How to Build Your Portfolio as an Aspiring Model | Model Tips For Beginners

[@jenniferslaybaugh2021]

Thomasina…Thanks so much for doing this video. Great advice. My son @evan.Slaybaugh is currently going through all of these steps and is starting to get exposure. Your information validates what we have been doing. Hope all is going well with your career.

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yayy!! Love a testimony! Do the steps and you’ll see results 🤗 cheers to him!

[@FaithFashionFinances]

This is extremely helpful for someone like me who is an “accidental model”. I never gave a lot of thought and direction to my career and now that I have more offers I can use these strategies to give myself better direction. Thank You!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Glad it was helpful! 🤗

[@Flutterhigh444]

Every time I feel discouraged by the industry, when I start to listen to actual modeling, and really study actual photography, I fall in love all over again. This is where my heart is and there’s a reason I can’t shake it

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Love it!

[@favorfotos]

Well said. you have to understand your look and what type of modeling it best fits. I started with commercial modeling for years before transitioning to fashion modeling and it honestly was the best decision I could have made

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yesss! Just wanna get your foot in the door and from there branch out!

[@Ari_Hazel2026]

My mom’s friends are going to help me get into modeling. I need to get a portfolio done, and came here to get some ideas. This really helped. I’m still a little nervous, but it’s better than going into it blind

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Glad it was helpful for you 🤗🤗

[@kandakaworld]

I rarely take the time to comment on videos, but I had to thank you for this video! So many genuine advices and tips and tricks for new aspiring models. You opened my mind to how to utilize the apps and channels I have to create more opportunities. Thank you!

[@mishayan]

Lol I have sometimes this idea once in a couple of months that I can become a commercial or beauty model (given the fact I am 5' 2 ahah) and that's how I got to this video, and I am not even halfway through it and damn your energy is so sunny, welcoming and friendly 🌞 love it, good luck ❤

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

I’m so glad you found my channel!! There’s definitely a growing market for petite models in the industry! I hope you find this video helpful :)

[@emipoweredlife]

Thank you so much🙏🏽 This video was so helpful! I’m looking into starting my portfolio, and you definitely took me into the right direction!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yayyy! Go get em!! 🙌🏾

[@niahpapayaa]

I remember you !! Back in 2019 we did a hair show for Paul Mitchell in Charlotte !! I’m looking for ways to boost my portfolio and I see you pop up, and instantly remembered . Thanks for the informative video, and continue to thrive queen!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

I hope you found it helpful 🤗

[@milicakelc]

Gurll ofc u a model look at youu 😍😍😍

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Thank youuuu

[@ashm1028]

this video is SO helpful for me. im definitely going to start building my modelling portfolio & posting them on my insta too, thank u so much !!!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

You’re very welcome :)

[@GoBooking-7s]

This is incredible 😊

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@MM-qo1ke]

Such an underrated video! Thank you!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Thank YOUUU

[@ساعاتيدأناقةالسعودية]

you deserve 4 million subscribers

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

One day 🙏🏾😂 thank you!!

[@organicguac]

yesss for coaching!!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

DM me on IG :)

[@kaypersephone4806]

This video helped me so much thank you so much!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yesss! You’re welcome!!

[@MinisterELAK]

Great 🎉🎉

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

TFW!

[@albatavano7662]

I was thinking you speak as an italian person as we use our hands to express things, lol you are italian deep down 😅 very interesting video thanks

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Haha omg i might be

[@jjoannxa]

I love your personality🤣🥰🥰, so many great tips in this video. I hadn’t even thought about joining facebook groups and that could bring many opportunities, thank you pretty girl 💟💟🫶

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@tsakanicollete6917]

This is helpful, thank you so much ♥️♥️♥️❤️

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

You're welcome :)

[@Novvadiaries]

Thank you very much!!! Helped a lot !❤

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

You’re welcome 🤗

[@midnightmystery7261]

im totally intrested in a one on one

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Let’s get ittt!! DM me on IG and we can find a time that works :) @thomasinamyresa

[@xryanowen]

great vid, learned so. much !

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

glad to hear it! :)

[@imanarshad895]

Thank u so much

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

You’re welcome!

[@biancacruz2226]

First thing, big fan! I am planning to move to NY in Feb 2023 for Modeling. I come from a small town in Florida. I struggle with acne and some excess weight in certain areas (which I am working on lol). I believe my biggest advantage is my long curly hair. I can see myself in commercial modeling as a start with hair and beauty. However, runway is also a dream. I was curious as what counts as a 'short model'. I am 5'9, is that on the short end still? Also, when I finally make it NY I will definitely reach out for some one-on-one lessons! (Curious about your going rate...?) Thank you so much for your content. Inspirational. Much love, Bianca Cruz

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hi! Thanks for watching :) It's good that you already know what type of modeling you want to do! 5'9+ is okay for runway depending on the designer. Feel free to DM me on IG @thomasinamyresa when you're ready for more info on the 1on1 :)

[@imane8711]

Thank you! This was helpful. :)

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

I’m glad! 🤗

[@richardsonmarkisha3585]

Yes please coach me. Thank you so much for everything you’re truly amazing!!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

thank you!!! I'd love to start working with you, DM me on instagram

[@alishavernon4401]

I just want to say I really appreciate you for the gems. I’m trying to get my babies into modeling and I don’t really have the money for photos . If you can give suggestions on how to do cost effective photos. That will be great

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Social media is key! Reach out to photographers in your area to see if they’d be open to “testing” and ask about their rates. Start local then expand :)

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

For kids it’s easier! You don’t need a whole portfolio to get them started, you can take their digitals yourself and submit to agencies :)

[@brooklynanderson5171]

Thank u for your suggestions im 15 and i really wanna model thats my dream i really wanna get there im trying to get my foot in the door i had however been researching different modeling agencies i wanna start small and eventually get big i struggle with acne pretty bad to i have curly mix hair and im trying to figure out my hair as well what to use what kind of products to use and get rid of my acne

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

That’s great! Keep researching and keep going ❤️

[@ibstayfly]

Very helpful thank you for this. I did Barbizon but I'm trying to get back into modeling i miss it I'm petite so i already know I'm fit for commercial print and catalog. I'm to short for runway but would love to do it Do you have to pay for portfolios cuz every agency i do asks for that

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hey love! Like I mentioned in the video, photographers do charge for taking test images

[@ibstayfly]

​@@ThomasinaMyresaHey. Ok thank you for the advice

[@fidaus540]

Hello so i have naturally dark brown curly hair but my hair is dyed kinda ginger/blonde. Do you think it's better to dye my hair back to my natural hair colour or just just rock what i feel more confident in

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

What you feel more confident in 🤗

[@fidaus540]

@@ThomasinaMyresa do you think I should colour it fully then or leave it kinda ombre

[@MercedesWilliams-jo8pk]

Hi my name Mercedes I want to start in the model industry and wondering what did you do after you got your portfolio done I’m working on mine and now trying to see what’s next

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hi Mercedes! Subscribe & Watch the rest of my videos in the model playlist. I tell you exactly what to do :)

[@jenniechan3587]

How do identify what type of modelling would be ideal for us? I think i would be good for editorial but im not 100% sure

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

I actually have a video about this!!! Check it out in my “modeling tips” playlist! :)

[@tiara6062]

@@ThomasinaMyresahi! I have a quite big tattoo on my mid back, can I still get signed if I have that?

[@BerthaAsinu]

Hello I just found your page. Can you please coach me. I'm a new model , had my first shot last Saturday.

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Sure! Connect with me on Instagram :)

[@sadiebell-ramsey]

Are you doing coaching sessions?

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yes mam! DM me on Instagram 🤗 @thomasinamyresa

[@bantubee]

I would love some one on one coaching. Do you charge?

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yesss!! DM me on IG @thomasinamyresa 🙏🏾

[@Ramethyst]

Hi I have a question. How tall are you? I am 5’3 and my brother is 5’4 and we both want to try out modeling to expand our experience, but since we’re are pretty small I would like to get a good view on whether it would be possible for us or not.

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hey love! I’m 5’8 but generally don’t compare yourself to people. If you want it, go get it! If you don’t believe in yourself just bc you’re petite, how can you expect others to? ❤️

[@bonginkosidube3039]

Can u be an editorial model when i are short, I mean some pple look taller in pictures

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yes

[@empirequeenn9707]

Interested in modeling coach please!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Heyy! Shoot me a DM on IG @thomasinamyresa and I can send you more info :)

[@tokyokimlee4708]

Help help help 😊 my friend needs help with becoming a model in Miami

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Send them my channel :)

[@joytega4105]

I need you in my life girl 😅

[@joytega4105]

Girl I tried to message you on Instagram several days ago but you’ve not seen it, please check your Dm

[@myishabryant]

Does my portfolio book have to be that big and a hardcover or no ??

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

No, i believe in the video I mentioned being able to use an iPad :)

[@blackbutterfye]

So should you put “aspiring model” or “upcoming model” in you IG bio

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hmm good question, I think that could be helpful to let people know that’s what you want to do as a career. But your photos should also be an indicator

[@josephshamilrodriguez4236]

Please coach me!!!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

I got you! Shoot me a DM @thomasinamyresa 🤗

[@marian4472]

Hey Thomasina! Thank you for this helpfull video, you explained everything well 😊 I've just got some quick questions for you. Firstly, is it too late to get into the industry when you're 22 - 23 or any age for that matter? Also if I wanted to get into the lingerie/swim sector, would my whole portfolio including my digitals be only in swimwear/lingerie? Look forward to hearing from you!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hey! Nope! & it’s nicer to have a diversified portfolio bc it’ll be hard to make a career out of just swim/lingerie

[@marian4472]

@@ThomasinaMyresa Thank you so much for getting back to me quickly and perfect! 💖

[@kristanorman1781]

I got contacted by a company that is basically kind of like a middleman that told me that they can put together a portfolio and shop me out to agencies, but it was gonna cost me $5000 or 2000 upfront in $300 every month. Please give me your insights. Is this a scam?

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Yes

[@kristanorman1781]

@@ThomasinaMyresa thank you❤️ what are the right way a agency should work with you I know everything is not gonna be absolutely free, but should they put you together a profile for free and then get a percentage of the work they find you?

[@alisiawilder7638]

Hello i would love your help

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hi! Connect w/ me on IG & send me a DM :)

[@BjayeAoki08]

I love fashion I want to model clothing brands can I be a commercial model even though I’m 4’11?

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Sure!

[@lillymasinga4079]

Hello,,, i need your help,, can you please help apply modeling agency

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hi! Check out my videos under my modeling playlist, they are really helpful :)

[@Itz.paradise_vlogs]

Hi I would like to get in touch

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Hey! How can I help? Message me on instagram @thomasinamyresa :)

[@catfishbilly3.765]

How do you find modeling competitions or contest that you can go to compete and get experience? I’m having trouble finding any runway contests or competitions that aren’t like the top model ones. Do you know of any smaller runway contests or competitions around the country or in 2023? Thanks in advance!!

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Social media will be your best friend! Many agencies and brands will host random competitions on social media through hashtags. For example, good American brand has partnered with Natural Models agency to find new models. So just search in social media

[@ennysempire6801]

Please coach me

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

Shoot me a DM on Instagram :)

[@3kidsonemom]

I love your content I'm looking to Collab if interested

[@alexccen]

Thanks so much for this video! I feel like youhit all the important points. I'm just now starting out my modeling journey so this was extremely helpful. All the best for the new year! 🤍

[@ThomasinaMyresa]

You’re welcome!! More tips coming in the new year 🥰

[@alexccen]

@@ThomasinaMyresa Looking forward to it!