How Do I Become a Magazine Model?

Get featured in magazine adverts – Become a Magazine Model with Kids on Camera

So, you’ve looked at a glossy fashion spread and thought, “That could be me” — or maybe your child lights up when the camera’s rolling. Whether it’s you or your little one, getting started in magazine modelling is more about confidence and connections than chasing a dream blindly. Here at Kids on Camera, we’ve been helping young South African talent break into print and screen work since 2000.

Let’s talk honestly about how to become a magazine model, the real steps it takes, and how our team can help you take those first proper steps into the world of clothing models, catalogues, and print campaigns.

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First: What Exactly Does a Magazine Model Do?

Magazine models are the faces you see in print ads, catalogues, fashion spreads, and editorial pieces. Think Drum Magazine, Edgars, Pep, and Jet — yes, we’ve had Kids on Camera talent feature in those. Whether you're holding a product, posing in new season clothing, or adding personality to a lifestyle shot, your job is to sell a vibe.

Most magazine models don’t need to be tall runway types. In fact, brands often want relatable, everyday South African faces — babies, kids, teens, and adults who can connect with readers. That’s where a smart agency relationship makes all the difference.

So, How Do I Become a Magazine Model?

This is the question we hear every week — and the good news is, you're not alone in asking it. The process isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency, guidance, and yes, patience. Here's how it generally works through Kids on Camera:

1. Register With a Trusted Casting Agency

Your first move should be finding a legit, well-connected casting agency. That’s exactly what we offer at Kids on Camera. We’ve built strong industry relationships with magazines and retail brands over the years — and that means we’re in the loop when modelling auditions in Johannesburg come up.

We work with companies like Telkom, Sunlight, PQ Clothing, Jet, and Dettol. Having your name on our books gets you in line when they ask us for faces that match their next print campaign.

Want to know how to get started? Give us a ring or contact us here — we’ll talk you through the simple registration process.

2. Get a Good Headshot (Or Let Us Take It)

Magazine modelling is a visual industry — obviously. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands on a portfolio shoot. A clean, natural photo that shows your face and smile clearly is often enough to get noticed.

If you're not sure what's needed, we’ll help guide you. During registration, we often take a few images ourselves to keep things simple. We’re after confidence, not Photoshop.

3. Training (Optional, But a Game-Changer)

Some people are natural in front of the camera. Others get nervous. That’s completely normal, and we offer training to help build confidence.

For just R200 (prices subject to change, make sure you get our updated rate), our optional presenting course gives you or your child the skills to stand out during auditions — whether for TV ads or photo shoots. Learning to take direction, hold posture, and stay relaxed can put you ahead of the pack. It’s also fun, and a great way for kids to test if this world is something they want to explore.

Want to boost your confidence before auditions? Enquire about our training course — it’s short, affordable, and worth every cent.

What Modelling Agencies Look for in Magazine Models

Whether it’s for Jet Models and other clothing brands or bigger magazines like Drum, agencies usually want real people with personality.

Here’s what they typically look for:

Clear skin, healthy hair, and expressive features
Confidence, not arrogance
Someone who can take direction on set
A natural, relaxed pose (we’ll help you practise this)

And for kids, it’s really all about being lively, photogenic, and easy to work with.

How Do I Become A Magazine Model? Model agency johannesburg Modelling auditions

Baby and Child Magazine Modelling

Yes — we also work with babies and toddlers! If you’ve got a little one who loves the camera, we’ve got connections with brands looking for sweet baby faces for nappy ads, clothing catalogues, and food products.

Check out our page on baby modelling agencies in Johannesburg for more info. It's a great starting point if your child is still in nappies but full of personality.

Some Questions We Get Asked A Lot

How Do I Find Modelling Auditions in Johannesburg?

You don’t — we do. That’s why being part of Kids on Camera is such a helpful move. We monitor casting requests daily, and when a brief comes through for a certain look or age group, we reach out to the right people on our books.

If you're signed up with us, you’ll be notified when your look is requested — no need to scroll endlessly on Facebook or unreliable casting pages.

We also keep an eye on South African movie auditions and feature film casting calls in Johannesburg — many of which also involve print ads and related campaigns.

What About Clothing Modelling for Retail Brochures?

Brands like Edgars, Jet, Pep and Ackermans often need kids and teens for seasonal catalogue shoots. These shoots are fun, quick, and an amazing way to build experience — plus, you usually walk away with great photos and a payment.

We’re proud to say many of our young talent have booked these kinds of campaigns through us. Want a real chance at these jobs? Take a look at modelling auditions for Edgars, Jet, Pep, and Ackermans brochures. You’ll see how it all connects.

What’s It Like on Set?

Magazine shoots can take a few hours or a whole day depending on the campaign. You’ll often work with stylists, photographers, and directors who are looking for specific emotions or energy.

Here’s the thing: They don’t just want a pretty face — they want someone who listens, adapts, and has a bit of spark. That’s exactly what we focus on when we prepare you during training or brief you before a shoot.

If you’re prepared, punctual, and polite, chances are you’ll be called back again and again.

What’s the Pay Like?

This varies. Some shoots pay a small stipend; others pay several thousand rand depending on the brand and how widely your face will be used. You’re paid per campaign, and sometimes for usage rights too (how long your image is used in a campaign).

It’s a great side gig and can turn into regular work if you prove reliable and versatile. The industry always needs fresh faces — and we’ve had young models come back to us year after year as they grow.

How Do I Know If I’m Ready?

The honest answer? You don’t need to be “ready” — you just need to start. The best way to figure out if magazine modelling is right for you or your child is to try it out. Join a few auditions, do a test shoot, maybe attend one of our short training sessions, and see how it feels.

Most people are surprised by how natural it becomes. And with a bit of support and guidance from the right people, it stops feeling intimidating very quickly.

Still wondering how do I become a magazine model? Reach out today via our contact page and let’s have a chat — no pressure, just real advice from someone who’s been in the industry for years.

Thoughts from the Casting Floor

We’ve been doing this since 2000, and here’s what we know: magazine modelling in South Africa isn’t just for the few — it’s wide open for anyone who’s willing to show up, learn, and stay consistent.

Kids on Camera is here to help you navigate every step of the way — from clothing model auditions to getting cast in TV commercials and print campaigns. Whether you’re just curious or ready to register, we’re here for it.

Let’s make something happen.

What Our Clients Say

I am very impressed with how fast your agency sourced auditions for my son Asante. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Lerato Rikhotso

Once again thank you, I really appreciate it is not long she registered with you but she started to work already. I'm positive that more work is coming for her and she really enjoys it.

Judith

Hi Natasha, just updating you about the audition you sent us to on Saturday for Oreo. It went well & hopefully will hear from them and thank you so much for the hard work you do.

Pule Mnikathi

This is Thato Rakhatoes mother, I saw the PQ catalogue with Thato in it. I am so happy and I want to thank you.

Palesa Rakhatoe

Morning Tash, thank u so much for landing me that job. It was an amazing experience getting to meet new people and interacting with them.

Claudia Manhique

Our Clients

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Disclaimer

Kids on Camera cannot guarantee work but we will try to send your child to auditions. It is up to them to get the job. Please be aware that registering with an agency is no guarantee of modelling/casting work. The agency is usually approached by companies looking for models. If the company chooses your child, you will be called. Your registration with the agency does not mean that you will receive any money unless your child is used in an advert.