Style Blog

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a professional model? Some girls dreamed about it when they were young and they fantasized so much of catwalks, cameras and advertisements, that it all stayed just a dream for them. However, being beautiful on a billboard and TV commercials requires special skills, not just having natural beauty. Even if you meet professional model in the streets, it is highly unlikely that you would recognize her.

Beyond the body

The world of modelling is emerged in the large and powerful industry of modern fashion but it has not stopped there. If you are not highly adaptive person ready to transform quickly, keeping the pace with new trends, you might not be the right person for this job. Your perfect physical characteristics can be a great benefit, but if you are not ready to give yourself completely to this business, you should better invest your time and effort into something else. It is a fast world with high expectations, and if you are lucky enough to be noticed on a casting and picked to do a show or a photo shoot, you are just on the beginning of your career.

What they expect from you

You are expected to be hard-working, open-minded, willing to cooperate, warm, communicative, cheerful and always ready to accept criticism and praise for your efforts. Whether they want to admit it or not, fashion designers want you to be slim and always in shape. Be prepared to start your day at 4 AM, just so you can keep up with your schedule. But this does not mean that you will have enough sleep next night. Depending on a niche you are interested in, different things are going to be expected from you; for example to take special care of your hair, teeth or feet.

You’ve seen all the great models. They have a look about them that just breathes and practically screams: I know how wonderful I am and I know how wonderful you think I am. Many young and aspiring models make the mistake early on of believing that this image translates to personality, poise, and general demeanour of a model at all times, in all places, and for all things. But when you’re learning to become a model and you want to land a job, it’s important to recognize that the industry is getting tougher in terms of competition and knowing the truth behind the photos, the scenes, and the paparazzi could make or break your career before it ever truly begins. Eventually, while trying to become a big time model, you’ll get your first shoot. This shoot may determine whether you are able to get more jobs in the future and continue working as a model. Some of the most important things to remember on the shoot are:

• Never lie. Not about your measurements, your height, your weight, or anything else. Stylists prepare for your arrival in advance. If you say you’re a full dress size smaller than you actually are in order to land the gig, you’re going to be fired from the shoot and earn a bad reputation that could end your career without a single photo ever being snapped of you.

• Remember that you are not a supermodel, you have not earned your place in the industry, and that the people working with you are not working for you. The people you work with on your first shoots are the people who talk about you behind your back to other companies and photographers. What they say about you behind your back is entirely up to you.

• Don’t think you can show up whenever you want. There’s no such thing as being fashionably late. Being late is unprofessional and rude. This goes for your interview to get hired at an agency and all modelling gigs you have.

• Remember to keep your relationships professional but still develop relationships. Don’t date your photographers. But always be networking so you can reach out for help, mentoring, and jobs when you are looking to branch out. Photographers are the gateway to success. But don’t forget their assistants and the other people roaming around the shoot, too. Invaluable resources are everywhere you turn.

• Don’t forget that it’s a real job. As with all jobs, your attitude, work ethic, abilities, and continued progression determine how far you will get in the modelling industry, whether you will get other jobs, and whether you might get fired.

• Keep it together, mentally and in terms of organization. You have to know your schedule so you can accept gigs, even at the last minute.

Remember, becoming a model is a real job like any other, with ups and downs, and you’ve got to know how to work it!