By Bamidele Kolawole
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Modelling is a very competitive career choice where models use their physical appearance to help a company advertise a product or to help an artist create or display a work of art.
The model might work with a photographer to create fashion pictures or walk down a runway to introduce a fashion designer’s latest clothing line.
In this interview, a 26-year-old model, Oluwaseun Afolayan told Friday Extravaganza, that the world of cameras, locations, lights and runaways, are not as smooth as people think.
Afolayan, an indigene of Iro, in Ekiti State, began two years ago, but his journey into the modelling world had been conceived from his childhood.
He stated that he can’t go nude while modelling but the least he could do is to put on his tight, (underwears).
He noted that one of his roommates encouraged him to go into modelling when he told him about his ambition.
He said: “Right from my childhood, I have loved magazines, watched a lot of runway shows and model photo shoots on the television. I have always felt that one day, I will do the same thing.
He disclosed that his career in modelling professionally began when he signed up with the Protol, Continental and Talent Pluse Studios and he had been involved in different runway deals.
Like a wild fire, he became a household name in Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) as one of the first models to be reckoned with for any modelling gig.
Even though Afolayan loves modelling, he could not agree more that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
As an upcoming model, the Forestry and Wood Technology student from Federal University of Technology Akure, revealed that modelling is not all about having a fine face or being good at making stylistic poses but, it is an industry that thrives with money to keep up one’s work and one’s craft.
He said, the “little money I make, is recycled almost instantly to create another of my work, and this includes paying photographers, or buying costumes.
He identified influence as a bane in the industry where people who are barely good at the craft are connected because “they know people,” coupled with another challenge of having a good manager who can properly help a model get connections and promote their work to get hired by modeling agencies as an issue to deal with.
Yet despite the huddles that are on his way as a model, Afolayan daily sees his work as fun. “Whenever I get to model, I do not feel like I am working, because it is what I love to do.
I see modelling as fun. Calling me for runway shows, photo shoots, or fashion instruct people, I see it as fun. Whenever I showcase whatsoever I want to showcase, or during photoshoot to tell a story, I just feel happy.”
Little wonder he believes with persistent hardwork, he would get to the peak of his career even as he advises everyone on a similar path to work harder, and never contemplate giving up.
He said: “in a year’s time, I see myself covering magazines, this is why I won’t stop at working on myself; nor stop letting people know me, and never will I stop being an inspiration to other models.”
According to him, there are many benefits to a career as a model. They learn skills that can give you poise and confidence. You could have the opportunity to travel to interesting places and meet fascinating people and the salary can also be good, depending on your experience and reputation.