Career in modeling

The upsurge in ad and fashion industry has made modeling a glamorous and lucrative profession. Today it is the most sought after career options for youngsters in India. It has generated a large and continuing demand for fresh faces and personalities to launch and promote a variety of branded products or show a garment to its best advantage. 

Models have tremendous opportunities in advertising and fashion industries. The fashion industry offers models the opportunity of photographic work and ramp modeling. Ramp Models work for clothing manufacturers, dress designers, department stores or design studios. They model in formal fashion shows before a live audience to give the fullest view of designs (apparel, jewellery, footwear, and other accessories) worn. Photographic models pose for pictures that appear in magazines, newspapers, or catalogues. In advertising industry, Television models appear on filmed commercials showcasing consumer goods.

It's a great career that can provide a good income and lots of interest! But it involves a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to be successful in this field.

Modeling is a short-lived career. Moreover success is not guaranteed; hence it is advisable to keep a viable alternative in a related field. Further, stress factor is high and the hours are erratic. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

Qualifications 

It is a profession where educational qualifications become insignificant and physical attributes and personal qualities assume importance.

Aspiring models can approach modeling agencies with the portfolio of their recent photographs. Once chosen these agencies groom models and help choose assignments. They can also pass their portfolio to fashion magazines, garment manufacturers, advertisement agencies and others in the industry. This might require hi-profile contacts in the industry. Another way to enter this field is to participate in beauty pageants, modeling competitions by fashion magazines and newspapers or talent search through television.

Learning the ropes of modeling is, largely, an on-the-job affair. However, training and guidance is now being provided by several courses in modeling. These courses help in developing the right attitudes and characteristics. Modeling schools/ workshops can help prospective models develop confidence and poise. They can practice moves and graceful poses on a ramp and in front of cameras.

Skills / Characteristics

Female modeling aspirant needs to be at least 5'9” tall. As for men, the ideal height is 6' and above.

Ramp modeling demands freshness, vitality, youthfulness and vibrancy. The average age slot is 17-25 years. Male models usually tend to have a longer tenure. Models need to live a healthy lifestyle and follow strict routines of exercise and diet to maintain their working weight.

In photograph modeling a photogenic face emoting effortlessly in front of the camera is more important than the ideal physique or physical beauty. Models for commercial television should have the capacity to understand and appreciate the nature and extent of emoting required for the campaign and acting ability.

Working as a model can often mean being on your feet all day. You may be required to work in all kinds of environments and settings, frequently under uncomfortable conditions. You may have to pose outdoors wearing out-of-season clothing, hold an awkward position for up to 30 minutes, or stand and walk continuously without showing signs of strain.

Career Options

Models can choose from the following areas of work:

• Still modeling for press ads, brochures, calendars, catalogues etc.
• Audio-visual modeling for TV and film.
• Ramp modeling for live fashion shows
• Showroom modeling for garment manufacturers, export houses etc.

Although opportunities abound in modeling, the competition is fierce and success is rare. Typically, modeling careers are brief. Models can, however, move on into related careers like fashion designing or consulting, fashion merchandising, photography, anchoring television shows or acting. Those who have done business administration courses can prepare to own or manage schools or agencies.

Remuneration

The amount of money paid to models depends largely upon how prestigious the show is and who the organizers are. An established model earns anything between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per fashion show. Low budget shows pay models somewhere around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. Print ads pay according to the number of photographs used. Magazines and billboard advertisements also pay well. Reputed magazines pay around Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per photograph.