With the pressure of living up to Gigi or Kendall status, breaking through in today’s modeling industry may seem hopeless. But forging a career on the catwalk is not as impossible as it seems; with the right mindset and loads of patience and confidence, you may just find yourself starring in Dior’s next campaign. Today’s top models share their secrets to success:

“Never compare yourself to others. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always about being the prettiest, tallest, or skinniest. What a client wants is always changing, and sometimes it comes down to shoe size or something equally absurd that you don’t have any control over.” —Em Marie (Vogue Taiwan, Harper’s Bazaar Taiwan, Harper’s Bazaar China, Adidas)
“In a world as hard as this, it’s time for models to stick together. I have a lot of admiration for my peers. We’re all balancing so much. Whether it’s education, being away from family and friends, or simply wanting to have a steady income, everyone is just trying to get by. Bottom line, I wish the best to anyone trying to make it in this world. It’s a game of chance, and don’t let anyone’s opinion of you create a barrier to who you were meant to be.” —Marie

2. “Personal style is key. Wear something that makes you, you, whether that be funky socks or sentimental jewelry—whatever you’re into. The best way you can stand out is by embracing what makes you unique. Sometimes the things people make fun of are what makes you different from the rest.” —Jessica Barta Lam (Seventeen, Sephora, Amazon, Maybelline, Banana Republic)

3. “When I started out, I didn’t have a lot of confidence. I think having a good support system of friends and family who believe in your ambitions helps a lot throughout your journey, since models are pretty independent. You’re your own boss. You need to get an agency, have a portfolio of work and book the casting. Being driven will take you a long way.” —Jessica Markowski (Cosmopolitan, H&M, Conair)

4. “You must be able to take criticism and always have confidence going into the auditioning room. You have to be confident that you’re able to get the job, and stay positive during the process. Always remain humble, and remember to be brave.” —Joscelyne Delgado (Levi’s, Target, David’s Bridal, Crayola, NFL)

5. “Business cards are a great way to look like you have a competitive edge and that you are serious about your craft.” —Isabella Barrett (Toys R Us, Bergdorf Goodman, American Girl, Shein)

6. “Always make sure you do your research on the modeling agency you’re going to work with. Never pay to work—only work to get paid. Working with a reputable agent can be a great way to ensure you’re not getting yourself involved in a scam.” —Andora Leigh (Lord and Taylor, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, Juicy Couture)

7. “Never give up. You’re not going to book everything you audition for, and it can be hard at times, but just know that bigger and better things are coming your way!”—Paige Fitzgerald (Versace, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Toys R Us)

8. “Take every chance you can get, whether the project or audition is big or small. By doing any project, more people and companies will notice you and might bring you in for auditions for greater things. If you don’t take opportunities, you’ll never make it anywhere. You can’t disregard a project just because it has low pay or it’s not for a famous brand. That’ll get you nowhere.” —Anete Balkena (Ralph Lauren)

10. “Being a model isn’t just about looking pretty and taking pictures. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Standing out from all the other models can be very intimidating, but you need to believe in yourself. Remember there will be a lot of no’s before there’s one yes.” —Gianna Ferazi (Walt Disney World, Under Armor, Levi’s, Converse)

How To Make It As A Model