- Liliane Ferrarezi
5 Signs That Reveal If You Have the Potential to Be a Model
Before I started my modeling career, I remember exactly how I felt: curious, full of excitement, but also with so many doubts. Did I have the right profile? Was it worth giving it a try?
Everything began when I sent my photos to participate in a major modeling competition. I was lucky (and let’s be honest, also at the right place at the right time) to win the national stage and represent Brazil in the world final, where I came in second place.
Even with this incredible result, nothing was guaranteed. The fashion world is unpredictable, and these insecurities remain part of the journey for many aspiring models even today.
In my case, everything happened very quickly. About a month after the final, I was already on a plane to New York to start my career there. But that’s not the reality for most people. Usually, the process takes longer, with many steps and challenges along the way.
That’s why I created this article with 5 signs to help you understand whether you have the potential to follow this path. Below, you’ll also find a video where I explain everything visually. And if you want to go even deeper, keep reading—I share personal stories, practical tips, and guidance that go beyond what’s in the video.
How Do You Know If You Have the Potential to Be a Model?
Many girls ask me: “Liliane, do I really have what it takes to be a model?”
The truth is there’s no single formula, but some characteristics help a lot:
Having a profile aligned with market demand
Showing authenticity
Having expressive eyes
Demonstrating confidence
Feeling comfortable in front of the camera
Let’s break each of these down to understand how they influence a modeling career.
Sign 1: A Profile the Market Is Looking For
When I started my career, people used to say you had to be 1.80m tall to be a model. I’m 1.75m myself, and still walked for brands like Prada, Miu Miu, and Hermès. That taught me early on that the “ideal” profile isn’t set in stone.
The fashion industry is far more dynamic than it seems and is constantly evolving. Today, there’s room for different beauty standards—from high fashion to commercial, digital, and lifestyle campaigns.
The most important thing is to understand what your profile communicates and how it connects with different types of work. Not every model needs the same measurements or career path. The secret is knowing where your style fits best and bringing authenticity to every opportunity.
Exercise:
Choose three brands from different categories:
High fashion (e.g., Prada, Dior)
Commercial (e.g., department store brands or e-commerce)
Urban/Digital (e.g., social media campaigns with street style or influencers)
Create a visual mood board with recent campaigns and study the types of models they feature. Reflect: Which style best matches your profile? What aspects of your image could you highlight for that segment?
Sign 2: Authenticity
Authenticity is something no course can teach. It’s about feeling comfortable being yourself, without pretending or copying others.
At the beginning of my career, I often mimicked other models’ poses. But over time, I realized my unique way of being in front of the camera was what truly caught people’s attention.
Brands and photographers increasingly value realness. It can be a shy smile, a clumsy way of moving, or even a serious expression with natural intensity. Authenticity resonates because it’s human—and that’s what makes you memorable.
Liliane’s Tip: Instead of forcing yourself into molds, pay attention to what people appreciate most about you when you’re being natural. That’s often your strongest asset.
Sign 3: Expressive Eyes
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice in photos and castings. Unlike poses or clothes, they reveal emotions.
An empty or disconnected look can ruin a photo, no matter how perfect the rest is. On the other hand, a look that expresses emotion can turn a simple photo into something powerful.
When I started modeling, people said my eyes were my strength. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just about genetics—it was about presence, about truly being there, feeling, expressing without words.
Quick exercise: Study fashion campaigns and focus on the models’ eyes. Then try to recreate those emotions in front of the mirror. The camera can sense the difference when you feel it, not just fake it.
Sign 4: Confidence
Confidence is what keeps you going through auditions, rejections, and opportunities.
Unlike technical skills that come with experience, confidence comes from self-awareness—knowing your worth even when things feel uncertain.
In my journey, I had moments of self-doubt, just like everyone else. But what kept me going was remembering why I started and what I believed in.
Confidence shows in your posture, energy, and the way you enter a room.
Signs you’re confident:
You don’t constantly compare yourself to other models
You can take feedback without feeling crushed
You walk into castings with positive energy and posture
Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s believing in what makes you unique, even when others don’t see it yet.
Sign 5: Presence in Front of the Camera
The camera captures more than your looks. It feels your energy.
Having presence is about being in the moment, allowing yourself to be authentic in every frame.
Some models are stunning but freeze when the camera clicks. Others might be shy new faces yet captivate everyone because they let themselves be seen.
Presence comes with practice and self-awareness.
Practical exercise: Record a 1-minute video of yourself just looking at the camera—no poses, no talking. Watch it back: When did you seem most comfortable? When did you feel the connection?
Do You See Yourself in These Signs?
Every model has a unique story. While these signs can help identify your potential, what truly matters is being open to self-discovery and giving yourself the chance to try, even with doubts.
If you see yourself in any of these signs, maybe this is the moment to take the next step.
At Linea, we believe in building careers with respect, transparency, and support. Send us your photos, we’ll evaluate your profile and guide you forward.
Who knows? Your story might begin with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certain height?
No. Height helps in some segments, but it’s not a strict requirement.
Can shy people become models?
Yes. Many successful models started shy and gained confidence with experience and guidance.
What’s the ideal age to start?
There isn’t one. There are opportunities for young, adult, and even senior models.
What kind of photos do agencies want for scouting?
Simple photos, natural lighting, minimal makeup. They want to see the real you.
Liliane Ferrarezi is an international model and co-founder of Linea Models. With a career spanning global campaigns and renowned runways, she now dedicates her experience to guiding new talents in the fashion industry.
