Model Material: An Aspiring Model’s Guide on How to Become a Professional and International M-O-D-E-L and Exposing What the Modelling Industry Do Not Want You to Know

By Ramilla Sisodia

A common sense handbook written both in a journalistic and personal format.

Not just for the upcoming model, but for anybody who desires to be of model material and gain confidence.

Also, a beneficial read for parents and families of those aspiring models who wish to take their step into this forever-changing and vastly-growing modelling world.

My aim is to also guide ethnic models to break into mainstream modelling and to push the barriers further than just that of Asian bridal modelling and make-up. With advice and interviews from some of the world's biggest names in the industry – this guide will surely give you first-hand knowledge to make it to the top and to do so wisely.

Included also is expert advice on how to get published, pursue a career in becoming a professional and international model, as well as inspiring those of any age, colour and gender who wish to make it mainstream.

I have brought together in my book advice from leading celebrities and professionals within the modelling, fashion, media, health and beauty industry to help give weight and specific value.

On top of this, I have added chapters to expose the industry for what it really is and bring to light the deep and dark secrets of the modelling world.

Visit www.ramilla-sisodia.com for more information.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546288497

Ramilla Sisodia

Ramilla Sisodia, born in England, United Kingdom. I never grew up dreaming to be a model, it was something that fell in place when I was scouted and I am forever grateful for it. My main passion to write has truly helped me bring this book to life. I had my first ever photoshoot at the age of 16, but did not start modelling professionally until 17 and internationally until I was 18 years old. I am a very proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, Ijaanti, who has inspired my following book titled 'Maternity Fashion and Child Modelling' of which I will be releasing next. Whatever you know me by, or whether you have not heard of me at all, welcome to my book and welcome to this industry we all call modelling.

Book preview

© 2018 Ramilla Sisodia. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

DISCLAIMER:   The information contained within this book is strictly for educational purposes. If you wish to apply the ideas contained in this book, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. I have spoken on matters reflecting my opinions and my experiences, so in no way does this book guarantee you a place within the modelling industry nor a role as a model.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/12/2019

ISBN: 978-1-5462-8850-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-8849-7 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

2 WHO IS MISS RAMILLA SISODIA?

3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELLING - Some Definitions

4 HOW TO KICK START YOUR MODELLING CAREER

5 YOUR MODELLING CAREER ABROAD

6 HOW TO GET PUBLISHED IN MAGAZINES

7 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR NEW MODELS

8 AVOIDING SCAMS - If You Have The Look, Watch Out!

9 THE SATANIC HIGH-FASHION INDUSTRY

10 INSPIRE YOURSELF!

11 FURTHER ADVICE FOR UPCOMING MODELS

12 A CUT-THROAT INDUSTRY

13 MODEL MYTHS - Let Us Get A Few Things Straight

14 OH, SO YOU THINK YOU ARE AN INSTAGRAM MODEL NOW…?!

15 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE IN-BETWEEN

16 COMMON SCENARIOS - How To Deal With Them

17 SHOCKING INDUSTRY SECRETS KEPT BY THE FASHION WORLD

18 A HEALTHIER YOU

19 ADDRESSING ISSUES RELATED TO MODELLING

20 EXTREMELY CRAZY KILLER DIETS

21 HOW TO PREPARE FOR LOCAL BEAUTY CONTESTS

22 BITCH!

23 MY 20 FAQS

24 GENERAL FAQS

25 EXPOSING THE PRESSURES OF A MODEL’S LIFESTYLE - From the high-life to the come-downs!

26 SHE COULD SEE NO OTHER WAY OUT!

27 MODELS THAT HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE

28 ETHNIC MODELLING - The Conclusion

29 WARNING REVIEW

30 CELEBRITY INPUT, PHOTOSHOOTS AND INTERVIEWS by Ramilla

31 WHAT IS NEXT FOR ME?

32 TESTIMONIALS

1

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my book, for the next generation of lovely upcoming models.

Inside you will learn how it is possible to become a Professional model and an International model, full-time or in your spare time and the steps on how to help you get there. How to make the cover of your favourite magazines and how to be of model material, as well as feeding you the inspiration you need to make a focused career out of it, will also be included.

This book will also allow you to realise how ethnic models can relate to commercial modelling and, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, how the two can interlink. You do not have to be Asian to do Asian modelling, but I wish people would start to realise that you do not have to be White European to do commercial mainstream modelling, either. Even Asian magazines prefer to hire White European models, so what chances do us ethnic models really have? Amazingly, a lot!

I myself can only represent what I truly believe and follow. I represent Asian/Indian models, but within a bigger and more diverse field, that being commercial and mainstream modelling.

I hope to encourage Asian models to push beyond the ‘Asian only modelling’ barrier and into the commercial world of modelling and for them to realise they, too, can make a very successful and fun career out of it. From then on, many more doors into other fields can and will surely open.

I wish to reach out to all the young aspiring models to make them aware of all the truths about and behind modelling, helping to guide you all in avoiding what we call the industry’s dangers.

Young aspiring models get taken advantage of within this industry everyday and I hope this book will be an eye-opener for you to make sure you do not get led down that wrong path. Parents of aspiring models should find this book a very beneficial read on how to cope with modelling, know the facts about it and also how to support their child into and through such a career.

What is more is I have added chapters to expose the dirty secrets of the modelling world that the industry does not want you to ever find out. I touch up on some real dark topics and some extremely dangerous lifestyle habits that models can trap themselves into way too easily and obliviously.

I have included not just the good and the glamorous, but the bad and the ugly and all that is in between.

Many people may see modelling in bad light and always will. Some may see it as filthy and cheap, whilst others see it as an achievement and something to be very proud of. However, whatever the belief, no one can deny that modelling is the most creative, fashionable and sought-after career there is, especially for the young generations of our current day and future times to be.

Modelling can be glamorous, but simultaneously has not been given the respect, nor the credit, it truly deserves. Some areas of modelling have been over exposed and others over glorified. Bitchiness, corruption and filth are three negatives, but money, fame and reputation are seen as three positives. The equation is far from balanced and anybody who is in search of an idealistic equilibrium in this modelling world, I am sorry to say, is not going to find it!

This book has not in any way been intended to be controversial, but I have spoken my mind on matters from start to finish.

Note: Where I use the term Asian in this book it is primarily in the context of describing models whose ethnic origins are from the Indian sub-continent; in contrast I use the terms White European and African/Afro-Caribbean to try to describe other ethnic origins without causing offence.

Let us start off by stating that we models have a lot more to us than what initially meets the eye and this book will open up the eyes of those who really wish to engage in this world of modelling, either as a model or a parent of an aspiring model, as a career or just a pastime. I have worked with some of the industry’s biggest names to help bring weight to this guide and a lot of solidity. The Prince’s Trust is also supporting this book, so I can help guide you safely into this industry, for which I am forever grateful and hugely honoured.

On top of this, I have added chapters to expose the industry for what it really is and brought to light the deep and dark secrets of the modelling world, the industry do not want you to know.

Enjoy.

2

WHO IS MISS RAMILLA SISODIA?

Ramilla Sisodia, born in England, United Kingdom. I never grew up dreaming to be a model, it was something that fell in place when I was scouted and I am forever grateful for it. My main passion to write has truly helped me bring this book to life.

I had my first ever photoshoot at the age of 16, but did not start modelling professionally until 17 and internationally until I was 18 years old.

I am a very proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, Ijaanti, who has inspired my following book titled ‘Maternity Fashion and Child Modelling’ of which I will be releasing next.

Whatever you know me by, or whether you have not heard of me at all, welcome to my book and welcome to this industry we all call modelling.

Acknowledgements: I would like to take this chance to thank my beautiful family for always being there for me and loving me unconditionally, for accepting what I wanted to do with my life, especially as I was growing up and finding myself.

I appreciate all of the support you gave to me for this book and all the time you took out for me to make this release a possibility. I love you all sooo much - Keshu (my father), Santok (my mother) and Nikhil (my brother).

A big thank you to Bob, a massive inspiration, a fantastic photographer and a really good friend.

Most of all, to my beautiful daughter, Ijaanti. I have been ever-so blessed with an adorable angel and although physically I have given birth to you, you are the one who has given me life.

This is from Mommy to you, Ijaanti. Mommy loves you more than Jelly Tots and chocolate cake. xoxo

3

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELLING - Some Definitions

What Is Fashion?

Fashion is a continuing process of change in the style of dress and decoration that is accepted by a large segment of the public at any particular time. It is known to be the ‘in-thing’. In other words, it is a currently accepted or popular style in a given field and also the latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics, as well as behaviour, and this must be portrayed to the public by the model.

Fashion covers everything from cosmetics to the home. The garment and beauty product industries are large users of models, if not the predominant users. People want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on a person. The models are there to portray this image.

Models are usually someone tall, slender and leggy. High-fashion models tend to be more interesting looking, with angular features rather than conventional beauty, whereas glamour models are more traditionally attractive.

Note: The ultra slim Size Zero trend, 0 being the thinnest U.S dress size and the equivalent of U.K Size 4, can still be seen to be dominating high-fashion. A high-fashion model can never be seen to be too thin. Do note, some high-fashion labels may desire to use a U.K Size 4 high-fashion model, but other high-fashion houses may wish to use U.K Size 6 models. Either way, there are undoubtedly many Size Zero models in the industry, to a point where even a U.K 6 is sometimes seen to be plus size in high-fashion.

Yes, personally I have been a Size Zero (U.K SIZE 4), and I felt so lethargic all the time. I prefer my figure to be slim, but I also love curves, so I put a little weight on and I suddenly felt healthier, more energetic and it made a huge difference to my skin too - plus my bum and boobs got fuller. However, having a big bum and/or boobs has no place on a catwalk or high-fashion. I went down to Size Zero for certain assignments and shows and once I completed them, I would put a little weight back on and for me to put weight on is not an easy task, no matter the amount I eat. I had to adapt to the requirements and I did. However, would I drop back down to Size Zero out of preference? Definitely not.

The industry looks for someone who is:

17267.png Small boned

17267.png Toned body

17267.png High and strong cheek bones

17267.png Angular jaw

The initial model look is:

17267.png Thick eyelashes

17267.png Skin should be clear, small pored, even-toned with no scars, no tattoos, and no piercings

17267.png Lips should be medium to full

17267.png Teeth should be straight and white

17267.png Shoulders should be broad

17267.png Long leggy look

17267.png Should have good posture and be able to carry oneself gracefully

17267.png Hair should be healthy, shiny and in good condition (no split ends)

Note: Do not let the requirements put you off too much, as this is not always fully abided by.

Departments Of Fashion Modelling

¤ Editorial Fashion Modelling

Fashion magazines have lots of editorial pages that they must fill monthly, of which feature models wearing what the magazine assumes to be the next trend in fashion. This is a great way for building a model’s reputation and for receiving tear sheets for portfolio use.

¤ Runway Fashion Modelling (Ramp/Catwalk/Walkway)

Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections to perspective buyers at different season times, for their Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn (Fall) collections. Designers present these collections at fashion shows. So, it is crucial for a designer to have the most ideal models to show these collections, as the better the models bring these collections to life, in turn determines how well they sell. So, having the natural flair to move in crazy clothes and super high heels is a must.

¤ Catalogue Fashion Modelling

These catalogues, whether business-to-business, in-store or direct marketing, require models to pose in or with the products that are trying to be sold. Generally, catalogue models have to represent what the catalogue is aiming to sell and are usually contracted for ongoing shoots.

¤ Print Fashion Modelling

This is fashion and beauty for gracing covers and publications for both goods and services. With such adverts, it is crucial that the concept and model go hand in hand, so that the desired image is conveyed.

¤ Lingerie Fashion Modelling

Lingerie models are not always expected to be provocative, but they do need more confidence than a fashion model, as it is more revealing. So, a well toned body is a must and it does pay very well too.

¤ Swimwear Fashion Modelling

Swimwear models require a healthy and toned figure. Again, like lingerie fashion models, these models are not always expected to be provocative and sexy.

¤ Fitness Fashion Modelling

Health and fitness has moved more and more into the general awareness and a greater demand has developed from this. Many people have begun wearing fitness/leisure clothing daily. Add this to all of the health and fitness as well as the outdoor lifestyle magazines that are forever increasing and you have a fast rising category for modelling.

¤ Fitting Fashion Modelling

Both fashion designers and clothing manufacturers work with fitting fashion models in order to see first-hand how the designs fit on a real person. They are hired chiefly to the exact measurements of the designer or manufacturer. An input from a fitting model is very beneficial, so to make known how the design feels and fits. From there, alterations can be made accordingly.

¤ Tearoom Fashion Modelling

Usually, it would be held at ladies luncheons and now more so at restaurants and hired venues. The models would stroll table to table, flaunting the latest apparel up close. From then on customers are advised where and how to purchase the attire modelled. Not huge money, but a good place to start.

Further Divisions

These categories can have further