Hello, MM!
It's been awhile. I haven't modeled since I was 16 and I'm just picking up again and looking to start on a portfolio.
Any tips and ideas welcome. I am eager to start learning and getting started!

Welcome back, Chelsea.

If you haven't already done so, you might take a look at the pinned threads in this forum for some good tips.

Welcome to the Mayhem

Good ways to network are on the banner bar at the top of all MM pages: browse, castings, and forums.

Browse for photographers in your area and leave comments on images you like, send a friend request (click on heart icon on profile page) or private message (click on envelope icon on profile page in the upper right corner - mouse over the icons for a description). Start a list of photographer's photos that you think are top notch for photographers in your area. This can become something of a Rolodex. Make sure that you select the Advanced Options and select an appropriate Logged in within:. I typically use 30 days, but you may want people who respond faster. Otherwise you will get photographers who haven't logged in in over a year. There are a lot of inactive accounts.

Post an availability notice letting people know that you are available (under the castings tab). You are announcing your availability to work on other people's projects. This is for when you want to charge other people money. You can offer trade as well.

Search for Casting Calls in your area based on criteria you select. Post a Casting Call letting people know about an idea you have and want to put into a work of art. This is for when you are willing to pay other people. You can offer trade as well.

Search or Post Casting Calls and Travel/Availability Notices
Official Casting Call Rules - Read
Find the talent and resources you need on Model Mayhem

Make an announcemnet. Look on the front page for members offering comments for comments, and comment on their photos. Also make an announcement yourself.

Post a bulletin by going to My stuff > bulletins. Friends can see the bulletins you post.

Be active in the forums, but avoid trolls who start threads just to watch the ensuing flame war. Avoid threads that beat the over GWC's, flakes, escorts, ..., etc. Use the forum search to look for posts on your topic. Make positive constructive comments. Whenever you get published, add some new photos, or accomplish anything in general, post an announcement in the Accomplishments, Achievements and High Fives forum. When people see your forum post the first thing they see is your avatar. It has to be interesting enough for them to want to click on it and look at your portfolio.

Share your other accounts on the Social Media User Name Sharing Thread.

Rinse and repeat.

Good luck in your search!

MM EDU Articles
Avoiding Scams: The Basics
PM Flagging: A how-to guide
How to use Model Mayhem privacy options
How to Upload Photos from Your Mobile Device
New Travel & Availability Notices
Automated Casting Call Alerts
MM feature: Credited Photos
How to format text on your profile
How to network on Model Mayhem
How to attract people worth working with
How to use the Model Mayhem forums
Model Safety
How to embed images on your profile

Modeling Scams

Thoughts for newer models seeking to go full-time:

New Models.

The Self-Made Model: Success Without Agencies

The "Ugly" Girl's Guide to Modelling

Thoughts of a Hobbyist Model

3rd list Mentor in Modeling

New theLIST & Top Drawer help Newbie Models

MM FAQ

And of course you must memorize this entire list MM Smiley List

Welcome to the site.

Hello & Welcome to MM.