Modelling... a wonderful profession
 

by Sunalie Ratnayake

From time immemorial man has been trying to embellish the human figure by using paint and clay. In course of time this led to modelling. In the past modelling had been a secondary, nonessential addition to life but in the 20th century it blossomed into a new branch of studies.

Famous models such as Helene Fourment, Saskia and the Dutchess of Alba contributed to "Goya's" portraits such as his two famous "Maja" paintings and brought modelling to a high degree of recognition.

Although modelling was developed into a flourishing profession, some sections of society looked down upon it. They had negative thoughts and feelings about "modelling".

This is a sad situation indeed. Due to a handful of people who had allegedly misbehaved in the past, the image of the profession has been tarnished. Whoever intends to misbehave would do so, regardless of the profession they are engaged in. It does not particularly have to be the field of modelling.

Modelling takes place in the advertising business as well as in sales. Considering the whole world, New York the nation's fashion and advertising centre offers the most employment for models.

Other cities in America such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami and Chicago offer career opportunities for those interested or already engaged in the field. France, Italy and London are among the other countries in Europe which offer tremendous opportunities for models as they have a wide range of designer items.

Designer clothes, shoes, handbags, jewellery and fragrances are among those categories. Due to the fashion awareness in men's clothing and television advertising being in demand, job opportunities are increasing for male models. There are several categories of modelling.

Fashion modelling

The main consideration for models to indulge in fashion modelling would be the model's figure. Her height and measurements should be agreeable with the model sizes. Fashion models are in three popular size groups. 1. Junior petites-5ft. 1 in. to 5ft. 3in. in stocking feet, sizes 3 to 5.2. Junior-5ft. 4in. to 5ft. 6 1/2in. in stocking feet, sizes 5 to 7 and 3. Misses-5ft. 6in to 5ft. 8 1/2in. in stocking feet, sizes 6 to 10. Being photogenic is an asset but, not an essential matter.

Knowing how to look attractive in the clothes being modelled and to move with stylish grace and confidence are mattes of importance. Being groomed upto a standard, where defects or errors would not appear or being flawless, are other matters of equal importance, for a fashion model.

Fashion modelling is done to model clothing in department stores as well as specialty shops, wholesale houses and other shops that carry a line of exclusive clothing. Such modelling is known as "showing".

In some cases, this is a full time job which involves not only showing clothes, but also selling them and perhaps secretarial duties as well. Show models engage in modelling at department stores, specialty salons and manufacturer's fashion shows.

The work is directed to the model either by the client or through a model agency and this is commonly seen in New York. Fashion models get paid reasonably and experienced models who are much in demand get a better pay than the freshers.

Photographic modelling

The photographic model's features slightly differ from that of the high fashion model. These models are rounder and fuller but must be thinner than the average woman due to increased weight illusions that appear in photographics.

Photographic models are "believable beauties" and are known as commercial models. The "junior photographic fashion model" may be several inches shorter in height, than the "high fashion model".

The high-fashion photographic model has an elegant look with a long neck which balances the head in a graceful manner. She should be 5ft.7in. to 5ft.9in. in height and between age 23 and 27.

Other essential requirements of the photographic model would be shining hair which is healthy, a small nose, good teeth and above all, excellent health. This is due to the fact of having to appear for photo shoots in various locations, under all types of weather conditions. Usually the general working conditions are excellent.

Going down history lane, the inception of photographic modelling occurred during the early 1920s in the United States. The first model agency was established by John Robert Powers in 1924. Girls within the age group of 16 to 23 are mostly used in this portion of modelling but, children, teenagers, men and matrons are also given the opportunity.

Photographic models are also employed to appear in magazine stories and in most parts of the world, they are paid hourly. The model who intends to turn into an actress, would enjoy this dramatic field, as it requires a substantial amount of acting.

Trade show modelling

This model's duties could vary from greeting guests at exhibitions held by companies to demonstrating products and answering questions regarding same. These models will be trained to do so by the companies which hire them. Trade shows will run from 1 to 10 days.

In comparison with other parts of the world, New York pays the highest wages for modelling. Models are usually represented by agencies or personal managers. Established models demand higher wages for their performances, while beginners work hard to establish themselves.

Famous magazines would pay a lower fee for beginner models but, having their picture appear in a recognized magazine would be an advantage, despite the lower fee.

The model being introduced to clients through an agency is not a rule, but only a manner, to carry out the process, in an organized way. Appointments or bookings are made and secretaries are employed to send out model's bills and to collect the model's fees.

Guidance and career counselling are among other benefits which are offered through agencies. Ten per cent of the model's gross wages are normally paid to her agent.

A model should not only be able to walk gracefully along the catwalk but also should be able to act charmingly and speak attractively, as she appears. Although, the ability to speak English is not an essential matter for a model, it would certainly be an asset. At the time of the personal interview, all models should be able to prove themselves.

A model's life is certainly not a path of rose petals but just as any other responsible field, it requires a lot of patience, hard work, great dedication and a lot of guts to cope up and deal with stormy situations.

The only disadvantage of choosing this field, is that, one can only be in it, for a limited period of time. Age certainly becomes a crucial factor. If carried out in the correct path or manner, modelling certainly is a wonderful profession, in which only a handful of people could indulge. It indeed does not deserve a bad reputation in this world.

Taking Sri Lanka into consideration, currently the field of modelling has improved vastly and even though only a handful, we do have our share of stunning professional models who perform magnificently. Also new faces keep on adding to the field. But, in order to compare the modelling field in Sri Lanka with the rest of the world, the tiny teardrop in the Indian ocean has a long way to go.

It's not an impossible mission to accomplish, but only if everyone would work as a team, leaving aside all differences, selfishness and jealousy.

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