«MODEL» - ¯Or Sitting Pretty¯ - Audio - http://maxpages.com/totally4u/Model

THE DOSH FILE

Pay:Starting out - £180 a day [mag shoot] to £15, 000 [Tv ad campaign]
Hours:3 to 8 hours a day. Some models only work one day per week!
Working Conditions:Crazy to quiet
Perks:Travel, self-employment, meeting people
Effort to get job:5/5
Stress:2/5
Glamour:4/5
Qualifications:None

There aren't may people that will tell you how to become a model. That's because although virtually every teenage girl dreams of becoming the new Kate Moss, Sohpie Dahl or Naomi Campbell, dreams like this don't often come true. "We only take on one one in 300 people who w consider from postal enquiries, competitions or scouting," says Clare Whitlock, Head of New Faces at top agency, Models One.

Even then, only a very few girls have what it takes to become a supermodle. The reality for thousands of others is that they never get beyond small ad campaigns or fashion sheets for local magazines. Millions more will never get signed up in the first place. Why? Because you actually need to look like a model to become one! Still, even some of the best came from humble beginnings . Naomi Campbell grew up in South London suburb of Streatham, while Kate Moss was 'spotted' by a model agency at an airport, heading off on holiday with her parents.

There are also agencies for many different types of models, like the bigger girl, 'character' models for ads, Tv and films, or 'body part' models - people who just show their hands or feet.

It's importan t to remember that modelling isn't a career for life, as the average length of a model's career is around five to ten years. If you are considering a career in modelling, you'll also have to think what you'll do afterwards, too.

WHAT YOU NEED

You have to be realistic. If you're only five feet tall, it doesn't matter how good-looking you are, the chances of you strutting your stuff on the catwalk are pretty miniaml. 'Traditional' models are at least 5ft 6in, and a perfect size 10-12, with well proportioned features, good skin, hands and teeth.

You must have bags of patience, as models do a lot of sitting and standing around while not very much happens. And organisation comes in handy, as you must know where to be, and when. Sleeping in instead of attending a photo shoot could be disastrous.

You'll always be meeting new people, so you must be sociable and very confident. Tantrums won't be tolerated, so you should be able to work as part of a team. It's not all about you!

Also, models have to look good, so take a healthy approach to life. Drink plenty of water and eat fesh, healthy food. Plenty of sleep is important too!

HOW TO GET THERE

Here's the good news for anyone who doesn't like to study - you don't need any formal qualifications, as it's all about your looks. [Although formal qualifications are always a good idea to fall back on and to get a job when you modelling career is over.] Start by getting seen by a reputable model agency, which is a member of the Association of Model Agents [AMA]; send in you details, plus two recent photos of yourse;f [one should be of your face, the other full length - as natural as possible, preferably no make-up] to the New Faces desk, along with your measurements and an SAE.

Remember the photos only need to be Boots style snapshots, don't spend loads on proffesional pics - the agency won't need them.

If they're keen, the agency will call you in for casting to see if you're suitable. Agencies tend to take one in four girls they see at this stage. Alternatively, find out when they're opsen to see potential models, normally from 10 a.m to 12p.m. on weekdays.

Remember that reputable agencies NEVER charge you any money for anything, as they'll sum up the cash if they like you.

RELATED JOBS
Make-Up Artist:Applies make-up to anyone from models and pop stars to 'real people' at photoshoots, shows, or on movies and Tv.
Set Designer:Works behind the scenes on Tv, movies and theatre, studying scripts and liasing with the director to create the 'locations' seen by the audience.
Photographer:Takes pictures for magazines, newspapers, books, Tv, or even for medical or industry use.

CONTACTS

Association of Model Agents
122 Brompton Road, London SW3 1JE
Tel:0891 517 644
Can supply a list of member agencies

Chartered Society of Designers
32-38 Saffron Hill, London EC19 8FG
Tel:020 7831 9777
E-Mail: csd@csd.org.uk
Website: www.csd.org.uk

Association of Photographers
81 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4QS
Tel:020 7739 6669
E-Mail: general@aophoto.co.uk
Website: www.aophoto.co.uk

bubbly@geminigirl.co.uk

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Page Updated Sun Sep 9, 2001 7:56am EDT