This week on the Industry Focus, the Down to Business team took an in-depth look at modelling.
It is an industry that grown substantially in recent years, with traditional modelling expanding into TV, film and promotional work.
If you are an aspiring model, how do you get into the business? How does it work? And what are the ins and outs of this very competitive industry?
Joining Bobby to discuss the fascinating industry were agent Celia Holman Lee of The Holmann Lee Modelling Agency; Derek Daniels, MD of Assets Model Agency; and model Corina Grant.
Celia said having her business outside Dublin dictates the type of work they take on for their models. "I started here about 40 years ago - I think I'm the longest running model agency here," she said. "We're a fashion show model agency. We get very little editorial work, we don't get calls for TV commercials... This is what we do to keep the whole thing going".
Derek observed, "it's the kind of gig you have to love. It wouldn't be for everyone - it has its stresses and it has its strain like any other business". He added that "fortunately things are on the up" at the moment after a few years where many companies did not have the budgets for professional models.
Offering her perspective as a model, Corina explained, "I think to survive the industry and be a success you have to be able to do all types of modelling - be it catwalk, editorial, ads, commercial modelling... I'd say to anyone to remember 'don't take yourself too seriously - it's not all about you and you're part of a team'".
Derek also had some very strong advice for parents with children who are looking to put together a modelling portfolio. You can listen back to the full Industry Review via the podcast above.
