Modelling is more than posing for the camera or doing something for fun. It is a profession requiring talent, skills, courage and the right attitude, like most jobs.
'Modelling has been built up by society and the media as a cool industry that is desirable. But in reality, models are just like other [people] who get frustrated at work,' says Christopher McCurdy, a model from California, whose face graces numerous TV commercials and magazines across Asia. He has also appeared in the music videos of American superstars Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez.
'Even worse, some models lack self-esteem and take modelling not as a job to be treated seriously and professionally but as an occasion, a time to party. In the end, they get lost,' he says.
Celina Jade, a Hong Kong model turned actress-singer, agrees.
'Like any other career, it should be taken seriously. Those who want to start modelling should adopt the same professional attitude that they would if they were to get a job in the finance world,' she says.
The first rule is to show up on time, McCurdy stresses.