Modeling is one of the most diverse and dynamic industries in the world. It’s constantly evolving since it’s heavily dependent on several other industries such as fashion, beauty, fitness, nutrition, entertainment, and even technology. Models are professionals who are paid to display or advertise commercial products such as luxury wear, fashion accessories, cars, and digital items such as phones and appliances. They appear on runways, billboards, TV commercials, websites, magazines, catalogs, and brochures.
Based on this simple definition, most people assume that all anyone has to do to become a model is to fit into a body-type category as required by the advertising clients, receive a makeover, hold or wear an item, walk down a runway, and pose for the camera. While these activities form an important part of the equation, being a model is far beyond the camera-focused duties. There’s so much more required of anyone to build a solid portfolio and an excellent career in the modeling industry. Modeling is a holistic profession that involves the physical, intellectual, and emotional ranges of a person.
Before anything else, passion is the leading prerequisite quality. Almost anyone can step up and learn to show off a product as a means of livelihood, but the people who last, the ones who truly make an impact, are those who are driven by a passion for the job.
“Passion is the key to doing something without counting the hours or even feeling like it is actual work,” says Berite Labelle, Moldovan-born international model, actor, and dancer. “It’s the reason for my late nights and early morning as I express my emotions through fashion, acting, and dancing. However, we need to merge discipline with our passions to actualize our dreams. Especially these days, when we have to be entrepreneurs as well as artists. It is not always fun, and we must find the balance between the artistic and business sides of our personalities to continue doing what we love.”
Below are some of the qualities that make the difference while building an impactful, purposeful, and profitable career in the modeling industry.
Excellent listening and communication skills
Photo Credit: GATO RIVERO
A huge part of the core activities in modeling would rely on how well a model can accept and execute instructions from other professionals. From the fashion designer to the stylist and, more importantly, the photographer, it’s important always to pay close attention to details and perform accordingly.
Also, being able to communicate effectively is an essential quality in this line of work. To your superiors, coworkers, and assistants, you must learn to be respectful but firm, jovial yet professional, and cordial at all times. If there’s a part of the job you’re not comfortable with, a critical part of the learning process is knowing where and how to draw the ethical lines.
An active team spirit
In modeling, you do not only have to interact with other professionals, but you also have to work with other models to bring the concepts to life. Even the minor contracts would require a team of people working together – stylists, designers, photographers, directors, and publicists – to come to life. Learning to work and communicate efficiently with others is a necessary quality for the long haul.
“Teamwork is an essential skill to possess in this walk of life,” says Berite, 28, with professional credits to the Dukascopy Fashion Show and top brands including Agent Provocateur, La Perla, and FABERGÉ. “When I was working on my resume for Bucherer 1888 to be employed as an intern seller in fine jewelry and high-brand watches, ‘Teamwork’ was actually one of the qualities on my profile. Now, being an entrepreneur, an artist, and close to producing my short film, I now work with my own team of publicists, directors, private teachers, photographers, stylists, and make-up artists, and I certainly need each one of them. I am grateful for having the spirit of teamwork to pursue my dreams, passions, art, and business.”
A high level of intelligence
Contrary to the general assumptions, the most successful models usually possess a high or considerable level of intelligence and self-assurance. In this case, intelligence is holistic as it includes the intellectual, emotional, and social capabilities of a person. You must be able to discern situations accurately and channel substantial creativity into making the best decisions for your work.
Patience and stress management skills
Photo Credit: GATO RIVERO
There’s no sugarcoating it – a real modeling career will get stressful at some point, and for the most part, it quickly becomes an uphill journey. Getting one perfect picture out of a schedule of ten could last several hours. Video shoots could take weeks to get a single perfect take. A great model must learn to be patient when things seem to be turning out unfavorably. However, you must always express your concerns when the stress becomes physically and mentally unbearable. Your wellbeing is a foundational aspect of the job.
“Without emotional intelligence and perspective, stress over your responsibilities can quickly amount to a lot and hold you back,” says Berite. “I’m a perfectionist, and it sometimes works against me because of my high expectations. I feel compelled to fill up every hour of the day to stay productive and keep working towards my goal. However, every stress can nourish fears or bad thoughts.”
High concentration and focus
Especially for runway models, keeping your wits about you at all times will certainly come in handy. Walking a runway in front of large crowds is not as easy as it appears to be. The critical stares and intense assessments from an audience can shatter a person’s confidence in a matter of seconds. It takes a lot of gut training and heavy focus to stay on track and not fumble, or worse still, trip and get seriously hurt.
During photo and video shoots, a great model must learn to drown out the environment and focus on the photographer’s directions. It doesn’t only make your job easier, but it also reduces the unnecessary back and forth with getting perfect shots.
Proper time management and routine self-care
As your career grows in the industry, you’re going to find yourself wishing you could be in different places while doing several things simultaneously. However, since this isn’t possible and modeling is not a job you can delegate to other people, it’s important to develop a personal time management system that allows you to work at a steady pace and meet up with as many engagements as possible. You’ll have to make sacrifices and give up certain things to keep up with your gigs, but striking a reasonable work-life balance from the start is important.
In conclusion, building a solid modeling career involves a lot more than simply being able to blend into the glamorous world. It’s an intensely competitive field with too many skilled people, and you just have to earn your keep and mark your niche. The sky is big enough for everyone.