Most aspiring models and actors waste years doing the wrong things.

They pay for expensive headshots before they know their look. They go to open calls without understanding what agents actually want. They take random acting classes but have no idea how to get in front of casting directors.

Here's what I've seen actually work for beginners:

1. Know your type before anything else.

Agencies aren't looking for "versatile" beginners. They want to know exactly what category you fit — commercial, editorial, theatrical. Your entire strategy changes based on the answer.

2. Your first headshot doesn't need to be perfect — it needs to be clear.

A simple shoot with natural light and a clean background beats an expensive studio session where you don't know how to pose yet. Get reps in first.

3. The audition is practice, not the goal.

Most beginners treat every audition like a make-or-break moment. Professionals treat it like another rep. Volume and consistency beat waiting to get lucky.

4. Agents are looking for coachability, not perfection.

Your attitude in emails, how quickly you respond, how you take feedback — all of it matters before you're even in the room.

If you're 16-25 and just starting out, the gap between you and a signed model or actor is mostly just access to the right information. That's what The Runway Academy is for.