How to become a model

So U want to be the next Lara Dutta/Dino Morea - Don't worry, be ecstatic! because help is here.First of all don't get too bothered if you are not really pretty as make up can do wonders. And if you don't have the required height for ramp modelling you are sure to fit in somewhere in print modelling. Every profession has its branches and so does modelling. Various areas of modelling have been explained so that you can figure out where you belong.

Children And Teen Modelling:

Children and teens can find work in many different types of modelling including fashion shows and commercials. Teen models are generally called Junior models. Junior models must be 5'0" to 5'6" Tall and 12 to 17 years old with very youthful looks. They usually have 32-34" busts, 21-25" waists and 32-34" hips.

Fashion Modelling:

It encompasses everything from fashion shoots for glossies to mail-order catalogues; from live shows for haute couture houses to rag trade promotions. The term 'fashion', in this context, refers to clothing and accessories. To work in this area you must be a sample size - women need to be (at least) 167.5 cm. tall, weigh 50 kg. to 60 kg. and possess vital statistics of 85-60-87.5 cm. Men should be about (at least) 180 cm. tall, weigh approximately 80 kg., with vital statistics of 100-80-95 cm. What's essential for both sexes is clear healthy skin, good teeth, a great smile, expressive eyes and healthy hair. Also, you should be an extrovert by nature and uninhibited, even inspired, by crowds.Modelling clothes is an art: the art of learning how to walk, to move, and show off the clothing to best effect to help sell it. When potential customers look at a model, they generally imagine themselves in that outfit.Clothing is designed to appeal to people leading specific lifestyles as well as to those simply aspiring to them. The entire effect created by the model, the mood, the clothing, the art direction and the advertisement placement, must enhance the image of the clothes and be consistent throughout. If you do not get a particular job, keep in mind that your 'look' may have been considered inappropriate for that particular shoot. Do not take it personally - perhaps you will have the right image for the next audition!  Madhu Sapre, Sheetal Mallar, Namrata Baruwa, Ujjawala Raut and the list continues... They have strong and distinctive features. Exotic looks are popular. 

Runway (Ramp) Modelling:

This is one of the most effective ways to gain exposure.It is considered the most glamorous type of live modeling. It requires a lot of confidence and grace. The model must make the audience think that she/he loves the outfit she/he is wearing. The model must look comfortable and make even the dullest outfit look attractive. There is a minimum height requirement of 5'6" for runway work.

Editorial Print Modelling:

This refers to photography for magazines, includingcovers. This work is very eagerly sought after by models because of the exposure it provides. For this reason you can expect to work long and hard  but you will get tear sheets for your portfolio that will help you get work.

Catalogue Modelling:

These models are hired to appear in catalogues like Otto Burlington to sell clothes / everyday products to average people. Requirements are flexible.

Commercial Print Modelling:

This refers to when models are photographed to promote a product on billboards, buses, magazines and
newspapers. This type of modeling can be divided into two sections: Fashion Advertising and Product Advertising.

What Does It Take?

So what does it really take to be a model?

Self Discipline:

Apart from looks, height and personality one of the most vital caharacteristics that a model should have is strict self discipline.. A model's life is not as easy as it looks. There is a strict routine to be followed which involves good sleep, well balanced diet, excercise and excellent dental care.Winter or summer, during a downpour or a snowstorm - models can receive an important job at any time. They have to be organized, available and presentable at all times. That means getting lots of sleep, eating properly, and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking. Models must also take care of their skin, hair and bodies with regular visits to the esthetician, the hairdresser and the gym. Finally, they must keep their portfolios and their finances up-to-date and maintain their contacts outside the country. Only the best organized and most disciplined will set themselves apart and perhaps even become top models.

Photogenic Qualities: This is the most demanding criterion. Many pretty girls do not meet this ultimate requirement - a photogenic face. And yet certain girls whose looks are ever so slightly ordinary or even somewhat unusual can be highly photogenic. This criterion is the most subjective and the hardest to evaluate. Only a modelling professional can give you an accurate appraisal of your photogenic potential.

Poise:   A model meets many people in many situations - auditions, photo shoots, fashion shows, and in different countries. It's important to be at ease, to be able to communicate easily and to radiate self-confidence. An outgoing person with an appealing smile will always receive more work than someone who is shy and withdrawn. 

Ability To Travel Alone: Everyone loves the idea of travelling. But travelling on business is a far cry from going on vacation. A model travels alone, without relatives or friends, for one to three months at a time to distant states / countries with different cultures. This is one of modelling's most  difficult requirements. It takes a great deal of character and independence. This type of work is not for everyone. Unfortunately, you cannot work as a model without travelling. To be selected for assignments, you need a varied portfolio of work done around the world. You must be comfortable being by yourself for long periods of time.

Organized: Models have to be organized to ensure they arrive punctually in places they may barely know. A model must be organized in order to keep track of the different dates, times and locations of appointments so that she/he can show up at appointments on time. AMBITION: A model goes after her goals. You won't become a model by sitting at home and waiting for agents to come to you! Never sign with the first agency you visit. Always go to at least five before making a decision!

Intelligence:   To succeed, a model must be an intelligent business person. She/he must know how to spend and invest money wisely. Also, a model must know how to conduct business with agents, photographers and clients. She/he must appear professional and businesslike at castings.

STAMINA   Models are sometimes on their feet all day in the freezing cold or the hot sun.They must be healthy and in shape to be able to work all day and still look good.

So you are fit to be a model if you are photogenic, intelligent, self-reliant and out there to prove yourself to the world!

Portfolio:

So you have finally decided that you have all that takes to be a model.Your most important step towards starting your career is getting your portfolio done. Your portfolio should 'read' just like any other book, It should have a terrific beginning, a strong middle and a sensational ending. The people looking at it should want to turn the pages with curiosity. And each page should satisfy that curiosity. It should display your strengths to potential clients and show what you are capable of selling, be it clothes, cars or cosmetics. 

At the beginning of your fashion modelling career, your portfolio should include: 

* At least two head shots with two different expressions (one smiling and one serious, or one in the studio and one outdoors).

* At least two fashion shots (one casual and one a little more formal). If you move well, you might like to include an action shot. 

* At least one full-length shot showing the proportion of your body (feet to knees, knees to thighs, thighs to waist, waist to shoulders, shoulders to the top of your head). You could wear a leotard or a body suit, depending on what makes you comfortable and flatters your figure. 

A full portfolio consists of about twenty-four 9"x12" photos and tears (from magazines). Remember that it is better to have less photos, but ones that are really strong, than a full portfolio with photos that are mediocre. Getting a good portfolio is easy, considering the number of photographers who also specialise in this work. 

Use your contacts and find out about some of the best fashion photographers in town. Don't be hesitant with paying extra money for a good name because a photographer won't have a good name in the market for nothing.

Contacts of some of the best photographers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

MUMBAI:  

DELHI:

BANGALORE:

AGENCY:

After you are through with a portfolio, the second step is to find a suitable modelling agency. It is advisable to find an agency to represent and promote you as a model. Their job is to sell you, just as if you were a new product, and it is you that employ them. Just as in a standard job, you must pay your agency for the job they do ("commission"). However, there are a lot of scam agencies out there, so keep your eyes open..... NEVER PAY TO JOIN AN AGENCY.

You can visit the modelling agencies listed for your city. They will be able to tell you if you have real modeling potential. Otherwise, do some research and find out which agencies in your area are the best, then visit them. Take 5 snapshots - full length in a dress, bathing suit and headshots. 

EXPENSES:

Don't spend any money until you have been accepted and confirmed for an assignment by a recognised ad agency or ad film producer. Quoted below are approximate figures to guide you about the financial outlay you may need to become a model. 

Model's Bag: Essentials in every models bag have been stated.

Women:

* Bras - skin-coloured, white and black 
* Panties - skin-coloured, white and black 
* Body stocking - to match your skin tone 
* Boob tube - any colour 
* Tights - black and skin-coloured 
* Hair and make-up bags 
* Nail care bag - emery boards, clippers, buffer, polish 
* Hygiene necessities - tampons, deodorants, razors 
* Your wardrobe should include jeans, T-shirts and two basic outfits - casual and formal. Take along saris with matching blouses and petticoats since they are requested for frequently. Pastel shades work best. 
* Accessories - scarves, headbands, hats, gloves, sunglasses, prop spectacles, belts and jewellery 
* Shoes - high-heeled black and neutral courts, flat black pumps 

Men:

* Underwear - white and skin-coloured briefs with athletic support 
* Socks - various colours and styles 
* Shoes - white trainers, classic black shoes 
* Trousers - various colours and seasonal fabrics 
* Jeans - classic blue and black 
* Make-up - foundation and powder to match your skin tone 
* Hair products - spray, gel, brush, comb, etc. 
* Hygiene necessities - deodorant, eye drops, contact lens solution, razors, etc.  What men require for editorial and fashion modelling 
* Shoes - trainers, black and brown dress shoes, black and brown casual  shoes, cowboy boots and sandals
* Shirts - dress shirts, sports shirts, casual shirts in a variety of colours 
* Trousers - various colours and fabrics, including denim 
* Swimwear - boxer-style shorts and self-coloured briefs 
* Accessories - prop spectacles, watch, gold band, etc. 

Words Of Wisdom:

Never ever take rejection as a failiure. If one client rejects you there will be ten others who would want you to work with them if you are model material. Always keep trying and never give up. Follow your instincts.