2. Know the type of modelling you’re suited to.
The key to success is finding what area suits you. There are 22 types of modelling, including fashion, commercial, character and glamour. If you’re built to model swimwear, for example, then model swimwear – though that doesn’t mean you can’t try other areas.
3. Be able to perform on demand.
No model is a one face wonder. Casting directors want to see a range of emotions and characters.
4. Be determined and hard-working.
A modelling career isn’t just going to fall into your lap.
Model, Naomi Campbell with long straight black hair wearing thick silver choker brown lace bra under laced snakeskin bodice, one hand on hip wearing several silver bangles. Obligatory Credit - CAMERA PRESS/Anthea Simms accessories very long hair vertical under 35 supermodel solo sleek hair sexy reptile skin oversized jewellery indoors half length fashion show costume jewellery colour image catwalk animal skin afrocaribbean descent african descent adult
A renowned diva: Naomi Campbell (picture: CAMERA PRESS)
5. Have a great attitude!
Be professional, patient and pleasant to work with. Shoots can last hours, even weeks. No one likes a diva.
Kate Moss models a stripey woollen dress from her new collection for TopShop, Autumn 2009.
The ultimate fashion chameleon: Kate Moss models a dress from her Topshop collection, Autumn 2009 (picture: PR)
6. Be versatile and able to take directions.
‘Can’t’ is not a word in modelling. If you are asked to show vulnerability, then rage, you need to be able to swap convincingly without a thought. This is where practice makes perfect.
7. Be able to take rejection and constructive criticism.
Modelling is highly competitive. You won’t be right for every job. The trick is to pick yourself up and take rejection as something to build upon, rather than knock you down.
8. Be able to attend lots of castings, sometimes without much notice.
Jobs can be a bit like buses. Sometimes, you need to run like mad to catch the last one home.
9. Have great organisational skills to keep track of schedules and finances.
Often as not, especially within freelance modelling, you’ll have to keep an eye on your own schedule, pay and expenses. An organised brain and diary is a must.
10. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat the right food and look after your body and skin.
Treat your body as your most important asset. As a model, your appearance is your job.
To establish what kind of model you are, the requirements needed and get a taste for model life, why not attend one of our Model Advice days? Boost your chances of a career in modelling safely and securely with Model Advice.