Wed, Aug 27, 2008 page2

• FEATURE: Modeling attracts college students

  SPOILING THE FUN Women looking for modeling jobs should watch out for phony modeling firms that cheat would-be models into paying hefty fees, authorities said

  • By Chen Hsuan-Yu and Liu Li-Jen / STAFF REPORTER
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  An increasing number of female university students are seeking work as part-time models and as show girls at expos to cover their living expenses.

  College students are finding occasional jobs posing for advertisements or promoting products at fairs.

  But many are finding the demands of the job taxing and having a hard time balancing their studies and modeling jobs. Nevertheless, some university students say the work is rewarding and worth the extra pressure.

  

  Yu Chi, a fourth-year foreign language student at Shih-Chien University, walks the catwalk at a show on Saturday.

  PHOTO COURTESY OF YU CHI

  Yu Chi (郁淇), a senior at Shih-Chien University majoring in foreign languages, has been modeling for two years.

  Yu first signed a contract with a modeling agency after winning first place in a modeling competition hosted by a department store.

  Since then she has posed for a variety of flyers and advertisements for shoes and yogurt and featured in television advertisements for real estate companies.

  “It can be tiring however,” Yu said.

  “Having to divide time between classes at school ... and trying out for jobs” makes for a full schedule, she said.

  NO CONTRACT PLEASE

  Annie, a student at National Taiwan University’s College of Management, also entered the modeling business after winning a competition hosted by a local department store.

  But Annie chose not to sign on with a specific agency, preferring to find modeling opportunities on her own as some companies looking for models steer clear of agencies to avoid the added fees.

  “I had a tough time when I first started out because I had no idea how to pose for photos and that upset many photographers,” she said.

  WEIGHT WORRIES

  Annie said her modeling experience had given her a new perspective on the industry and taught her that it is not all glamor and fun.

  One worry for many models is their weight, some students said.

  To remain competitive, many are very particular about what they eat to avoid putting on pounds.

  Yu Chi said she constantly fretted that some foods would hurt her complexion and avoided fried food and buffets.

  Amber, a modeling agent, said agencies generally look for a model at least 155cm tall, with an attractive figure and unique characteristics. A model’s personality and flexibility in dealing with the work environment are also key.

  Models must also put a lot of effort into honing their skills, she said. The right walk and gestures, and even acting and dancing skills, are important.

  The modeling industry has its high and low seasons. During peak season, a model can make more than NT$100,000 in a matter of days.

  With many young women looking for work as models, however, authorities have warned that some fraudulent businesses are capitalizing on the hopes of gullible youth.

  PHONY FIRMS

  Women looking for agency contracts should be aware of phony modeling companies that cheat would-be models into paying hefty fees.

  They offer contracts that involve paying large sums of money in advance to the firm.

  There have also been complaints of companies that serve as fronts for prostitution rings.

  “Young girls need to be on the look out for fake agencies,” Amber said.

  “Look into the history and financial situation of any prospective modeling agency and do not go to an interview alone,” she said.
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