Extraordinary Ability and the Pursuit of Professional Excellence

Executive Summary

Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a real threat to human beings, specifically the labor force. Therefore, it is eminent for people to garner substantial skills to stand irreplaceable. To do so, one needs to possess extraordinary abilities and rise to the very top of their field(s) of endeavors. At OVINDI International Group we employ both innovative and transformative strategies to make that happen.

In this Case Study, to put the above in perspective, I utilize my previous legal work pertaining to an internationally renowned High Fashion Model (whom I refer to as Mr. X for the sake of confidentiality) who has previously sought out before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for classification as an individual with extraordinary ability in his field of endeavors.

Notably, Mr. X was previously recognized by the USCIS as a model of distinguished merit and ability pursuant to H-1B visa status.

Extraordinary Abilities and Continuous Development

The point of this publication is to ascertain that not only does one have to demonstrate that he/she is an individual who possesses extraordinary abilities, but, most importantly, he/she must sustain it through continuous personal and professional development.

Case Study: A Model of Extraordinary Ability

Mr. X unequivocally falls into the elite category of models that companies desire for representation. Mr. X is clearly a model of extraordinary ability who is internationally renowned for his valuable worth.

This claim is documented by the plethora of “tear sheets” and clippings evidencing his modeling appearance in recognized and respected publications from all over the world.

Mr. X is sought after by both advertisers and designers. His ability to become a different person with a totally different look depending on the respective clothing and setting makes his value to the fashion industry incalculable.

He has a tremendous track record for transforming his image into commercially successful advertising.

Extraordinary Ability in the Fashion Industry

Fashion is a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States. Images and styles are both dictated by and communicated through multimedia advertising and magazine editorials.

Modeling for high-fashion advertising and editorials is not simply a technical skill that can be learned. It is a genuine form of art, a special talent with which one can only be born with.

In fact, even the technical components of modeling such as movements and attitude require a special aesthetic sense in order to achieve an image worthy of global appreciation, recognition and worthiness.

How Success Is Measured in Commercial Fashion

Like any form of art, an appreciation of a model’s talent is very subjective. The success of a model in the world of commercial fashion is measured by the caliber of jobs the model is selected for, endorsements by industry experts, international recognition and the commanding of high salaries by the model.

Prestigious fashion editors, designers and commercial directors from across the US always vie for Mr. X’s services.

Because fashion-advertising is really a synonym for “image”, it follows that his image is a critical component of the overall production.

This is further evidenced by the fact that top models are paid astronomical salaries and are constantly flown all over the world by request to work on particular jobs.

Mr. X has become one of the most well-known celebrities and important models. In fact, he is one of today’s most immediately recognized faces in the fashion realm.

He is, in the truest sense of the phrase, an “all-star”.

International Recognition and Extraordinary Ability

Thrust into the limelight immediately, Mr. X modeled all over the world in all the major European fashion capitals.

The steady stream of booking was not just a fluke as he managed to land big jobs in the fashion world and representation by agencies like Why Not (Milan), Madison (Paris), Group (Spain), Donna (Tokyo) and Stockholmsgruppen (Sweden).

Insatiable international demand for his talents as a model let to working throughout the world in countries such as France, Italy, Japan and Canada.

Working With Major Fashion Industry Names

Unlike other models, Mr. X’s first editorial and runway work was with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Major designers trust him to wear their clothing and help create the fashion vision they have in mind.

His role in fashion week will continue to solidify over the years, guaranteeing his importance as an international fashion model for years to come.

Advertising Campaigns and International Brands

Mr. X’s advertising campaigns include work with renowned brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfigger, Kenneth Cole, Saks 5th Avenue, Barney’s, DKNY, Holt Renfrew, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, Tse Cashmere, Wilson Leather, Gauloises Cigarettes, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Perry Ellis and Target.

His image has been captured by fashion’s top photographers including John Balsom, Steven Klein, Nathaniel Goldberg, etc.

Such a list of achievements does not even show the breadth of all the work that Mr. X has contributed to the fashion industry.

Models that have worked in his field of endeavor for years can only dream of landing such high-caliber jobs. For him, this is a natural occurrence.

He is constantly booked for the best.

High Earnings as Evidence of Extraordinary Ability

Mr. X’s highest paying job was a campaign for Polo Ralph Lauren where he received $12,000 USD for one day.

His daily rate usually ranges on average between $6,000 and $8,000 USD.

He is among the elite handful of models that can command such a salary and be paid up to thousands of dollars per day.

Industry Experts on Mr. X’s Extraordinary Ability

Mr. X’s extraordinary ability, national and international recognition is further demonstrated by letters from industry experts.

I am including a few examples below.

Industry Expert Testimony: Professional Demand and Recognition

(Name left blank purposely for privacy) comments:

“As Associate Shoot Producer, I am constantly in contact with models all over the world, working regularly with many of America’s most visible brands including Gap, Nautica, and DKNY, for shoots and bookings.

My impression is that Mr. X is truly a phenomenal talent. With his striking looks, he has gained perpetual attention for his diverse talent and consistent hard work.

His work has received accolades from those who have hired him, evidenced by the fact that he has many repeat clients. He is exceptionally in high demand but has wisely chosen to be selective of the assignments he accepts.

In this manner, he has become one of the most desirable talents in the business. Mr. X commands a salary commensurate with his status in the business. He is plainly a model of extraordinary ability.

If he chose to, he could work for world renowned clients every day of the year. Few models are in such high demand. Mr. X possesses a pride for his work that I find extremely refreshing in an arena often noted for its superficial tendencies.”

Industry Expert Testimony: A Unique Fashion Talent

(Name left blank purposely for privacy) suggests:

“It is on the basis of my extensive experience as a casting specialist for major fashion projects that I state with absolute confidence and admiration that Mr. X is a model of extraordinary ability.

As someone accustomed to casting the top models in the fashion industry, I find that Mr. X stands out as excitingly unique. He possesses a wonderfully charismatic appearance that designers and photographers love.

Industry leaders all agree that to choose Mr. X as a subject is to please the most discriminating clients. By the phenomenally high-profile success that Mr. X enjoys, I am clearly not the only fashion professional who appreciates such a talent.

Mr. X has appeared in major magazine editorials and advertising campaigns. His charisma was so powerfully attractive that other exciting opportunities arose for him as well.

I have booked him for fashion shows with our most prestigious clients including Y-3, and Z Zegna.

Mr. X is a renowned model and for good reason-he is a consummate professional and a great talent whose appearance on any cover or billboard attracts immediate attention and admiration.”

Industry Expert Testimony: International Career and Professionalism

(Name left blank purposely for privacy) states:

“As a prominent Casting Director, I am immersed in the field of fashion and come in contact with the world’s fashion stars on a regular basis.

As a result, I am intimately familiar with the work of Mr. X. We would like to confirm that Mr. X has been a top professional fashion model for over 10 years.

He is known as a top money earner not only in his home country, but also in France, Italy, Japan, and Canada.

I have personally booked him to work with my top clients including Michael Kors and Fashion Rocks shows. He is one of the few models who are able to satisfy their needs with his extraordinary natural talent, but also with the professionalism with which he approaches every job.

As a specialist in the field of casting, I can confirm that Mr. X is always in demand by the fashion industry’s most important casting directors. He maintains clients on all continents and is always working.”

Industry Expert Testimony: Talent in a Competitive Industry

(Name left blank purposely for privacy) reveals:

“The international modeling industry is highly competitive. I state this from personal experience as a Casting Director for some of the international beauty industry’s most prestigious clients.

Because of my occupation, I am constantly dealing with models and talents from all over the world. To obtain success as a model requires much more than just striding down runways and posing for photographers.

It requires a very special ability to consistently meet the expected demands of couturiers and advertisers paying enormous amounts of money for the presentation of their product.

Judging from Mr. X’s performances and portfolio, I am confident in stating that he is poised to join this very select group of fashion models who will excel in the fashion industry.

Fashion jobs are the most highly coveted assignments in the industry as they generate not only wonderful exposure, but they garner the most lucrative salaries as well.

His youth, raw talent, poise, strong features, and professionalism will continue to lead him to lucrative jobs not only on the runway, but also with magazine and advertising clients.”

Industry Expert Testimony: The Epitome of Extraordinary Ability

(Name left blank purposely for privacy) adds:

“We boastfully represent one of the world’s most acclaimed models, Mr. X. I can testify, without uncertainty, that Mr. X is recognized throughout the international fashion industry as one of the select few male models who has maintained an outstanding following for a consistent number of years.

On any given day, he could find a booking in any city in the world. Fortunately for our agency, Mr. X works quite extensively in France. He has worked for all our major clients.

This proves to us, at least, that Mr. X is an economic windfall to the nation in which he works.

While many industry leaders attribute his success to his versatility, or ability to conform to any talented market segment, I personally believe that Mr. X’s commendable stature is a direct product of his natural ability before a camera.

While no one can define exactly what ingredient makes one individual more “photogenic” than another does, the fact remains, Mr. X possesses it tenfold.

Combining all of the elements that amalgamate into a fashion model of extraordinary ability, Mr. X truly possesses each element to an exponential level.

He has the skill and professionalism, the celebrity and recognition, top brands, editorial work and advertising campaigns, the enviable high-paying wage rates, the national and international reputation, and has even been featured in multiple interviews proving just that fact.

The media and press recognize the fact that Mr. X is more than just an average model. He is a recognized figure on the international fashion front.

Such recognitions are only afforded to few models and Mr. X undeniably falls into this extraordinary few.

Mr. X is not only a fashion model of extraordinary ability, he is the epitome of the title.”

Extraordinary Ability and the Threat of Artificial Intelligence

In light of the foregoing, I comfortably ascertain that Mr. X is an individual of extraordinary ability in the field of international modeling who possesses an extreme level of knowledge, skills, success and, most importantly, inherent talent that is found only among very few individuals.

He has risen to the very top of his field of endeavors.

Therefore, at least for a while, he should not worry about AI being a threat to his capabilities.

Beyond the threat it may pose to certain professions, artificial intelligence also represents an opportunity for adaptation and transformation. To explore this perspective further, discover how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can help businesses and professionals evolve and thrive in this new environment.

By Issa Ndiaye | Principal and CVO at OVINDI International Group