Dear models, I really have no intention of sitting here at my desk at half past 11 on a good Friday night to tell you about the whole random blah blah of modelling you already know. Of course every model who is a model in the right sense of the word, knows that they need to keep fit, exercise daily, have a good feeding habit, a good wardrobe and a truck load of other things. But it goes beyond much more than all those, and so I’m focusing on that which a lot of models seem to be lacking: Moral Etiquette.
So you have the perfect height, body, poise, flair, you are almost already at the peak of your career, you are making huge chunk of money, and you have this amazing portfolio and resume. Okay! But what’s your manner of approach like? How do you address people, how do you talk to people? How do you treat people?
The key word here is ‘people’. Modelling is all about ‘selling’. And you sell to ‘people’ not objects.
Now how do you sell to people when you don’t have a ‘people personality’? Some of the people you get to meet daily as a model are actually the very people who pay you to do what you do. And I can bet that this people expect no less than their money’s worth. Modelling etiquettes are vital to a successful modelling career.
Research has shown that people generally prefer to work with people who they can get along with; people who are cheerful and mannered and can bred a healthy working environment; models with sound knowledge of modelling etiquettes.
Some models actually have this twisted idea that being hostile and unsmiling make them appear ‘serious minded’ and ‘business minded’ and ‘tough’. So what do they do? They walk into a place for a job or audition or photo shoot and then look down their noses at people, make flimsy excuses for their mistakes and excesses, nonchalant, and argue incessantly over any instruction or correction. This set of models need to be schooled on modelling etiquettes.
Well I have one word for this kind of attitude; Arrogance! And I know not of any person who wants to work with a conceited fellow.
Okay, maybe this ‘tough’ girl or boy attitude is paying you now, but it really won’t fetch you much and it won’t take you a long way.
Some people have these attitudes but don’t know how to change, and maybe with some people it’s actually a personality thing and one for which they earnestly seek help.
Alright! For these set of models, please watch out for next article on this same topic, I’m going to offering you tips on Modelling Etiquette. Watch out for it.
The writer, Kahlan-Queen Chidinma is a model, beauty queen, and a contributor to Cosmic Ray Magazine modelling content.
