Very few fashion models make it into the glamorous world of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell or Linda Evangelista. While some models get the chance to be photographed in exotic locations or star in high-profile catwalk shows, all models face a tough, competitive, insecure and short-lived career.

Many models prepare for their ‘early retirement’ by keeping another occupation in reserve, often in a fashion-related career or the Television and Entertainment industry.

The main areas of work are live fashion shows, photographic modelling and television commercials. Although they require very different skills, some models do all aspects.

In both live and photographic modelling, there is a strong show business element to the work. Models use theatrical techniques to help create atmosphere and illusion.    top

The Work

Fashion models display clothes and accessories to fashion buyers and customers at live fashion shows and exhibitions, or in photographs. T.V advertising commercials are now open to models since the regulations on T.V workers requiring equity have been relaxed.

All models have to spend time looking after their figure, hair and skin. When not modelling, they may attend auditions or visit agencies, fashion editors and designers, so good health and looking fit and well is very important. The competition for work is very high which can mean a great deal of waiting to be seen and then only after a few moments to impress, a model will then have to go on to another audition or go home. The ability to cope with rejection and the tremendous amount of competitiveness is essential as many new faces have to go to numerous castings, auditions and go see’s at fashion magazines and may attend more than 10 or 20 without getting any bookings for assignments, which can be very demoralising.    top

Live modelling:

Work Environment

Fashion models work mainly indoors, but may work on outdoor locations in all weathers. Usual places of work include studios, showrooms, exhibition centres and venues such as hotels.

Dressing rooms can be hot, airless and over-crowded. Models spend a lot of time standing and waiting as well as walking from audition to audition day after day which can be frustrating and tiring and rejection can have a demoralising effect or self critical obsession.

Models usually need to travel away from home for long or short periods, either auditioning or to attend working assignments such as shows and photo sessions    top

Skills And Interests

Fashion models must have good looks, a good figure and be well groomed at all times. They need to look after their complexion and figure, even when rushing from one job to the next.

As well as an interest in fashion and trends in clothes, hair and make-up, it can be useful to have an interest in dance or drama.

Models need confidence, self-reliance and the stamina to cope with long, tiring days and hectic atmospheres. They should remain calm under pressure and have a pleasant easy going personality for working with other models, photographers, designers and so on.

Finding work takes resilience and initiative, especially in the early stages of a career. Models should be able to take criticism and rejection without taking it personally.

They should have a professional approach, be punctual and prepare in advance for the needs of specific jobs.    top

Entry Requirements

There are no academic entry requirements to work as a fashion model, but models do need an excellent appearance and personality. They should also show good common sense and be hard working since a modelling career does not just fall into one’s lap.

Models should be slim and well proportioned, with even physical features. They should have clear and healthy skin, and good teeth, hair and hands. Photographic models need good bone structure.

Stamina and health are very important requirements as the work can be very demanding.

Most models enter the career by getting on to the books of a modelling agency. There are some opportunities for employment in a showroom.    top

Training

Training is not essential for gaining a place within an agency, however, it can help towards becoming a successful model, as a lack confidence and experience can be a big contributor to not getting the assignment at a casting or go- see.

Some models, and even young people with confidence problems do take a modelling, grooming or finishing course with a modelling school. However Alba Model Information advises that although training courses can be productive to all individuals, they should not be undertaken until a novice has been advised that they do have a modelling opportunity by a reputable agency.

Reputable agents will not place people on to the courses unless they have the potential to become a model and only if they believe that person will benefit from the course.

Genuine agencies will not charge any up front fees up front for training. Fees for the course will usually be paid directly to the school /academy – some larger agencies will help to subsidise the cost of the course and then deduct the cost once the model is found paid assignments; but not all agencies can afford to keep doing that for new faces. Courses can be full- or part-time and last for anything from one day to a few weeks. They may include diet, health and figure correction, deportment, fashion co-ordination, grooming, catwalk turns and movements, photographic modelling techniques and how to work with agents. Some courses include a portfolio session to provide models with a few professional photographs to get the models portfolio started to show agents and employers. Others concentrate strictly upon the deportment and knowledge about the industry, which all novices require, and leave the photographic side to the agent to place each model with the ideal test, shot photographer for that model.

Most agencies give new models guidance on skin care, hairstyles and appearance. Experienced models often teach new models the basic walks, turns and poses. However, agents which have a new face which is not reaching their full potential will often see the tremendous benefit of a proper deportment training course, as the new face may be struggling with confidence and lack of knowledge at auditions where other more experienced models are already competent. See more about modelling courses at www.themodelworkshop.co.uk
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Late Entry

There is no strict upper age limit and some agencies need older models for particular fashion work. However, most female models start in their teens and are accepted up to the age of 26, and most male models start between 16 and 28.

Entry can be very difficult after these ages, but commercial work calls for models well into their 70s although most mature models have already entered the industry at an earlier age and have other occupations as well as undertaking the odd assignment.    top

Opportunities

Most models are self-employed and work through a modelling agency that may specialise in live or photographic work. Agencies are not allowed to charge a model for joining them and most reputable agencies will be quite ruthless in assessing a potential model’s chances in the profession.

Entry is highly competitive and work can be difficult to find even after being accepted on an agency’s books. Some models may work for only short periods each year and may need a second occupation.

There are very few opportunities for permanent positions with wholesale and retail fashion businesses.

Most work in the UK is based in London and it can be hard to make a living from modelling outside London.

Most models finish their career before they are 30, although older models may be needed for specific assignments. More models over 30 get commercial work than younger ones.

Some colleges offer fashion-related courses, which may be useful for models preparing for a career after their modelling life is finished. The London College of Fashion, for example, offers a National Diploma in Fashion Styling for Hair and Make-Up, a vocational A level in the Business of Fashion, and degree and HND courses in fashion styling, marketing and management.

A number of models have gone into T.V and radio presenting as well as careers in music and the stage. Many decide that the erratic hours and lack of secure income is too much to cope with and prefer to work within the agency as a part of the office and administration team or become a booker for other models.    top

Pay And Conditions

Because most models are self-employed, earnings depend on the amount of work they get, so they can be very low, particularly at the start of their career. It is usual for models, especially those starting out, to supplement their income with other work.

At the lower end of the scale, a model can earn £100 a day, but for successful models, this could rise to £500 a day and more.

It is difficult to give an accurate picture of pay scales, because these vary depending on the model and his or her reputation and the type of assignment. Catalogue work tends to be fairly well paid, and despite being seasonal, may offer more opportunities. Advertising rates can be high, but again this depends on the eventual publication. Newspaper modelling rates are the lowest, but offer models a chance to build their portfolio.

Most work comes through agencies, which usually charge a fee of around 20%. .All agencies should supply the model with a written copy of the Agency’s Terms and Conditions of Trading. This must outline specifically the fees to be deducted from the models paid assignments, such as repayment of training fee, photographs, and commission charges. All models have to pay their own travel costs to get to auditions. Costs to get to assignments will be added on to the models fee for the completed assignment by their agent. Freelance models, who are not represented by an agent, will have to pay their own travel and audition costs.

There are no set working hours, but days can be very long and models need to be able to work variable hours. They also need to be available to go to assignments at a moments notice, and be ready and able to travel at the drop of a hat, which can be disruptive to any personal commitments.

Models employed by fashion houses have more regular hours and overtime payments on top of their salary.    top

Staying In Education

Education and modelling can go hand in hand so long as they do not conflict. Many young people see modelling as an easy get rich quick option. This is not so. Numerous people joining the modelling scene will only cope with it for around 6 months as the competitiveness, rejections, irregular work, and long periods without payment can take it’s toll both mentally and socially.

There is no regular pay packet at the end of each week or month in this industry it is as unreliable and unpredictable as the acting industry.

So keeping up with education and looking towards higher education and perhaps a degree course should always remain a goal. Good looks can fade , exams results and certificates do not. With a good education and certificates most people who decide modelling is not for them can go on to move into other career paths – so get educated and aim higher !
· For more details see the web site www.aimhigher.co.uk    top

Prospects

Models improve their prospects by gaining experience and exposure. As they build an impressive portfolio or become better known, they can command higher salaries and choose more interesting assignments.

Many models eventually move into related areas, including running a modelling agency, fashion journalism, sales and marketing, television and entertainment.     top

Related Occupations

Work in an agency such as administration or a booker, make-up artist, actor, dancer, fashion designer, Journalism, photography- editorial fashion work within magazines & newspapers, T.V and radio presenting, T.V Journalism, Promotions, Sales and advertising, Beauty therapist/beautician, beauty consultant store demonstrator.    top