Glamorous but demanding

This is one of those rare professions where educational qualifications amount to little. Many young people are drawn to it by the glamour associated with it but the truth is that it is one of the most demanding and taxing careers. It is also important that the aspirants are well groomed, full of poise and confidence and also possess a very pleasing demeanor.

by reporter@dayafterindia.com

This is a profession where educational qualifications become insignificant and physical attributes and personal qualities assume importance. Modeling is one of the most efficient careers for both men and women. This is one of the most thrilling as well as a lucrative profession; it attracts males and females equally. With the expansion of consumerism and media there has been a fabulous boost in the ad industry.

This, along with upsurge in fashion industry, has 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. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

Eligibility and course areas: There is no specific qualification or age limit to enter into this field. First step for making an entry is to prepare a portfolio. One must have stamina and tenacity to be able to deal with the problems of traveling and being away from home.

Nature of Work: Models would usually specialize in one area of work. Today, most models work in all fields of high fashion modeling including catwalk, commercials, videos and photographic work for fashion magazines and advertising campaigns.

Personality: A photographic model would need to be photogenic as well as have the right height and vital statistics. Girls aspiring to be fashion models should ideally be above 5' 7" or 5' 8" in height and the perfect 10 in vital statistics with good hair and skin, expressive eyes, even teeth with a complete lack of self-consciousness.

Boys should be at least 5' 10" tall, with clear complexion, straight carriage, well-proportioned physique, even teeth and good hair. Attitude, self-confidence, determination and stamina are very important. As the emphasis moves away from formal poses, a model has to be able to move well and be spontaneous in front of the camera.

Job Prospects and Career Options: Modeling can be mainly classified into Television modeling, Print modeling/Still modeling, Ramp modeling/live modeling, Show room modeling, Advertising modeling etc.

Television modeling involves modeling before the Movie camera, to be used for Television commercials, cinema, video, internet etc.

•   Print modeling: Models generally pose for still photographs, to be utilized in the press advertisements, brochures, magazines, catalogues, calendars etc.

•   Show room modeling takes 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 modeling / Live modeling: Requires models to display the garments and accessories in front of a live audience. Ramp models should have a good posture, walking style and body language.

•   Advertising modeling: This is the one where both print & electronic media has equal importance. Advertising models appear in press advertisements, on posters, in TV commercials and advertising films.

Professional Courses: There are many modeling schools which help with deportment and personality development, teach make-up and related techniques, help in getting together a portfolio, and familiarize you with the industry and may coordinate entry.

Training

•   Elite School of Modelling, New Delhi

•   Elite Model Managament India , Mumbai

•   YSG Worldwide Model and Promotion Agency, Mumbai

•   Aditi Modelling Service, Bangalore

•   New India Models.Com, New Delhi

Remunerations

Models in India are usually paid for an entire campaign or for the duration of the contract. A top model’s fee for a show could be upward of Rs 25,000 or lakhs of rupees for an ad campaign. A model’s fee depends upon his / her ratings, experience and the state of the fashion.