Breaking into the modelling industry

Every year, thousands of young people struggle to break into the modelling industry. It is a struggle because many dream of the glamorous lifestyle but soon discover the grim reality that being a successful model involves hard work and discipline. Most of all you need to be ahead of the game in order to keep up with such a competitive industry. It is possible to be successful and achieve your dreams but it is also important to look at the stark realities of trying to make it in the industry.

Dwayne Green, 29, has been in and out of modelling for about three years .He has never been a full time professional because the industry is erratic for beginners. Getting regular work is difficult and modelling is one of those few professions where women earn more than men .As a result, he still keeps his day job as a gas engineer in order to put food on the table. He drifted into modelling because, "people keep approaching me, asking whether I am a model. "Dwayne admits he needs more guidance to get ahead but to advance further he feels models could benefit from having support groups .He complained about how modelling agencies failed to provide uniform guidelines regarding charging modelling fees. Green added that you need between £ 400-£2000 depending on the agency in order to put together a portfolio, have photographs taken, sign a contract and receive training. He points out that many models cannot afford this and even if they had the money to spend there is no guarantee of success.

"The answer is know what you want to do before you go to an agency. Know what each agency is looking for .If you do not know what you want that is when problems arise," says Jana, an up and coming model. She says, "modelling comes naturally to me, " and she is struggling to break into the European modelling industry. Jana, 23, is a confident beauty that has already gained modelling experience in Dubai and Pakistan. Her aim is to break into the industry in London to fully establish an international career. Jana feels that every model should have a personal vision of what they hope to achieve whether it is catwalk, magazine work, and commercials so as not to be manipulated into doing work that they are not proud of.

Unfortunately, some models are so desperate to get work and exposure that they are willing to compromise their personal integrity just to get attention. The supermodel Iman complained recently that if she had the benefit of hindsight she would not have had plastic surgery to enhance her breast size. At least Iman had the sense not to go as far as Jordan, the notorious page three girl who has clearly gone over board with plastic surgery. Breaking into modelling is very difficult if you are very young and still at school .It is very difficult juggling a career in modelling with school work; Peace Osalor,19, is pursuing a university degree. Meanwhile, she has participated in the Afro Hair and Beauty Show competition and she came third runner up in the Miss UK Nigeria beauty contest. Eventually she wants to use modelling as a launching pad for a career in acting. Her problem is that agencies that have shown interest need her to be "fully committed," but she cannot do that at the moment. For now, her priority is to finish her studies in mathematical science. Jana also has a degree and has been working in finance and marketing.

The secret is to pursue your dreams and do your homework, but always have something to fall back on just in case.

Editorial director : Ona Amenechi

| |  

<< Back to Page <<