Becoming a Model

There is an increasing need for models with the modeling and entertainment industry seeing new developments in different fields. In fact, an interest in travel, hard work, long day schedules as well as preoccupation with staying in shape are some of the things that are required for becoming a model. Models pose for the following:

• Still photographers
• TV cameras
• Artists

A model also displays accessories as well as clothes for the stores and clothing manufacturers. There are various kinds of models. The artists' models work for individual sculptors, painters as well as photographers, although they are also employed for the art schools on a part time basis.

The role of a model is sometimes to be comfortable with working in the nude or being put into little clothing as the details of their figure and finer aspects need to be visible to the artists. The artists' models also require the capacity for holding poses for long durations. The model jobs take into account responsibilities such as that of the photographic and print models that are hired by the ad agencies and freelance photographers. They may appear in print ads for clothing, make up, or accessories. They also appear in the magazine covers and feature stories. The duty of a model is to be look attractive, camera friendly, and portray changing moods by altering their poses and expressions.



There are no particular educational qualifications and academic requirements as such for becoming a model, although what you need in model jobs is a high school diploma or a related equivalent. A lot of the models are slim, attractive, tall, and slender, as they look heavier in the pictures. Female fashion models are 5 feet 10 inches tall while their male counterparts are 6 feet one inch or taller. An artists' model must be strong enough to hold to a particular pose at a stretch.

The photographic models are generally young and they are required to be in the business for 7 years at the most. Fashion models must be skilled to work for the following personnel:

• Clothes manufacturers
• Fashion magazines
• Dress designers
• Retail stores

The photographic models are also referred to as the runway models. For becoming a model, you need to also work in showrooms, department stores, and small designer shops.

As an aspirant for model jobs, you are required to study speech, dance, drama, and fashion designing while you are in high school. The fashion and photographic models need to be picky about their appearance and grooming. Their features like skin, hair, nails, and clothes need to be perfect, along with knowing how to dress and put on make up for accomplishing different kinds of looks. Beginners should attend modeling schools for improving their movements, postures, diet, and make up application skills.

The models know that this is a competitive industry and this is why they must seek advice from any of the following personnel:

• Professional model
• Agent
• Fashion designer
• Photographer

You should develop an attractive portfolio in different poses, settings, and clothing. For this, you must choose a good photographer or get in touch with modeling agencies, fashion designers, and manufacturers. The model jobs need you to call modeling agencies before you are accepted as a client. If you have attended a modeling school, look for the jobs with the placement office for landing a good job.

The employment outlook for models is good. The photographic models are already at the apex of their careers, although some of them must be on the runway all along their careers. A few models can even move on into acting or television model jobs. The model can also move on to other jobs in the fashion industry by becoming a model coordinator or a magazine's beauty editor. A few fashion models also think of opening their own modeling agencies.

The average salaries of the models on an annual basis vary depending on the type of agency, freelancing service, etc. It is generally between $10 and $12 an hour. Beauty and fashion models earn from $12 to $15 an hour in the nude modeling in the painting and drawing sessions.

For becoming a model you are required to stay in perfect shape and even receive fringe and vacation benefits.