Here at Contact, we believe that beauty has no age. We believe that it can be found in all shapes, sizes, and age groups. And yet, when it comes to selecting models, the fashion industry has traditionally tended to fixate on the narrow demographic of 18-30-year-olds. 

Thankfully, all that is changing. In recent years, the modelling industry has made some worthy strides toward becoming more inclusive, not just of race and body types but also age. Today, modelling isn't limited to the youthful - it can be done whether you're in your twenties or in your fifties. 

That said, although we're hopeful of the changes happening, we're also aware that entering the modelling industry as a mature model is a different experience entirely, with its own unique challenges. That's why we're working with Venus Apovo to give you some pointers for breaking into the industry as a mature model.

Venus Apovo is a 49-year-old model of Beninese heritage who was born and raised in Paris. She's been living in London for around 10 years and started modelling in 2017 at 45. Initially, she began modelling to have fun and break up the monotony of her 9-5 corporate career.

She had no prior experience nor fundamental knowledge of the industry but learned much of what she knows now through her mentor Antony Fitzgerald, a mature male model. In 2021, she started her blog Yes You Can Model Over 40 in which she shares her life experience alongside tips, thoughts, and ideas for breaking the age barriers for entry in both the modelling world and beyond.

Speaking with Contact on a live Q&A session, Venus points out five key tips for making it as a mature model. We took that advice and built on it with our own research to give you guidance on becoming a senior model.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, having a large, reliable network of fellow creative professionals can help you find work, stay updated on the latest news, discover inspiration, and learn about the industry. 

Coming into the field as a mature model, growing your own network may be daunting. After all, maintaining a thriving social network may be easier when you're in your twenties and have the time and energy to invest into it. It can be a much harder task when you're older and have other commitments, like a family or job, to look after. 

But, growing a network doesn't need to be as complicated or demanding as you might think. One of the best and easiest ways to find connections and establish a creative network is through social media. Social media revolutionised the networking space and forever changed how we connect with others, both professionally and personally. Today, finding connections can happen at the click of a button in the comfort of your home. 

If you're interested in growing your network through social media, you can find helpful pointers in our guide on using social media to promote your modelling career. 

Alternatively, if you prefer the more organic route, fashion events and parties are the best places to meet and connect with like-minded people in the industry. If you live in a large city, like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, these events are likely to pop up frequently - you just need to know where to look. Networking at fashion shows will help you get noticed and spot brands to work with.

Sites such as EventBrite will usually have a list of upcoming events that you filter by category, but you can also find events advertised on social media. Other times, certain brands may also advertise their events via a newsletter which you can easily sign up to. And remember, the more you grow your network, the more you'll find people who can introduce you to new events and opportunities.

For Venus, finding a mentor in Anthony Fitzgerald was essential to her learning the ins and outs of the industry. It can be pretty confusing breaking into the industry for the first time, knowing where to go or who to reach out to. So having that figure to guide you and show you the ropes can make all the difference and help boost your confidence. 

As you grow your network, you'll become acquainted with industry professionals and other older female models who may be happy to offer you some advice or mentorship. If you find someone you think has valuable experience that you could learn from, don't be shy to drop them a message introducing yourself and asking for pointers. They'll at least offer you a reply in most cases. 

But of course, we also understand that not everyone can have their own personal mentor. If you're struggling to find the right mentor online or in your network, don't worry. You can receive the same mentorship and learn the same things through online guides, forums, Youtube and blogs. 

Though many agencies today are starting to become more inclusive, model homogeneity remains an issue. Finding the right modelling agency to represent you will go a long way in improving your chances of finding work and growing your career. 

Several new agencies have popped up to exclusively cater to particular demographics, such as senior models. You'll likely have a better chance of breaking into the industry and fighting age discrimination through these than with the larger agencies. 

Another thing to remember is having the element of control. As a model, you don't want your work interfering with other commitments. Finding an agency where you have the flexibility to decide what and how much work you do will help you better manage your career's growth. 

You can also choose the more independent route by joining online platforms and communities like Contact. It's free to join. You get to choose who you work with and are protected by late payments and unethical working conditions. You can meet with other creatives to learn and grow together. An online platform could suit you better than an agency if you're looking for ultimate control and flexibility.

Modelling can be a demotivating profession. You're primarily judged according to how you look. You'll also likely have to compete with hundreds of other models for a job. Especially as an older model, it can be hard to not compare yourself to younger competitors. The industry hasn't always looked kindly upon mature models in the past.

And yet, if you're committed to starting your modelling career as a mature model, you can't let the past restrictions break your confidence. The industry is changing, and at the end of the day, you deserve to be at that casting just as much as any other person. This doesn't mean you won't face rejection - a widespread thing in this line of work. But, if you can learn how to handle that rejection effectively, it'll help you stay positive and motivated.

The main thing to remember is that it's not personal. The client will often have a specific image in mind of the kind of person they're looking for, and not fitting that image is no reflection on you. Just because you're not right for one job, doesn't mean you won't be right for the next. 

As a newcomer to the industry, the best way to show your modelling potential is through a portfolio. Usually, clients and agencies won't consider you unless you have a portfolio that indicates that you can work in front of a camera. 

One way to build your portfolio as a beginner is through "test shoots". A test shoot is an industry term for a photo shoot where a group of (mostly beginner) creatives - from photographers to models to hair and makeup artists - come together to produce work for each other's portfolios. Usually, there's no money involved, so it's a free and easy way to build up a body of work from scratch. 

Having a well put together portfolio that you can send to agencies and clients dramatically improves your chances of being optioned, and perhaps even selected, for a job. You can find out more on how to set up a test shoot in our piece on creative collaboration. 

So, is there an age limit to becoming a model? As Venus writes on her blog, "whatever your age, anything is possible." With the changes slowly taking place in the modelling industry, there's been no better time than now for mature models to take that step. If you're looking to find your big modelling break, remember these few pointers: 

Good luck!