How to become
a model
A plain guide to starting out in Canada: the photos and measurements agencies ask for, how to apply, how to spot a scam and how to get runway experience in Edmonton. You don't need professional photos or experience to apply.
- No experience needed to apply
- Natural photos, no makeup
- Never send nude photos
- C-Tribe castings: 18 or older
Runway experience in Edmonton
Walk in a C-Tribe x Fashion show
C-Tribe Society, the nonprofit that produces C-Tribe Festival, casts the models for its own runway shows. You apply to the fashion team directly, with or without an agency, and applying is free.
Models are paid. The rate depends on your experience and the details of each show, and hair, makeup and photos from the show are included. Models must be 18 or older on the day of the show.
- Apply for February 25
February 25 runway show
Thursday, February 25, 2027 · Open now. Apply by January 11, 2027
- Join the August casting
C-Tribe Festival runway shows
August 12-17, 2027 · Open now
Step by step
How to start modelling
1. Take your digitals
Agencies want simple, current snapshots, not a professional shoot. Use natural daylight, no makeup or very little, hair down and something form-fitting. Most ask for four shots: a close-up of your face, your face in profile, waist up and full length.
Source: Mode Models, Richard's Models, Dulcedo apply pages2. Know your measurements
Have your height, bust or chest, waist and hips ready, plus dress or clothing size, shoe size, hair colour and eye colour. Agency forms and the C-Tribe model form ask for the same set.
Source: Mode Models and Elite apply pages3. Apply to agencies online
Agencies take applications through forms on their own sites. Elite, for one, doesn't hold in-office open calls. Expect a wait: Mode Models says it reviews applications within two weeks.
4. Get on a runway
Open castings for shows, like C-Tribe x Fashion's, give you runway experience and photos without needing an agency first.
5. Treat it like a business
Freelance modelling income is self-employment income: report it on Form T2125. Once your sales pass $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters, you have to register for the GST/HST.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency
Where to apply
Modelling agencies in Canada
What each agency asks for, from its own application page. C-Tribe isn't affiliated with any of them.
- Edmonton and Calgary
Mode Models International
They ask for: Four photos (full length, waist up, close-up and profile), a short video with your name, age, location and height and a casual walk, and your measurements.
No experience or professional photos required. Edmonton office: 10217 106 St NW, Suite 301.
How to apply - Toronto
Sutherland Models
They ask for: A smiling close-up with little or no makeup and a full-length shot, in natural daylight, in something form-fitting.
Height guide: women and non-binary models 5'7" to 5'11", men 6' to 6'3". It never asks for lingerie or nude photos.
How to apply - Vancouver
Richard's International Model Management
They ask for: Four current snapshots in natural light without makeup: face close-up, face profile, full length and full-length profile.
Minimum height 5'8" for women and 6' for men. No professional or filtered photos, and it never asks for nude or lingerie photos or webcam interviews.
How to apply - Toronto
Elite Model Management
They ask for: Photos in form-fitting clothes with no makeup, large accessories or smiles, plus bust, waist, hips, height, shoe, hair and eye colour.
Applicants must be 18 or have written parental consent. No in-office open calls.
How to apply - Toronto and Montreal
Dulcedo Model Management
They ask for: Clear, current photos: face, profile, waist up and head to toe.
Its divisions include Mainboard, Commercial, Development, Direct, Curves and Social.
How to apply
Find your board
Kinds of modelling
Runway and mainboard
Fashion shows and editorial work. Agencies publish height guides for it, such as Richard's 5'8" minimum for women and 6' for men.
Men's modelling
Agencies run men's boards with their own height guides: Sutherland lists 6' to 6'3" and Richard's a 6' minimum.
Curve and plus size
Dulcedo runs a Curves division for curve and plus-size models. Ask each agency which boards it has.
Commercial and lifestyle
Advertising and brand work. Dulcedo lists Commercial and Richard's lists Lifestyle as their own divisions.
Stay safe
Modelling scam red flags
You're asked to pay
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's advice for any job: never send deposits or pay fees. ACTRA Alberta warns that an agency charging an exorbitant sign-up or administration fee is making money without finding you work.
Classes are a condition
ACTRA Alberta: agencies may offer classes and workshops, but you shouldn't be required to take them to be represented.
Suggestive or nude photos
Sutherland and Richard's both say they never ask for lingerie or nude photos. The Model Alliance says a request for suggestive photos is most likely a scam.
An offer you didn't apply for
The Anti-Fraud Centre flags job offers you never applied for and recruiters writing from a web-based email address instead of a company domain.
Promised income
The Competition Bureau warns about job offers that promise you a sure income.
A scout you can't confirm
Sutherland's advice: call the agency directly to confirm someone is really scouting for it.
In Alberta, employment agencies can't charge people a fee to find them work, but that rule excludes agents for performing artists, and we found no Alberta rule written for model agencies. When in doubt, don't pay, and ask the agency to put its fees in writing.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report a scam at 1-888-495-8501.
Official pageAlberta consumer protection
Report a rip-off at 1-877-427-4088 in Alberta (1-780-427-4088 from outside the province).
Official page
Watch
Scams and runways
From the Competition Bureau and Vancouver Fashion Week. Videos load only when you press play.
The Little Black Book of Scams: Job and Employment ScamsCompetition Bureau Canada on YouTube Empromo SS26 at Vancouver Fashion WeekVancouver Fashion Week on YouTube ALEX S. YU FW25 at Vancouver Fashion WeekVancouver Fashion Week on YouTube
FAQ
Becoming a model
Do I need professional photos to become a model?
What are digitals or polaroids?
Should a modelling agency charge me to join?
How tall do you have to be to model?
Can I model in Edmonton without an agency?
Your first runway
C-Tribe x Fashion casts its own runway shows in Edmonton. Models must be 18 or older.
Photo and video credits
C-Tribe photos are our own. Other photos are from Wikimedia Commons: Western Canada Fashion Week, gold gown by IQRemix, CC BY-SA 2.0; Western Canada Fashion Week, embroidered looks by IQRemix, CC BY-SA 2.0; LG Fashion Week runway by DARREN ST0NE, CC BY-SA 2.0. Videos are embedded from the organizers' YouTube channels.