Ghanaian Model Grace Quaye Gives Us 5 Important Tips To Becoming A Fashion Model

A lot of people want to be a model because it’s glamorous and lucrative. They may want to be recognized in the modeling world but what they do not know is that the modeling industry is extremely competitive, and is filled with rejection, however, successful models spend their time doing something that they love. Knowing what to expect in the world of modeling can help prepare you to become a model.

We interviewed Ghanaian model, Grace Quaye to tell us what it takes to be a model and and how to go about it to join the modeling industry.

Grace Quaye, 22 is a final year student of University of Energy and Natural Resources studying agriculture and technology with her major being Animal production and health. Grace tells us she has been in the modeling industry for 3 years now as a fashion model and is currently signed on to Confidence Model Agency based in Accra, Ghana.

This  bold young lady also mentioned that what makes her outstanding from the other models is her one in a million figure and walk, as well as her humility and ability to work with people with diverse ideas and attitude within and out of the modelling or fashion industry.

She has worked with quite a number of renowned designers and photographers. The 22 year old has walked and shoot look books for designers such as Briwiriduah, Stepout just to mention a few names. She has also shot some incredible editorials with photographers like, Grandberry, Adinkra, pixxxyphotography, elikemthephotographer etc.Grace was the face of Accra Fashion Week 2016 (maiden edition). To become a fashion model, these are the few steps she gave:

KNOW YOUR MARKET

The term “market” refers to the various geographical locations in which models work and earn a living. New York is a “market,” Paris is “market,” South Africa is a “market” and can also refer to the category your particular look falls into such as the fashion market, commercial market, plus market, or petite market. If your look doesn’t fit your market, move to an area that does, or consider traveling back and forth to an area that does.

FIND A GOOD AGENCY

The best thing you can do for yourself is to find a good agency to work with. Agencies should not ask for money up front, or be sketchy in terms of signing anyone possible, which could mean that they run off with the models’ earnings later. A good agency should understand your personal needs as a model, lift you up and never take money from you. They should also never ask you to put yourself in a dangerous or compromising situation. The wrong agencies may even ask you to sacrifice your morals and believes

BASIC SNAPSHOTS

When starting the only photos you need to present to modeling agents and scouts are some basic snapshots. They are looking for a nice face shot (smiling and not smiling), left and right profiles of your face and body, a full length shot and a back shot. Have someone you know or a photographer take a natural head shot of you. No touch ups, hardly any makeup and simple hair should be the top three key points of your photo. Wear form fitting clothing like skinny jeans or leggings and a simple tank top or t-shirt. If you are comfortable wearing a swimsuit then include a few swimsuit shots as well, either a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit is fine.

BEWARE AND KEEP YOUR VALUES

You probably don’t intend on compromising your values but be aware that the modeling world is tough and comes with greed, sexual harassment, alcohol, sex trades, bad company and many more if you are looking for the easy and quick way to get to the top. Never do anything it takes to get to the top. You’ll regret it later. Know your values and stick to your guns! And then again, the right agencies will honor your values and can lead you to a great career.

BE PERSISTENT AND POSITIVE

Becoming a professional model is a process. It rarely happens overnight, it’s actually a gradual process and might take time so be patient and wait for your opportunity.Stay positive and remember that just because an agency wasn’t able to represent you today it doesn’t mean they won’t be interested tomorrow. The modeling industry is one of the hardest careers to achieve and maintain.

The chatty and bubbly Grace Quaye told us she wants her name to become a hallmark in the modeling world. “ Put God first, be yourself, work hard as a model and with time everything will face into place” were her advice to the upcoming models. Enjoy her pictures below.