This is an interview conducted by my twleve year old protege. She was given an homework assignment to interview someone in the profession she wants to be in when she growns up. She wants to be a model. So thanks to Nancy Tennicott, runway director for Ford Models-Chicago as well Ashley Abboushi and Robin Harris the two models who agreed to do this. Here is Robin's interview:
1. What types of training/classes are required for this job?
The type of training/classes for runway modeling is runway classes. Once you get signed with the agency you are required to attend their runway classes.
2. How long was training for the job/career Model?
Once you get approved from the director of runway, then you are able to go and see clients for runway shows.
1. How many hours do you work?
Typical day of work depends on the client, for informal modeling you can work up to 4 hours, for a runway show you work for 1 hr, for print/catalog modeling you can work a half day for about 5-6 hrs.
2. What is your typical work environment?
Typical work environment is lights, cameras, music, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, dressers, backdrops, shoes, and racks of clothes are all things that may be included in the work environment.
3. Describe a typical day for you?
A typical day for me is coming to a runway location, trying on clothes, doing a runway rehearsal, then lights, cameras, action…I’m on the runway walking the catwalk.J
1. How much money does a beginning model make each year?
It depends on the location and the model that determines how much she or he make in their first year. If you are in New York then you probably would make more than someone from Atlanta or Chicago. The average annual income range from 80,000 and up.
2. Do you get paid for overtime or extra hours?
Models do get paid overtime and it depends on the rate for that day. It can be double the amount of the rate or more.
3. Are there regular raises?
There are no regular raises, just an increase in clients…if a model book every casting/audition she goes on then that would be her raise….
1. Compare employment of a beginner and an advanced model.
The employment of a beginner compared to an advanced model may be slightly different. The beginner model may have less or few clients depending on how much the Agent “pushes” the model to the clients, and how easy the model fits into the job. The beginner model may be a great walker and not shy, and work with the advanced model as well. The advanced model have loyal clients who always book her on all the jobs they have. The advanced model have a loyal client base, whereas the beginner model has to build up her clients, by going to more auditions/castings.
2. How often do you get to work with your boss?
You are your own boss, an the Agent at the modeling agency is the one who you may answer to. A model has to treat this business like she is the actual business.
3. How many job options are there for a Model?
The options for a model varies. She can be a hand model, foot model, sports model, lingerie model, high fashion model, print model, cosmetic/beauty campaign model, or go on to do commercials.
Job Skills/Talents/Experience:
1. What are the required job skills for this field?
The required skills for this type of job is first your outward appearance, then your personality, likability, and professionalism. To be a fashion model you must be 5”9 or taller, thin, great skin, hair, nails, smile.
2. What must be your strong suits to be a Model?
Strong suits is your confidence, if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will.
3. What main talents should you have to be most successful in this field?
Talents depends on the type of model you want to become, so if you want to be a high fashion model, your talent is your walk, and your adjustability to the client…in other words can you transform from being glamorous, to being business like, or energetic..
1. What personality type do you recommend for this field, do you need to be thick skinned?
YOU MUST BE THICK SKINNED! I REPEAT YOU MUST BE THICK SKINNED, for this type of job. Models don’t get every job they get sent on, they are rejected in person or behind the scenes, so in order to deal with rejection you must be thick skinned. Don’t take everything personal, it may just be what the client wants for that particular job.
3. When did you decide that you really wanted to become a Model?
I decided I really wanted to become a model when I was 12 years old. I always loved glamour, fashion, beauty, and walking on the runway.
1. Is there any dietary in being a Model?
Again you as a professional model are a BUISINESS. So what you eat, to how you treat people, to how you dress, to your daily decisions should be based upon how it will affect your business. Personally some models eat what they want because they are naturally thin, others eat healthy, fruits, veggies, lean meats, and good workout regimen.
2. What is your favorite part about being a Model? What is your least favorite part?
Favorite part of being a model is being able to transform to someone different on the runway or at a photoshoot.
Least part is dealing with difficult clients, always having to eat healthy, and dealing with rejection.
3. What is it like being a Model?
Its fun being a model, but I always like to represent something positive to those who are watching. Trying on all the clothes, cool makeup, and nice shoes.
4. Why is Modeling important to you?
Modeling is important to me because I can use it as a platform to talk to others about my experience, what its like, and encourage others to become the best at what they love. I get a chance to talk to young girls about self esteem, confidence, and following their dreams and goals.
