You could develop your skills as a model by helping out with charity fashion shows.
Fashion model
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 a fashion model
You can get into this job through:
- applying directly
Volunteering and experience
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.
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
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
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
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
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.
Training 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
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