This topic, “How To Become A Successful Model In Cameroon,” has been a long time coming as this is a topic that I think needs addressing in Cameroon and one on which I have always wanted to share my thoughts.
So many times, when I ask wannabe models why they want to become a model, I get funny. Cliché answers like “I have the right height for modeling,” “I have passion for modeling,” “I want to be an international model who travels abroad,” “People tell me I look like a model, and I should consider it,” to mention a few.
I am not a model myself, but I have acquired industry knowledge and experience. You cannot claim that you want to be a successful Doctor without knowing the basics of healthcare or medicine. This is why I find it unacceptable when aspiring models do not do their homework or cannot even use minimal modeling knowledge to make a case for themselves.
How To Become A Successful Model In Cameroon?
Throughout this post, I will be providing you with actionable tips on how to be a successful model in Cameroon.
Here are the top ten (10) essential tips on how to become a successful model in Cameroon:
1. Know Your Statistics
Knowing your statistics as a model is as easy as knowing that the length of a standard ruler is 30cm. Ok, if that is debatable, then permit me to say, “knowing your statistics as a model should be as easy as knowing your age.”
As a male or female model, you should know your height, weight, chest size, waist size, hair color, eye color, dress size, shoe size, and more. If you know your age, you should keep up with your statistics as these are one of your models. These are the most common first set of questions any model scout, modeling agency, or potential client would ask you, and if you fumble at the start, it would be challenging to create a better impression.
Once you know your statistics as a model, you should determine which type of modeling you fit and the minimum requirements.
2. Know the Types of Modelling in Cameroon
As an aspiring model, you should research all the most common types of modeling in your country, Cameroon, in this case. Get to know all the minimum requirements for each type of modeling and which one ticks the boxes for you.
For example, if you have an excellent modeling face but are only 5ft 7inch in height, you should be looking towards commercial, glamour, or petite modeling, which does not have height requirements like runway modeling. If you do not feel comfortable wearing bikinis in public, then look away from lingerie modeling.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the common types of modeling and their requirements, the next thing is to shortlist the ones you are interested in and be a good fit.
3. Be Ready for Disappointments and Rejections
It’s fair to say that everyone has had a fair share of disappointments and rejections in life. To be a successful model, you must come to terms with the fact that you can be disappointed and rejected at any time and by anyone, even when you least expect it. Realizing this helps you to be prepared and ready for the next challenge and opportunity.
You might secure the dream modeling job, and you get told that the job has been canceled for whatever reason at the last hour. You might be the most talented, professional, and promising talent at a model casting with a modeling agency and still not get that contract you deserve.
These things are norms with modeling, and models need to always be prepared for the disappointments and rejections that come before the golden chance.
To be a successful model, you need to develop a thick skin for negative, constructive, or destructive feedback. If you get turned down or disappointed, do not flare up, but remain calm and professional.
This might be the difference between you and another model. Ask valuable questions and seek feedback as to why you weren’t shortlisted for a job or why you didn’t get that contract you have prepared for and indeed deserve. Feedback will help you be a better model and even do better when the next opportunity comes calling.
4. Get a Professional Model Polaroid
As a model, your portfolio is your CV or resume. To show your intent in becoming a successful model, start by creating a Polaroid. A Polaroid is a combination of your headshot, full-body photo (front view, side view, and back view), and a portrait of you smiling with your teeth closed.
For your model Polaroid to be widely accepted, it must adhere to the following standards:
- Wear appropriate clothing for your Polaroid shoot. Wear a black top (tank top for female models and t-shirts for male models) on neat blue jeans or white top on either a black or blue jean, and on high heel (female models) or boot (for male models).
- Male models can go topless for some of the Polaroid photos. Wear the same clothing on all Polaroid photos – do not mix and match clothing colors.
- Do not wear any makeup at all.
- Tidy and tie up your hair, so it doesn’t hide your facial features.
- Use only natural lights (daylight) and avoid using the camera flash if possible. Also, avoid direct sunlight when shooting.
- It’s better to shoot your Polaroid against a plain background like light grey or off-white background color.
- Do not retouch the images, and it is acceptable to leave pimples, freckles, blemishes, and birthmarks on your face.
5. Keep Practicing and Collaborating to Build Your Portfolio
Once you have a professional model Polaroid, now is the time to move on to portfolio building. Get in front of the camera as often as you can to find your best poses and postures, as well as get used to working with photographers, makeup artists, stylists, and fashion designers. Keep practicing your craft, poses, and catwalk to know what works best for you.
Plan and organize collaborations with experienced photographers, makeup artists, fashion designers, and hairstylists. Ensure you let them know that the partnership aims to build your portfolio and ask for “what and who” is included in the collaboration.
A lot of photographers typically advertise a test shoot on social media platforms (especially Instagram), so look out for this opportunity, check out the photographer’s past work, agree on how your images will be used, read the model release form before signing, and ask as many questions that will show that you are professional.
Also, do your homework and make sure whoever you will collaborate with has the skills and expertise to help you build your portfolio. Don’t assume the collaboration is free and mutual benefit, so ask critical questions before committing to a partnership.
After every shoot or collaboration, always ask for comments and feedback from collaborators so you can always build on your strength, work on your weakness and be better at modeling. In the end, ensure that you have a portfolio that showcases your style, talent, and versatility. If you have spare cash, don’t hesitate to visit a professional photo studio to take more shots for your portfolio.
See Also: How to Become an Actor or Actress in Cameroon?
6. Keep Your Values and be Professional
Modeling doesn’t mean you should throw good morals out of the window. Always hold on to your values and be professional, as this will take you a long way in your modeling career.
The modeling industry is full of different types of people; good and bad, professional and unprofessional, respectful and disrespectful people. Just be mindful of this.
Modeling is not a do-or-die affair and is not an easy route to fame and fortune, so don’t compromise on your values or sacrifice yourself to be a model. Having said this, the right modeling agency, model scouts, or agents will always respect your values and won’t force you to do things you are not willing or happy to do.
Finding and choosing the right modeling agency will be the best step to achieving the supermodel dream.
Remember, to be a model is to be a role model for others. Ensure you always live up to that expectation.
7. Find the Right Modeling Agency in Cameroon
Modeling agencies are constantly looking for raw and talented models with the right attitude and are well-versed in the industry. This is the point where proper planning and preparation meets opportunity. If you have built a portfolio and have worked on getting clear on your values, getting the right modeling agency would be much easier.
Find out about the best modeling agencies in Cameroon and look out for when they organize model casting. Some modeling agencies have weekly open calls, so feel free to contact them about this. Prepare adequately for the model casting; read about the modeling agency online on their social media pages and website, wear the appropriate clothing, be punctual but not too early, go as you are with minimal or no makeup at all, and take your Polaroid (and comp card) photos with you. Make sure you have made copies that you are ready to give out.
Once you get the right modeling agency, be clear on what they offer and expect from you. Read the contract before signing it. By law, if you are under 18 years of age, you should go with your parent or guardian before signing any dotted lines.
If you are not getting lucky with any modeling agencies, ask them for feedback and improve. If the feedback is about something you cannot improve upon, like your height, skin color, or a part of your body, try other modeling agencies. If you are still not in luck, put more thoughts into it and consider being a freelance model.
Douala, Limbe, Yaounde, Buea, Modeling agencies are widespread.
8. Build Your Social Media Followers
Social Media can help improve your chances of being signed by a modeling agency or found by potential clients online. Ensure that you separate personal social media pages from professional ones if they don’t align well. If your personal social media page is already professional, I wouldn’t suggest creating a separate social media page, particularly for modeling.
Grow your social media followers and fan base with regular content (photos, videos, quotes, graphics, etc.) that showcase your skills, portfolio, and lifestyle. Engage more with your followers by asking for their opinions and feedback on posts and general discussions.
Adopt a social media strategy that aligns with your values and professionalism. Know what you stand for and consistently convey the right message to your audience. Social media platforms like Instagram are a place to find out what is going on in the modeling industry, get to know about upcoming fashion shows model casting opportunities, and find collaborators.
Advertisers and brands are more likely to work with models with a large social media audience.
9. Eat Healthily and Take Care of Yourself Always
I’m sure you would have figured out by now that you would not get a well-toned body and flat belly by eating fufu corn at 11 pm, before bedtime. To become a successful model means you must eat healthily, keep fit and look good always.
To be a sought-after model, you need to have a good attitude, discipline, look healthy, have good dentition and tooth color, a friendly smile, tidy hair, and great legs. Ensure you take care of yourself so that you are always ready to hit the runway or take a shoot whenever required.
10. Be Patient for the Result in Modeling
As mentioned earlier, the model industry comes with many disappointments and rejections, which happens to everyone, from clients to modeling agencies, event centers, makeup artists, photographers, videographers, stylists, fashion designers, producers, directors, assistants, and many more.
This means you always need to be patient, whether you are waiting for your modeling agency to get you your first job, or you are waiting to be moved from new faces to the mainboard model section of your modeling agency, or you are waiting for a potential client to give you feedback on a casting.
Patience is a must-have when it comes to modeling, as it will pave the way for more opportunities, especially if you are diligent, reliable, and thoughtful.
Conclusion
I hope these tips will help you become a successful model in Cameroon and internationally. Feel free to comment or ask a question below, and we will endeavor to respond.
If you have followed all the tips mentioned above and have what it takes to be a supermodel.
Read Also: Common Online Jobs in Cameroon.