The potential market for models is enormous. Models
wear, use, or pose with products to display and advertise them.
We are most familiar with Print (Photographic) models who pose for
pictures that appear in magazines, newspapers, or catalogues. Their
pictures appear on magazine covers, in magazines and on billboards.
Fashion Models work for clothing manufacturers, dress designers,
department stores or design studios. They model in formal fashion
shows or informally in private showings. To the accompaniment of
music they walk, twirl and turn on a ramp or catwalk before a live
audience to give the fullest view of designs (apparel, jewellery,
footwear, and other accessories) worn.
Commercial (Television) models appear on filmed commercials showcasing
consumer goods. When the commercials require speaking lines, the
models may need acting talent.
The advertising and fashion industries are the two platforms for
a model. The fashion industry offers models the opportunity of photographic
work and ramp modelling. Very often models do both types of work.
Those who have worked as ramp models do not have a problem with
the photographic medium but the reverse may not be true. Ramp modelling
is more demanding when it comes to skills and attributes and one
has to be comfortable with the direct interaction and fast reactions
required for the catwalk.
Models work in all kinds of environments and settings, frequently
under uncomfortable conditions. They may 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. The need
to follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise can interfere
with a normal social life.
The skill set
To succeed as a model, one must be seriously committed, willing
to work at it on one's own time, live a healthy life style, etc.
Ramp modelling demands freshness, vitality, youthfulness and vibrancy
normally associated with youth. Although many female models continue
to do well for themselves even into their late twenties, the average
age slot is 17-25 years for ramp modelling. Male models tend to
have a longer tenure but a lot depends upon the quality of new talent
coming in. A model would need to remain slim, healthy and well-groomed.
A certain level of maturity that comes with age and /or experience
is useful.
Women need to be around 5' 6" and above in India but internationally,
5' 8" is more the minimum requirement. For men, the ideal height
could be above 5'10" and internationally 6' and above. The camera
"adds" at least ten pounds to the physical appearance, so photographic
and television models are usually thinner than those in fashion
shows.
Academic qualifications for becoming a model have not emerged yet
anywhere in the world .Models on the catwalk usually have a short
active spell. So, professional/academic qualifications when added
to the glamour and celebrity status of modelling can translate into
benefits of alternative careers after modelling years are over.
Ramp modelling calls for typical statistics of height, shape and
deportment, but the not-so-ideal shapes and figures can enter photographic
modelling to portray characters suited to a product or campaign.
When photographs are the medium of projecting the image entirely
for editorial publications, TV commercials, advertising catalogues,
etc. then 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/product and acting ability.
Models should appear poised, energetic and dynamic, possess self-discipline
and work well with others. They need optimism and the spirit to
keep trying in this highly competitive career.
Entry Routes
Courses in modelling and grooming are common in some cities today
but models tend to be born rather than trained. Preparation for
a career in modelling tends to involve developing the right attitudes
and characteristics. Courses in art, fashion, beauty, music, dance
and drama in school/college can be helpful. Finishing schools can
help to develop poise, help to learn grooming, proper deportment,
etc.
Modelling 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.
Models need a portfolio which is a collection of photographs and,
perhaps, a video, to prospect for openings. The photographer, photography,
printing and video costs may add upto around Rs 20,000/- or more
depending upon the level of professionalism one can afford. Modelling
schools/ agencies/ coordinators may include compiling a portfolio
as part of their services for those who sign up.
Beauty contests, modelling competitions by fashion magazines and
newspapers or talent search through television are typical entry
routes rather than formal training.
Prominent Institutions
[Listing is indicative, not exhaustive]
Prospects
Modelling demands a lot of discipline. Socialising is important
for models but must be handled with care and intelligence. Models
should read widely for keeping themselves updated so that you can
converse sensibly with the people they meet in the course of their
assignments. Getting proper and adequate rest, eating regular, balanced
meals, getting enough fresh air and exercise are important to remain
fresh and rejuvenated for the demands of modelling. It is important
to keep abreast of trends in fashion, cosmetics, grooming and styling.
Maintaining ties with close friends and family helps one to remain
grounded to the world outside of fashion, advertising and modelling.
While models attract a lot of media attention and are being well
paid and getting more work opportunities, there is still a lack
of professionalism. Modelling agencies are still few and far between.
With the entry of Elite Model Management and Matrix, etc. newcomers
can use the backing of an agency to launch themselves into modelling
and be professionally guided. As user industries such as fashion,
advertising and retail grow and mature, professional model management
will become accepted.
Although opportunities abound in modelling, the competition is fierce
and success is rare. Typically, modelling 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.
