How to become a model in Nigeria
Have you been wondering how you can become a model here in Nigeria?
If so, I can assure you that your search ends here.
I will run you through the time-tested tips, skills, and tools you need to become not just a model in Nigeria but a successful one at that.
Before we go further, I will like to itemize the simple and short steps you should take if you want to start a successful modelling career in Nigeria, namely:
- Know the type of model you want to become
- Understand your body type
- Get your modeling portfolio ready
- Get trained, you need it
- Position yourself to be discovered
- Create your personal branding
- Make yourself constantly look better
- Practice and practice
- Be professional
- Learn to accept rejection
- Get signed to an agency
- Be cautious while signing deals
- Create an online modeling portfolio website
Now those are the basic steps you need to take to prepare yourself to be a model.
In the write-ups below, you will find out the simple things every aspiring model needs to do to get the limelight.
So, without further ado, I will be explaining these 13 simple steps to you in detail below.
Are you ready? Let’s start already.
Trending Now: HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT AN EARLY AGE IN NIGERIA
WHAT TYPE OF MODEL DO YOU WANT TO BECOME?
There are different kinds of models. Brands need different kinds of models for different purposes when advertising their different products and services.
At the same time, models have different dreams too.
For example, a runway model that you see on fashion shows showcasing different attires and dresses by fashion designers are different from fitness models who are physically built and used for fitness campaigns and body brands.
Fitness models are also different from commercial models who are sued to advertise a wide range of products on commercial campaigns.
These types of models don’t necessarily need to be skinny or be built like fitness models to be on an advertising campaign.
Table of Contents
There are different kinds of models. Brands need different kinds of models for different purposes when advertising their different products and services.
In short, there are different types of models for different purposes. I will explain in detail the different types of models as we go along in this write-up.
No matter the type of model you want to become, continue reading this post till the end and I will show you out to achieve your modelling dreams.
As a model, you cannot possibly fit into all types of modelling.
For example, runway models are required to have a certain height (at least 5’8” tall as a female and 6’0” as a male).
Also, fitness models are expected to achieve a certain type of body.
But my question is if you desire to become either of these types of a model or even others, do you have what it takes?
If you are not built and you want to become a fitness model, you could hit the gym and voila.
But if you want to become a runway model and you are 5’3’’, you may not be able to change your height. Lol.
That’s why you need to first of all figure out what you want and what’s possible when starting your modeling career.
Understand your body type
Now that you know the type of model you’ll like to be, the next thing to do is to find out if your body fits into the required measurements.
Doing your homework as regards your measurement and body types will enable you to approach the right agency for your body type.
When you know what you want and the body type you are working with, you are able to work on your body and face, all depending on your modelling need based on the type of model you want to be.
I will give you an example of a runway model. Usually, runway models need to have a measurement of 34-23-34 (for bust-waist-hips).
If you want to become a runway model and you are far from these numbers, you may want to start working on it to get the required body shape.
That’s why steps 1 and 2 are very important if you want to become a model in Nigeria.
HOW TO BECOME A MODEL IN NIGERIA
Get your modelling profile ready
Considering how to become a model in Nigeria you need to get your portfolio ready because you never know when you would stumble on that golden opportunity.
One of the most important steps in your modeling career is to have a well-rounded modeling portfolio that showcases your strong point through top-notch, stunning images.
With regard to modeling, your portfolio should include details about your looks and features.
Basically, you need to take flattering pictures of your face and facial features; your height, smile, face structure, shoulders.
Take flattering pictures of your face and facial features; your height, smile, face structure, shoulders.
You should also take close shots of your body parts like your fingers, nails, waist, eyes, feet, face, etc.
You need to take good photographs so find a good photographer to work with.
Make sure to update your portfolio from time to time so as to always have the most recent looks of yours.
Hone your modelling skill
Getting trained to become very skilled at the type of modeling you want to do is very vital if you want to become a model in Nigeria or anywhere for that matter.
Learning the catwalk; learning how to walk on the runway, how to pose in front of the camera, how to rock the heels, learning the art of taking beautiful shots are some of the skills you need to sharpen as a model.
Nobody comes to this world naturally with those skills, and even if they do, they still have to hone their skills.
Position yourself to be discovered
If you want to be successful in the modeling space in Nigeria, you need to position yourself properly to be visible in your industry.
Tell you what, nobody will discover you like a supermodel from the corner of your room where you hide your beautiful self.
Thanks to social media, you could make yourself visible by being strategically active on say Instagram or Facebook – whichever you work for you.
Whatever it costs, get seen. By strategic, I mean you have to post relevant content to your career, please.
Create your personal branding
Similar to positioning yourself, preparing yourself as a model in Nigeria requires that you create your personal brand.
According to influencemarketinghub, “Your personal brand is how you promote yourself. It is the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see you”.
Your personal brand is how you promote yourself. It is the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see you”.
Personal branding is telling of your story, and how it reflects your conduct, behavior, spoken and unspoken words, and attitudes.
You use your personal branding to differentiate yourself from other people.
Done well, you can tie your personal branding in with your modeling career in ways no other model in Nigeria can possibly match.
And it’s a no-brainer that that will give you an edge.
HOW TO BECOME A MODEL IN NIGERIA
Make yourself constantly look better
Needless to tell you that you have to take care of your skin, hair, body, and heath.
Whether you like it or not, modeling is an aesthetically-driven industry, and beauty/appearance is undeniably important.
So, make it a point of duty to always look better by the day.
Feed well and exercise accordingly. These little activities will reflect on your body and look.
Practice practice practice!
If you stop practicing as a model, then forget it, you are not ready. Opportunities could open up anytime.
So. Imagine there is a huge opportunity at the tap of your finger and you are not ready?
Trust, me the opportunity will not wait for you because there are thousands of others like you who are ready for such.
So, practice posing and walking: Study and understand posing.
Practice runway walking. What separates a pretty model from another pretty model is going to be their ability to pose and their walk.
Be professional
If you want to be successful in any business, you need to be professional.
I don’t know why but people like to do business with very professional people.
If you want to have a successful modelling career, be professional.
Answer your phone calls and email promptly. There is never an excuse to be 20 minutes late for a meeting, casting call, and photoshoot.
In fact, make it your habit to always 25 minutes to 30 minutes earlier than the actual time.
Let professionalism be your watchword
Learn to accept rejection
If anything, learn to accept rejection. You will receive hundreds of Nos.
You must be able to handle rejections and doors shut in your face without a second thought.
Rejection is part of the job, the sooner you understand the better you’ll become.
Don’t judge yourself based on the opinions or perceptions of some other people.
Make yourself constantly better. Let your confidence level always be 100%.
Get signed to an agency
Every fashion model needs a modeling agency, and yes, you also need one.
But, before submitting your portfolio to every and any modeling agency in Nigeria or elsewhere, it’s better to do some research to find out whether a modelling agency is legit, and know if their business can be easily classified.
You should also find their online presence and their reviews online.
The last thing you want to do out of desperation to be signed on to a modelling agency is to get into the hands of scammers.
Be cautious when signing deals
You finally get signed on a modelling agency and you are like, “yes, I have arrived”.
But sister, did you check the terms and conditions of that deal?
Are you sure there are no terms that could be detrimental to you in the nearest future?
Don’t be too quick to jump on an agency deal that you are blind to any hidden agendas on the part of agencies.
#Create a modelling portfolio website
These days, more businesses see the need to create a simple website where people can find out more about them and their businesses.
You may think you are not a business owner, but you are in the business of personal branding and you need all the exposure you can get to move up the ladder in the modeling industry.
The best way to achieve that is to have a great online portfolio website that showcases your portfolio images so that it can be accessed by clients and agencies anytime, anywhere.
IN CONCLUSION
Having ticked all these boxes, you are sure ready to take your modelling career steps higher.
Remember, there is always room for improvement so keep learning and getting better at what you do.
Success will surely come your way as a model in Nigeria if you do all these due diligence and more.
Now, toast to a successful modelling career.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO BECOME A MODEL IN NIGERIA
How much do models earn in Nigeria?
Runway models in Nigeria can be paid a salary in the range of ₦20,000 – ₦80,000 for a start. This take-home pay is per event and models who receive this amount are those at the beginning of their careers, what you can call entry-level salary.
How can I prepare myself to be a model?
- Know the type of model you want to become
- Understand your body type
- Get your modeling portfolio ready
- Get trained, you need it
- Position yourself to be discovered
- Create your personal branding
- Make yourself constantly look better
- Practice and practice
- Be professional
- Learn to accept rejection
- Get signed to an agency
- Be cautious while signing deals
- Create an online modeling portfolio website
What should I do if I want to be a model?
If you want to be a model, you need to know the type of model you want to become, understand your body type, get trained, have a modelling portfolio, create personal branding, practice your skills, learn to accept rejection, get signed to an agency, position yourself properly, etc.
