Careers in Modelling
The advertising agency has got a tremendous boost as a result of increased consumerism. The positive growth in the economy has added to the remarkable growth in the industry. The advancement in the society has made the electronic media easily reachable and with that there is seen a surge in the fashion and textile industry. Now, all these have contributed to make modeling as a very attractive profession. In a very short span, it has become tremendously popular among the younger generation. Modelling and Acting careers is widely considered as a first step towards an opening in the film industry, the struggle in the profession is also very lofty. There was a time when this profession was primarily dominated by women. However, with the changing trends, both men and women are equally attracted towards modelling these days. But again, the women still stand a better chance in the profession as compared to the men. This is generally an ephemeral career option and most of the models are young. But there are certain products which are well endorsed by little older models.
Modelling in India, a brief
In general, the bare minimum height that is necessary to become a model is 5 feet 10 inches in India. However, if you do not have that height and still want to pursue a career in modelling, do not be saddened. Fashion modelling is basically of three kinds:
Now, for the first two mentioned types, height wouldn't be an issue. For that matter, even if you are little on the healthier side, you can still chose and settle for them. It is all about the right expressions and the right looks for the endorsement of a product.
However, if you want to take up modelling as a profession, you have to be very careful with your lifestyle. It is time now that you buck up and take every step wisely. It is very important to work out on a regular basis, keep a check on whatever you eat while you make sure not to starve yourself and also a lot of grooming sessions for the right posture and the right looks! A well maintained and a healthy body is not something that one can get in a day. It is a lot of hardwork and many hands involved to make you a mega model. Furthermore, it is not just the looks but also the right sense of fashion. So you have to keep a check on the latest trends and know whatever is in style and what looks good.
Eligibility:
There is no such definite qualification or age limit that is required to enter into modelling. Usually the modelling agencies ask for at least one full-length and one close-up colour picture. Also, your vital statistics are important to them. So the first thing that you need to get done is go to a professional photographer and get some pictures taken. For every aspiring model, a well designed and shot portfolio is the key for getting noticed in the crowd. Consider your portfolio as an investment and start looking for the returns.
Training:
There are no standards that have been set for training in this area. The models are generally expected to learn while they are on the job. As start up for training in this field, training schools have been setup by experienced and known models that help in the struggling periods to learn the right ways of the work. But unfortunately, these institutes in India are highly restricted to the two fashion hubs that is Delhi and Mumbai. The training programs include instructions on the right beauty care, the make-up that goes well with the look, perfect hair styling and most importantly, a diet that is balanced along with lots of exercise. They also include training sessions on the right way to look and the perfect walking style. These training programs also include supervision on how to go about making a contract. Assistance on making a right portfolio is also a part of such training programs.
Personal attributes:
The main characteristic essential for becoming a model is good and healthy skin, along with lustrous hair. Models should ideally be tall. The criteria in the fashion industry are an average height of 5'8″ to 6′ or 6′ plus feet. For a male, the height should not be anything less that be 6 feet or more. Also, he must have a muscular and an attractive body. Not forgetting is the fact that each model must be photogenic. Leaving aside these qualities, one also needs to be camera friendly, confident and open to all sorts of criticism. With all the above mentioned qualities, one can make it big in the industry and flourish in no time.
How to go about it?
If you have the provision and the right contacts, you might as well try directly contacting the leading fashion magazines or ad agencies. Apart from these, one can also start looking for some top-of-the-line fashion designers or even stage choreographers. This might sound tough but if you are confident and think that your portfolio is good enough, then all you need to do is simply send a copy of your portfolio to the advertising agency's model coordinator. Another way to enter into this industry is to apply and prepare yourself for all the beauty contests that are sponsored by leading fashion magazines, clothing brands or even cosmetic companies. Usually the specified age for all participants is 18-30 years. However, be mentally prepared to be disappointed initially. The trick is to be patient and keep trying and building up contacts.
Job prospects
Once you are into modelling, the job opportunities that you can expect might be related to product advertising, a cast in music videos, live fashion shows and even acting in films or television programs. Besides all these offers, the models that are experienced in the industry can open their own institution for training the aspiring models. The experienced models can also plan to set up a model co-ordinating agency that would provide ample opportunities for the aspiring models. There is no scarcity of jobs in the industry these days. The job prospects that are readily available to models are:
Types of Models:
Modelling can be largely categorised into Television modelling, print or still modelling, Ramp modelling, Showroom modelling and Advertising modelling along with others. We have widely discussed the types
Television modelling: This primarily includes modelling in front of the camera that can be used for \ commercials on the television, movies, making music videos, or even on the internet. Modelling on television frequently demands some acting and dancing skills. These generally have fixed locations. To become a successful and renounced television model you must have a flair for acting.
Print modelling: These models normally pose for still photographs. The photographs can be used for press advertisements, in printed brochures, magazines or catalogues and even calendars etc. Models that work for the print media have to work with advertisement agencies and even photographers.
Show room modelling: As the name suggest, this type of modelling generally takes place in showrooms. Models work might have to for exporters, smaller clothing brands or manufacturers and even the big garment retailers in order to display their latest designs and the trends of fashion to the customers.
Ramp modelling and live modelling: This is the most popular and the most sought after aspect of modelling. This includes the displaying of the garments and also accessories to a huge live audience. This can be done at an exhibition or even fashion shows. These days, even showrooms indulge into ramp walks to advertise their clothing lines. As a result, ramp models need long hours of practice. Performing in front of a live audience can often become very stressful for the models. Undoubtedly, it requires remarkable confidence and composure. Ramp models must have a good posture teamed with the right walking style and a perfect body language.
Advertising modelling: These models are used both for the print as well as the electronic media. These models are popular as they promote products in both the streams. Advertising models can appear in places like press advertisements, or on simple posters to bigger banners along with TV commercials and also advertising films. Advertising modelling has an advantage as it does not have an age limit. So people of all ages can easily be a part of the industry. However, the basic acting skills and a photogenic face is required here as well.
Remuneration
A model's fees are decided keeping in consideration the ratings, experience and the current state of the fashion or the advertising business. The professional models in India are generally paid together for an entire campaign or only for the duration till the contract lasted. However, for fashion shows and other similar events, they are paid on an everyday basis. An established model's fee for a show could be Rs 25,000 that can go as high upto a few lakhs of rupees just for an ad campaign. The shows that have a low budget, pay models at an average of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per show. The ads in the Print media pay the models according to the number of photographs they have used for their purpose. Magazines and billboard advertisements pay around Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for each photograph.
Institutes Offering
There are quite a few modelling agencies in India that give a good break. Some of the well-liked and known modelling agencies across the country are:
Conclusion:
The career opportunity has created a huge and progressing demand for fresh faces for launching and promoting variety of branded products. The showing of a garment to the customers is also adds to the advantage. Modelling is certainly a very glamorous career option which offers great opportunities to travel and meet a variety of people. Moreover once a model is established, it is a very highly paid job. With all these plus points, a lot of hard work, commitment and determination is required to be flourishing in this field. As already mentioned, this is a highly competitive and a short- spanned career option. Furthermore, the stress factor is high and the hours of work are often erratic. The job also requires a lot of endurance and persistence. It is a profession where the educational qualifications completely become unimportant and the physical qualities and personal merits take the center stage.
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