Your main goal as a model is finding work. There are two general approaches that you can take to finding work as a model. You can either work with an agent or agency or you can promote yourself. Once you figure out your approach you can then take the steps to finding work as a model. When you choose to work with an agent or agency they are the one that finds you jobs and get you in contact with possible jobs. They will arrange your marketing materials and promote you. The benefit here is that they have contacts established within the industry and may already have a working relationships with people who will hire you. Of course, most agents or agencies will not just represent you, so you are competing to be the one they are pushing for the jobs.
When you work for yourself you are in control. The downside here is that you have to find work for yourself. You have to promote yourself and do all the leg work necessary to market yourself. This includes putting together all your marketing tools. When you are just starting it can be difficult to make connections and start getting jobs.
If you choose to work on your own then you will need to put together your marketing materials.
Start With Photos
Photos are going to be your main sales tool. Next to your personality, you photos will be the main deciding factor in whether you get hired or not. You can use black and white photos, but make sure you also have colored photos.
Your photos need to be high quality and professional. You also will need a head shots and full body shots. Try to get some various poses and types of photos so you can show your range as a model.