8 Model Portfolio Example Websites To Give You Inspiration
Sam Hindman
Published onEven if you have thousands of followers, an Instagram alone simply isn't going to cut it if you want to make it in the modeling industry. No matter what your niche is, there's one thing that all aspiring models have to have: a quality modeling portfolio.
A portfolio is essentially a collection of your best work designed to highlight the skills and traits that make you stand out from other models. Having a quality, professional model portfolio website is what can get you attention and recognition from agencies, brands, and photographers.
Keep scrolling to find out how you can build your own modeling portfolio and to get inspired with eight incredible example modeling portfolios to give yourself a good idea of how to build the perfect portfolio for you.
Why Do I Need A Professional Modeling Portfolio?
We briefly covered this above, but the primary reason why having a modeling portfolio is so essential is that it allows you to receive recognition from potential collaborators, whoever they may be. Even if you're newer to the industry and have little modeling experience, having a compelling portfolio will make it appear like you're a seasoned professional.
The other reason why it's so important, candidly, is convenience. Yes, you could go through the trouble of sending clients folders and files to showcase your best work, but the odds that they will actually take the time to download and view them are slim. Generally, people are more likely to do something if they find it convenient. Having one simple domain to direct them to gives them the ability to access all of the information they could potentially need from you in one place.
Deciding Where To Host Your Model Portfolio Website
Choosing the right website builder is arguably the most important part of creating any online portfolio, not just a modeling one. Whatever you choose should be customizable while still allowing for ease of use.
For example, websites like JournoPortfolio combine drag-and-drop features with optional HTML coding. This way, you can make your site as personalized or as simple as you'd like.
It's important that you look at all of your potential options before choosing where to host your portfolio website. A great way to figure out whether something will be a good fit is to examine portfolio examples from other models using the same site.
Building Your Model Portfolio: A Step-By-Step Guide
Before we get into our model portfolio examples, let's outline exactly what the process of building this kind of portfolio looks like. Though it might seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple.
1. Getting High-Quality Images
Naturally, a barren portfolio isn't going to open any doors! Your first order of business will be getting as many different, high-quality images as possible. Try to get a diverse range of photos so that your portfolio will look more well-rounded. While it's always a bonus to have images from a professional photographer or looks sponsored by a brand, there's nothing wrong with starting things off with relatively simple shots.
If you want to get your initial images but can't afford to book a fashion model photographer, here's a trick: Try signing up for local photographer Facebook groups and pages. Smaller photographers are looking to build their own portfolios in those circles, and they're often willing to engage in "TFP" shoots. TFP means "Trade For Portfolio" and is a pro bono collaboration between a model and a photographer where both parties end up with something to add to their personal portfolio!
2. Selecting The Perfect Images For Your Website
Many models ask, "How many photos should be included in my portfolio?" The truth is, the more, the merrier. While you should be certain that your best photos are the ones that you showcase, having an abundance of work within your modeling portfolio makes you seem especially in demand.
Try experimenting with:
Different styles that highlight your unique qualities
Including photos with interesting facial expressions and emotions
Striking a balance between high fashion and streetwear
Various poses with contorted and relaxed body language
As your modeling career advances, you can start to be more selective about what images you want to showcase on your website. But when you're just starting out, anything is better than nothing! Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and having some average photos is still more impressive than no photos at all.
3. Adding Additional Sections
Once you're through with selecting images for your site, it's time to consider adding additional pages. Obviously, the most important part of your portfolio website is the portfolio itself. But there's certainly merit in expanding that website to add some more complexity to your personal brand. Here are two sections to add to your model portfolio that are no-brainers:
About Page: What is your story? What makes you more unique than your competition? You can be the best model in the world, but no one wants to work with someone who's boring. Adding an about section can give you a professional edge by giving you a chance to highlight the purpose and motivation behind your career choice.
Contact Page: Once someone has looked at your impressive portfolio, they'll want to learn how to contact you! This is where having an easily accessible contact page comes in. The fashion industry moves quickly, and if someone is confused about how to contact you, they might go looking elsewhere. Make sure that it's clear exactly how people can send you a message!
4. Distributing Your Online Modeling Portfolio
Once everything is put together with a nice little bow, the last step is to get potential clients and modeling agencies to actually look at the portfolio you've spent so long building.
Social Media Promotion: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share your portfolio. Post strategic content that directs followers to your website. Try tagging agencies and using hashtags to get more traction.
Networking: Attend local fashion events, model meet-ups, and industry mixers. Hand out business cards with your portfolio website's URL and connect with photographers, makeup artists, and other models. The fashion world is built on connections!
Modeling Websites: Register on modeling platforms like Model Mayhem, Models.com, or The Fashion Model Directory. These sites allow you to create profiles that link directly to your portfolio, which can really amp up your chances of getting scouted by industry professionals.
SEO Optimization: Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords in your content, image descriptions, and metadata. This can help your portfolio appear higher in search results when potential clients seek models.
Modeling Portfolio Examples
As we mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to figure out how you want your modeling portfolio to look is by taking notes from others! Below, we've gathered eight model portfolio examples that will give you that much-needed spark of inspiration.
1. Lia Vasilek
Lia's modeling portfolio is an excellent example of versatility in modeling work. The way that her portfolio is formatted makes it clear that she's had experience in several kinds of modeling, from professional hair styling shoots to outdoor editorial modeling. She also has the added touch of naming each of her photos to correspond with the shoot location or type. Using JournoPortfolio's search feature, people who are only interested in certain pieces of her work can easily locate them.
2. Caitlin Christine
It's not every day you see a cosplayer's modeling portfolio! This talented model showcases her visual appeal with a simple yet compelling layout. Something particularly interesting about Caitlin's portfolio is her dedicated "Shop" section, where users can purchase prints of her modeling work. This is certainly something to consider if your modeling style has unique attributes like hers!
3. Christen Dye
Christen Dye's portfolio is a shining example of how to blend modeling and influencer expertise into a cohesive online presence. Her site features her social media feeds, which is a great idea for those with a strong following. This integration not only showcases her versatility but also keeps her audience engaged.
In addition to a traditional portfolio section, Christen has cleverly organized her work into distinct pages. This thoughtful layout allows clients to easily navigate and find specific types of work they are interested in, making it perfect for those with a diverse portfolio.
4. Natasha Brown
Natasha's model portfolio website stands out for one reason in particular: It strongly represents her personal brand. It is obvious from looking at her website that Natasha has a strong connection to her spirituality, which could be something that certain brands or collaborations might consider. Her website is also very easy to navigate, with her homepage directing users to exactly where they need to go.
5. Michelle Carney
Right off the bat, what makes Michelle's online modeling portfolio so effective is that it's attention-grabbing. There's a massive GIF on her landing page, giving a clear impression that she's someone who (literally) isn't afraid to take up space. This unique style of designing sets her apart, and also makes you curious to explore the rest of her site. Consider playing around with all of the features your chosen website builder has to offer.
6. Karis Song
It's clear upon one look at Karis' sleek landing page that she knows what she's doing. While all of the photos on her landing page are from the same shoot, she still showcases her modeling skills through the use of different poses. The greyscale theme used throughout is also key in making her personal brand identity pop, giving everything a very classy tone.
7. Ciana Newman
Ciana's modeling portfolio is a perfect example of the use of galleries. While her landing page has easily navigatable pages, her portfolio isn't somewhere separate. All you have to do is scroll, and you'll see a gallery of her portfolio pictures neatly lined up. This helps people get exactly what they want quickly, and as we covered earlier, convenience is everything in the modeling industry. A few seconds could take an agency's attention away from your online portfolio!
8. Keithen Polk
You know that we couldn't end our list without including a male model portfolio! Though male models are sometimes overlooked, this is actually a secret weapon - It makes you stand out even more strongly in the market. In the case of Keithen's portfolio website, he utilizes a single, scrollable page to navigate through his work. His headshots, body shots, and editorial modeling are all separated in an easily digestible way. It's all about those finer details!
Ready To Build Your Professional Modeling Portfolio?
The best part about working in a creative world like the modeling industry is that, with the help of the internet, you're the only thing standing in your own way. It's easier now than ever for aspiring models to get their feet in the door, and the best way to do so is by creating a portfolio website that you can be proud of.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take your modeling career to the next level?
Journo Portfolio prides itself on balancing ease of use and potential for customization, making it one of the best portfolio builders online. It's in the name, after all! Check out our complete list of features, and get started with your free account today.
