Entry Level Qualification 

12

Career Fields 

Performing Arts

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

No Entrance Exam

About Career 

1. Imagine being under the limelight almost the entire day, when time stands still and all eyes fall on you. Imagine a scenario where you yourself are an art piece, where the clothes that you have worn, as well as the way you posture your body, the way you walk, the way you wear your hair, as well as the inherent way in which you carry yourself as a person, all are part of this intricate art form that you are the crux of. The art of being yourself, as well as harnessing the ability to mold yourself in accordance to what may be asked of in the art from is what makes modeling a challenging yet subtle profession. If you are one of those people who are willing to be a form of art and be versatile and bold, much like the hues of a paint brush on an empty canvas, this is the profession.

2. As a Model, you may have to face the camera to shoot for commercials, advertisements, music videos, movies, magazines, calendars, catalogues, etc. apart from runway modelling (also referred to as catwalking or ramp walking). You can also be a foot, face, hair, voice or hand model. The modeling industry has diverse domains including plus-size modeling where individuals with larger body weights and shapes can also become professional models.

3. You will need a proper portfolio (collection of your photos clicked by a commercial photographer) to begin as a Model at the entry level and keep adding new photos to it for getting further work projects. You will be working with a model coordinating agency in your initial days.

4. You may have to walk on the ramp showcasing various new designs of fashion designers or jewelry designers and attend after-parties where various media celebrities may be present. You may pose for sculptures, paintings, calendar shoots, etc. You should also be very good at talking (public speaking skills) to new people, interviewers, reporters, etc. as you will be a familiar face in the Media industry if you can become a top Model.

5. Models often get shooting calls at the last minute. You have to be ready all the time and be available. Tough timelines and busy schedules are something you have to get used to especially in your initial days if you want to be successful.

6. You may also shoot commercials for car manufacturers, apparel production companies, consumer products, jewelry designing companies, etc. You will have to face the camera wearing designed garments, other apparel, accessories, for potential buyers at fashion shows, online retail platforms (like Flipkart, Jabong, Amazon, etc.), retail establishments or private trade shows.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a Model, you will be involved in following key roles and responsibilities:-

1. Working closely with fashion coordinators, photographers, producers, directors, make-up artists, stylists, other models, and clients for producing the required looks, and to finish photo shoots on schedule.

2. Applying facial makeup and styling hair for enhancing appearance.

3. Standing, turning, and walking for demonstrating features of accessories or garments to observers at fashion shows, private trade shows, retail establishments, etc.

4. Posing as directed for promoting or selling merchandise facing photographers, cameramen, art directors, and artists.

5. Displaying clothing and merchandise in advertisements, commercials, online retail platforms.

6. Wearing character costumes or impersonating characters to amuse children or adults.

7. Exercising regularly and keeping fit to adhere to established standards of the industry.

8. Assembling and maintaining portfolios, profiles on social networking sites.

9. Building and maintaining contacts in the Media fraternity and Modeling industry.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 English along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – training courses for ‘Acting and Modeling’ or similar - professional photoshoot for portfolio

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies; Class 11-12 English along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for various training courses for ‘Acting and Modeling’, ‘Fashion Modeling’, ‘Soft Skills’, ‘Modelling and Finishing’, ‘Grooming and Modeling’, ‘Modeling and Styling’, beauty pageant classes or similar. Then you can apply to various agencies after making a portfolio of your pictures clicked by a professional photographer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 English along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Diploma or Bachelor degree in any discipline - training courses for ‘Acting and Modeling’ or similar - professional photoshoot for portfolio

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies; Class 11-12 English along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you need to finish your Diploma course or Bachelor degree in any discipline. Then you can go for various training courses for ‘Acting and Modeling’, ‘Fashion Modeling’, ‘Soft Skills’, ‘Modelling and Finishing’, ‘Grooming and Modeling’, ‘Modeling and Styling’, beauty pageant classes or similar. Then you can apply to various agencies after making a portfolio of your pictures clicked by a professional photographer.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

Beyond all the stereotypes as well as all the exaggerated hype that the profession receives, modeling is not for the faint-hearted. First off, the aspect of modeling itself goes beyond all the glitz and glamour, which inherently just forms a small part of the profession as a whole.

The inherent need to have huge bouts of confidence as well as be vulnerable for the sake of art is not something which can be done by many people out there.

Structured and formal education is not necessary to become a Model. However, it is advisable to complete at least senior secondary level of education (Class 11-12) to become a Model as you will have to interact with journalists, reporters, interviewers and various other media personalities being in the modeling industry.

The minimum senior secondary level of education is also required for participating in various beauty contests sponsored by garment manufacturers, magazines, cosmetic companies, and other sponsors.

There are no set training standards in this field, and Models are expected to learn while on the job. However, many ex-models have set up training schools across the country but mostly in Tier 1 and 2 cities.

You can also continue with your education and sign up for modeling contracts or take modeling classes simultaneously. Even children in the age range of 5-12 years can become models today and promote products in commercials, act in films / television series or become runway models.

Compentencies Required 

1. You should have interests for Artistic Occupations. Artistic occupations mostly involve working with creative ideas, art, and designs. These occupations involve abstract or conceptual thinking, creative self-expression and often do not follow any set processes or rules for getting things done.

2. You should have interests for Enterprising Occupations. Enterprising occupations involve taking initiatives, initiating actions, and planning to achieve goals, often business goals. These involve gathering resources and leading people to get things done. These require decision making, risk-taking, and action orientation.

3. You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment. 

4. You should have knowledge in English Language - English grammar, words, spelling, sentence construction, using English to communicate with others, reading in English, etc.

5. You should have knowledge of Fine Arts - the theories and techniques required for producing various works of fine arts such as painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, digital art, installation art, craft, visual art, etc.

6. You may need knowledge in any Foreign Language - the grammar, words, spelling, sentence construction, etc. of a foreign language and using the language to communicate with others, reading, etc.

7. You should have knowledge of Communications and Media - how different media such as print, television, radio, and social media works. This includes various ways to inform and entertain people via print, audio, audio-visual and online media.

8. You should have Active listening skills- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.

9. You should have Time ManagementSkills- prioritizing work, managing time effectively.

10. You should have coordination skills- working together with other people to get things done.

11. You should have Oral ComprehensionAbility- listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

12. You should have Oral ExpressionAbility- communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

13. You should have Speech Clarity - the ability to speak clearly so that others can understand you. 

14. You should have Public Speaking Skills - Talking effectively to a large group of people or an audience or addressing the public at large in different settings such as conferences, seminars, meetings, etc.

15. You should have Speech and Language Recognition Ability - The ability to identify and understand the speech and language of another person.

16. You should have Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and bodily motion; the ability to keep or regain your body balance when in an unstable position; the ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, hands, arms, fingers, or legs.

17. You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behaviour.

18. You are always or mostly organised in your day-to-day life and activities.

19. You are always or mostly careful about your actions and behaviour. You are always imaginative or in most situations.

20. You always prefer to experience new things and have new experiences or you mostly do.

21. You can always act independently or could do so in most situations.

22. You are fun-loving; you enjoy interacting with people and enjoy yourself.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

You will find numerous opportunities in every major city with multiple modeling agencies and almost all agencies have “open calls” looking for new talent. This field has fierce competition with lots of pretty faces so you will have to prove your talent and passion instead of just depending on your appearance. You may get contacts from social network too.

To get your first assignment, you must have a good portfolio made by a professional photographer or at least by someone who is trained in photography and have good camera and other shooting accessories and equipment. This is quite essential.

Specialisation Tracks In This Career

Fashion Model

Fashion Models demonstrate high fashion, fitness or sports merchandise on runways or inprivate trade shows too.

Modeling for advertising and promotion

Promotional Models or Commercial Models are hired for enhancing the demand of a product, service, brand or concept among consumers. They might participate in trade shows, car launches, product launches being hired by a company for certain projects or shoot for online retail platforms, physical retail outlets, billboards, or television commercials too. You can also be a hand, hair, face, voice or foot model depending on the consumer product you are promoting.

Modeling for print media

Print Media Models shoot for calendars, magazines, catalogues forvarious consumer products, jewelry designers, professional fashion photographers etc.

Career Growth

You may find unlimited work opportunities as a Model. From a background Model or film extra, you can become a Lead Model. You may find work opportunity in TV serials or movies in a lead role. You will be working for a modeling agency in your initial days and then you may hire your own team with a manager to manage your assignments and appointments once you become a successful Model. You might also set up your own school to offer modeling and grooming classes.

Salary Offered  

1. It’s extremely difficult to get opportunities at the beginning of your career and even if you get, you will not be earning well. This struggle may continue for any number of years unless you are able to make it big. There are many factors at play. Your portfolio, your look, overall grooming, professionalism, getting selected for good clients, photographers’ recommendations (they often select models for the shooting projects), right connections in the industry, popularity of the ads you do or opinion of fashion designers and fashion critiques (in case you are catwalking), and so on. What about luck? Yes, you need that a bit too in creative and performing occupations like modelling, acting, etc.

2. At the beginning of your career, you might be paid as little as Rs. 2,000 for a day’s shoot (a day’s shoot could be for any period between 2 hours to 14 hours in a day; but in general, it is mostly of 8-9 hours) or maybe about Rs. 10,000 if you really have what it takes and favourable factors as described above.

3. However, if you become well-known in the industry and depending upon the factors mentioned above, you may start earning a lot.

4. With 2-3 years of work and a great portfolio (of work), you can start getting about Rs. 10,000 – 25,000 for a day’s shoot. Expect to be employed on 8-10 days in a month. Then there are various gigs like brand promotion, hostess in a wealthy person’s party, catwalking in a private party, etc. These will also fetch you good money. Expect to make about Rs. 50,000 – 2,00,000 or more per month.

5. If you can really make it to the top and becomes a reputed model, then you do not have to look back. You can make a lifetime worth of money in just 5 years. For a day’s shoot, you can get about Rs. 1,00,000 – 5,00,000 or even more. For an ad film, you can get Rs. 2,00,000 – 10,00,000. A catwalking session may get you Rs. 1,00,000 – 2,00,000. Private gigs may get you another 5-10,00,000 a month. Add these up. It’s not impossible to make 25,00,000 – 50,00,000 in a month. Being a celebrity model has other advantages also.

6. You may get invitations for various events such as opening a fashionwear showroom, appearance in a marriage, etc. Appearance fees for a celebrity model may as high as Rs. 5,00,000. If you get a gig in Dubai, you may make a cool 20,00,000 for an appearance for 5 hours in a marriage.

Monthly Earnings In Indian Rupee

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience 

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience 

3. Mid Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience 

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

1. Performing physical activities - Performing general physical activities that require the use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body.

2. Developing and maintaining inter-personal relationships - Developing professional relationships with co-workers and others outside organizations and maintaining good relationships.

3. Working directly with people - Working directly with people to offer them services, providing assistance, etc.

4. Scheduling tasks - Scheduling project timelines, tasks and activities.

5. Working in a team - Working in a team of people; developing a team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.

6. Organizing, planning and prioritizing tasks - Planning and organizing tasks in order to achieve work goals; prioritizing tasks to achieve goals and making the best use of the time available.

7. Getting Information and learning - Observing, hearing, and reading using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

8. Exercising physically - Exercising physically using various methods, techniques, equipment, and devices; exercising using a fitness regime; running.

9. Creative thinking - Developing new ideas, concepts, innovative solutions to problems, newer ways of getting things done, designing products and services, creating work of art and craft, etc.