Modelling
--> Posted on 2009-08-08 08:32:47 By
Modelling is definitely high among career choices for many popular people today. The international fame and recognition along with high perks and quick money has reinforced the glamour and attraction of this career.
The sudden sput in the fashion industry that was an outcome of liberalised regime gave a tremendous boost to the modelling profession in India. The effect is cascading and even when the economic scenario is not too encouraging. There is a constant surge of new entrants onto the modelling scene
Work Environment
The modelling world covers two major industries:
• Advertising and
• Fashion.
Early nineties to the mid-nineties was the period when both these industries were attracting a lot of money and genuinely creative talent. That is when the modelling business/profession really took off.
Fashion modelling offers two main areas of work:
• Photographic and
• Ramp
Preferred Skills/Attitudes/Physical Attributes
No specific academic qualifications for becoming a model are recommended although it does help to have your wits about you and a certain level of maturity that comes with age. Models that have been through it all recommend that a sixteen year old starting out in modelling isn’t such a good idea. It is Important to have a normal life, and friends and to know you have roots. It makes you a better person and more able to handle all aspects of a modes life.
Girls aspiring to be fashion models should ideally walk tall - at least 5'6". In the West above 57' or 5'8"and the preferred 10' when it comes to vital statistics, good hair and skin, expressive eyes, even teeth and 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.
Your attitude, self-confidence, level of determination, persistence and stamina are also important in determining how far you go and in what direction.
Ramp modelling requires the typical statistics of height, shape and deportment. For photographic modelling there are other aspects which are more important.
For editorial publications, TV commercials, advertising catalogues where photographs are the medium of projecting the image entirely then a photogenic face emoting effortlessly in front of the camera is more important than the ideal physique.
Training
Modelling schools, mostly run by ex-models part-time or full-time are helping to train some potential models. Mumbai and Delhi were among the cities where modelling schools came up first. These training programmes of short-duration usually impart basic knowledge in various areas such as :
• Professional training in beauty culture, make-up, hair styles through lectures and demonstration by experts.
• Guidance on the right diet and exercise regimen;
• Knowledge of contracts and their technicalities, details of billings. Etc.
• Usually compilation of a professional portfolio is also part of the training package.
Some modelling schools also function as modelling agencies or vice versa.
As with most disciplines, they can only hone or develop what is already inherent, not create what isn't. It is not necessary to attend expensive modelling courses, although it might help deportment and personality development - important determinants of success in the modelling world.
Right Approach
Modelling is a profession where you can get rich rather quick and stay around for a comparatively long time too if you select the right kind of work, space out ad campaigns, be in the reckoning without over-exposure. Also changing your look in terms of hairdo, and style of make-up can gh!c you a nev..; e all over again.
Glitzy and glamorous though it is, modelling is r&'llly about a whole lot of discipline. There may
a string of parties lined up for you and umpteen invitees; you have to draw the Iin~ between 9 in [he right places with the right people for the right purpose and ensuring that you get proper adequate resr, regular, balanced meals, enough fresh air and exercise. ll's easy lo ride on a high o maintain it you must be vigila.nt and have a very firm head on your shoulders.
Remuneration
Unlike in the West where models are paid fixed daily rates., in India models are usually paid for an entire campaign or for the duration of the contracts, except for fashion shows and catalogues.
Again as even the top models point out you are never very secure in the payments being made on time and according to your understanding of the contract. One needs to be careful of the interpretation of the terms of the contract so as not to be disappointed later. In cases where there is no formal arrangement, you have to procure whatever time of commitment or guarantee that you can. Since modelling agencies are a recent phenomenon and not really that visible, many who step into modelling don’t really know how to proceed and generally learn from mistakes as they go on.
The media makes headlines publishing how much money top models make. These are the elite; more realistic speculation is difficult.
Choreographer’s commands fees as high as Rs. 75,000 upwards, a top model’s fee for a show Rs. 10,000 upward, an ad campaign can even fetch fees of Lakhs of rupees, It’s a sum total of demand, experience and ratings the model commands.
Prospects
Modelling is the school of life which teaches you to be individual and independent. Money is good, there are, many perk., but as all models warn/ it's not all hunk-dory! When you want to give it a good shot, map out a strategy, compile a good portfolio (professional), do the rounds of modelling agencies, or apply for different competitions.
You'll never know what you can do till you try. Always keep other options open, don't compromise on getting a good education and personality development which goes with it.
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