Joseph Walters: Modelling Success Comes From knowing Your Market

Rookies aiming to become successful in the modelling industry have been advised to first understand their market or forget about success in the glamour business.

The advice came from rising international model Joseph Walter, who advised aspiring models to “know whether you’re auditioning for a market that advertises petite sizes, plus sizes, certain clothing trends, or for a targeted market like natural living, city trends, cosmetic companies and the likes.”

Joseph Walters, whose real name is Babalola Otitoju Joseph, has walked the runway at the New York Fashion Week as well as graced the pages of Krave and Slay and also worked with brands such as John Casablanca, Bndhouse and Afrimma.

He explained further how a rookie can navigate the modelling market: “For starters, you must know the trends and looks that are popular in the area you live. For instance, runway modelling and fashion show modelling are not as widespread as commercial modelling for print occasions like magazines, newspapers and store sales papers.

Knowing your market will help you know what looks appealing to the agencies around.”
According to him: “Agencies in suburban areas aren’t looking for that sleek, ultra-sexy look with overstated hair or makeup like bigger cities are. In fact, a natural look is preferred in suburban areas, while trendy, sleek looks are wanted in the city. So, if your look doesn’t fit your market, move to an area that does, or consider travelling back and forth to an area that does.”

Joseph Walters offered more success tips to aspiring models: “You have to be confident. You’ve got to learn to cope with rejection because there are more rejections at times than those that will accept you. If you’re a catwalk model, you’ve got to learn how to walk. You’ve got to learn how to perform in front of a camera. And you’ve got to build your portfolio.”