Modelling Portfolio Advice from Neon Models

Modelling with Neon Models

As the leading source of help, guidance and portfolio advice for UK models, Neon Models can help to turn aspiration into success. The modelling industry is constantly changing, new looks are sought-after and client needs alter continuously depending on the marketplace. One thing that remains unchanged is the importance of having a strong portfolio. This post will tell you how Neon Models can help.

First of all, read this Neon Models Review to see what Emily said about her experience.

Neon Models

Its important to say that Neon Models are not a modelling agency. They are a source of modelling advice and also have a state of the art photography studio in central London. When you submit your portfolio to an agency, the first thing they will do is check if you have the necessary shot types. Then they will assess your suitability to their current client list. To give yourself the best chances of making it to this stage you need a lot of practice. It isn't just about having a nice figure or a pretty face. Any model who makes their living from being in front of the camera will say that they practice every day. Building your own confidence and prowess is your job, modelling coaches can help but it comes down to personal determination.

Watch the video below to find out more about Neon Models.

Male Modelling with Neon Models

Male Modelling with Neon Models

Neon Models is a website dedicated to helping new models break into modelling, by giving advice about the industry, how to approach modelling agencies, tips on how to behave like a professional model, how to build a portfolio that is an asset for your modelling career, and much much more.

Neon Models

As you would expect, male models need to keep fit and toned. Although the modelling industry doesn't need every male model to have a body builders frame, a fit and healthy appearance is essential. Location is important when it comes to male modelling, it's a good idea to research what studios and model agencies are based near you. Obviously, there will be a lot more opportunities in big cities like New York and London than in suburban towns. If you can travel to modelling shoots, then fine - but can you be there as fast as another male model, if the need arises? 

Remember, male modelling is a tough business, so you need to be patient. Even the most attractive men in the world, some of today’s top models, have been rejected more than once. If one modelling agency or client passes on you, just think of it as an opportunity to find a better modelling agency. 

Find out more below.

Neon Models Testimonials

Here are a selection of our testimonials from happy clients of Neon Models!



“Neon models gave me the start i needed and was an amazing help along the way, I’ve always wanted to do modelling and Neon models booked me in for my first shoot on my birthday, i really enjoyed the experience, the shoot was very professional and has boosted my confidence to continue. Love my portfolio.”

Ross McAllister


 Check out Neon Models on Pinterest


"To Neon Models,

My time with you was amazing, everyone was so lovely and my photos were amazing! It was such a great day. Building my first portfolio was a great choice. Everybody was very friendly & helpful to work with, yet professionally.

Thank you!"


Do you want to be a model? Check out the Neon Models Blog for advice on how to break into the industry.



"I would like to thank Neon Models for the amazing opportunity to experience a day as a model. I greatly appreciate all of the support and advice I was offered both on the day and beforehand by James Scott. This opportunity has given me a better perspective of the career I hope to pursue.
Thank you once again,"

All the best Alexander Doci.


 Watch our Neon Models video on YouTube


"Yesterday i had an amazing time on the phooto shoot , i really enjoyed every minute that i’ve spend there. I liked the different types of make up i was gettin done , and the way i got my hair done looked beautiful. Also the pictures are stunning and i love them.

Thanks you for a good day."

Read more Neon Models Reviews here

I want to be a model

So you want to be a model?

Did you know that 98% of all wannabe models never manage to sign with a reputable modelling agency and never get any paid modelling work?

So if you want to be successful at breaking into modelling, you need to give yourself all the advantages you can. You can’t just sit around waiting to be discovered, you have to have a plan!

The first thing to do is make sure you’re looking after yourself well enough to keep your look fresh, clean

and glowing. Ideally you’ll be free of piercings, tattoos and blemishes. You also need to eat well, drink lots of water and have a good simple exercise and beauty regime that you stick to religiously to keep your skin healthy and your body toned.

The next thing to think about what sort of modelling you want to do. When most people think of modelling they think of parading down the catwalk at the London or New York fashion shows. If you are very tall, thin and have the kind of looks that stop traffic, then this might be an option for you. However, if you’ve got more of a girl (or boy) next door look, it’s worth considering catalogue or other photographic modelling. The rise of the Internet means that there are a lot more opportunities for models in stock photography for websites, as well as the usual brochures and catalogues.

If you’re serious about breaking into modelling then it’s worth seeking the advice of an expert. If you register on our site, you canhave a consultation with one of our modelling industry experts and put together an action plan, as well as identifying the best modelling agencies for you to apply to.

Models need to be available at short notice and willing to be flexible and responsive. You have to be business minded to be a model, able to organise your time and willing to invest the time and effort to get ahead of the rest. 

All professional models have a portfolio and comp cards which contain a selection of fantastic pictures which show how photogenic and versatile they are. Models usually have to cover the cost of this themselves. These days a website or online portfolio can also give you the edge.

If you’d like to find out how Neon Models can help you become a model, then register on our site.

Ways to break into modelling with Neon Models

There are several different way to break into modelling is you’ve decided you think modelling might be for you. Neon Models has many years’ experience helping new models get their foot in the door of reputable modelling agencies and also to launch freelance careers, so if you want a consultation with one of our experts, visit the Neon Models website.

Modelling agencies

You can approach modelling agencies directly, but be prepared to face rejection, Modelling agencies get hundreds of applications every week and most of them end up in the bin. You need to have something special if you’re going to make it through the first round. A lot of people shoot themselves in the foot by sending poor quality photographs or not reading the agency’s guidelines.

Choose your modelling agency carefully and read their guidelines if you want to have any chance of success.

Break into modelling through competitions

Competitions can be a good way to break into the modelling industry. There are new faces competitions for particular companies and also modelling agencies sometimes run competitions in association with teen magazines or clothing brands. If you’re lucky you might get shortlisted on a TV shop like Britain’s Next Top Model, but that’s got pretty stiff competition!

You can also consider Beauty Pageants if you like the idea of some of the other rounds, as modelling is a natural progression for beauty queens.

Break into modelling with Neon Models

The quickest and easiest way to get started is to use Neon Models to help advise you about what sort of modelling would suit you best, get a modelling portfolio together at a test shoot, train you in how to behave and what to expect and put you in contact with the most appropriate modelling agencies.

Neon Models Advice - From aspiring model to supermodel

Everybody’s heard the stories about Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss being discovered by chance and catapulting to the big time. But in reality, building a modelling career takes time, and there are many steps along the way.

Early modelling work

A new model shouldn’t expect to get regular work, or to get paid very well for it. It may pay less than minimum wage, and be far from glamorous. Aspiring models may need to spend a lot of time going to castings and building their portfolio before they start to get remembered and requested by clients.

Building a portfolio of modelling jobs

As a working model gets more modelling jobs, his or her modelling portfolio will start to get bigger, and as this becomes more substantial, they will be able to demand a higher rate for modelling work.

Catalogue modelling jobs

Catalogue modelling usually doesn’t require famous faces, so models who are relatively new may be able to start earning decent money for this sort of modelling work. Many models may see this as a stepping stone to more exciting modelling work, but in fact catalogue modelling can be one of the best ways to earn a living as model.

Modelling jobs in editorials

You might expect that major fashion magazine such as Vogue would pay big bucks to models who appear in their editorials, but this is not the case. Featuring in a major magazine helps to build the models profile, and this work is highly sought after. Magazines take advantage of this by paying as little as $125 for a photo shoot.

Fashion show catwalk modelling

As with major fashion magazine editorials, you might expect fashion show catwalk modelling to pay very well, as these are the very top models. But in actuality, many modelling agencies force the model to pay their own expenses, including flights and accommodation, so at the end of the day the model does not earn very much.

Ad campaign modelling work

The reason models put up with the poor rates of pay and longs hours involved in editorial and fashion show modelling jobs, is in the hopes that it will lead to ad campaign modelling work. Landing a contract for an ad campaign for a major brand is where higher rates of pay really start to get involved – for example, booking with a major high street store could pay around $60,000.

Becoming a supermodel

There’s no guaranteed way to become a supermodel, and there are hundreds of models and only a handful of supermodels, so competition is fierce. If you want to become a supermodel, the first thing to do is become a regular model, then work hard to get booked and rebooked! Be prepared to work hard for very little pay to begin with, and expect to cover your own expenses if you’re lucky enough to start raising your profile. 

Modelling jobs are waiting for you!

Register with Neon Models!

Modelling Myths by Neon Models

Modelling is a glamorous industry that many people dream about. As such, it is surrounded by a fair share of urban myths and legends. Here we demystify some of the more common ones, getting down to the truth of the matter.

Models can be divas

Most of us have heard the stories of the bad behaviour of models, such as Naomi Cambell’s violence and Kate Moss’s drug use, but if you think that is the norm for professional models, think again. The vast majority of models need to be consummate professionals and that means being charming and reliable to clients and agents, and taking care of their bodies. To make it as a model you need to have perfect skin and hair and a healthy body, so no partying or sunbathing allowed!

Models are usually discovered just hanging around the shopping centre

It’s true that there are always model scouts looking for new faces for the major modelling agencies, but you’ll be waiting a long time if you just hang around on town centre benches pouting. Thousands of girls (ad guys) are aspiring to be models at any given time, and modelling agencies are inundated with submissions of photos and stats.

All models make a lot of money

Certainly, the top supermodels and fashion models can make extremely large amounts of money from modelling advertising campaigns for the big brands, but modelling work is not always well paid to begin with nor is it regular. Many models can only work part time to begin with, as they build up their portfolio and reputation and start to get regular modelling work.

All models have to be skinny

It’s true, slender people will have a better chance of getting modelling work, but the industry is slowly moving away from the waif, skeletal ideal of models and hiring more ‘normal’ sizes and shapes. In reality, this ‘normal’ is still much slimmer than the real normal (the average size of a woman in the UK is 12 – 16, which is considered plus-size in the modelling industry),  but it means slim and healthy us preferable to skinny. Also, even if you are over a size 12, there may be modelling work available with a more specialist agency.

If you’d to like to find out more about how we can help launch your modelling career, register on our site and one of our consultants will give you a ring to discuss your options.