How I Became a Model

Modelling was always something I’ve wanted to do. From a young age, I really enjoyed being in front of the camera. The path to my career happened really organically, and I want to share with you how I got into my dream job.

At the age of twelve, my parents and I were at a friend’s birthday party. A man who worked in the industry who was at the birthday approached us and said he saw potential in me to be a model. I didn’t take it very seriously at the time as I was so young, and all I wanted to do was play soccer (I was definitely a tomboy in primary school!).

When I was fifteen, I was out in Bondi one night with some friends. I saw a man playing the drums on the grassy knoll and went up to him to see what was going on. This man happened to be Richard Mannah, the creative director of Tony and Guy at the time. After speaking for a few minutes, he asked if I had ever modelled before. I told him I hadn’t, and he followed by telling me his brother David was a photographer and he would get us in contact to organise a shoot. We added each other on Facebook, and the next day organised a time for us to meet.

I didn’t tell my parents that I was going to meet up with David. Looking back at this now, it could have been really dangerous, but luckily for me it worked out for the best. David had a whole concept in mind of how to shoot me for the first time, and he was extremely professional and encouraging.

After this meeting I told my mum about the upcoming shoot. She was furious at first that I didn’t tell her I was meeting up with him. After discussing the topic, and my seriousness about trying to pursue this career, she came around to it and said I could go to the shoot as long as she came with me. Below are my first ever professional photos from that shoot!

The shoot was the gateway into my love for modelling. David sent these photos to Milk Models, and I got signed to them immediately. I was missing school here and there for shoots, but I always knew I was going to finish high school and sit my final exams. After school I left Milk. I wasn’t receiving as much work as I was hoping for, and I decided to go travelling with my friends for our “gap year”.

During my four month Europe trip after school, Instagram was all the craze. I loved sharing images from my trip on this platform. I would post photos at the beach with friends, at festivals, as well as what I was eating and the amazing scenery.

My following started to grow, and by the time I got home I had messages from photographers who wanted to do test shoots with me, and brands that wanted to work together. I had six months before I commenced by business degree, so I decided to take the opportunity and freelance model.

I really enjoyed my freelance experience. I was getting to work with young talents and start up brands that didn’t have the budget to pay for signed models. I loved learning about how these individuals got to where they were, and I also loved sharing the work I did on my Instagram.

I was a freelance model for two years. I wasn’t making enough to support me, so I worked in retail at Glassons in Westfield Bondi Junction whilst I was also completing my degree. I always wanted to go into agencies but I was too scared of rejection. I am only 170cm tall and most agency websites say they won’t take girls under 175cm. I lacked confidence, I was young and already dealing with some eating issues so the pressure of it all just seemed too much.

Three years ago, I was studying at the library and I had posted a photo from a bridal shoot on my Instagram. I remember looking at my phone and having a direct message from Chic Management, they wanted me to come in for a meeting. Chic was always the dream agency, but I never had the courage to apply to model there.

I went into the agency about a week later, and they signed me on the spot. The team were so encouraging, and within a month I was booking jobs with bigger brands I could have only dreamed to be working for.

My journey into modelling is one that took a lot of time and effort. I used my instagram to share my personality, what I was doing and in the end it all paid off. If you are an aspiring model, I highly recommend using this platform to show YOU! The industry wants REAL girls! Own your features, and just keep working for it even if you think you’re at a dead end.