Nailing Your First Castings & Open Calls

Every photoshoot, runway, or campaign starts with one thing:

You showing up and proving you're worth the camera time.

Welcome to castings and open calls — the real battlefield of modeling.

Not your DMs. Not your explore page.

This is where you win or disappear.

Let's break it all down — what to expect, what to wear, what to say, and how to leave them wanting more.

Casting:

A client or agency reviews selected models for a specific job (runway show, ad campaign, brand shoot). You're there because they're considering you for something specific.

Open Call:

An agency invites the public to show up and be evaluated for potential representation. No invite needed. You walk in, introduce yourself, and see if you've got what it takes.

Bottom line:

Whether it's a casting or an open call, the rules are the same:

You're not showing off your fashion sense. You're showing off you.

For everyone:

• Keep it clean. Simple. Intentional.
• No flashy jewelry. No logos. No distractions.
• This isn't your photoshoot — it's your audition.

Examples of appropriate casting attire:

• Digitals or portfolio (printed or on a tablet/phone)
• Comp card if you've got one (we'll cover this later)
• Water & snack — you might be waiting
• ID — some agencies ask for age verification
• Heels if you're not already wearing them
• Confidence and calm

You don't need to act confident.

You just need to not fold.

Clients and agents can tell in the first 10 seconds if you've got potential — or if you're faking it.

Here's the move:

1. Walk in with posture — back straight, chin up.
2. Smile (or neutral face, depending on your vibe).
3. Say your name clearly.
4. Make eye contact.
5. Wait for instruction.
6. Follow direction like a damn pro.

If they ask for a walk:

• Shoulders down
• Arms relaxed
• Heel-to-toe movement
• Controlled pace
• Don't overdo the "fierce" — just clean, poised, and smooth

You don't need a speech.

You just need to be clear, coachable, and not annoying.

They might ask:

• What's your name?
• Age and height?
• Why do you want to model?
• Do you have experience?
• Are you available on [date] for [job]?

Tips:

• Keep answers short and confident.
• Don't overshare. Don't apologize. Don't overexplain.
• If you're nervous, own it but don't collapse. "I'm new to this, but I'm here to learn and show you what I've got." -- that line works.

• You might wait 20—60 minutes just to be seen for 3 minutes.
• You might be surrounded by taller, prettier, louder people.
• You might get zero feedback — just "thank you."
• You might feel judged.

And?

So does everyone.

You're not there to impress the room — you're there to impress the person holding the opportunity.

• Be respectful to everyone — from the receptionist to the other models. You'd be shocked who holds power in the room.
• Keep your energy calm but confident. Don't fidget, don't scroll TikTok while waiting.
• When you're done, say "Thanks for your time, have a great day" — then exit like you just booked it.

Don't:

• Ask "Did I get it?"
• Oversell yourself after the fact
• Linger awkwardly
• Start pitching your IG or OnlyFans unless asked

Leave them with the vibe that you know you belong there. Even if you're new.

If you're applying to or auditioning with 6ixElement, here's what we do differently:

• We guide you — not judge you blindly
• We know how to spot real potential (even in first-timers)
• We pay for your headshots — if we see the spark, we invest in you
• Our optional development program is for those who want to level up fast — not a requirement to be signed

Whether it's your first time or fiftieth, our job is to build you — not break you.

You're not "lucky to be there."

They're lucky you showed up with the right mindset, presentation, and energy.

When you walk into a casting or open call, you're not begging.

You're presenting yourself as a professional asset.

Think like a brand.

Move like a solution.

And never forget — they need models more than models need them.

Now let's make sure your presence is unforgettable on camera.

4

First Impression Master!

You've mastered the crucial art of making an entrance

You now know what 94% of aspiring models never learn - how to make a powerful first impression. Your understanding of professional presentation demonstrates you're building the competitive edge that clients notice.

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"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

- Will Rogers

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