Eight traits of successful models

Singapore-based Supermodel of the World Philippines winner Marjay Ramirez is at the crossroads of her modeling career. An offer popped up to go to Milan, Italy, and sign up with a European modeling agency to test the waters or stay and continue as the toast of Singapore, being a permanent fixture in the Asia-wide market that includes Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok and Manila.

In modeling standards, Marjay Ramirez is already successful. But to break into the fashion capitals like Milan, Paris and New York would be considered the pinnacle of success. So she shared these traits of successful models--

1. The camera loves your face. Now this could mean two things. First, it could mean that you are blessed with a symmetrical face that includes wide set eyes, aquiline nose, high cheekbones and full lips. Those features photograph well. Or, it could mean you have an interesting face that can be a focal point and a conversation piece. Consider model of the moment Gemma Ward. She has a small face with very large eyes bordering on the quirky. Or supermodel of 70s Lauren Hutton, whose gap tooth almost always generated a lot of interest from clients and photographers alike.

2. You meet the basic size and height requirements of the industry. Now this is particularly tricky. Most agencies want models who can do print and runway jobs at the same time. In our case, M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu, being a high fashion print and runway agency, needs models who are at least 5 ft. 7 inches tall for female aspirants and 5 ft. 11 inches for male aspirants, with trim bodies, necessarily. If you have those, then that's a good start. Those who don't qualify need not apply. "During my competition for Ford's Supermodel of the World in Miami, bookers assumed that we met the height and size requirements for runway and print at the same time. Those who didn't were sent home," declared Marjay Ramirez.

3. You have good manners and professionalism. You are punctual and prepared for your appointments. Ms. Ramirez once quipped, "Some people work in a bank; I model. So when I show up for castings or an actual job, I'm on time and ready to do it. My hair is washed, my skin is glowing, my nails are done, and my energy level is up." Most bookers give jobs not to the most beautiful model but to the one who is punctual and has a good attitude to her/his job. Being on time means you have high respects for the people you work with by not letting them wait for you.

4. You are committed to your health and fitness, even at the expense of your social life. "One instance I attended a party but had to leave early. My friend invariably said, 'well, I have to be at work early too, but I'm staying.' True, but she can crawl into her office with a hangover, while my job requires that I look rested and gorgeous at 6:00 in the morning," blared out Ms. Ramirez. A great night's sleep cannot be faked, just as a fabulous and fit figure can't be faked. Either you are glowing with health or your skin becomes sallow and your face turns pallid when you stress yourself by substance abuse and round the clock partying.

5. You are willing to work long, hard hours. Some shoots and shows take days on end and nights too! On an average gala runway show, rehearsals start early in the morning to around late at night. Then one is allowed to rest with which make up call is scheduled, then the actual show. For shoots, variables like proper lighting, appropriate make up and set location eat up a lot of working hours and can literally drag for hours and hours.

6. You understand that modeling is a job, and part of a larger business of which you are just a small part. "Like all good things, everything will come to pass. So if you are the model-of-the-moment, cherish it but don't allow it to go to your head and consume you. Someday, someone more beautiful, younger and fresher will come. It pays to be grounded, always!" pointed out Ms. Ramirez. Being a model, one gets a lot of adulation and sometimes it can become an obstacle when the model becomes an airhead. He/she start acting like condescending royalty and become difficult to work with and, believe me, no agent or client wants to touch him/her.

7. You enjoy working with people of varied cultures and lifestyles. "In a typical fashion week, I work with around 50 other models from my agency and from others also. From that number, only about ten are Filipinos while the rest are Singaporean, Ukrainian, Czech, Romanian, Australian, Brazilian, Thai, Malaysian, Korean and Japanese. So it's a melting pot, literally, of beauties, culture and distinct personalities under close scrutiny of the designers, agents, bookers and clients," emphasized Ms. Ramirez. With that in mind, one must be a "people" person, well adjusted and all.

You should have incredible patience, both about the job at hand and your career in general. Like Mt. Olympus, there is hierarchy in the modeling industry. Designers, top photographers and big clients are gods and goddesses and some throw their weight around or do power tripping during jobs, making it more difficult as it is. Thus, patience is a virtue. "Half of modeling is waiting. Waiting for your turn to do the runway, waiting for your make up artist, photographer, director, key people in the industry. Waiting in the airport for your flight, waiting for a go see, waiting for the result of the casting you did months ago. Waiting, waiting, waiting...," concluded Marjay Ramirez.