BEING A FASHION MODEL - Q&A

Meloni Mitchell, couture fashion model

Q: What inspired you to become a fashion model?

A: I've been told for most of my life that I should model, but I was always too shy. But then, I lost that shyness and was inspired by some other models at my first runway show. I was modeling for the designer I was working with, just as a favor (I was a design assistant at the time). A couple of the other models I met at the show that night told me they loved my look and insisted that I go sign up with an agency right away... so that's what I did! We've been really good friends ever since.

Q: Do you have to take any classes to become one?

A: No, you do not need to take classes to become a model. Either you have the right look or you don't. I see so many girls who are trying to model who don't have the right look, and it's sad because they are wasting their time. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of photographers willing to take their money in exchange for photos. There are different types of modeling of course, but I'm talking only about high-fashion modeling because it's the only kind I have experience with. In order to be a high-fashion model, generally you have to be at least 5’8”... tall and slender, and have a face that people want to look at and will pay you to photograph. I'm not trying to sound harsh, but that is the reality. It's also important to know how to behave in front of the camera. I think it is something that comes naturally... I'm not sure if it's something that can be taught.

Q: How much does the job pay?

A: It depends... usually magazine editorials don't pay much, they're mostly for exposure. Runway doesn't pay much either. But ad campaigns and lookbooks, and catalogs pay quite a bit, depending on the size of the company of course. It's hard to say a dollar amount, because it's different for each job.

Q: Would you have to be on a stick diet?

A: Well, I have personally never been on any kind of diet. I have a fast metabolism, so I have to eat a little snack at least every few hours. But I try to eat healthy, organic food most of the time... although I do eat junk food sometimes, just like most people.

Q: Do they make you travel to meet up with other agents?

A: No, it's the model's choice. If you want to travel, you can. But if you live in a big city and have the right look for that market, and you're happy with the work you're getting, you can stay where you are.

Q: What type of attitude do you have to have with people?

A: You have to have the same attitude you would with any job. Be professional, friendly, and work well with others... especially because there is usually a whole team of people working to make the shoot or the show a success. You need to be able to perform with people watching, and be cooperative and open to new ideas. 

Q: Do you have to pay when you become a model for the prints of your pictures?

A: When you do a job for a client through an agency, the agency is responsible for getting the images on a disk, or if it's for a magazine... copies of the magazine. After you get the disk, and pick the images you want, you have to pay to have them printed. If you're doing what is called a "test" with a photographer, it means that you are working specifically to enhance your portfolio. Occasionally, models will pay photographers to take photos for their portfolios. But for the most part, if a photographer loves your look, they are more than happy to work with you for free, because it will also benefit their book. But again, you still need to pay to have the images printed.

Q: How many hours do you work?

A: It totally depends on the job. Very rarely, a quick shoot can last for two hours, including hair and makeup. But other times, a shoot can last for an entire day, early morning to late at night... or as long as it takes to finish... with several wardrobe changes and even hair and makeup changes. It can be very exhausting and physically challenging. You have to be able to stay in awkward poses for as long as it takes to get the shot. Also, there is a lot of driving involved. Going on castings, or "go sees" is a big part of modeling. Factoring that part in, it is a full time job. And you're not getting paid for the driving part, so you have to book the jobs to get paid.

Q: What do you like about being a fashion model?

A: My favorite part of being a fashion model is that I meet a lot of nice and interesting people who I become great friends with. Also, every day is something new; I never have to do the same thing twice. And last but not least, it's a creative job, and it's rewarding to see the art that I help to create... seeing an artist's vision come to life. It feels good to be able to inspire an artist, whether it's a photographer, a designer, a makeup artist, or a wardrobe stylist, and help them create their art.

Q: What do you dislike?

A: There are a lot of times when you have to shoot outside in the freezing cold. And even if you're tired and cold, you can't just take a break or leave, you have to keep going until the shoot is finished. Also, there are people in your face constantly, touching up your makeup, fixing your hair, pinning your clothes... etc. But afterwards, when you see what you've accomplished, it's all worth it. : )

Xoxo,
Meloni Mitchell
http://www.myspace.com/melonimudfly