Introduction
In a world where a single photo can launch a career, the allure of the modelling industry is undeniable, but behind the glamour lies a path fraught with challenges and fierce competition. Many desire to gain the name and fame of the top few supermodels across the world, but few ask themselves whether they have the capability to face the difficulties of walking the catwalk. This article is brought by us at 7DaysChic to outline the essential skills required by models to succeed, with the overall aim of assisting aspiring models with crucial skills to gain professional achievements within the modelling and fashion industries.
The key skills that we have identified within successful models include professionalism, health, poise, communication, resilience, and continuous learning.
1. Professionalism and Work Ethic
Whether it be casting calls or arduous fitting and photoshoot sessions, to succeed in your modelling career, maintaining a professional outlook at work is imperative. Clients and casting directors need to know that they can depend on you to show up and perform at your highest level. A key aspect of maintaining professionalism is punctuality; no matter what, always arrive on time for fittings and rehearsals, if not early. Punctuality reflects your respect for the efforts of the organisers and fellow models, in addition to the audience waiting to see you shine at your brightest on the stage. Being on time exudes your sophisticated willingness to model and ultimately allows for your professional progress, yourself as well as that of your fellow models and organisers. Therefore, to show your zest for modelling in a poised and sophisticated manner, arrive on time to let the show run smoothly.
Alongside punctuality, showing dedication towards your commitments and goals showcases you as a reliable and dependable model in the eyes of clients. Deepen ties with the big names and agencies within the modelling industry by moulding yourself into a person who keeps their word and honours their commitments, allowing casting directors to trust you enough to open the doors to future opportunities and jobs that will accelerate your influence and reputation.
Developing a strong work ethic is the only way for you to reap the full fruits of all opportunities and create new ones. During casting calls and rehearsals, give it your all and strive to ace all the tasks given to you to showcase yourself as a valuable asset for future projects and castings.
2. Health and Appearance
As a model, your first impression is often the only one clients use to decide whether to take you on. Physical appearances are thus necessary for achievements in the modelling industry; flawless skin and personal grooming are crucial to exemplifying your beauty and confidence to the people who can provide you with future opportunities for success. Proper skincare routines that involve regular cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection allow you to maintain a radiant, glowing complexion that will serve your professional benefit, whether it be shooting polaroids or applying different makeup styles for different shootings. Knowledge of different makeup styles further serves as a vehicle for you to accentuate different versions of your beauty in different modelling situations, increasing versatility. In addition, excellent haircare and nail care through regular trims and cuts demonstrate your respect for your craft and, more importantly, exude confidence to enhance breathtaking performances.
To further enhance physical appearance, physical fitness is necessary to achieve the optimal look designed for professional success. As a model, exercise and fitness should be your way of life to be healthy, as well as looking and feeling good. Maintain a regular exercise schedule consisting of at least 30 minutes of moderate and intense physical activity, adjusting based on the number of activities within the day. Remember, within the modelling industry, you are the product that is being marketed, and exercise is the mechanism through which you can look after and enhance your physical and mental well-being for success on the set. Don’t lose an opportunity to others just by slacking off on maintaining your physical fitness. Model your best self; fitness is key.
If you want to be a model, eating a balanced nutritional diet allows you to balance your weight and maintain a high degree of physical fat. Start with little changes to your diet, such as including foods high in unsaturated fats and protein, such as avocados, as well as cutting down on food items containing processed sugars and carbohydrates. To become a successful model, transform your diet from junk to joy to the ultimate transformation of your look.
3. Poise
When asked about the development of her signature walk, famous model Naomi Campbell attributed her famous catwalk style to her mother, who taught her to walk with swag and to the rhythm of her surroundings. It’s no secret that in this industry, poise and a sense of elegant confidence set the most successful models apart from the others when it comes to the runway. While many of us may not naturally have that sense of grace within us and may not have any confident role models to emulate, poise can be developed through increasing our sense of self-worth and our overall confidence. You are an alluring person who definitely deserves a chance to showcase yourself on the runway; you just need to utilise this self-assurance through your walk and style. On the runway, whether in heels or flats, nervous or exhausted, walk with a sense of inner self-assurance and composure to highlight your charm and charisma to both the audience and clients, facilitating your rise to a successful model.
Your poise can be further used in front of the camera during photo shoots to bring out your most optimal expressions. Expressions can convey a mixture of feelings, and even the slightest of tweaks could potentially alter the intended effect that the client was looking for. Thus, as a model, you need to present a wide variety of emotions in a versatile and composed manner, depending on the situation. This can be achieved by regularly practising smiling and facial expressions in front of a mirror, allowing you to accentuate natural expressions if required. Remember, subtlety and composure speak volumes and will be picked up by the camera more evidently than you may think. After all, every great shot begins with a poised expression—perfect your pose, and the rest will follow.
4. Communication Skills
Relationships are a sure-fire way to successfully climb the ranks of the modelling industry. Your professional rise is dependent on the quality of relationships you develop with your colleagues on set or the clients that set your gigs. Thus, it is important for upcoming models to have stellar communication skills to build close ties with those who can open doors for their professional success. Treat all the people you encounter in your modelling journey as equals and maintain a sense of grace and friendship when dealing with different types of people. You may even foster some life-long friendships through your professional life, positively impacting your emotional and mental health.
Consequently, in the modelling industry, excellent networking skills lead to more opportunities for success. Making connections and making good first impressions is vital for models to gain chances to showcase their craft to the world. Building a large network of clients, models, and other influencers within the modelling industry will bring you more bookings and casting calls, either through word-of-mouth or recommendations. Remember to not overthink it! All you have to do is take the initiative to start conversations with the people you meet and encounter at bookings and castings. Exemplify your natural charms, and make sure to treat all those whom you encounter with kindness and respect. After all, the famous adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” holds particularly true when you have the goal of capturing everyone on the catwalk.
Furthermore, in addition to networking in person, maintaining connections through social media platforms is very important in this heavily digitalised age. Social media allows you to unveil your craft to a global audience, increasing your visibility beyond traditional channels such as magazines and runway shows. You need to build a large digital audience through popular platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to effectively market your brand online, as well as maintain direct engagement with fans and followers. Social media allows you to get noticed by the top names within the modelling industry, with many clients and casting directors now assessing models based on the number of Instagram followers rather than their appearance and portfolio. Master the social media game, and let your online presence catapult your modelling career to new heights.
5. Resilience
I’ll be honest, the modelling industry is cutthroat and competitive. Your fellow aspiring models will all be working hard and hustling to get the crème de la crème of bookings, facing casting directors and clients who won’t hesitate to speak their minds when they feel that their high expectations have not been met. A high level of resilience and mental endurance has kept many successful models through the taxing process of the modelling profession. Whether it be a rejection letter from a reputed agency or harsh criticism from a casting director, you need to develop the ability to bounce back from adversity and give it your all when in high-pressure situations. Embrace a positive growth mindset that uses stress as a tool for their professional advantage instead of a catalyst for their downfall. It may be tough, but through your inner strength, your beauty and confidence will eventually shine brightly for all to see.
That being said, maintaining mental well-being increases mental fuel for you to vanquish all obstacles to a successful modelling career. Mindfulness techniques and meditation are some of the many ways to bring balance and tranquillity to your mind. Every day, set some time out of the day for you to do self-care and reflect on your overall emotional and mental health. In addition, regular exercise and a balanced diet, as mentioned earlier, provide a huge boost to your mental health, as your emotional well-being and self-esteem levels are greatly accelerated.
Another pivotal way to maintain good mental health is to have a strong support system, which can act as a rock during difficult times. While competition will always be in the background in this industry, form close ties with your colleagues and create a platform where you can share your successes and grievances with one another. Who knows? Maybe all of you can gain opportunities to share your unique talents on the runway together! Make sure to also spend time with family and friends to gain an alternative community during those times when modelling becomes too taxing on the mind. In essence, prioritise your mind and nurture your soul; mental wellness is the foundation for a model’s true radiance and success.
6. Continuous Learning and Development
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, staying updated is crucial for models to remain relevant and competitive. By understanding the latest and best technologies, you can adapt new skills and presentation styles to appeal to current demands, allowing you to enhance your marketability by appealing to different client tastes.
Regular training and workshops are essential for continuous improvement. Participating in these educational opportunities will develop your professional skills as a model through the refinement of techniques and the acquisition of new skills. Whether it’s a posing workshop, runway training, or a seminar on social media marketing, ongoing education will empower you to ultimately expand your professional repertoire.
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. By actively seeking and utilising constructive criticism, models can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. Embracing feedback with an open mind will allow you to fine-tune your performance, enhancing your overall effectiveness and ensuring that you consistently deliver your best work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in order to successfully become a model, qualities such as resilience, effective communication, and poise are essential to enhancing overall physical and mental well-being and boosting your confidence and allure within the industry. While the road to success as a model is filled with many obstacles, developing these skills in addition to collaborating with efficient organisations such as 7DaysChic will make your professional journey a whole lot easier, furthering your overall confidence and self-conviction. If there are any other tips that you feel are important, feel free to share your insights with 7DaysChic.
Amit Sriganesh Walkay
Sales and Marketing
7DaysChic
