In modelling China is known as a country where you can make good money. And this is true. China is a huge manufacturing country where billions of things are sewn every day and they need to be advertised. There is a demand for models as long as there is clothing production.
The pandemic has made its own adjustments around the world and has greatly affected the field of modelling. The pandemic in China can be roughly divided into two periods.
1. As soon as Covid began China closed its borders. At that time there were very few models who entered the country. With such huge demand many girls worked 12 hours every day. This situation has two sides of the coin. On the one hand, a large amount of money was made, but on the other hand, there was a lack of sleep, burnout and depression. During 2020-2022, mainly guys from Belarus, Serbia, Poland and other Slavic countries worked in China. China did not close its borders for them.
2. The reverse side of the pandemic manifested itself two years after the start of the Coronavirus. With restrictions, business in China is simply dying. Most brands are running out of money, closing production. Consequently, demand for models is falling. Most clients prefer to choose local models or freelancers as their prices are lower than agencies.
In the summer of 2022, Russian models (after a difficult visa process) were able to re-enter China. Now there are too many models and not enough work. Many girls sit waiting for two or three months. However, there is work.
Now I see small changes. Previously cute girls with the baby face type worked very well in China. However, now I see strong and eccentric models much more often.
Prices remain the same as before the pandemic but are set individually depending on the experience and level of the host agency.
As before, the main work in China are catalogues (accessories, clothes, pyjamas, shoes). It is in catalogues that you can make good money because payment is made by the hour. On average 1300-1700 yuan per hour. Big pay for underwear catalogues, with prices about 2000 yuan per hour.
Models who used to have four to six jobs a week now work once or twice a week at best. In addition the agency’s costs have increased due to the high cost of flights and quarantine upon arrival. It is still possible to make money but now it is not as big money as before.
Since China has a zero policy to combat Coronavirus, models have pass PCR tests every day, scan QR codes in all public places and constantly wear masks.
In many cities in China entire areas are now closed and people are forced to be locked up for several weeks. However, the attitude of the Chinese themselves towards foreigners as carriers of infections has changed and they have ceased to avoid and fear us.
Text by N. Shubina
