How To Be A Model In Nigeria: Detailed Guide

If you’re interested in working creatively in the fashion or advertising industries, modeling may be a good option. For a variety of companies, models promote everything from clothing and makeup to food and household goods. You can improve your chances of long-term success in the modeling industry by familiarizing yourself with this route. Here, I’ll show the steps you need to take to become a model in Nigeria. But first, it’s important to understand what a model is…

What Does A Model Do?

A model’s physical appearance is used to assist a firm in advertising a product or an artist in creating or displaying a work of art. The model may collaborate with a photographer to make fashion images or walk down a runway to promote the latest clothes range from a fashion designer. A model may have the following responsibilities:

Pose for a drawing, painting, or sculpture by an artist.
Use a specific portion of their body, such as their hand, to promote a product, such as a ring or nail polish.
Wear merchandise or apparel and appear in print or digital adverts
Deliver dialogue in television commercials
To get a specific style, work with stylists and photographers.
Attend a trade fair, convention, or other event as a brand representative.

How to Become A Model In Nigeria

Here are some measures you can take to become a model in Nigeria:

#1. Determine the type of model you wish to be.

Consider the type of model you want to be when you consider becoming a model. Some people choose to work in print, exclusively appearing in print items such as billboards and periodicals. Others may conduct commercial work in which their primary goal is to promote the things they are posing with. Other sorts of modeling you might be interested in are:

Plus-size modeling
Hand modeling
Runway modeling
Fitness modeling
Hair modeling
Eye modeling
Shoe modeling
Jewelry modeling
Fashion modeling

You can pursue a speciality based on your interests and characteristics. If you have symmetrical and expressive eyes, you might wish to consider modeling eyewear or eye cosmetics. It is important to note that some models adhere to traditional modeling standards, but others use their unique features to their advantage when applying for jobs.

#2. Begin practicing at home.

You can start practicing for a modeling profession right away. Look for videos of professional models and observe how they move and pose. Imitate and take notes from these videos. If you have a full-length mirror, practice your runway walk in front of it. Modeling can be a physically and mentally demanding profession, so living a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing exercise can help you stay mentally and physically fit.

#3. Create a work portfolio

You can begin building your work portfolio by including photos of yourself taken by friends and family. Request that they take full-body and headshots of you wearing simple makeup against a white background. This assists an agent or client in determining whether you are the type of model they want to hire. Look for new photographers who will photograph you in exchange for the right to use your images in their advertising.

As your career progresses, you can hire a photographer to take professional photographs. Make sure your portfolio includes a variety of photos of you in various poses and settings. This demonstrates your adaptability and ability to work in a variety of settings. If you specialize in a specific type of modeling, make sure your portfolio reflects this.

#4. Locate an agent

You can try to get clients on your own, but most clients prefer to work with a modeling agency, so it’s best to find an agent. Bring your portfolio and expect to complete an audition when you visit an agency. You should also be prepared to provide body statistics such as height, weight, eye color, and shoe size.

While some agencies prefer professional photographs, your non-professional photographs may suffice. If an agency likes what they see, they may pay to have you photographed by a professional. Before signing a contract, do your homework and confirm that the agency is legitimate.

#5. Enroll in relevant classes

Consider enrolling in modeling classes at a local modeling school to learn more about the industry. These courses will teach you how to perform well in a photo shoot while also maintaining good health and nutrition. You could also consider taking acting or dance classes to hone your skills. Acting classes can help you improve your performance in a photo shoot where you must convey a specific mood, whereas dance classes can help you develop poise and good posture.

#6. Seek out opportunities to establish a reputation.

Practice self-promotion to achieve greater success as a model. Always keep an eye out for modeling opportunities that potential clients might notice. Volunteer at a local fashion show, for example, or look for retail outlets that need models to advertise products. You can also ask local hair stylists and makeup artists if they are looking for models to practice on. Be careful to treat each engagement like a professional job, and have someone be present to snap pictures of you for your portfolio.

The internet is a terrific tool to promote yourself since you may post images and movies that may reach thousands of people. Through social media, you can create followers and develop a platform. This could intrigue future clients who might want your followers to see you wearing or utilizing their products. If you don’t already have a professional social media presence, start to build one. Focus specifically on those platforms that highlight graphics and video.

Can You Become A Model At 15 Years Old?

It is possible to become a model at 15 years old. When you are at a store looking at advertising photographs or are reading a magazine, look at how many people pictured are in their teens. 15 is a fantastic age to start modeling as it will offer you time to build on your talents and develop. You will also have adequate time to build the proper relationships in the sector. Modeling is a job where it might take time to blossom into a full time career, therefore the more time you allow yourself the better.

How To Become A Model At 15

To get started as a 15-year-old model you’ll need to put together a small portfolio of photographs and create your social media profiles. After you have done that you should start promoting yourself to local photographers and modeling agencies to see if they are interested.

If you don’t know where to go to get pictures done, seek out local photographers on Instagram. You may even ask other local models which photographers did their shots. Aspiring models should not have much issue locating photographers who will do their shots for free. You do not need to pay for images at this stage.

You need to create your online identity to show off the fact that you are or aspire to be a model. You’ll need to make things look professional and maintain a solid web presence.

You are now expecting agencies and organizations to invest time and money into you. They will not do this if your internet presence doesn’t represent what they are to some degree.

How Much Does A Model Make in Nigeria?

There are numerous forms of modeling and the amount that comes with each type varies substantially. It should also be noted that many factors affect the amount models earn in various fields. One of the most crucial criteria that affect how much a model makes is the company. You wouldn’t expect a model that connects with a well-recognized modeling agency to earn the same amount as a model with a local agency. Furthermore, face models do not typically make as much as full-body models.

Here are some of the different types of modeling and how much models earn in Nigeria nowadays.

Runway Models

Today, this is the most popular modeling line in Nigeria. It is currently one of the most selective model lines. In contrast to other styles of modeling, runway modeling typically demands models of a certain height and general size. During fashion events and runways, designers typically use runway models to showcase their items.

Runway models typically receive between N20,000 and N80,000 every event. While there are modeling agencies that pay less, the price range mentioned above is the average for models in this category.

Commercial Models

This is one of the highest-paying modeling jobs available today. Typically, this form of modeling does not necessitate a large number of rules. Models are hired as brand representatives and are usually paid on a contract basis.

Models in this category are found in product packs because they are frequently used in commercial ads. They might make up to N5 million per contract or as little as N100,000, depending on the firm and the product they are promoting.

Fashion Models

Fashion models in this category, often known as editorial models, appear in magazines, fashion blogs, fashion websites, and other comparable media. Models in this industry, like runway models, must have a certain height, usually around 5’88” at the very least.

Because it is less stressful than runway modeling, it is one of the most sought-after modeling lines. Fashion models might earn between N20,000 and N150,000 for each feature, depending on the magazine or editorial platform.

Glamour Models

This is currently one of the most popular modeling categories, particularly among university students and young women. These models are recruited to appear appealing to the audience. This is similar to fashion models in that they pose for photographs and appear in magazines, but they are also used as ushers in specific parties and are sometimes considered more so than models.

Depending on the nature of the event, models in this category earn between N5,000 and N60,000 every event.

Fitness Models

This type of modeling attracts physically fit women and men. They are typically employed to model sportswear brands and, sometimes, exercise equipment. This sort of modeling attracts macho guys and fit women. They are not as common as the majority of the other modeling categories on the list. Models in this category typically earn between N10,000 and N80,000 per shoot.

Do I Need Money To Be A Model?

Serious model agencies with well-known clients want to make money alongside you. As a result, it is critical that a competent agency does not charge you any fees for agency admission. As a result, there are no expenses.

Do I Have The Qualities To Be A Model?

For fashion modeling, you should be well-proportioned, with regular features and good skin, teeth, and hair. Other sorts of modeling would need you to conform to the image desired by modeling agencies. You don’t need to take a modeling class or have an expensive photo portfolio.

Can Models Have Tattoos?

Tattooed models vary depending on the type of modeling they do and client expectations; most prefer an untattooed model, but there are exceptions; small tattoos that can be covered up with makeup are typically acceptable; larger tattoos, on the other hand, may prove more difficult to conceal, leading some brands to refuse collaboration.

Why Do Models Have To Be Tall?

The taller a person is, the easier it is to notice them on a catwalk or when going through a throng. They are more adept at catching attention from a distance and successfully attracting the audience to themselves and their products. Shorter people are said to be more prone to be overlooked.

Is 24 Too Old To Be A Model?

Anyone, regardless of age, can become a model! If you want to be a model but are concerned about finding a job due of your age, don’t be! Look into the type of modeling you want to do and work on perfecting your craft!

How Do Models Get Paid?

As a model, you can earn money in two ways. The first option is to join a modeling agency, and the second is to work as a freelance model. A modeling agency has contacts via which they obtain client reservations. The agency will then assign work to you and other models who fit the criteria.

Conclusion

To thrive as a model in Nigeria, you need a lot of hardwork, dedication, and persistence. With the right mindset, training, and connections, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful model in Nigeria.