Built to Empower

The CLAY+CODA

Model Incubator

Join Our Growing Community of Creatives

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We believe in developing models, not owning them. Our incubator is an independent, values-based program designed to support emerging talent through education, experience, and exposure — without traditional limitations.

We don’t require exclusivity.
We don’t take a percentage when models book work elsewhere.
We actively encourage and help individuals build careers beyond our brand.

Our models aren’t an afterthought — they’re the reason our fashion extension exists. Revenue from every fashion sale goes directly back into our model development programs. The more we grow, the more we can invest in training, mentorship, and expanding the cohort each season.

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Trade in Exchange for Tangible Value

While most work is trade-based, the return is immediate and real:

  • Professional campaign photos (styled and directed by our brand)

  • Unlimited digitals and comp card design

  • We pay for all runway, movement, and posture/pose training

  • We pay for Masterclasses and portfolio-building opportunities

  • Exposure that regularly leads to paid bookings elsewhere

  • Mentorship and creative direction from experienced professionals

  • We host private industry mixers, structured and vetted photography meetups, and creative passion projects with leading art, film, and hair/makeup professionals to connect our model team with people making waves.

This is not "unpaid work for exposure." This is an intentional development platform where the deliverables come first — and the results and community speak for themselves.

changing the status quo

A creators-first Ethos

We built this incubator to change the standard, not replicate it. Our program:

  • Makes expectations clear from day one

  • Offers opt-outs and role flexibility

  • Trains talent at no cost

  • Never charges for photography, media, or appearances

  • Offers paid opportunities at $75 an hour

  • Operates without clout, gatekeeping, or manipulation

  • Has helped multiple models go on to secure paid work and agency representation

We’re not here to profit off models. We’re here to prepare them — with care, not control.

Our income from fashion sales goes directly back into the incubator program.

Our model incubator

  • Each model cohort works with us for one season (roughly 6 months). During that time, you’ll participate in multiple campaigns, walk in a runway show, and complete several formal training hours. Our goal is to build you up in a bootcamp-style environment so that by the end of the season, you’re prepared to pursue freelance paid work or secure representation.

    The time commitment is flexible — some models are able to dive in more deeply than others, and that’s okay. We encourage you to take advantage of as much as you can, but please note that the runway show is the cornerstone of the program and the only mandatory requirement.

  • We recommend reviewing your agency contracts before applying to ensure there are no restrictions that would limit your ability to participate. CLAY+CODA works directly with individuals, not agencies. Whether you are represented or not makes no difference to us — our role is to be a resource for all models in our community.

  • We’re always looking to connect with new partners in photography, education, and beyond — and we’re happy to share forward any information on paid work. While we do extensive vetting, our process is highly collaborative.

    If your goal is to reach the broader modeling community (not just the CLAY+CODA team), you’re welcome to have your opportunities distributed through our Creative Dept. network of 200+ regional creatives. To share something with the group, email kimberli@claycoda.com.

  • Absolutely — images are for you to build your portfolio and promote yourself. Every cohort model receives unlimited “digitals” throughout the season, plus styled campaign photos, runway photos, and comp card design.

  • Absolutely nothing. We never take money from models. We also will pay for all fees associated with portfolio building such as class fees, photography fees, and design fees. You will never be charged a dime and we will never take money from you when we find you paid opportunities outside of our brand.

  • Yes, in certain cases. We pay $75/hour for what we consider “professional work” — images that are necessary to run our business but don’t serve the model’s portfolio (for example, white background product shots or cropped clothing photos). Because these don’t benefit you directly, we compensate you fairly for your time.

  • Our model incubator is fully funded by CLAY+CODA’s vintage fashion sales. Every purchase from our fashion line directly supports the program — covering campaign production, training hours, and media for the cohort. Instead of pocketing profits, we reinvest them back into the community so our models can build skills, portfolios, and networks without financial barriers.

  • We hold castings twice a year — once in July for the Fall/Winter season, and once in December for the Spring/Summer season. Each cohort lasts roughly six months, so new opportunities to join open every half-year.

We don’t charge models, ever. We designed a system that funds itself, so education stays free and the community grows stronger— because access creates opportunity.

— Kimberli Roth, CLAY+CODA Creative Director