main types of modelling in Nigeria

Main types of modelling in Nigeria

This post highlights the main types of modelling in Nigeria. Modelling is a popular profession all over the world. People and business entities often need models for various purposes. Although, when many people hear the word 'modelling', what immediately comes to mind is an image of a beautiful lady on the runway or on the cover page of a magazine. However, this is not necessarily or always the case. There are various types of modelling jobs, and one could even make a decent income without ever stepping on the runway or appearing on the front page of a magazine.

Below are the main types of modelling in Nigeria:

1. Fashion modelling

fashion modelling in Nigeria

Fashion models

Fashion modelling is one of the most popular types of modelling in Nigeria. We all wear clothes, and the clothing industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. Advertising is one of the ways that clothing stores showcase their stock, and to do this, they need models. This is where fashion modelling comes in.

Fashion models usually wear sample clothes offered for sale by clothing stores. A photographer takes shots of the model in the clothes, and the pictures are usually published. The publication could be on websites, in magazines, or other platforms through which the clothes are showcased. Small and big clothing stores often use the services of models for fashion modelling.

Clothes, bags, watches, shoes, etc, are some of the gears that fashion models usually wear in fashion modelling.

2. Runway modelling

catwalk modelling

Runway modelling is one of the most lucrative and popular modelling jobs. Runway modelling is quite similar to fashion modelling, but the clients often differ slightly. The main clients for runway modelling are usually fashion designers, whereas clients for fashion modelling could be both fashion designers and clothing stores. The runway, also known as a catwalk, is a raised platform upon which models walk while exhibiting fashion (clothes and accessories).

2.1. Difference between fashion designers and clothing stores

Fashion designers	Clothing Stores
Fashion designers make clothes and accessories	Clothing stores usually buy and resell clothes and accessories made by fashion designers. The purchase could be directly from the fashion designers and sometimes from a larger clothing store.

It is also worth noting that some fashion designers could have their own stores where they sell clothes that they make. It is also possible for fashion designers to make clothes and accessories without the need for a store. In either case, fashion designers still often need models to exhibit their designs on the runway.

3. Bikini, swimsuit, and lingerie modelling

Fashion designers and clothing stores usually need bikinis, swimsuits, and lingerie models. It may be tempting to include this type of modelling under fashion modelling, but it deserves its own category. This is because some models might be interested in fashion modelling but object to their bodies being exposed to some extent.

4. Fitness modelling

Many businesses in the fitness industry need models. Popular among such businesses include those that make or sell products for physical fitness and gyms. So if you are into bodybuilding or athletics, fitness modelling might be a type of modelling to consider.

5. Glamour modelling

Glamour models usually pose in lingeries, attires or other accessories for sexy photography shoots. Clients often seek female models with sex appeal for this type of modelling.

6. Commercial modelling

Commercial modelling is one of the most common types of modelling in Nigeria. Advertisements are one of the major ways of informing people about events, products, services, etc. When a human character is needed for an advertisement, models are required. Commercial modelling opportunities are usually open to people of all sizes, genders, and races.

7. Body part modelling

Body part modelling often focuses on a particular part of the body. For instance, it could be the hand, face, leg, nose, etc, that would be photographed for the purpose.

Anyone could be required for this type of modelling regardless of size or physique. The only thing that matters is the requirement of the client.

8. Promotional modelling

Businesses usually use promotional models to interact with potential customers and disseminate information about the brands or businesses. You have probably seen promotional models at places such as stores, malls, sports events, conferences, etc. For instance, a model with a very smooth face might be used in marketing makeup at a store. Eloquence and good looks are usual traits of promotional models. This is because promotional modelling usually requires acquaintance with people.

9. Fit modelling

A fit model is usually needed by fashion designers to try on clothes and other fashion designs to see what the clothes or accessories would actually look like when worn. Fit modelling differs a bit from fashion modelling. This is because fit modelling usually takes place behind the scenes, in other words, during the design process. Fashion models, on the other hand, help in showcasing the finished designs in magazines, on websites, on the runway, etc.

Before starting a modelling career in Nigeria, modelling aspirants usually want to know how much money do models make in Nigeria. That question will be addressed below. Not only will you get an idea of how much money one can make from a modelling career in Nigeria, but you will also learn how to maximize your earnings potential as a model in Nigeria.

10. How much money do models earn in Nigeria?

Modelling is one of those careers where one has to be at the very top to become super-rich. To elaborate, look at football, for instance. There are many football players, but one might have to be in one of the top leagues to make a six-figure earning.

To get a realistic figure of how much money models earn in Nigeria, we spoke with Adaora Gabriella Ikpeama, a professional model in Nigeria. Adaora started part-time modelling in SS1 and has been modelling for close to 7 years. She was also a contestant in the recent most beautiful girl in Nigeria (MBGN) contest.

Adaora Gabriella Ikpeama - Nigerian model

Adaora Gabriella Ikpeama - Nigerian Model

Adaora Gabriella Ikpeama - Nigerian model

According to Adaora, an average model earns around fifty thousand Naira depending on the job. She said, "modelling is not lucrative in Nigeria", and "to succeed, you need strong connections". This buttresses the point made earlier that you have to be at the very top to become rich with modelling. In other words, one needs to be a supermodel.

Modelling requires various skills, some of which are charisma and networking. Both are somehow intertwined because networking often requires charisma. Fashion modelling and commercial modelling are some of the most popular modelling types in Nigeria.

These modelling types are very competitive nowadays due to the popular use of social media platforms. Many roles which used to be mostly reserved for professional commercial models are now also being taken by social media influencers who also model technically.

11. How to maximize your earnings potential as a model in Nigeria

11.1 You can increase your earnings potential by becoming a freelance model

Back in the day, models usually relied heavily on modelling agencies for work and being a freelance model was quite difficult. But nowadays, the emergence of social media platforms on the internet has made freelance modelling a lot easier, so you do not have to rely on agencies alone. You could create a modelling portfolio by uploading soft media to a freelance modelling profile online.

11.2 Let your online profile show exactly what you do

Networking in the 21st century requires that you have an online profile. However, don't just create an online profile and stop there; you must ensure that your profile reaches the right audience. There are several posts on Scrollforth about networking that you might find useful.

Create a profile that you can share easily with potential clients. Ensure that your freelance profile tells what you do and that it is visible in search engines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5yDBIiiCi8

Likewise, when you create profiles on the internet, try to ensure that your profile shows relevant information in SERPs. Doing so could significantly increase your networking reach. Unfortunately, you might not always have control over how a platform optimizes your profile for SERPs, but you can try to use the appropriate networking platform and include sufficient information about the types of modelling that you do.

11.3 Types of media to include in your online modelling portfolio

Your online modelling portfolio should contain images as well as vlogs. With vlogs, you can demonstrate that you are articulate and show off your knowledge on relevant topics. Beauty + brain = more potential earnings in a modelling career.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! If you liked it, please share it with others in your network.

You might also be interested in a Step by Step Guide on How to Break into the Fashion Modelling.