Become a Successful Model in Nigeria ▷ Earn ₦1.5m Per Event

Do you dream of becoming a male or female model in Nigeria and get rich, professional and successful?

If YES, then this article is only what you need to read today.

Modelling is a very lucrative job and comes with a lot of benefits, which makes men and women in Nigeria desperate and ready to showcase their beauty to the world.

In this article, you’ll be getting actionable tips and answers today on:

• Types of models and modelling in Nigeria
• How to become a model in Nigeria with no experience
• Becoming a hair model in Nigeria
• How to sign up to become a teenage model in Nigeria and requirements
• Becoming a model at age 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
• How to become a successful model in Nigeria
• Becoming a commercial model in Nigeria
• Registration and how to apply for modelling jobs in Nigeria
• Becoming a child model
• How to become a model with no money
• Becoming a face model in Nigeria
• How to be a freelance model in Nigeria
• Becoming a male or female model in Nigeria
• The perfect height and body size for a model
• Salary of a Nigerian model
• Benefits and downside of modelling
• How much models get paid in Nigeria after joining
• Ways and how models make money in Nigeria
• How to start a career in modeling
• The body requirements to be a model
• How to get a model face, and what to study to become a model

At the end of this post, you will be fully energized to pursue your passion of becoming not just an average model, but a supermodel.

So, ensure to take your time and read to the end if you’re really serious about achieving your modelling dream this year.

Getting started…

Who is a Model?

A model is a person employed by companies and fashion labels to promote, display or advertise commercial products (from clothes and makeup to beverages and automobiles) or to serve as a visual aid for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography.

Though models are predominantly female, there are also male models, especially to model clothing.

Models may work professionally or casually.

Top Male Models in Nigeria

• Alexx Ekubo
• Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
• Uti Nwachukwu
• IK Ogbonna
• Fredrick Leonard
• Victor Ndigwe
• Davidson Obennebo
• Leonardo Taiwo
• Akintayo Ogunkoya
• Seun Balogun

Top Female Models in Nigeria

• Agbani Darego
• Anna Banner
• Tacha Akide
• Sylvia Nduka
• Sandra Okagbue
• Iheoma Nnadi
• Olajumoke Orisaguna
• Yaya Dacosta
• Aminat Ayinde
• Adeola Ariyo
• Chinenye Akinlade
• Oluchi Onweagba
• Omawunmi Akinnifesi

How Much Do Models Earn in Nigeria?

It’s not news that Models here in Nigeria get paid per day, per show or shoot.

The amount of crazy money that supermodels make is a good reason many Nigerians want to model.

Lot of companies are looking to advertise their products and reach out to many customers, so they require the services of models to showcase their products.

Modelling does not have a fixed rate.

There are various types of modelling and the amount that models earn varies because of some factors.

How much a model gets paid in Nigeria depends on several factors, including:

1. Your Network

No matter how good looking you think you are, if you’re new to modelling, you might not make money until you’re well known.

Impatient aspiring models and their parents need to know this.

If you are known by a network of influencers and brand specialists who will promote you, you make more money than a person who is not known by influencers.

This is the main reason models want to be around successful people – being ‘discovered’.

Once you’ve worked hard and known, you can make pretty good money.

2. Your Agency

Another important factor that determines how much a model earns is the hiring company.

You wouldn’t expect a model that affiliates with a well-recognized modelling agency to earn the same amount as a model with a local agency.

So, try joining a reputable modelling agency that will promote you massively and ruthlessly.

For obvious reasons, runway models don’t make so much money in Nigeria.

Models that are on TV commercials and billboard campaigns make more money.

Also, face models rarely earn as much as full-body models.

Runway events models earn between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000 per runway show.

Commercial models for Billboard and TV commercial are paid between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 per campaign.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Modelling?

There is more to modelling than the pretty face in front of the camera.

Modelling is a serious business and aspiring models should treat it.

Some significant benefits to being a supermodel include:

• If you work smart and hard, you earn lots of money.
• You become famous and also a global influencer for promoting others’ campaign.
• You can be the first to wear fabulous designer clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• You can get a personal trainer and dietician to help you keep in shape.
• You get to do what you have a passion for and love.
• You get to travel to amazing countries and meet famous people.

However, the industry is certainly not all about the bling-bling and glamour as many imagine.

It is the supermodels who do the major campaigns for global brands that make a lot of money.

And so, most models, it is a struggle.

Here are the disadvantages of modelling:

• Because the jobs are not steady, when you start out, you may not make a lot of money.
• Being a professional model is demanding in a cut-throat profession. It can drain physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Fashion model is on diet all the time to stay trim and healthy. The jobs last a long time with plenty of time standing. Or posing for the camera all day.
• Nobody likes rejection, and the rejection that comes with being a model is a lot and draining.
• You may also get exposed to fraudster and people that will want to take advantage of you.

Steps to Becoming a Model in Nigeria

Here are the right steps to become a model successfully and earn money in Nigeria: 

1. Know Your Stats

Knowing your statistics as a model is very important and should be as easy as knowing your age.

Model doesn’t just mean being tall and thin with perfect body posture and beautiful skin, it is more than that – you have to find out honestly what makes you unique.

As an aspiring male or female model, you should be able to know your:

• Age
• Chest size
• Dress size
• Eye colour
• Hair colour
• Height
• Shoe size
• Waist size
• Weight

These are the most common requirements any model scout, modelling agency, or potential client would ask you for, and if you don’t provide real and convincing answers, it would be difficult to create a better impression.

Once you know your statistics as a model, then you should find out which type of modelling you fit in and the minimum requirements.

2. Determine the Model You Want to Become

Modelling is a broad sector and they are various types of modelling jobs.

You may not fit into all model categories, so you have to identify your niche and choose your market.

Choosing the type of modelling that you’re best suited for determines your success.

You need to study all the modelling jobs, their age and body requirements and how it fits into your personal wants.

Once you have familiarized yourself with the common modelling and their requirements, the next thing is to shortlist the ones that you are interested in as well as being a good fit.

Types of Modelling in Nigeria

Here are some of the various modelling in Nigeria today.

Runway Models

This is the most common modelling line in Nigeria today.

These are the kinds of models you see strutting down the catwalk at fashion shows to showcase designer products during fashion events and runways.

Unlike some other types of modelling, runway modelling usually requires models of certain height, body size and overall stature, because they must fit the outfits created by designers they are going to show.

That’s why if you want to become a runway model, you need to meet all the demands.

On the average, runway models earn between ₦50,000 and ₦200,000 per event.

Commercial Models

This is one of the highest paying modelling types out there today.

This type of modelling does not require many rules – it is available for everyone despite your age, height, and body size.

Here, models are signed as brand ambassadors and are usually paid based on contract.

These models work on campaigns and commercials to advertise a wide range of products.

Models in this category can earn as much as ₦5 million per contract or as low as ₦100,000 depending on the company they are contracted to and the product they are advertising.

Fashion Models

Also called editorial models, this category of modelling includes fashion models that feature in magazines, fashion blogs, fashion websites, and other similar platforms.

It is one of the most sought-after modelling lines, as it is not as stressful as runway modelling.

You get to see them in any magazines, like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, etc.

They usually work for top designers, such as Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and so on.

Like runway models, models in this field are required to have specific height range and body size.

Depending on the magazine or editorial platform, fashion models earn between ₦150,000 and ₦5,000,000 per feature.

Glamour Models

This modelling is very popular among university students and young women.

Their job is more sexually suggestive than the other modeling jobs.

These models are hired and used as ushers in certain gatherings to look attractive to the audience.

Models in this category earn between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000, depending on the event.

Fitness Models

This category of modelling attracts physically fit ladies and guys (macho men).

They are not as common as most other modelling categories on the list.

They are usually used to model sport-clothing manufacturers and sometimes fitness equipment.

Example is Tacha (Ex BBNaija Housemate), that models and advertises for GetFit waist trainers.

On the average, models in this category earn between ₦100,000 and ₦5,000,000 per shoot and/or contract.

Swimsuit or Lingerie Models

These kinds of models are employed to advertise designer undergarments.

They can display not just underwear or swimsuits, but also sleepwear or summer wear.

A major requirement for becoming a swimsuit or lingerie model is to have a high sex appeal.

Here, they might be showroom or petite models as well.

Plus size Models

In recent years, a great number of agencies have become interested in this modelling as it has become an essential part of the whole industry.

If you want to know how to become a successful model in this sphere, you first need to be size 12 and upper.

Petite Models

If you aren’t tall or your height is 5’7” and under, there is no need for you to worry. You’re suitable in this modeling.

Besides, they can be often chosen as foot, hand models, for lingerie or swimsuits demonstrations.

Child Model

Many top models today started their career as teenagers.

So, if you have a daughter or a niece, there is a chance for her to be hired for magazines or catalogs ads.

Never mind what size or height she is, only age matters (12 years and under).

3. Build Your Physique and Maintain a Good Appearance

Having and maintaining a good appearance is mandatory to becoming a professional model and you may have to invest in yourself to achieve this.

Your hair, skin and fashion sense (in term of what you wear) coupled with the way you carry yourself are very important.

The diet you eat would help shape your body.

A dietitian can prescribe the right diet to enable you to build your body in the right proportion.

YouTube tutorials can also help in guiding you on the foods to eat, the exercises to carry out, and other tested tips.

• Try to keep fit, eat nutritious food, drink enough water, etc.
• Wash your face; never forget to take off the make-up, and so on.
• Models must be able to change. Try unique looks for yourself. You shouldn’t be always the same.
• Keep your skin clean and smooth, don’t entertain any form or type of skin disease. You may have to visit a reputable cream store or specialist to recommend the perfect bathing soap and body cream for your skin type.
• Make sure your hair is neat, shiny and free of hair diseases like dandruff. Your nails should always be well kept.
• It’s advisable to always keep your hair and nails natural. This is because you never know when you’ll be called up for a job and models are always required to come to casting natural without makeup and the likes. So, if you’ve done your hair and you’re not make up free on set, getting to remove all of those in other to prepare you for the job will be a little too much and you’ll be seen as unprofessional.

4. Get a Professional Model Portfolio

Creating a personal portfolio is a way to stay ahead of the highly competitive modelling industry.

A model’s portfolio is one of the most important tools a model should have in his/her modelling toolbox.

As a model, your portfolio is your CV or resume.

It should include your most flattering poses and highlight all your special features like your height, smile, face structure, shoulders, etc. and past modelling jobs.

It is an important item that casting agents, brands, or designers look at in order to determine if they want to book you for the job.

By getting a professional photographer to capture your portfolio, you can easily market yourself to different modelling agencies, whether online or by dropping off copies of your work without physically being present.

This allows your portfolio to travel to a wider audience and unimaginable markets, especially in the age of social media.

Ensure to keep your portfolio updated from time to time and as you keep doing jobs.

5. Build Yourself a Brand 

As an aspiring model, you must see yourself as a brand, develop and promote yourself the little way you can.

You can do this leveraging social media because it’s easier for agencies to work with models already with lots of followers.

Social Media can help improve your chances of being signed by a modelling agency or found by potential clients online.

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are places to find out about what is going on in the modelling industry, get to know about upcoming fashion shows, model casting opportunities, and find collaborators.

Adopt a social media strategy that aligns with your values and professionalism.

Know what you stand for and always convey the right message to your audience.

Advertisers and brands are more likely to work with models who have a large social media audience.

Grow your social media followers and fan base with regular contents (photos, videos, quotes, graphics etc.) that showcase your skills, portfolio, and lifestyle.

Engage more with your followers by asking for their opinion and feedback on a post, and general discussions.

6. Start Working on Getting Discovered

After you have determined the model category you fit into and prepared an outstanding model portfolio, another step is working on getting discovered.

Unless your flat mate runs a modelling agency and has agreed to sign you, your model’s career isn’t going anywhere until you step out of the house.

There are always open auditions and casting for runway and commercial models in Nigeria.

Always get the dates and be punctual.

Find out more information about the fashion industry.

It’s necessary to read blogs, books, and magazines about modeling as they contain important tips for you which can improve such skills as posing, etc.

7. Always Network

Learning is a continuous process and there’s a lot of knowledge to be picked up during your career.

Making good connections with industry professionals can really improve your skill and boost your modelling career.

Attend fashion related events, designers’ presentation, runaway shows, training schools and register for masterclasses where you are likely to come face to face with photographers, stylists, makeup artists and designers.

You can also leverage the power of social media to make getting these connections easier.

Interact socially to get connections or personal advancement and engagement to build up your portfolio.

8. Personal Development

If you’re aspiring to be a successful model, you can enroll in acting workshops if it is at all possible.

By learning skills like auditioning, how to work on set, and pose for cameras, you gain an unfair advantage over your competition.

9. Find and Join the Right Modelling Agency

Modelling agencies are constantly looking for raw and talented models with the right attitude and who are well versed in the industry.

Finding a legitimate modelling agency in Nigeria may not be easy for you because of scammers.

Worse still, it can also become even dangerous if you get hooked up with some shady characters.

If you have built a portfolio and have worked on getting clear on your values, getting the right modelling agency would be much easier and will open you up to many learning opportunities and contacts.

Find out about the best modelling agencies in Nigeria and look out for when they organize model casting.

Every modelling agency or modelling job has its requirements in terms of body size and age.

You need to ensure you fit into this requirement before sending in your application.

This is the point where proper planning and preparation meet opportunity.

Most of the modelling agencies in Nigeria have an online application process that is easy to follow.

By law, if you are under 18 years of age, go with your parent or guardian before signing any dotted lines.

Some modelling agencies have weekly open calls, so contact them about this.

Be sure to read and digest their submission guidelines before sending them your application.

Once you get the right modelling agency, be clear on what they offer and what they expect from you.

If you are not getting lucky with any of the modelling agencies, ask them for feedback, and try to improve.

If the feedback is about something you cannot improve upon, like your height, skin colour, or a part of your body, try other modelling agencies.

If you are still not in luck, put more thoughts into it and consider being a freelance model.

10. Pay Attention while Signing Contract

When you eventually get scouted by or choose to join an agency, make sure you understand every detail of the contract before signing it.

Some modelling agencies are opportunist.

They understand your situation and they’ll try to take advantage of you.

Read through contracts thoroughly before signing them to ensure you are happy with the terms of your employment and to avoid any hidden clauses that could later affect your career.

You can also consult a lawyer to help you understand what you’re about to agree to before signing the papers.

It is not a bad idea to seek for at least a week to carefully review the contract details before agreeing to it.

Your first contact shouldn’t be over two years.

However, where it’s more, just make sure it can be amended after the first two years to suit you better.

11. Be Prepared for Casting Call

A casting call is a job interview for models and actors.

It is mostly through a casting call posting that a model or an actor finds and books a modelling job.

Just like any job interview, you need to prepare well for castings.

That means that you show up as a professional.

In your modelling toolbox, you should have a stunning portfolio with your most current pictures and comp cards.

In Nigeria, casting calls, when started, can last from five minutes to three hours.

Be real because experienced casting directors can see a fake once you walk in for your interview.

If you’re invited to a casting call, learn all you can about the job.

Go prepared and confident and you would land any modelling job anytime, anywhere.

12. Be Ready for Disappointments and Rejections

To be a successful model, you must come to terms with the fact that you can be disappointed and rejected by anyone, even when you least expect.

Realizing this helps you to be prepared and ready for the next challenge and opportunity.

You might secure your dream modelling job and at the last hour, you get told that the job has been cancelled for whatever reason.

You might be the most talented, professional and promising talent at a model casting with a modelling agency, and still not get that contract you deserve.

That means you must learn how not to take rejection at castings call personal.

Remember, before an advertising company schedules a casting call, they have already decided on the model they are looking for.

These things are norms with modelling and models need to always be prepared for the disappointments and rejections that come before the golden chance.

To be a successful model, you need to develop a thick skin for any negative, constructive, or destructive feedback.

If you get turned down or disappointed, don’t flare up, but remain calm, professional and hopeful.

13. Keep Your Values and Be Professional

Modelling doesn’t mean you should throw good morals out of the window.

Always hold on to your values and be professional, as this will take you a long way in your modelling career.

The modelling industry is full of different people; good and bad, professional and unprofessional, respectful and disrespectful people. Just be mindful of this.

Modelling is not a do or die affair and is not a simple route to fame and fortune, so don’t compromise on your values or sacrifice yourself to be a model.

Remember, to be a model is to be a role model for others.

Ensure you always live up to that expectation.

The career is challenging like every other; you need to keep your head high embrace the lifestyle and be ready to get creative in order to beat the competition, command respect and douse the stereotype attached to the profession.

14. Be Patient for the Result

As you might have known, the model industry comes with a lot of disappointments and rejections, and this happens to everyone, from the clients to modelling agency, event centre, makeup artist, photographer, videographer, stylist, fashion designer, producer, directors, assistants and many more.

This means you always need to be patient, whether you are waiting for your modelling agency to get you your first job, or you are waiting to be moved from new faces to the main board model section of your modelling agency, or you are waiting for a potential client to give you feedback on a casting.

Patience is a must-have in modeling, as it will pave the way for more opportunities, especially if you are diligent, reliable, and thoughtful.

Professional Tips for Aspiring Models in Nigeria

• Be attentive while signing up contracts. It must be legitimate. It concerns not only agencies but also clients.
• Be creative. Demonstrate different poses, show you’re gifted. You shouldn’t be always the same.
• Be polite and professional. Don’t be rude and be ready for hardworking. You need to treat modeling as a genuine job.
• Despite the rejections, remain persistent and keep a positive attitude.
• Modelling is not all about the glamour. To thrive within and outside the creative industries takes a lot of discipline, hard work, and acceptance of responsibility.
• Show that you’re committed to your type of modelling.
• Since the jobs are mostly part time, have a day job. Because as competitive as modelling is in Nigeria, there may not be enough work to pay for your basic needs.
• Take care of yourself, watch your body, and what you take inside that precious modelling machine.
• Time management is key. Everyone takes you seriously when you’re on time. Be professional!
• To be successful, you must have a solid relationship with your agency.

READ ⇒ Top 7 High-Paying Nigerian Modelling Agencies Looking for Models [Apply Now]

Conclusion

No time is too late to pursue your dream of becoming a professional Nigerian model.

You just have to prepare to work hard and smart.

So, I advise you to read everything in this article again and digest it in your memory.

You can even save this page in your browser so that you can easily open it and read.

With the above steps and explanation, the right skills, talent and mindset, you will have a successful career as a high-earning model in Nigeria.

Hope you enjoyed this article?

Please share with your friends and don’t fail to comment expressing your mind concerning this article.

I wish you success.