A model by association enhances the worth of a product or garment. In advertising circles it is often said that a model's identification with a product can sometimes influence brand choice to a greater extent than the qualities of the product itself.

Nature of Work

Modeling is much more hard work than glamour. On most assignments, models must be up at dawn, and often work until midnight. During this time they must always appear fresh, bright and well groomed, no matter how uncomfortable or bored they might be. A striking presence is usually more: important than conventional beauty as a model's role is to project an image or a mood that audiences can identify with. 

As professionalism increases, experts are now called in to deal with make-up, hair, dress and walk. However, models must have a basic knowledge of these skills to give their best to the job. Some models specialize in certain types of work. These are:

STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Which means co-operating with a photographer to get the right stance or pose they require for a picture.

VIDEO AND FILM

Requires many more people including a director, cameraman and sound technicians, and others, and often includes some acting or dance.

Working for still or moving cameras often means a great deal of waiting around while technicians make adjustments to their equipment. Hiring a good photographer or camera crew is an expensive proposition and time is of the essence in these shoots. 

Models are therefore expected to snap into a mood and be ready for action when called-even after a long wait. Shooting assignments take place either in studios, under controlled, often harsh lighting, or on location, indoors or outside which means traveling to places and can sometimes be exhausting and uncomfortable. 

Some product advertising requires character models like child models, older man/woman, where some acting ability is also required. 

With the vast expansion in regional language advertising, there is also great scope for models whom empathies with regional cultures and ethos. 

Live modeling requires long hours of work under considerable pressure. Catwalk models are always tall and striking in appearance, with an almost larger than life presence to best project the designs they wear. 

They are graceful and agile, with a natural sense of balance and timing. Many find that a basic training in dance has helped their careers. Fashion models also have the ability to slip in and out of ensembles with astonishing speed and to leave the backstage confusion behind them as they step poised and confident onto the ramp. A flair for dressing and an eye for detail are essential characteristics of a successful fashion model. 

Showroom models on the other hand are usually of standard size and build. Like their counterparts on the catwalk, however, they must be poised and graceful with the ability to project the garments they display as more appealing for the wearing. 

They are expected to be attractive, poised and well-groomed at all times and be prepared to walk and turn as many times as directed by the merchandiser or buyer until a decision on the order is made.