Career in Modelling

Walking the ramp

The last decade has witnessed the birth of the Indian supermodel. The Rais and the Sens have brought the dreams of beauty and fame closer home. The glitz and glamour of faraway Paris, seems to have caught on in every town and city of India, luring the young by the dozens. With modelling agencies cropping up at the drop of a hat, it is also seen as a stepping stone to a bigger dream - television and film. A dekko at what this career has in store for aspiring models.

Job profile:

A model can choose from the following areas of work:

• Still modelling for press ads, brochures, calendars, catalogues etc.
• Audio-visual modelling for TV and film.
• Ramp modelling for live fashion shows
• Showroom modelling for garment manufacturers, export houses etc.
• A model can always combine one or more of the above mentioned modelling activities. Models generally work on a freelance or contract basis, except in the case of showroom modelling, where they work full-time.

To begin with, aspiring models must get a professional portfolio done. The next step is to join a modelling agency, which will circulate the portfolio to the right places for a fee of around 30% of the model's paycheck. Alternatively, aspirants can pass their portfolio to fashion magazines, garment manufacturers, photographers and others in the industry. This might require hi-profile contacts in the industry. Entering one of the numerous beauty pageants might also help.

Essential Attributes

• Should be relatively young (ideally between 18 and 21)
• Tall (a minimum height of 5'7")
• Graceful and elegant
• Patient
• Good health
• Photogenic
• Confident
• Agile
• Well-groomed
• Flair for acting /training in dance helps
• Excellent poise
• Good business sense, as one has to handle deals, contracts and payments.
• Openings

Learning the ropes of modelling is, largely, an on-the-job affair. However, training and guidance is now being provided by several co-ordinating agencies. Modelling agencies that can provide a launch pad for aspiring models include:

Face 1
797, Jesia Building
Jam-e-Jamshedji Road
Parsi Colony
Dadar Mumbai

Catwalk
K-40, Hauz Khas Enclave
New Delhi.

Ozone Models Management,
Gamdevi Phiroze Shah Road,
Santa Cruz (W) Mumbai

The Ramp
A 22,Gulmohar Park,
New Delhi

The Tina Factor
C-31 Defence Colony,
New Delhi

Platinum Models
A 276, Shivalik
New Delhi

PROS AND CONS

Modelling is, undoubtedly, glamorous and lucrative. In addition to this, the opportunity to travel and meet people is tremendous. Success, however, is not guaranteed and it is advisable to plan an alternative career. Modelling is a short-lived career. Hence it makes sense to keep a viable alternative in a related field. Further, stress factor is high and the hours are erratic. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

Related career options

Acting (films, TV and theatre) Beauty therapy and cosmetology Airhostess