Fashion Model

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

45 to 47 variable

freelance / self-employed attending events or appointments

How To Become a Fashion Model

You can get into this job through:

applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You'll usually start your career by going to a model agency in person or sending photographs and details of your measurements to them.

You'll need a good appearance and the right 'look' for the area of modelling you want to go into.

You should usually be well-proportioned for fashion modelling, with regular features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. For other types of modelling you would need to fit in with the look that modelling agencies want.

You don't need to do a modelling course or have an expensive portfolio of pictures. The British Fashion Model Agents Association has advice on what to expect from reputable agencies and how to avoid rogue ones.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to work well with others
active listening skills
to be flexible and open to change
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to organise your time and workload
concentration skills
physical fitness and endurance
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You’ll often have to go to casting sessions with potential clients or agencies. You’ll also spend a lot of time looking after your appearance.

You could specialise in different types of modelling, like:

high fashion and catwalk
photographic editorials for magazines
advertising for magazines, billboards, websites, and social media
TV commercials
promotional modelling like music videos, personal appearances, leaflets and brochures
in-house live modelling for designers and clothing wholesalers

In fashion show modelling you'll walk along a catwalk, turning to display clothes in front of an audience. You'll work closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors.

In photographic, advertising and promotional modelling you'll:

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

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio, in a photographic studio or at a store.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a booker for a model agency or set up your own agency. You could also move into other areas of the fashion industry like styling or fashion journalism.

You might also find opportunities in areas like TV presenting or acting.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could develop your skills as a model by helping out with charity fashion shows.

Tips & Information

Career tips

There's a lot of competition for modelling jobs. You'll improve your chances of finding work if you build up a good portfolio and get experience and contacts.

Model agencies are not allowed to charge an up-front fee for you to join them.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join Equity for professional advice and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a fashion model from the British Fashion Model Agents Association and Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need a license from your local council, if you start modelling before the legal school leaving age.