Model

Model

Introduction

Models appear in newspaper and magazine advertisements and features, television commercials, exhibitions and fashion shows. They may be modelling clothes, hairstyles or other fashion accessories by wearing them, or promoting other products such as cars or jewellery.

Work Activities

Models appear in:

newspaper and magazine advertisements and features
television commercials
exhibitions and fashion shows

They model clothes and promote other products, such as cars or jewellery.

Modelling work is split into photographic and catwalk modelling. Most models work in both areas. In photographic modelling, models pose for a photographer in a studio or on location.

Catwalk modelling is much more involved. Music and special lighting effects are used, and the models have to change outfits quickly, and sometimes learn simple dance routines.

Some models are employed in wholesale or retail fashion houses. They display outfits to journalists and people interested in buying the garments.

It is possible for photographic models to specialise if they have an outstanding feature such as their hands or hair, for example, advertising hand or hair products.

Modelling is not as glamorous a career as many people think it is. Models may have to work on location and often outdoors in any type of weather. It is not uncommon for models to find themselves on a beach for a swimwear 'shoot' in the middle of winter.

Models also need to take great care of their appearance. They have to be aware of their diet and exercise routine, as well as making sure that they get enough sleep.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Models must usually have a slim figure, regular features and good teeth, skin and hair. Some branches of modelling such as high fashion photography have strict height requirements. Female models are usually over 172 cm (5' 8"). Male models are usually at least 183 cm (6') tall. In other branches of modelling, such as calendar and mail order catalogue photography, there is less emphasis on models having to be a certain height and shape.

You will need to be patient, as you may have to hold a certain pose for a long time or wait while photographers set up lighting and other equipment. You should also be able to get on well with people. The work can be very tiring, so you need to be fit, healthy and energetic.

Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for models vary widely and depend on the type of modelling they do and how often the model works. Earnings for those starting out may be very low. An established model might earn in the region of £15,000 - £20,000 a year. Only a very small number of celebrity models earn very high fees, comparable with celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Hours of work for models vary depending on the job they are doing. The work may be irregular.

Most models are self-employed and join an agency that represents them and finds them work. Most of the large agencies are based in London. They receive hundreds of applications every week but will take only a few models onto their books. Once a model becomes more established, it is easier to find work.

Entry Routes and Training

Private courses require no academic qualifications for entry, and may range from a series of evening classes to several weeks of full-time training. They cover all aspects of grooming, the techniques of fashion and photographic modelling and ways to impress employers at auditions and interviews. These courses can be expensive.

However, the completion of a course of training does not guarantee a place on a model agency list, and even after being accepted by an agency, models may not work on a regular basis.

Certain branches of modelling, such as high fashion photography and show modelling for fashion houses, have strict height and shape requirements. In other branches of modelling, there is less emphasis on a certain height and shape.

Models are often used in promotional events to sell products, which call for attractive looks and personality rather than classical features.

Qualifications

Physical appearance and personality are more important than academic qualifications. Being accepted by a modelling agency is the most important step and this usually requires a portfolio (examples of photographs).

Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Entry to all sectors of modelling is fiercely competitive.