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Fashion model

Alternative titles for this job include

Fashion models promote clothing and accessory brands at fashion events and in magazines and digital media.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed attending events or appointments

How to become

How to become a fashion model

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly

Volunteering

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

Direct Application

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.

More 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.

What it takes

What it takes

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

Restrictions and Requirements

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

What you’ll do

What you'll do

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 and progression

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a fashion model right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a fashion model?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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