Most print, commercial, and fashion models start out in their teens. They dive into the cutthroat beauty and fashion industry during a time when they are still trying to figure themselves out. However, because of the demands of their chosen profession, they need to grow up fast and learn as much as they can to establish a stable career.

And when it comes to establishing a solid modelling career, possessing a smart skills set is a must. Ask any supermodel how they managed to create a long and successful career in a “job” that supposedly has a short shelf life and he or she will say that it’s about having the mindset that modelling is not just the “business of looking good.”

Take, for example, Cindy Crawford. She managed to have a prosperous career as a model because she was not just a model. Everybody saw something more in her. Therefore, she easily ventured into acting while being an active model. Aside from that, she developed a beauty line and served as the original host of “House of Style.”

Truly, there are skills that complement a modelling profession, and teenage models can secure great advantages in their career by having these skills. So, what are they?

1. Acting skills

Not all people who are built like models have a natural talent in evoking emotions through posing. If you are a teenage model and you simply do not have a wide emotional range to tap into for photo shoots yet, you can sign up for acting classes to develop the ability to express emotions in a very convincing manner.

You can request your talent or modelling agency to help you sign up for classes. Develop your acting skills and you can enjoy more job opportunities because models who have no trouble expressing emotions are the favourite muses of brands and photographers. Also, a crossover to professional acting may happen eventually.

2. Content writing skills

Blogging is a great way for teen models to establish a name and draw in more interest. Thus, content writing skills are certainly worth having.

Through blogs, young models can create an accessible portfolio of their work, as well as get constructive feedback to help them improve. Additionally, blogging can achieve other “personal” marketing objectives such as building hype for a new style campaign.

Likewise, worthy of note is how writing content online can be therapeutic for a lot of young models. It’s a cathartic way to show the world a different part of themselves.

3. Makeup application skills

These are considered survival skills for models especially for those who are still getting their feet wet in the industry.

In the fashion industry, the more that you can do for yourself, on your own, is always a huge advantage. So, even if a makeup artist is often provided for modelling gigs, it will serve every young model well to know how to properly apply makeup should a situation arise wherein a makeup artist cannot prep him or her for the job.

4. Photography skills

Photography is not only a fun hobby for a lot of young people but it can also help teen models contribute to their portfolio – be it their official portfolio or their digital ones (a.k.a. social media accounts).

Also, the ability to take beautiful photos gives models the chance to boost the marketing for the campaigns they are a part of. If the brand they are endorsing – say a leading backyard play equipment brand – has no issue with their models sharing pictures of the product on social media, a stronger work relationship is created because of the “free promotions” through pictures.

It is worth mentioning, too, that developing photography skills can help young models hone their posing techniques. An understanding of the different angles, shots and lighting will help them follow instructions from photo shoot directors more easily.

5. Public speaking skills

Who is not impressed with models who do not shy away from expressing their beliefs and ideas in an articulate manner?

Beauty with brains is a combo that is in demand in the beauty and fashion industry.

When models can offer not just a beautiful face but also substance, brands automatically think that they have a long-lasting formula for success.

This is the very reason why models like Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Cameron Russell, and Lily Cole (to name a few) belong in a “league of their own” in the modelling world. They give the fashion industry a good name by being smart and articulate, and high-end and speciality brands seek them out because of what they stand for.

Life beyond the shoots and catwalk

Modelling is largely focused on good looks but it definitely can be so much more.

If a teenage model can recognise this and work on being more than just a pretty face, there is no doubt that he or she can enjoy greater success in this career.

AUTHOR BIO

Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia's biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.