Model Career Information
Rehearse your winning speech and get ready for fame, money and glory… Make no mistakes modeling is a tough business. Contrary to popular perception it's not just about looking pretty day in and day out. As an aspiring model you would be making innumerable rounds of advertisement agencies and model coordinators for work.
What a Model does
All this only after you get yourself a nice portfolio of pictures. Apart from keeping aside a hefty sum of money (anything between Rs 15000-40000) you first have to choose a good photographer. How do you do that? We'll tell you.
First of all inquire around you, to decide which one suits your budget and look. Go by word of mouth. Avoid 'portrait photographers' as they don't understand the need of the fashion industry.
Make sure you take a look at the photographer's portfolio. Do you like it? Is this what you want your pictures to look like?
Always, take a friend along.
Remember to be smiling throughout the shoot; you never know when you'll manage to get a free picture or an extra roll done at no extra cost!
Most photographers work with their own dress designer and makeup man, though this might turn up to be an expensive proposition. But there are some who will let you get your own set of clothes and do your own hair and makeup. Consider getting a few extra clothes (just in case you get that extra shoot!)
Before you go for the shoot practice your style and pose in front of the mirror. Most photographers have a tight schedule and would be impatient if you go unprepared.
Job Opportunities: Did we tell you that modelling is not a job? Well, it's a lifestyle. You could start off as a freelancer. It therefore, becomes very important that you make and maintain the right contacts.
Your clients would include:
• Advertising Agencies
• Corporate Film Makers
• Film Producers
• TV Programme Makers
• Event Organisers
• International Agencies
• Fashion Designers & Institutes
• Music video makers
Career Prospects:
Modelling is a short-lived career and not a steady one. You must have the ability to reinvent yourself. Most models pursue a second line of interest, which they could fall back on later stage. Take Gautam Kapoor for instance, who launched his own line of clothing by the brand name Gomzi.
Or Meher Jesia who launched her own model co-coordinating agency called Face One. Of course you could choose the next best option of joining Bollywood, which seems to be the trend now.
Winners of beauty contests, in particular the Miss India contest, are also expected to sign a contract with the sponsoring company as a part of their acceptance of the title and thus have their careers laid out for them.
For a good break you got to have a strong portfolio of pictures in various moods and outfits. Consider this as a sound investment, as its quality can make or break your career.
And last but not the least, never ever take rejection as failure. If one client rejects you there will be ten others who would want you to work with you. Keep trying and never give up. Follow your instincts.
Abilities & Traits Required
Finding out if you are cut out to be model can be both daunting as well as simple. You have to be 100 per cent true to yourself. Though this field asks for no special qualifications this is what you got to have:
• The definition of beauty in this field is relative. What you must have is a photogenic face, a proportionate figure and a terrific personality.
• Good height is essential, especially in ramp modelling
• Extrovert and expressive
• Well groomed physique and personality
• Uninhibited by crowd
• Flamboyant and confident
• Photogenic
• Poise
• Excellent communication skills
• Healthy lifestyle
• Ability to travel alone
Most models start off young - as early as 16. The best measurements for a female model are 5'9", 34b bust, 24" waist, 34" hips. If you are within one inch of these measurements you will be very versatile to model almost anything. Ramp models are typically 5'7" to 6' tall and an extremely thin size with 32-35" bust, 22-25" waist and 33-36" hips. Male models should ideally be around 6” tall.
Qualifications
No Degree or Diploma is required for this career. However, there are short term courses available.
Salary
So you actually waited till you got here. Good.
The models on the ramp are the best paid. In the beginning it is Rs 5,000 per show. But once you are famous, you may charge anything between Rs. 20000 - 100000 per show.
What's more, once you have established yourself in the field you can command as much as Rs 50000 or more for a single fashion show or shoot. The top models charge a cool Rs 100000 for a show, Rs 500000 for a print or television campaign.