How it works
The new-face stage usually lasts from a few months to a couple of years. In that time the model does test shoots, learns to pose and walk, goes to first castings and collects first publications.
Clients like new faces for their novelty: fashion houses and magazines are always looking for models nobody has seen yet, especially during fashion weeks. On the other hand, fees at this stage are lower and jobs may be few.
On an agency's website new faces are often shown on their own board. A model moves from it to the main board once they have experience and jobs.
In practice
A fifteen-year-old signs with an agency in autumn. By summer she has done three tests, learned to pose and walk, walked a local fashion week show and landed her first catalogue job. The agency does not send her abroad yet: it waits until the school year is over and her portfolio is stronger. For now her card sits on the new faces board.
What to watch for
- The first year is for learning, not earning.
- School comes first; jobs are arranged around it.
- Keep a note of every test and job: it is your record of experience.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01At what age can you be a new face?
Agencies usually sign from 14–16, and work abroad starts later. Minors need their parents' consent.
02Do new faces get paid?
For jobs, yes, but tests and some magazine shoots are unpaid or pay a token fee.