Feature

Photo: Star Life Style Archive

TRADITIONALLY, women tend to choose modeling as a career. Over the years the glamour industry in Bangladesh has got stronger thought it is yet to be firmly established. Modeling today has become one of the most sought after career options for youngsters. Undoubtedly this is one of the most thrilling as well as lucrative professions. Though it attracts males and females equally, as said earlier it is the females who dominate the field. With the expansion of consumer culture and media we have observed a great boost in the ad industry. There is now a large and continuing demand for fresh faces and personalities to launch and promote a variety of branded products or show a garment to its best advantage.

Modeling is undoubtedly a glamorous field that offers opportunities to travel and meet various classes of people. Moreover once established it is a highly paid job. Even with all these plus points it involves a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to be successful in this field. However, it is a highly competitive and short- lived career. Further, stress factor is high and the hours are erratic. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

It is a profession where educational qualifications become less important and physical attributes and personal qualities assume importance. Modeling is of various types and can be broadly classified into ramp modeling, television modeling and print modeling.

There is no specific qualification or age limit to enter this field. The first step for making an entry is to prepare a portfolio that consists of a series of photographs taken by a professional photographer. The portfolio can then be shown to an advertising agency, a model co-coordinating agency, or a fashion designer. Another way to enter this career is to apply for the contests sponsored by magazines, cloth manufactures, cosmetic companies and participating in beauty pageants.

There are no set standards of training in this area, and models are usually expected to learn on the job. Training courses in this field are offered by ex-models who have set up training schools; the programs include instructions on beauty care, make-up, hair styling, diet and exercise, how to walk and carry yourself elegantly and so on. These training programs include guidance on how to make a contract and other technicalities. Guidance on making a portfolio also forms a part of such training programs.

A very important part of becoming a successful model is how s/he is packaged. Is the model in the right physical shape? Do they need to lose or gain weight in order to fit the clothes? Do they need a make over or do they need to change their personal style?

A brand new model has perhaps the toughest job in the glamour industry. She has yet to build relationships or establish recurring clients. She needs to learn the basics of posing, as well as the skills of networking and communication. A young model in effect goes on tens of what we would call job interviews every day. The top agencies work with a few hand picked test photographers who have the skills to work with a new model and create inspiring as well as marketable images of her.

A beginner should be working with the right level of photographers, stylists and art directors. She needs to maintain her visibility and image and keep herself in demand and be successful in the long run.