Runway Model: How to Become a Runway Model

Runway models, also known as catwalk models, walk the catwalk during fashion shows, displaying curated ensembles for audiences that set the current tone or upcoming trends for the fashion world. Modeling agencies categorize runway models by their height and measurements; typically, models come in at more than five feet, nine inches and generally have a slim body type. However, many plus-size models have shaken up the industry by tearing down body-type stigmas.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell says that despite runway modeling’s “untouchable” image, at its best, it’s a source of inspiration available to everyone.

“Maybe you’re not at a fashion show in Paris, but you can wear that skirt in a board meeting. Maybe you’re not on a location shoot, but that makeup would look great on your next date.” —Naomi Campbell

The primary responsibility of a runway model is to display a fashion designer’s creations. If you want to pursue a full-time modeling career, expect to spend most of your time doing these four things:

1. 1. Prep for the runway. Runway shows may look like a breeze, but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes of high fashion events. Before you can take to the catwalk, you will work with a tailor, a fashion stylist, and hair and makeup artists.
2. 2. Walk the catwalk. Every runway model must know how to walk a catwalk. Fashion designers expect models to display their garments with confidence and poise.
3. 3. Model clothing. Runway models wear many different garments, including swimsuits, lingerie, dresses, suits, casual outfits, and high couture.
4. 4. Pose for photographs. Although runway models may spend more time walking at fashion shows than posing for photoshoots, they must know how to work in front of the camera.

Every runway model should possess the following characteristics:

1. 1. Confidence: “I think it's important to have a confident walk,” Naomi Campbell says. If you feel shy, fake it until you make it. “Long strides make you look like you’re confident,” Naomi says. An assertive walk isn’t just for the runway: “When you go into a room, or when you’re going on stage to speak, it’s important to get up and make people feel like, ‘Okay, she looks like she knows what she’s gonna say.’”
2. 2. Poise: It’s essential to stay calm under pressure. “I think for me, runway, catwalk, being on a presentation of any designer or brand, you always have to present yourself and be very long, graceful,” Naomi says. “I always say to myself inside, ‘Keep still and keep regal.’”
3. 3. Perseverance: Life happens, even on the runway. To be successful, you must be able to roll with the punches. Naomi has had her fair share of runway mishaps. She says the key is to take it all in stride. “You just get up and keep going,” she says. “If your skirt falls, you just keep going. If your top opens, you just keep going. The more you pay attention to it and make it a thing, the more they'll notice it. If you don't make it a thing, they may have never seen it.”
4. 4. Dedication: “There’s constantly a fashion week,” Naomi says, “going somewhere in the world, all 365 days of the year.” The fast-paced fashion industry requires models to stay up-to-date on what’s in vogue. Unless you live in one of the world’s fashion hubs—such as London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, or New York—you’ll likely have to spend a lot of time traveling for work.
5. 5. Congeniality: The modeling industry is competitive, and making a good first impression matters. To get more gigs, models must network with influencers, fitness models, modeling agents, and fashion magazines. Having friendly facial expressions and a pleasant personality will take you far.

Establishing a modeling career requires time and discipline. If you’re an aspiring model looking for full-time modeling work, check out the following tips:

1. 1. Recognize your strengths. Being a model involves hyperfocus on your appearance. However, beauty is subjective. You can reflect confidence in your body language, which can affect how others perceive you. The modeling world comes with plenty of rejection, and you may take that rejection personally. But keep in mind that you have something unique to offer. Presenting yourself as a confident person can play a big role in becoming a successful model.
2. 2. Understand the duties of the job. Modeling requires hard work, determination, and the ability to follow directions quickly and efficiently, posing in particular ways or recreating looks for hours at a time. You need a variety of poses in your arsenal for the type of modeling you pursue. You also need to know how to angle your face and body for the camera to convey the right image. If you want to become a runway model, establish and practice your signature walk.
3. 3. Take care of your appearance. Modeling is all about aesthetics, but being attractive isn’t the most necessary part. Taking care of your body is a big part of modeling. While there are now more modeling opportunities for various body types and clothing sizes, you still have to take care of your skin, hair, and nails.
4. 4. Get headshots. To get a modeling job, you need a variety of headshots and full body shots to submit to potential agencies and employers. Hire a photographer with experience to shoot you in natural light and plain clothes to highlight your features. Ensure your pictures closely resemble how you look in real life, so modeling agents can see what you bring to the table. Avoid submitting filtered photos from social media.
5. 5. Create a portfolio. A modeling portfolio is an essential tool that many potential clients will look at before they decide to work with you. These photos are more highly styled and edited than your headshots. Gather your best, high-quality professional photos, and organize them into a portfolio or on a website that advertises your abilities and range. A digital portfolio can make it easier for potential agencies to find you and see your work.
6. 6. Find a modeling agency that fits your brand. Most models need an agency to help them find work. Research the top modeling agencies and find a few who seem legitimate and represent the type of model you wish to become. If you find a model agency that seems a good fit, submit photos and any relevant modeling experience.
7. 7. Look for open casting calls. Sometimes, the best way to get into modeling is to go to an open casting call. While you can’t just walk into an agency at any time, open calls (or go-sees) are times agencies set aside to see new models without prior contact or appointment. As a new talent, use these go-sees for self-promotion, increasing your chances of becoming a top model.
8. 8. Consider moving. If you want to pursue modeling, you may want to move to a major city with more opportunities. New York is a major modeling hub and often the best place to find runway work.

Discovered at the age of fifteen, Naomi Campbell—then an aspiring dancer—had a lot to learn about modeling. Through her adaptability, improvisation skills, and love of movement, Naomi has successfully navigated the fashion industry for decades—all while staying true to herself. With the MasterClass Annual Membership, discover one of the original supermodel’s tips for how to pose, perfect your runway walk, build confidence, and deal with adversity.