Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Pose • Mother Agency • Model Release

Tear Sheet

Term from Modeling industry explained for recruiters

A tear sheet is a page or image "torn" from a magazine, catalog, or advertisement that shows a model's published work. It serves as proof of a model's professional experience and is an essential part of their portfolio. Think of it like a work sample or published credential that models use to show potential clients where they've appeared in print. The term comes from literally tearing pages from magazines, though nowadays these are often digital scans or PDFs. When reviewing resumes, you might also see it written as "tearsheet" or "tear-sheets."

Examples in Resumes

Featured in Elle Magazine editorial spread (see Tear Sheet)

Collection of Tear Sheets includes work for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire

Professional portfolio includes Tearsheet from national Target campaign

Typical job title: "Models"

Also try searching for:

Fashion Model Commercial Model Print Model Editorial Model Catalog Model Advertisement Model

Where to Find Models

Industry Networks

Professional Resources

Example Interview Questions

Experienced Model Questions

Q: Can you explain your most significant tear sheets and the campaigns they represent?

Expected Answer: An experienced model should be able to discuss their major publications, describing the brands, magazines, or campaigns they've worked with and what made these shoots successful.

Q: How do you organize and present your tear sheets to potential clients?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of both physical and digital portfolio organization, understanding of which tear sheets are most relevant for different types of jobs, and how to present them professionally.

Mid-Level Model Questions

Q: What types of tear sheets do you have in your portfolio?

Expected Answer: Should be able to show a variety of work including different styles of photography, various products or brands, and explain how they've grown their portfolio over time.

Q: How do you obtain copies of your tear sheets from publications?

Expected Answer: Should understand the process of working with photographers, magazines, and agencies to obtain proper copies of their published work for their portfolio.

Beginning Model Questions

Q: Do you understand what a tear sheet is and why it's important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that tear sheets are published examples of their modeling work and why they're important for building a professional portfolio.

Q: How are you planning to build your collection of tear sheets?

Expected Answer: Should show understanding of working with photographers, pursuing test shoots, and seeking opportunities that could lead to published work.