Being a model is not about how pretty, how tall you are or how thin you are. Today’s advertising and marketing world seeks models of many different shapes, ages and sizes. Whether you have a specific niche like hand modelling or are interested in catalogue work, commercials or high fashion, there are many jobs available for people who have what it takes and are willing to work hard.
If you are considering becoming a model, you must work very hard. Being a model is a job and like all jobs you will have to learn how to do the very best that you can do. Modelling is a very rewarding job and is fun, you will make great friends and experience many exciting things. However you must be willing to make many sacrifices. You will work long hours in the studio or on location. Jobs can be few and far between while you are getting established, and you may have to take part-time jobs and learn other skills.
In order to be successful you have to be:
Professional:
Being professional means that you are on time, that you are courteous and get along well with your co-workers. When you come to work, you are ready to work.
Dedicated:
Being dedicated means that you apply all of your energy to your work. You maintain excellent personal grooming, you have a polished and well put together portfolio, and you work with professionals and have a respected agent represent you.
Healthy:
Working long hours and being on your feet is hard work. You must take care of your health. Eating properly and exercising will help you to build the stamina that modelling entails. Staying out late, drinking heavily and partying before a job is not only unhealthy, it is very unprofessional. As a model you become the ‘face’ of the products you represent and as such you must be a good role model.
Self-Awareness:
Not only is good posture important, you will also need to know how you look from different angles. You can practice walking, poses and different facial looks in the mirror and get as many photo shoots as you can.
Resilient:
It is important that you accept that when you are applying for modelling jobs you will be rejected many times. You cannot take this rejection personally, you have to be resilient and maintain healthy self-esteem. Even if people tell you ‘no’, just smile and say thank you and keep following your dream.
Simple:
Keep yourself very simple. Do not cut your hair into an extreme hairstyle or vibrant colour. Wear very little make-up and wear elegant form fitting clothes. When you go see clients they do not want to see you dressed up to go clubbing. They want to see your natural beauty, and see how they may be able to use your physical assets and energy for their project.
Be Business Minded:
When you are a model, you are your own product. By being professional, dedicated, healthy, self-aware, resilient and simple you are doing the right things to take care of yourself and present yourself well.
Modelling is a tough career choice, many people in society view models as harmful role models who are too skinny and silly. We know this is not true. We also know that if you have dreams of being a successful model you can make them a reality. Being true to yourself and working with professionals is the best way to get started.
