Hey everyone,
Let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of new and even experienced models: paperwork. I know, I know—modelling is about the look, the walk, the portfolio. It’s visual, it’s creative. So, do you really need a CV?
The short answer is a resounding yes.
I get the hesitation. A modeling CV isn’t like the resume you’d use to apply for an office
job. You’re not going to list “Proficient in Microsoft Excel”But thinking you don’t need
one is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in your career. Your portfolio shows
them what you look like, but your CV tells them who you are as a professional. It’s your
secret weapon, the thing that makes a casting director or agent take you more
seriously.
So, let’s break down exactly what a modelling CV is, why you need one, and how to
create one that gets you noticed.
Why Bother? The Power of a Professional CV
First off, let’s be clear: your portfolio (your book) is still your number one tool. But a CV
is a close second. Here’s why:
● It’s Your Professional Handshake: Handing over a sleek, well-organised CV along with your comp card at a casting or meeting instantly shows you’re serious. It says,”I’m not just a pretty face; I’m a professional who understands this is a business”
● It Contains All the Vitals in One Place: Casting directors are busy. They don’t want to hunt for your measurements or contact info. A CV lays out all the essential data—height, bust, waist, hips, shoe size, eye color, hair color—in a clear, standardised format.
● It Showcases Your Experience: This is your space to shine. It’s where you can list the brands you’ve worked with, the shows you’ve walked in, and the campaigns you’ve been a part of. Even if you’re just starting, this is where you list test shoots and workshops to show you’re proactive.
● It Highlights Your Special Skills: Can you dance, ride a horse, or speak another language? A commercial client looking for a model for a travel ad might just pick you over someone else because your CV mentioned you’re fluent in Spanish.
The Professional Guide: Building Your Modeling CV, Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get practical. Grab a coffee, open up a blank document, and let’s build this thing.
1. The Header: Contact Info & Your Headshot
This is the very top of your page. It needs to be clean and clear.
● Your Name: Use your professional modeling name.
● Contact Details: Phone number and a professional-sounding email address are essential. You can also include your city/country and links to your professional social media or online portfolio.
● The Headshot: This is crucial. Your CV needs a picture. It should be a clean, professional headshot where you look directly at the camera. It doesn’t need to be overly artistic—it just needs to look like you on a good day.
Now, a quick word on this photo. While a professionally shot image is always best, the headshot on your CV is about clarity. If you’re updating your CV for a specific online casting portal, you might want to use one of the many online tools available to create a profile picture that is perfectly formatted and looks sharp. This ensures your digital presence is consistent across platforms, from your CV to your online profiles. Just make sure the image is high-quality and represents your current look.
2. Your Measurements: The Nitty-Gritty
This section is non-negotiable and needs to be 100% accurate. Don’t fudge the numbers! They will measure you at a casting or fitting, and being dishonest is the fastest way to get blacklisted.
Include:
● Height
● Bust (and cup size for lingerie/swimwear)
● Waist
● Hips
● Dress Size
● Shoe Size
● Hair Color (your current color)
● Eye Color
3. Your Experience: Tell Your Story
List your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Don’t worry if you’re just starting out!
● Fashion Shows: List the designer/event and the year. (e.g., &”Dubai Fashion Week – Amato Couture, 2024″
● Print/Editorial: Mention the magazine or publication. (e.g., “Vogue Arabia – ‘Desert Bloom’ Editorial, June 2024”
● Commercials/Campaigns: Name the brand. (e.g., “Namshi – Ramadan Campaign 2025”
● New Models: If your resume is a bit bare, list your workshops, test shoots with named photographers, and any local events you’ve participated in. It shows initiative!
4. Special Skills & Training
This is your chance to stand out. Think about what makes you unique.
● Training: “Acting for Commercials Workshop” “Advanced Runway Coaching”etc.
● Skills: “Fluent in Arabic and French," "Professional Ballet Dancer (10 years)” “Horseback Riding””Yoga/Pilates”You never know what a client is looking for!
Final Tips for a Flawless Finish
● Keep it to One Page: No one has time to read a novel. Be concise.
● Clean & Simple Design: Use a classic, easy-to-read font like Arial, Helvetica, or Garamond. Avoid crazy colors or distracting graphics. Your photo and your experience should be the stars of the show.
● Proofread. Then Proofread Again: A typo screams unprofessional. Read it out
loud, use a spell-checker, and then have a friend read it over one more time.
● Save as a PDF: Always send your CV as a PDF file to preserve the formatting.
Name it something professional, like “YourName-ModelCV.pdf”So, do models need a CV? Absolutely. It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a statement. It’s you telling the world that you are a serious, professional model ready to work. Now go get that gig!
