Careers in Modelling

Modelling today has become one of the most sought after career options for youngsters in India. This is one of the most thrilling as well as lucrative profession, it attracts males and females equally, though there was a time when females dominated the field. With the expansion of consumerism and media there has been a fabulous boost in the ad industry. This along with upsurge in fashion industry have made modeling an attractive career option. 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.

Modelling is, undoubtedly a glamorous field which offers tremendous opportunities to travel and meet various classes of people. Moreover once established it is a highly paid job. Even with all these plus points it involves lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to be successful in this field. It is a highly competitive and short- lived career. Further, stress factor is high and the hours are erratic. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

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

Modelling are of various types. The modelling can be broadly classified into ramp modelling, television modelling and print modelling.

Eligibility

Eligibility: There is no specific qualification or age limit to enter into this field. First step for making an entry is to prepare a portfolio. This consists of a series of photographs taken by a professional photographer. The portfolio can then be shown to an advertising agency, a model co-ordinating agency providing suitable models according to requirements, or a fashion designer. Another way to enter into this career is to apply for the contests sponsored by magazines, cloth manufactures, cosmetic companies etc and participating in beauty pageants.

There are no set standards of training in this area, and models are usually expected to learn on the job. A beginning for training in this field has been made by ex-models who have set up training schools, however it is restricted mainly to Delhi and Mumbai.

Training programs includes instructions on beauty care, make-up, hair styling, diet and exercise, how to walk and carry yourself elegantly and so on. These training programs include guidance on how to make a contract and other technicalities. Guidance on making a portfolio also forms a part of such training programs.

Personal attributes:

Main attributes required to become a model is a good and healthy complexion, and lustrous hair. Models should be tall, fashion industry criteria for best models are 5'7" to 6' or 6' plus. For a man, height should be 6' or 6' plus and he should be muscular. Being photogenic is the single most important quality to have for a model. Apart from this good knowledge of acting, camera friendly attitude and a great amount of self confidence will reward success in this profession. They must also be open to criticism.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Job prospects

There is no dearth of jobs in modelling these days. Job prospects are available to models :

• In product advertising

• Featuring in music videos

• Doing live fashion shows

• Showroom displays or garment fairs

• Opening a school for models

• Setting up a model co-ordinating agency

• Acting in television programmes or films

Career options

Modelling can be mainly classified into Television modelling, Print modelling/Still modelling, Ramp modelling/live modelling, Show room modelling, Advertising modelling etc.

Television modelling: This involves modelling before the Movie camera, to be used for Television commercials, cinema, video, internet etc. Modelling for video or films often includes some acting or dance and is mostly conducted on location. To make a successful television model you need a flair for acting.

Print modelling: Models generally pose for still photographs, to be utilized in the press advertisements, brochures, magazines, catalogues, calendars etc. Models for print media have to work along with ad agencies and photographers.

Show room modelling: As per the name it take place in the showrooms. Models work generally for the exporters, garment manufacturers and the big garment retailers to display the latest trends of fashion to the buyers.

Ramp or catwalk modelling/Live modelling: Requires models to display the garments and accessories in front of a live audience. This can be at an exhibition or a fashion show, or at a showroom or point of purchase. Ramp modelling, thus, requires long hours of practice. Performing in a live show before an audience can be very stressful. It requires tremendous confidence and poise. Ramp models should have a good posture, walking style and body language.

Advertising modelling: This is the one where both print & electronic media has equal importance. It is in order to promote or popularise a product. Advertising models appear in press advertisements, on posters, in TV commercials and advertising films. Advertising modelling is open to models of all age groups. Basic acting skills and a photogenic face are must.

Remuneration

The amount of money paid to models depends upon how prestigious the show is and who the organisers are. Female models typically earn more than male models for similar work. An established model who is consistently on the popularity charts 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. Magazine spreads and billboard advertisements also pay well - reputed magazines paying around Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per photograph.