Opening yourself up to the world of runway and editorial as a beauty professional is one of the most exciting experiences. It not only promotes your brand, it allows you to improve your skills and reach new heights. It may seem impossible to reach, but with a little time and effort, you can do anything!
Before you dive right in you need to fully understand the editorial and runway scene and how it operates. It can be very different than what we typically do day-to-day in our business
Editorial beauty involves creating looks for photo shoots that may appear in magazines, advertisements, or campaigns. Runway work, on the other hand, focuses on crafting impactful looks that complement designers’ visions during fashion shows. Each profession requires its own set of intricate skills that you must have before opening that door.
Building A Strong Portfolio
The first thing you need to do for yourself is to create a detailed portfolio containing all of your best and unique work. This is important because you need to catch the eye of certain people who could offer deals, jobs, or opportunities of a lifetime. Go big or go home here, be creative in the work you choose to include, and even how you choose to display it.
Don't freight, if you feel that you lack good material to include in your portfolio you can always engage in photoshoots on the side that allow you to practice your skills. Create an unpaid photoshoot event, and open it to any aspiring models to add the photos to their portfolio as well. You could even make this a collaborative event by partnering with a photographer, hair stylist, makeup artist, etc. This is a good way to scratch others' backs while they scratch yours and build connections in the industry.
Networking
As mentioned above, you need to network in the industry to create connections. The runway and editorial scene is all about knowing the right people, so ensure that you value these relationships, keeping up with them regularly.
You can simply look for networking connections through social media or in-person events you attend. Networking events are incredibly important to foster these connections as it shows the other person you have drive and care about your work. Meeting someone in person is the best way to solidify relationships with other professionals because you can have a face-to-face conversation showing emotion and gestures. It is sometimes hard to emote over messages with someone, so even if you meet them online always ask for an in-person meeting.
Pitch Yourself
In order to secure deals, partnerships, or jobs in the industry you have to be able to pitch yourself appropriately. You shouldn't let the offers come to you, you have to go out and get them yourself.
To do this you have to fully understand both the industry and the individual project you are pitching yourself for incredibly well. This ensures that you can answer any questions the person may have for you and that you can personalize your pitch to the situation. You also need to have a full understanding of yourself, how you work, and your skills so that you can showcase them to the people to whom you are pitching to.
It doesn't have to be a long pitch, nothing longer than two minutes, and it should summarize yourself, and why you want to be chosen for the offer. You can also come prepared with business cards, portfolios, or even resumes to further exemplify your worthiness.
Stay Consistent & Resilient
Breaking into the editorial and runway scene takes time and effort. Rejections are part of the journey, but each step—whether it’s a successful test shoot or a new industry connection—brings you closer to your goal.
Editorial and runway work can be both challenging and rewarding, offering a platform to push creative boundaries and work with some of the industry’s best. With a strong portfolio, a commitment to networking, and the willingness to start small, you’ll be well on your way to carving out a space for yourself in this exciting world.