Models wear and display clothing, accessories, and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may showcase new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialize in particular types of modeling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (photographs for film, TV, and commercial products), and fashion shows.

• Individual requirements for a model
• enjoy artistic and creative activities
• devoted and patient
• Minimum height in some types of modeling
• Well-proportioned facial features, clear skin, and healthy hair
• neat personal appearance
• an outgoing personality
• Good communication skills are essential in promotional work

Education and Training for a Model

You can work as a model without formal qualifications. You are likely to get some informal training on the job. Entry into this occupation can be improved if you have the qualifications but they are not required as a condition of entry into this career.

Additional Information

Potential models should first contact a reputable model agency that will assess their suitability for the industry. If successful, the agency will arrange for a photographic folio and composite card (showing personal figures and fashion images) to be created for them to help them find work. The agency will then promote them to local clients with possible possibilities of placement in global markets. It is advised to ensure that the agency has a good reputation and is well-established in the industry. The modeling agency may charge for the required training but reputed agencies do not charge for registration. There are additional costs associated with photographic portfolios and composite cards.

Duties and Tasks of a Model

Model:

Walk, dance, or pose in front of an audience on a catwalk to display clothing and accessories
Pose in front of cameras dressed in fashion to advertise or promote products in newspapers, magazines, on websites, or on billboards

• Participate in television and movie commercials
• Participate in demonstrations of wholesale clothing to buyers
• Showcase new products and services at manufacturers' exhibitions and industry trade shows
• Hand out samples of pamphlets or advertising products at exhibitions and shows.
• Work

Model clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories for customers, sales personnel, and fashion designers.
Poses for television, video, and cinema advertisements and for still photographs appearing in magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and billboards.

Presents as subjects for paintings, sculptures, and other types of art.

Job Opportunities for a Model

Most models work for clothing firms and department stores, advertising and promotion agencies, and film or television studios. Some work as teachers in modeling and departmental schools. Job opportunities in modeling are very competitive. Many models work part-time while combining modeling with other activities such as studying, or other paid part-time work. There is a possibility for models to work abroad. Models can go into careers related to modeling, such as public relations, television presenting, or fashion shopping and consulting positions. A model who has good communication skills can become a fashion-show compere (host) and coordinator. Admission to these fields is highly competitive.

Specialization

Ideal

Models wear and display clothing, accessories, and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may showcase new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialize in particular types of modeling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (photographs for film, TV, and commercial products), and fashion shows.