Bade Fuwa takes us through the telltale signs that your model skills aren’t up to scratch.

“Thank you for coming” might be the most terrible thing you’ve heard as a model, and your dreams of being the next Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, or gracing the cover of a magazine might have just ended, leaving you feeling inept. In current times, modelling as a career has become a much-vaunted choice with thousands of hopefuls chasing this dream. But the days when you could depend on your luck to get spotted are ended – or perhaps the chances of that happening are now one-in-a-million.

Currently, defining what makes a good model is more difficult than it sounds.First, you should know which type of modelling suits you, then build and maintain that look like a practical 24/7 job. Secondly, you’ve got to be confident and learn how to cope with rejection. Thirdly, if you’re a catwalk model, you’ve got to learn how to walk and learn how to perform in front of a camera. Lastly, you’ve got to build your book, your portfolio, and build it to the look that you want to portray as a model.

But all these only work if you know where the fault is… so, take a long breath and ask yourself. Why do I want to be a model? “To my family I’m going to be rich, according to my friends I’ll be famous” might not be the right answer. Dealing with rejection once or twice could let you reflect on your errors, but there has to be an inner passion for it asa profession. This will allow you to learn how to not only stand out amongst the crowd but also build your career. So, why don’t we dive into five basic signs that show you need training?

1 – YOU LACK EXPERIENCE IN FRONT OF A CAMERA

As a model today, your experience in front of a camera says a lot about how you’ll get your next gig, as no photographer wants to shoot a model who can’t communicate with the lens. So, working towards perfecting your confidence in front of a camera is a must. Also, having little or no poses in your arsenal would also need some work. So, talk to yourself, have a plan, practice, and build that confidence in front of a camera.

2 – YOU KNOW LITTLE OR NOTHING ABOUT WALKING

If you decide to become a runway model, then learning how to walk on the catwalk with different poses is a must for you. Well, unless you’re Tom Cruise- then just keep running.

3 – YOU CAN’T MANAGE STRESS

As a model, you would definitely work in some tedious environments and conditions. So, coping with stress is something you’ll need to work on and develop. It might take some time but it’s more than a necessity; trust me.

4 – YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO TAKE GOOD PICTURES OF YOURSELF

Phone photography skills nowadays are part of the job. You would get many assignments in the comfort of your home, so knowing how to advertise these products would be beneficial to your finances. As a model, you should learn new skills to make you a generalist. Styling, makeup, and photography might also add to your arsenal.

5 – YOU DON’T HAVE A SKINCARE ROUTINE

Skin! Skin! Skin! There’s nothing more beautiful than naturally glowing skin. This makes retouching easier for the photographer – and guess what? A beautiful natural skin would build your confidence in whatever journey you want to take as a model.

So, look at the brighter side. Practice makes perfect. Work on your flaws, and we’ll see you soon on our front cover!