If you want to be a top fashion model, it only happens in cities. Fashion modeling does not take place in small towns in Uganda, Kenya or which ever small town you come from in Africa. The designers are not there, the fashion magazines are not there, and the show rooms are not there. The really BIG FASHION happens in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es salaam, Kigali and the rest of which they play by their own rules. If they find you and you have the look they want for that season, then they have the photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, clothing stylists, art directors, and budgets to make it work. What I am about to say means very little to the fashion elite. But if you are trying to get into modeling or you're in a minor fashion market doing catalog work, character work, product support work, or other secondary work, then this information holds true.

The modeling industry is quite diverse. However, the part that most people have seen glamorized is the life of the fashion Supermodel. For some, the idea of a jet-set life style is very appealing but, let me tell you, you stand a better chance of winning the ponyoka na pick up (run away with a pick up) than becoming one of the dozen or so Supermodels. Which points to a harsh reality of modeling - most people who try to make a living as a model will fail. Fortunately, for many, just trying to make it is personally rewarding. You will never know if you might have what it takes if you never try.

The following chapters  may give you some ideas of what it takes to be a model and how to get started. This information not only looks at fashion modeling but, also, other types of modeling. The material covers some of the basics. Only through proper training and hard work, however, can you become a professional model. I hope you will use this as a starting point to decide if modeling is right for you and may it give you some direction towards starting a career.

Naam
Kat Models school of fashion