Career as Model
If you have got the looks, the persona and the penchant for fashion then you can try your luck in modelling. In the present time, it has become one of the most sought after career choices for the youngsters. This glamorous profession attracts both males and females equally. Modelling is undeniably a great field that offers incredible opportunities to travel worldwide and meet different classes of people. It is a highly paid profession, once you get established. With the rise of media and consumerism, there has been a tremendous boost in the advertising industry. There is a large and continuing demand for fresh faces to launch and endorse a variety of brands or show a product to its best advantage. Models are observed closely by the fashion world. So, a career in modelling can be a profitable choice.
- About Model :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
Models advertise for different products and services in different kinds of media such as magazines, newspapers, department store catalogues or TV commercials. With the advent of the internet, models are appearing in online advertisements or on websites. Models also pose for sketch artists, painters as well as sculptors.
Different kinds of modelling as per the work are mentioned below:
- Runway modelling
- Catalogue modelling
- Showroom modelling
- Promotional modelling
- Editorial modelling
- Fit modelling
- Television & videos modelling
- Print advertisements modelling
There is no dearth of modelling jobs in the fashion and advertising industries. As a professional model, you can feature in music videos and advertisements. You can still do ramp or print modelling. After becoming an established model, you can even become a brand ambassador and endorse its products and services.
The Indian economy has recorded an appreciable growth in spite of
the global economic crisis. This has boosted the advertising,
fashion, cosmetic and textile industries. All these developments
have opened innumerable options for new faces in modelling and made
this career even more lucrative. As a model, once established, you
can even get an opportunity to work for international fashion shows
or endorse international brands.
Payments usually depend upon the organisers and the reputation of
the fashion show. Models may get Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for low
budget fashion shows. An established model may expect to get around
Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 for a show. Reputed magazines can pay up to
Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The models for print ads are paid according
to the number of photographs that are being printed. Sound money
can be earned by the models for billboard advertisements.
Pros and Cons of being a Model
Pros
- It’s a lucrative and glamorous profession.
- You get wonderful opportunities to travel and meet interesting people.
- You can become popular and internationally recognized.
- If you work hard, you can earn lots of money.
- You get the opportunity to wear expensive designer clothes, shoes and accessories.
Cons
- The career is short-term having immense cut-throat competition.
- The work schedule can be very hectic and the models often need to face high physical and mental stress.
- Models may not have any work for a few weeks or months which can reduce their finances dramatically.
- Strict dieting is required all the time to remain slim and healthy.
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster
Earlier the fashion industry has been one of the few industries
where girls earned more than boys but nowadays, this profession has
become promising for boys too. The models who are exposed to photo
shoots from an early age can have higher confidence to do the same
once they take up modelling as their preferred career in life.
Apart from doing modelling courses from reputed institutes, you
need to have good links in the modelling world to get the perfect
break in this glamorous domain. The right way to start becoming a
model of any type is to find a reputed agent. Rather than looking
for agents in the phone book, you can get recommendations from
other acclaimed models or look for them in the top magazines. This
will ensure that you find the best agents around who have a lot of
clients and will also give you the best representation.
How do I get there?
In the modelling profession, educational qualifications are insignificant. Only physical characteristics and personal qualities are given more importance. Although there is no formal education requirement for modelling, some aspirants attend modelling schools which provide them training in posing, applying makeup, walking on the ramp and other basic tasks. The candidates must be within certain ranges for weight, height and clothing size to meet the requirements of fashion designers, advertisers and photographers. To enter the field of modelling, the candidates must prepare their portfolio, which comprises attractive photographs that are taken by professional photographers.
What is the cost of the modelling courses?
A few modelling courses are available in India and most of the renowned modelling institutes are confined to Delhi and Mumbai. Fees for these courses may range from Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000.
What are the Top Institutes where one should be studying to become a model?
Some institutes where you can pursue modelling courses are
listed here:
- Faces Model Management, Delhi
- Gladrags Career Academy, Mumbai
- Northeast Institute of Fashion Technology, Guwahati
- Belleza Institute and Modelling Agency, Pune
- Glamstr Institute, Mumbai
- Frankfinn Institute of Modelling and Acting, Delhi
Books and other Study Material
Some books that can enhance one’s knowledge in the modelling
field are listed below:
- Study of Pose: 1000 Poses by Coco Rocha
- How to Become a Successful Commercial Model by Aaron Marcus
- Complete Guide for Models by Eric Bean and Jenni Bidner
- The Teen Vogue Handbook by Teen Vogue
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
While a career in modelling appears glamorous, it is highly challenging to stay up to the mark and meet the demands of the fashion industry. You need to cope up with the requirements of the fashion industry and be ready to alter your lifestyle accordingly. Models may go from one job to another in the fashion and entertainment fields. In case, your career as a model does not work out well, you may become TV or movie actress, marketing coordinator, open your boutique, start fashion labels, design handbags, create perfumes, or open your own modelling agency.
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |