Networking & Making Connections Within the Modeling Industry
Becoming a Nike model requires more than just good looks – you need to build relationships and network within the industry. As the old adage goes, success in modeling (and most careers) is as much about who you know as what you know. Here are some tips for making the right connections that can lead to that coveted Nike campaign:
The connections you make by putting yourself out there in the fashion industry will be invaluable. Approach networking as a long game that requires consistency, patience, and constantly improving your skills. With the right relationships and right look, you can get on Nike’s radar.
Developing a Strong Runway Walk & Photography Posing Skills
Becoming a Nike model means mastering both the runway and photography arenas. You’ll need to perfect the signature Nike modeling moves that showcase the athletic aesthetic. Here are some tips for honing a strong runway walk and photoshoot posing:
First, watch videos and study how top Nike models walk the runway. Notice their powerful, athletic gait – the slightly arched back, confident gaze, and strong yet graceful strides. Practice copying their techniques in front of a mirror to develop muscle memory. Work on your posture, hip sway, arm movement, and foot strides. The Nike walk should convey strength and determination.
Next, take actual runway classes if possible. Learning how to walk gracefully in challenging shoes on a real raised runway will prepare you for casting calls and fashion shows. Master turning fluidly at the end of the runway and playing to different parts of the audience. Classes also help you learn to quickly pick up choreography and walk confidently with other models.
When posing for Nike photo shoots, research their brand image and typical modeling poses. Much of their photography has an edgy, urban feel with models jumping, dunking, or shown mid-action. Come prepared with pose ideas that communicate energy and an inner drive. Study magazine spreads and catalogs to see poses, facial expressions, and vibe Nike loves.
Practice replicating these poses in practice shoots and observe how slight changes in hand positions, leg stance, tilt of head, etc. dramatically alter the visual messaging. Get feedback from photographer friends on which poses capture the Nike essence. Aim for poses outside your comfort zone. Great photos require physicality and embracing every part of the active Nike lifestyle so push your limits.
Lastly, exude confidence and commitment in your face and eyes for both runway and photography. Even a perfect pose falls flat without the self-assured look of an elite Nike athlete. Use your facial expressions to connect with the audience and convey the excitement Nike products generate. With training and practice, you can master the signature Nike modeling style and land a coveted brand campaign!
Having a Strong & Healthy Body as a Nike Model
Nike is an athletic brand so it naturally expects its models to embody top physical condition. Having a toned, healthy and well-proportioned body is a baseline requirement for any aspiring Nike model. Here are some tips for sculpting the strong athletic physique that the brand looks for:
Commit to intensive strength and endurance training 4-5 times a week. Mix up weight lifting, cardio, core work, and exercises targeting problem areas. Work closely with a trainer to develop the ideal program for your body type. Proper nutrition is also key – stick to a clean, high protein diet without processed foods or empty calories. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to allow muscles to rebuild.
Take care to build natural looking muscletone without going overboard on bulking up. As a Nike model, you want an athletic but aesthetically pleasing silhouette. For women, focus more on lower body and core definition with slim, toned arms. Male models should build upper body strength while maintaining a lean waist.
Know your best assets and play them up. Do extra squats and lunges to tone legs and lift the glutes. Frame the face with chiseled arms and shoulders. Sculpt a tight six-pack for both dramatic shadows and a slim waistline. A great fitness regimen enhances what nature gave you.
Listen to your body and allow proper rest between intense workouts to prevent injury or burnout. Consistency over years, not weeks, yields modeling physique results. Enlist help from a nutritionist, dermatologist and hairstylist to look your healthiest from head to toe.
Finally, do cardio and maintenance workouts on modeling shoot days to appear energized, pumped and physically ready for action. Proper fitness is a lifestyle for Nike models, not just a pre-casting phase. Take your diet and exercise as seriously as any professional athlete would. With diligence and commitment, you can build the striking silhouette that catches Nike’s eye and says “performance” .
Getting Professional Headshots & Creating a Modeling Portfolio
An aspiring Nike model needs a standout professional portfolio highlighting their look, skills and brand fit. Here’s how to get those all-important headshots and curate a portfolio that wows Nike:
Invest in a photoshoot with a reputable fashion photographer to get crisp, high-quality headshots. Opt for primarily outdoor natural lighting in runway-inspired or urban settings. Outfits should be neutral solid colors that complement your skin tone. Simple athleisure wear or a swimsuit shows off your form. Get varied facial expressions including strong, smoldering gazes and a touch of smile or sass. Retouching should only enhance, not overly alter your looks.
Organize your best 15-20 headshots plus 2-3 full body shots in a modeling portfolio formatted specifically for casting calls and agency submissions. Digital formats are standard but print copies can impress at in-person meetings. Photos should be consistent in editing style for a cohesive feel. Arrange shots to tell a story versus just random images.
Supplement with polaroids or snapshots that offer a peek at your personality and lifestyle beyond standard poses. Avoid heavily altered, overly sexy or generic stock model shots. Nike wants to see the real athletic you. Portfolio diversity shows your range – showcase fitness, swimsuit, casual, business attire, etc.
Customize portfolios for specific castings if possible. For a Nike campaign, emphasize your most athletic, grittiest poses and body shots. Replace lifestyle party pics with fitness training photos. Adapt your book to each opportunity but retain some signature go-to images.
A strong portfolio markets you as talent and should align with the Nike image. Show you can take direction yet add your own stamp to a shoot. With standout photography and thoughtful curation, your book can convince Nike you deserve to rep their coveted brand.
Embodying the Nike Brand Image & Aesthetic
Succeeding as a Nike model requires truly understanding and embodying the brand’s image and aesthetic. Nike has a very distinct attitude and look they seek to portray. Here are some tips for visually and emotionally exuding everything Nike stands for:
Immerse yourself in Nike ad campaigns to recognize their consistent messaging and visual style. Note colors, lighting, locations, poses, and model attitudes commonly used. Watch old and new ads on YouTube to see how their branding has evolved while retaining key elements. Know the Nike image inside and out.
Reflect on what emotions and traits Nike seeks to elicit – excitement, grit, fearlessness, determination, passion, drive, etc. Then find ways to authentically express those qualities through your facial expressions, poses, energy and professionalism. Capture the aspirational yet relatable spirit of Nike athletes.
Visually “become” the Nike aesthetic. Adopt their cool urban street style in your wardrobe, hair and makeup. Get edgy haircuts, wear sporty chic casual wear, and get your makeup artist to define your features strikingly. Nurture your physicality through training and nutrition.
Finally, commit fully when given the opportunity to model for Nike. Take direction without ego and deliver different looks asked for. But also bring your own signature flair. Understand both Nike’s and your own personal brand identities to find that sweet spot where you can authentically shine together.
Knowing a brand inside and out allows you to instantly understand the tone and attitude of a shoot. Do your Nike research and creatively immerse yourself in their image. When you embody everything Nike stands for, you become the ideal candidate to represent this iconic brand.
Taking Professional Modeling & Acting Classes
Aspiring Nike models should consider professional training to polish and perfect their skills. Taking targeted modeling and acting classes can provide that extra edge at castings and shoots. Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in specialized courses and workshops:
Classes teach you exactly how to walk properly on an elevated runway. You’ll learn how to exude confidence, follow choreography, pose at markers, smoothly turn, and engage the audience. Expert instructors provide feedback to correct bad habits and enhance your runway presence.
Acting workshops help you take direction for different facial expressions and model personas. You’ll gain insight on conveying various emotions through subtle shifts in gaze, posture and attitude. Mastering improv techniques allows you to seamlessly transition between moods and concepts during a photoshoot.
Specific courses can even teach you how to model athletic apparel and gear. You’ll learn techniques for making sports-related posing, jumping and gesturing look natural versus static. Showcasing clothing performance requires practiced skill.
Ongoing classes keep your modeling techniques fresh and evolving. Expectations and demands change rapidly in fashion. Staying up on the latest trends and industry knowledge is crucial. Connections made in classes can also lead to representation and bookings.
Investing in professional training displays your dedication and flexibility. It prevents you from developing stale habits or styles that can limit your bookings. With the right instruction, you’ll gain the poise and proficiency needed to be a top choice for major brands like Nike. Any edge helps when competing against hundreds of other models for the same jobs.
Signing with a Reputable Modeling Agency
Trying to break in as a model on your own can be very challenging. That’s why signing with an established modeling agency is critical for long-term success and landing major jobs like Nike campaigns. Here are some tips for getting signed by a top notch agency:
Do your research to identify the top agencies that work with Nike and have launched major modeling careers. Boutique agencies may give you more personal attention but larger firms have greater industry clout. Target agencies repping models with your look and athletic branding.
Evaluate if you meet an agency’s requirements for height, measurements, experience, etc. Some only accept candidates with existing modeling credits while others do model development. Choose agencies open to your level.
Submit your professional portfolio and comp card to agency scouts and booking directors. Attend open calls in major markets like New York, Miami and LA. Signing locally first can lead to national representation.
If offered, interview with agents to get a feel for their management style and roster. Ask questions about development opportunities, commissions, contracts, etc. A six month initial contract is typical. Ensure it’s a mutual fit.
Be prepared to start small doing tests and local shoots. Don’t get discouraged – take all opportunities to expand your portfolio and learn. Build your reputation as easy to work with.
Finally, trust your agency but also be business savvy. Learn about the modeling industry workings to protect yourself. Modeling alone won’t sustain you so have supplemental income.
The right agency helps guide your career, provides insider access to top clients like Nike, negotiates pay, and handles logistics. Do your due diligence to find the agency that can take you to the big leagues.
Building Your Modeling Social Media Presence
These days, developing your personal modeling brand and following on social media is a must. Strategically using platforms like Instagram can get you noticed by top brands like Nike. Here are some tips for building a strong social media presence as a model:
Curate an Instagram profile that looks professional yet gives fans a peek into your personality and modeling career. Highlight your best shots, behind the scenes looks, workout routines, and model life snippets. Show your human side too with candid moments among professional photos.
Leverage Stories and Reels to showcase more personality, motion, and different poses. Instagram’s algorithms favor video so utilize this format. Partner with photographer and videographer friends to create fresh original content. Stay on top of emerging social media features.
Strategically tag brands and key players you aspire to work with in relevant posts. Follow relevant hashtags to connect with the modeling community. Share user-generated content related to your pursuits.
Engage regularly with your growing following by responding to comments, doing Q&As, and rewarding loyal fans with follow backs or surprise giveaways. Build an authentic connection.
Avoid purchasing fake followers or spam tactics. Focus on organic growth and quality over quantity of fans. Measure engagement not just follower counts.
Lastly, let your true self shine through online. Nike wants unique personalities not cookie-cutter perfection. Social media allows you to stand out from the model pack if leveraged right.
Attending Modeling Castings & Auditions
Castings and auditions are a core part of the modeling process that can lead to big breaks if handled properly. Here are some tips for mastering model castings and auditions to get on Nike’s radar:
Research the client and campaign before attending so you understand the aesthetics, branding and physical requirements. Look the part by dressing accordingly and doing your hair/makeup in their style. Make a strong first impression.
Bring your professional modeling portfolio, comp card, and two forms of ID. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out paperwork and get settled. Greet clients and agents politely when introduced.
Listen closely to instructions and take direction without attitude. Be willing to try different poses, facial expressions, and style adjustments they request. Take cues confidently.
Walk naturally and avoid exaggerated runway walks unless asked. Show versatility to portray different characters and model types based on feedback.
Make respectful small talk if initiated but don’t dominate conversations. The focus should be on evaluating you, not getting to know you extensively. Be friendly yet professional.
Follow up after castings by sending a thank you note to reiterate your interest and fit. Provide additional portfolio images if requested. Avoid desperate-sounding follow up pitches.
Ultimately, focus on showing your work ethic, potential and flexibility versus just looking good. How you take direction is more important than nailing every pose. With the right attitude, castings can lead to big opportunities with Nike down the road.
Booking Smaller Gigs to Build Your Modeling Resume
Becoming a Nike model likely won’t happen overnight. Booking smaller local modeling jobs first allows you to build your resume and learn the ropes of professional modeling before joining the big leagues.
Start by signing up with local boutique agencies that can connect you with jobs in your area like photo shoots for smaller clothing brands, fitness ads, or promo work at events.
Consider creating your own modeling portfolio website or profiles on marketing sites like Model Mayhem. Reach out directly to aspiring photographers and designers in your area looking to collaborate.
Take any paying modeling gigs that seem relatively professional, even if the pay is low. Every published credit builds your resume. Test shoots help you work on skills and get images for your book.
Gain experience modeling different concepts like fashion, lifestyle, catalog, eCommerce, runway, and more. Apply feedback from each to strengthen versatility.
Consider unpaid jobs that offer great photography, exposure value, or chance to work with industry pros. Free shoots must still be professional productions, not sketchy.
Stay humble and positive when working smaller gigs. Build a professional reputation that will follow you when you breakthrough nationally. Don’t underestimate the value of starting local.
Any job provides learning, new network connections, portfolio additions, and another line on your resume. All modeling work helps position you for the next level up – like major brands such as Nike.
Practicing Self-Confidence, Drive and Professionalism
Beyond physical looks, Nike also seeks models with inner qualities like self-confidence, motivation, and professionalism. Cultivating these traits is just as important when pursuing major modeling gigs.
Boost self-confidence through positive self-talk, reading, and visualizations. Surround yourself with encouraging people who remind you of your strengths and potential. Work on building genuine self-esteem beyond just ego.
Commit to pursuing modeling goals with relentless ambition and determination. Persevere through rejections and obstacles that are part of the industry. Stay focused on your dreams and don’t take failures personally.
Remain humble and gracious when given opportunities. Don’t develop an entitled diva attitude. Kindness and good character also matter in modeling.
Learn to effectively handle direction and feedback on sets. Comport yourself professionally in all communications and on time for bookings. Build a stellar reputation.
Finally, recognize that confidence comes from competence. The more you practice and improve your modeling skills, the more self-assured you will feel on jobs. Allow yourself to be a work in progress.
Nike wants passionate, driven team players committed to the brand. By developing inner strength and professionalism, you position yourself as the total package model ready for leading brand partnerships.
Traveling & Moving Where Major Modeling Hubs Are
To model for major brands like Nike, you must be willing to move or travel to key fashion hubs where the work is. Top modeling markets include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Paris, and London among others.
Be open to relocating long-term once you sign with an agency in a major market. Moving to fashion hot spots like NYC or LA exponentially increases your booking chances versus staying in a small town. Embrace the growth opportunity.
If permanent relocation isn’t feasible, you may need to travel back and forth for castings, bookings, and agency meetings. Factor in transportation and hotel costs to your budget. Scheduling flexibility is also key.
Get to know each fashion city’s shooting locations, casting culture, model agent connections, and clients. Each market has its own unique style and flow. Immersing yourself is crucial.
During out of town gigs, stay focused on work with minimal socializing. Stick to modeling hot spots versus tourist attractions. Maximize networking opportunities at events, castings and sets.
If booked for international travel, research work permit, visa, and foreign income tax requirements. Handle business formalities promptly and legally. Follow safety precautions.
Lastly, appreciate the privilege of seeing new places and walking in fashion weeks abroad. Embrace the journey as part of the modeling experience.
Major brands cast talent locally, so be willing to hit the pavement in fashion capitals where icons like Nike seek new faces. Go where the action is!
Working Hard & Persevering Through Rejection
Aspiring to model for Nike or any major brand requires perseverance, hard work, and the ability to overcome rejection. This career path can be filled with nos before the yeses.
Remember rejection is part of the modeling process at every level. Don’t take it personally. Continue building your skills and portfolio until the right clients see your potential. Stay persistent.
Maintain confidence in yourself even when others don’t immediately recognize your talent. Allow constructive criticism to motivate rather than discourage you.
Develop a thick skin and don’t compromise your morals or health out of desperation for jobs. Be selective about the jobs you take to move your career forward.
Understand that overnight success is rare in modeling. Be prepared to start small and work your way up with patience and professionalism. Pay dues and invest in your growth.
Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you through tough times of rejection. Don’t isolate yourself when feeling low or defeated.
Stay inspired by reading success stories of models who overcame early obstacles. Remember your goals and why modeling matters to you.
Lastly, focus on enhancing your strengths rather than trying to fit cookie cutter industry ideals. Let your uniqueness shine through.
Major brands like Nike require tenacity and unwavering belief in your potential. Never give up on yourself or your modeling dreams.
Believing in Yourself & Letting Your Uniqueness Shine
When trying to make it as a Nike model, it’s important to balance believing in yourself while still taking direction and feedback. Here are some tips on maintaining self-confidence without coming across as entitled or difficult on professional modeling jobs:
Acknowledge that you DO deserve to be there. If Nike or another major client booked you, it’s because they saw potential. Give yourself credit without letting ego take over.
But also understand you have more to learn and room to improve. Stay humble, coachable, and open to guidance from photographers, stylists and clients.
Speak up professionally if asked to do something outside your comfort zone. But avoid diva behavior. There’s a right way to set boundaries.
Remember that modeling jobs aren’t just about you. Understand the broader vision and your role in serving the brand. Check ego at the door.
On the flip side, don’t be afraid to infuse your own style. Offer suggestions if you feel strongly about a pose or look. Find the sweet spot between direction and instinct.
Let aspects of your unique personality and viewpoint shine through in subtle ways. Brands want to work with real, relatable people.
Stay true to your core values and beliefs even when pressured. Compromising poorly can damage your reputation long-term. Know your lines.
By valuing your unique gifts while also taking others’ direction, you become the model talent brands like Nike seek – professional yet authentic, skillful yet humble.
Believing in Yourself and Never Giving Up
Aspiring to become a Nike model takes immense dedication and perseverance. You must believe in yourself and never give up on your dream. Here are some tips for maintaining motivation on this challenging yet rewarding path:
Visualize yourself succeeding. Continually imagine booking the Nike ad, walking their runway show, shooting their catalog. When you can see and feel yourself there, it becomes reality.
Look back at how far you’ve come already. Appreciate your growth and use challenges faced as evidence you can succeed. Reflect on wins.
Surround yourself with encouragers who remind you of your talent and potential. Avoid naysayers who plant self-doubt. Stay positive.
Remember why modeling matters so much to you in the first place. Reconnect with your passion and purpose. Let your “why” drive you.
Focus on your long-term vision versus short-term hurdles. Keep the bigger picture in mind during inevitable setbacks.
Take care of yourself mentally and physically to manage stress. Modeling is taxing work so self-care enables you to stay the course.
Learn from models you admire but avoid dangerous comparison traps. Appreciate their gifts and nurture your own. Own your path.
Lastly, know you have something unique to offer this industry. Share your gifts shamelessly and joyfully when given the chance.
With relentless belief in yourself and commitment to your abilities, you can achieve your ultimate dream of modeling for the iconic Nike brand.