Model

Education and Training: On Site Training

Salary: Varies

Employment Outlook: Good

Age Requirements: 18 or Older

Gender: Male

Travel: Yes

Definition and Nature of the Work

Models pose for still photographers, television cameras, and artists. They also display clothes and accessories for clothing manufacturers and stores.

There are several different kinds of models. Artists' models typically work for individual painters, sculptors, and photographers, but most also work for art schools on a part-time basis. They must be comfortable working nude or wearing very little clothing, since the contours and fine lines of their bodies must be visible to the artists. Artists' models also need the ability to hold poses for long periods of time.

Photographic models, also known as print models, are hired by advertising agencies and freelance photographers. They may appear in a print advertisement for clothing, accessories, or makeup. Photographic models also appear on magazine covers and in feature stories. These models must be attractive, photogenic, and able to portray different moods by changing their expressions or poses. Photographic models are usually very young, and they stay in the business an average of only seven years.

Fashion models generally work for clothing manufacturers, fashion magazines, retail stores, or dress designers. They display the latest in clothing designs at fashion shows and are sometimes referred to as runway models. Other fashion models work in showrooms, small designer shops, and department stores.

Fashion models must be able to wear clothing and accessories well. They must walk and move to bring out the best in the clothes they wear. Except for an elite few, fashion models are not as highly paid as photographic models, but they can have longer careers. Some can model more mature styles of clothing as they grow older.

Fitting, or fit, models are called in by garment manufacturers when an outfit is almost complete. Only then can designers see how their fashions will look on a real person. Although fit models do not command the high salaries of fashion models, they tend to have more work, and their careers can last as long as their figures meet the needs of the clothing manufacturer. Large-sized models can also find work in this field.

Education and Training Requirements

Interested individuals do not necessarily need a high school diploma to become a model; however, employers tend to prefer models with a diploma or its equivalent. Most photographic models are very slender, because they will look ten pounds heavier in photographs. In addition to being physically attractive, models are usually quite tall. Female fashion models are about five feet ten inches tall (although some are shorter), and male models are typically six feet one or taller. There are no specific requirements for fit models or for artists' models, but artists' models must have a great deal of stamina to hold the same pose for several hours at a time.

Prospective models should study speech, dance, drama, and fashion design in high school. Fashion and photographic models should be fastidious about personal grooming. Skin, hair, nails, and clothes must be perfect, and models must know how to dress and apply makeup to achieve different kinds of looks. Some beginners attend modeling schools to improve their posture, movement, makeup application skills, and diet. Information on a modeling school's reputation may be found online.

Getting the Job

Because this is a very competitive field, candidates should first seek advice from a professional model, an agent, a fashion designer, or a photographer. If you decide that you want to become a model, develop a portfolio—a collection of many pictures of you in different settings, poses, and types of clothing. Be sure to choose a good photographer to help you develop your portfolio. Visit modeling agencies, fashion designers, and manufacturers for jobs. You may have to call on many agencies before one accepts you as a client. If you have attended a modeling school, check with the placement office for help in finding a job.

Apply makeup to face and style hair to enhance appearance, considering such factors as color, camera techniques, and facial features.

Display clothing and merchandise in commercials, advertisements, and/or fashion shows.

Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.

Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.

Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs.

Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions.

Pose for artists and photographers.

Promote products and services in television commercials, on film, or in videos.

Stand, turn, and walk to demonstrate features of garments for observers at fashion shows, private showings, and retail establishments.

Work closely with photographers, fashion coordinators, directors, producers, stylists, make-up artists, other models, and clients to produce the desired looks, and to finish photo shoots on schedule.

Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.

Hand out samples or gifts, demonstrate products, and converse with children and adults while dressed in costume.

Inform prospective purchasers about models, numbers, and prices of garments, the garments' designers, and where garments can be purchased.

Make many quick changes backstage during fashion shows and yet maintain poised appearance before audiences.

Record rates of pay and durations of jobs on vouchers.

Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.

Wear character costumes and impersonate characters portrayed to amuse children and adults.