to previously underrepresented groups.

An alternative model is anyone who does not fit the traditional standards set by the fashion industry. Alternative modeling is inclusive of all body types, backgrounds, and styles. Conventional casting looks for people who are a blank canvas for their products, while alternative modeling highlights the unconventional style of an individual. Whether you have piercings, tattoos, body modifications, vibrantly dyed hair, are plus-sized, petite, or living with disabilities, there are alternative modeling jobs for you.

So, how do you get in?

Define Your Style

Chances are, if you are considering a career in alternative modeling, you already have a unique style. Your style and individuality are what sets you apart. This may be your unique physical features or your clothing and accessories. When defining your style, focus on what you personally identify with. What hairstyle, clothing, or accessories do you connect with and feel like an extension of who you are? Which personal features make you unique, and how can you highlight them in your photography?

Choose what best reflects who you are when presenting your image on social media or in your portfolio. These are opportunities to communicate who you are visually. If it’s a sincere reflection, people will identify and relate to you, which will get you noticed.

Create a Portfolio

Your image is what will help you book jobs. In order to best capture your image, you will need a few great photographs that will act as your business card. Though you do not have to work with a professional photographer, it will help. A skilled photographer will know how to stage the photo with the best lighting and picture quality and help direct your posing to get the best shot.

Once you have a few great images, these can be used to apply to modeling agencies and casting notices. Typically, comp cards and portfolios are used to book alternative modeling jobs and obtain representation. A comp card is a composite of your headshot as well as four additional photos highlighting a good range of poses. Comp cards should include your name, contact information, and measurements and be printed on both sides of an 8.5 inch x 5.5 inch A5 card stock.

A portfolio is a collection of your best work from previous jobs. When you are starting out and have not yet booked a job, hire a photographer to capture a variety of poses and styles. Include a range of photos from this session in your portfolio. These can be switched out once you begin booking jobs. Follow industry standards and use a black portfolio measuring 9×12 inches.

Take Classes and Practice Modeling

In addition to your unique look, your skills will book you jobs. If you have a distinctive style but struggle to pose or quickly get a good shot, it may be difficult to find work. Photographers need to get the best shot within the scheduled time. Anything more costs additional money.

Stand out with the knowledge of how to pose, use your lighting, work well with photographers, and exhibit professionalism. Take classes, practice at home, watch instructional videos, and volunteer to pose for your friends. Craft your skill through practice.

Promote Through Social Media

Use top social media platforms to promote your work. When starting out, you won’t necessarily have booked jobs to catch the attention of brands or talent agencies. Your body of work will be limited, so self-promotion is key.

Create profiles on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter. Post regularly and use popular hashtags for alternative modeling. Make sure to use images that represent your unique identity. Once you engage an audience, brands will notice.

Apply to Modeling and Talent Agencies

Once you have photos you are proud of, start submitting to agencies and casting notices. Some casting notices require submissions from professional agencies, while others will take submissions from unrepresented individuals. Submit to those that don’t require representation while also applying to agencies.
When submitting yourself, make sure to read the directions carefully and submit as specified. Look for agency open calls and start applying. Having an agent will boost your exposure and increase your chances of booking professional alternative modeling jobs.

While seeking representation, you are free to begin looking for alternative modeling jobs through open casting calls, online classifieds, and social media promotions. Start networking with makeup artists, hairstylists, brands, and through conventions. Attend conventions promoting similar styles and lifestyles, such as tattoo, cosplay, piercing, and cosmetology conventions.

Make sure to practice professionalism at all times. Companies and photographers want to work with someone who is reliable and easy to work with. Be prepared, show up on time, listen to directions, be responsive in communication, and commit to improving your skills.

If you are ready to start an exciting career in alternative modeling, InnoVision Talent Agency is currently looking for a broad selection of talent. We offer comprehensive services for models, actors, and voice-over artists of all ages and strive to highlight a spectrum of diverse voices and backgrounds. Whether you are an established talent or new to the industry, we would love to hear from you. Apply to join our roster now!