Modelling is a career that involves skills that can give you poise and confidence. In this career, you get the opportunity to travel to new places, meet creative professionals and earn a handsome income. Given the competitive nature of this career, however, you should be well-prepared before entering this profession. In this article, we explore how to become a model, what they do and what skills and qualifications they need.
What does a model do?
A model uses their physical appearance to help a company advertise
a product or to help an artist create or display a work of art. A model might
work with a photographer to create fashion pictures or walk down a runway to
introduce a fashion designer's latest clothing line. Artists often hire models
to pose for them while they draw, paint or sculpt. Companies hire models for
advertisements and marketing campaigns.
How to become a model
These are some common steps you can follow to become a
model:
1. Decide what kind of model you want to be
There are many types of models including fashion,
commercial, runway, shoulder and neck, fitness and hand models. Additionally,
you can specialise in modelling for still images or videos. Given this
extensive range of options, it is important you begin your modelling career by
identifying the type of modelling that best suits you.
2. Start practising at home
You can begin practising for a modelling career at home.
Look for videos of professional models and study the way they move and pose.
Imitate your references to learn basic poses, postures and mannerisms. You can
observe and perfect a runway walk in front of a full-length mirror if you have
one.
3. Train and exercise
Consider using a local gym or dance studio to develop a
training regimen. You can also start monitoring your diet and exercise to build
your physique and maintain it. Modelling can be a very demanding career and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you stay mentally and physically
well.
4. Build your portfolio
You will eventually need to invest in a photographer to take
professional shots for your portfolio. Make sure you have a good range of
pictures in your portfolio showing you in different poses, costumes and
characters. You can also experiment with props and make-up.
5. Look for an agent
Most clients prefer working through a modelling agency, so
you should try to find an agent. When you visit an agency, take your portfolio
and be prepared to audition. You should know all relevant information about
your body, like height, weight, eye colour, costume measurements and shoe size.
6. Take relevant classes
There are modelling schools that teach about the industry
and train models for performing at photo shoots and maintaining good health and
nutrition. If you want to take classes to complement your modelling skills,
consider acting or dance classes. Acting classes might help you in a photo
shoot where you have to convey a mood or character. Dance classes can help you
develop poise and good posture.
7. Look for opportunities to be noticed
You need to invest some time in self-promotion to succeed as
a model. Always look for opportunities to model that could get you noticed by
potential clients. You could, for example, work with portrait photographers who
can give you some exposure by featuring you in their social media or portfolio.
8. Use social media
The Internet is a great way to promote yourself since you
can post photographs and videos that potentially thousands of people will see.
Through social media, you can build followers and develop a platform to
showcase your work. If you do not already have a professional social media
presence, start building one. Focus particularly on visual platforms that
emphasise pictures and video.
Essential skills and qualities for modelling
If you want to start a career in modelling, you should
consider developing the following skills and qualities:
- Passion:
You have to be passionate about what you do and cultivate a professional
interest in facing the camera. Modelling is not entirely about looks. It
is also a craft that has to be practised and developed with consistent
efforts.
- Technical
knowledge: Although not mandatory, basic technical knowledge of
photography, cinematography, lighting, set design, costumes and make-up
will help you work smoothly with skilled technicians. A good model can
make the work of photographers, costume designers and make-up artists
easy.
- Looks:
Models need to be aware of the strong aspects of their visual appearance.
They should also be able to bring out these aspects in front of the camera
consistently. Maintaining a fit, toned body is essential for most
modelling careers.
- Confidence:
Having a confident personality on and off the camera can help you succeed
in your modelling career. You should be confident enough to wear all types
of garments and carry them with ease and elegance.
- Determination:
Modelling is a highly competitive field, so it might be difficult to find
regular work when you start out. However, you should consistently try and
build your work experience and portfolio. You will also have to follow
strict diets and exercise routines for different assignments.
- Stamina: As a model, you may have to work on long shoots where you have to go through multiple garments, backgrounds and styling in a day. Holding poses for an extended period of time takes a lot of energy, and you may have to repeatedly do this while working with visual artists.