Introduction
People often think that they need to be tall enough to become a successful model but in reality it is not that you need to be tall to become a model. You can also become a model even if you are short. Just remember that the key to being successful in modelling is not just about your height, rather it’s about your confidence, persona, your photogenic qualities and along with that of course your portfolio and your professionalism.Today in our blog we are going to tell you more about how you can become a successful model in India even if you have a short height. This includes opportunities for short height models.
Can a Short Person Become a Model in India
Of course a short person can become a short height model in India. There are many fields in the modelling industry where the model height doesn’t matter. To know more about this, read the list of these modelling categories where you don’t need to be tall to become a successful model, though the average female model height is 5’7″ (171 cm) [it can be also 5’3″ (162 cm) in some cases] whereas the average male model height is 5’10” (178 cm) [it can be also 5’7″ (171 cm) in some cases]. These are opportunities available for short height models:
- Commercial modelling
- Fitness modelling
- Beauty & Cosmetic modelling
- Swimwear and lingeries modelling
- Mature age modelling
- Plus size modelling
- Parts Modeling
1.Commercial modelling:
It is one of the most popular types of modelling field which accepts short heighted models. The models can work in various areas such as catalogue campaigns, trade shows and TV commercials. Mainly their work is related to the promotion of various products or services of a particular brand. To work in this field they need to have good acting skills, warmth and approachability and good body language and expression that will help them convey the
brand’s message to the audience. Along with this they also need to have self belief, confidence and should also be ready to try something new.
2.Fitness modelling:
This type of modelling doesn’t require a tall height but it requires an athletic and healthy toned physique. In this type of modelling, the models are paid to promote fitness related products and services. The products typically promoted are nutritional supplements, athletic equipment, sports shoes , athleisures etc. so in order to work in this type of modelling area you need to stay healthy, fit and you will need to have a toned body. You can’t be too slim or skinny.
3.Beauty & Cosmetic modelling:
Beauty and cosmetic modelling involves the showcase of beauty products like makeup , skincare or makeup services. In this type of modelling models often need to pose for photographs and videos to promote the brand’s services or products. Some important skills you need to maintain to become successful in this field are professionalism ,confidence and posing. Along with this you will also need to have clear and beautiful skin and features. To start your experience in this feel you can start by sending your pictures as per as the requirement provided in the website of the makeup artist looking for a model. Some such artists in India are Parul Garg Makeup & Academy, MJ Gorgeous Makeup & Academy.
4.Swimwear and lingeries modelling:
In this type of modelling, the model showcases swimwears and lingeries. This field of modelling in India is usually limited. To work in this field of modelling you need to have an excellent physical condition. You need to be confident and should have the ability to pose perfectly. Along with this you will also require a nice portfolio.But remember that this niche of modelling has higher risks in comparison to other fields of modelling. So if you want to do this type of modelling then remember to verify the modelling agencies authenticity. But if you are a beginner then it is better for you to skip this niche until you gather some work experience with the industry.
5.Mature age modelling:
This type of modelling often involves older aged models like 30 or above. These types of models usually feature fashion lifestyle and beauty while representing age diversity.
6.Plus size modelling:
Plus size modelling is for the models who are larger in size. They work as models to showcase beautiful designer oversized clothes, footwear, accessories etc. they work involves walking on the runway, posing for photos and repairing in advertisements. They help represent a part of the public who are oversized. The qualities required in them are confidence, self love and warmth. With these qualities they can easily strive in the field of modelling.
7.Parts Modeling:
Parts modelling involves the photoshoot of different parts of the body such as hands,legs, feet,eyes,hair etc. it is used to showcase different products or items like nail polish, jewellery, footwear,cosmetics and technology. In order to strive in this field you need to maintain a proper routine of your body parts by routines like manicure, pedicure, hair treatment, moisturizing etc.
How to Become a Successful Model Even if You’re Not Tall Enough
The steps are:
- Create a portfolio:
The portfolio of a model should consist of her photos from different angles. So in order to create a perfect portfolio you need to find a professional photographer who does head shots. For these pictures get your makeup done by a professional makeup artist keep your makeup minimal but professional.
Then determine the type of modelling that suits and interests. It can be any of the types of modelling earlier explained such as makeup and cosmetic modelling, commercial modelling , fitness modelling etc.
Now collect different photos of yours [about 5 to 8] and assemble them. Make sure that your photos have diversity; they should be different from each other and should feature different angles and styles of yours.
Look for online sample portfolios of different models to get an idea of how to make yours. now print these high quality images in the preferable size [8×10” or 8.5×11”. Some firms require smaller prints, while others ask for large prints (9×12”)].
In your portfolio tell about your name, your address, your work, goals and achievements along with your hobbies and your second language.
- Research modelling agency:
Talk to people around you to find different modelling agencies and try to find one in your locality. Try to find if any of your friends have connections with a modelling agency. Sometimes photographers also have collections with modelling agencies and can easily help you find one. Try to go to the agency physically . Try talking to them. Show the beautiful portfolio and your head shots. And be confident with the advice they give you. Be professional while talking and you can also write a few professional emails to the agency beforehand.
- Keep Improving your skills:
You need to remember that to strive in the field of modelling you need to have skills without skills you can do nothing. You can improve yourself by eating healthy and staying fit. Try to exercise everyday in order to keep yourself fit. Practice different expressions in your face, stand in front of the mirror and practice different expressions like smiling, staying bold etc. Read different articles on your favourite model. Know about their tricks and tips. Learn to pose like a professional model. Talk to various mentors who have experience in the field of modelling.
- Promote yourself on social media:
In order to become a successful model only skills aren’t enough. You would need to express and show yourself out there. This is where social media comes to play a major part. Post your different photos in various poses so that modeling agencies can easily access them and contact you. As there are many agencies that tend to find models via social media like Instagram, Facebook etc.
Some Common Mistakes Short Beginners Should Avoid
As a short beginner in the field of modelling you should focus on developing key skills rather than becoming insecure about your short model height. You should value professionalism and have a strong portfolio while avoiding common mistakes such as pursuing the wrong type of modelling and taking rejections personally. Remember that in the field of modelling you can get rejected many times but you shouldn’t lose your hope. Always try to be optimistic in every situation. Don’t lose your confidence because of a rejection instead learn from it. Learn about your faults and try to improve them.
Where can short heighted models get jobs?
Short height models can get jobs from various platforms. The most powerful platform from where they can get jobs is Instagram. In order to get work from this platform, models will need to post about their photoshoots, outfit videos, reels, behind the scene videos etc. because brands always check your Instagram profile before hiring.
Another popular platform is Facebook. You can easily get work from different Facebook groups such as “Model Casting India”.
You can also get work from freelancing platforms like fiverr, freelancer, upwork etc.
You can also contact modelling agencies that accept short models. Some of such agencies are Inega,Purple Model Management,Toabh (for some categories).
Some popular short height models
There are many short height models in India who strive in their fields. They are Alia Bhatt [height- 5′ 1″] ,Parineeti Chopra [height- 5′ 2″] , Rani Mukerji [height-5’] , Vidya Balan [height- 5′ 4″],Sara Ali Khan [height-5′ 3″], Preity Zinta [height- 5′ 2″]. Despite their short model height all of these actresses are dominating the field of Bollywood as well as Modelling.
Conclusion
Don’t feel insecure about your height, remember that skills are way more important than the fact of how tall you are. You can always become a short height model if you work hard consistently. So to all the aspiring models who felt afraid and insecure about their height because they don’t match the average model height and its consequences in the modelling industry, we hope that after reading this blog you feel a lot more confident about yourself and your potential. So don’t worry about your height and just do as your heart says. Follow your dreams and become who you want to be.
