Fashion model Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

You could specialise in various types of modelling, such as:

• photographic, advertising and TV commercials
• fashion and catwalk
• in-house live modelling for designers and clothing wholesalers
• promotional modelling (demonstrating non-fashion items at product launches and trade fairs).

In fashion show modelling you would move along a catwalk, walking and turning to display clothes in front of an audience.

In photographic, advertising and commercial modelling you would:

• pose for photographers in a studio or on location
• follow directions from photographers
• act or deliver lines in TV commercials.

If you worked as an in-house live model, designers would fit garments onto you in the workshop, and you would show finished clothing to fashion buyers and private customers. You would also often have basic reception and secretarial duties when not modelling.

As a photographic or catwalk model, you would work closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors. You would also spend much of your time going to castings for jobs, keeping in contact with your agency, and looking after your appearance.

Hours

You might work in fashion show venues, showrooms and stores, photographic studios or various other locations depending on the needs of a photo shoot.

Working hours could be long and irregular, depending on the type and amount of work you had.

The job can involve a lot of travel (sometimes overseas) to attend castings, fashion shows and photo shoots.

Income

Earnings can vary. Most models work on a freelance basis through an agent and are paid for each job. Rates can vary from around £50 to £1,000 a booking, and agents usually take 20% of the earnings.

Models working for fashion houses may earn between £12,000 and £18,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To work as a model you need a good appearance and the right ‘look’. You don't need any formal qualifications.

You should be tall and well-proportioned with even features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. The Association of Model Agents (AMA) recommends that you should have the following measurements:

• females: bust-waist-hip measurements of no more than 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86cms) and height of at least five feet eight inches (1.72m)
• males: 38-40 inch (97-102cm) chest, 30-32 inch (76-81cm) waist, and height of at least six feet (1.83m).

The AMA also has guidelines for larger size (‘plus-size') models. An agency may accept you for photographic or promotional work if you are not the standard fashion model size, as long as you have the right look for potential clients.

You would usually start your career by sending photographs and details of your measurements to a modelling agency. Many model agencies also employ talent scouts, who go out looking for people with the potential for a modelling career.

You do not need to do a modelling course to get onto the books of an agency, and you should be wary of paying for portfolio pictures. Agencies will be able to assess your potential without expensive photos or training.

You should not have to pay an up-front fee to join an agency, although they may deduct an administration fee when you start to earn money. To avoid exploitation, you should make sure that you join a reputable agency – contact AMA or Alba Model Information for details.

If you start modelling before legal school leaving age, you must be licensed by your local Education and Welfare Authority, under the Children & Young Persons Act.

Training and development

Once you have been accepted by a modelling agency, you will usually be given some training in:

• basic walks, turns and poses
• photographic modelling techniques
• diet and health
• skin care and grooming
• how to work with agents.

Some will also provide you with a few professional photographs (known as ‘test shots’) to start your portfolio (or 'book') that you show to potential employers.

Most agencies will not charge you up-front for training and test shots if they believe you have potential, although they may deduct a fee from your earnings when you first find paid assignments.

Some independent modelling schools provide similar courses, but they can be expensive and offer no guarantee of work.

Skills and knowledge

To be a fashion model you should have:

• good grooming and willingness to look after yourself
• fashion sense and awareness of trends
• the ability to move well
• confidence, self-reliance and discipline
• a pleasant, professional attitude with good ‘people skills’
• good time-keeping
• patience, stamina and fitness to cope with long, tiring days and travelling
• the ability to cope with criticism and rejection.

More information

Association of Model Agents
11-29 Fashion Street
London
E1 6PX
www.associationofmodelagents.org

Alba Model Information
PO Box 588
Southport
PR8 9BR
Tel: 0871 717 7170
www.albamodel.info

Equity
Guild House
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
www.equity.org.uk

Opportunities

You would usually be self-employed and get work through a modelling agency. Most large agencies are based in London. There are also some opportunities for permanent in-house models with wholesale or retail fashion businesses.

Competition is strong, and being accepted on an agency’s books is no guarantee of regular modelling work.

You will improve your chances of a successful career by building a good portfolio and gaining experience and contacts. There are fewer jobs for models in their 30s and older.

With experience, you could become a booker for a model agency, set up your own agency, or move into other areas of the fashion industry, such as styling or fashion journalism. Some models branch out into the entertainment industry, for example TV presenting or acting.