The catwalk is no cakewalk

Dang Jiani's outstanding appearance and work ethic have helped her win many awards at modeling competitions. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Finding work

Many girls began their modeling careers while still in their teens. "Many people have a bias against us and the modeling profession. But actually, we are much more independent and mature than most girls our age," Dang says.

She says finding work can be tough because the competition is intense. Out of every 100 people who are interviewed, only one or two may get work.

"We often joke that the selection process is more difficult than civil servants' examination," Dang says. Now that Dang is established, she isn't worried about finding work. But when she got started, it was a much different story. For every 10 interviews, she would only get one or two replies.

"There were also periods when I went months without making any money but I managed to survive thanks to my parents' support. But for those from poor rural families, their situations are much worse," she says.

Not landing a job can be a big blow to a model's confidence, Dang says. Even those who find work don't receive basic salaries or benefits like health insurance. "The money is paid after each activity," Dang says.

The pay varies based on a model's experience, fame, awards and popularity on the Internet. So far, Dang has done pretty well.

But she hasn't forgotten the struggles from earlier in her career and is always looking for ways to save money, such as taking the shuttle home from the airport instead of a taxi.

Auto fairs

"To automobile models, the Beijing and Shanghai auto fairs are as holy as Peking University and Tsinghua University are in students' hearts. My first interview for the Beijing International Automobile Fair was in 2012 and it feels like it just happened yesterday," Dang says.

The interview process consists of several rounds. In the first round, models must walk a short distance in front of judges. "The lucky ones will be called back for the second round, which generally consists of a short self-introduction and a performance," she says.

There are two more rounds, and out of the thousands of models who try out, only a few will be selected to participate in the auto show. "I cried for a long time at home after I was selected," Dang says.

Dang modeled for BYD that year. Her exhibition hall was always crowded, and a photo of her from the show was popular online.

Dang's success helped her land a contract to model with Ford's automobiles at the Beijing and Shanghai automobile fairs next year.