What is the work like?
Fashion models promote clothing and accessories to fashion buyers, customers and the media. They model items in fashion shows, or in photographs for catalogues, magazines, newspapers and advertising.

There are various types of modeling - photographic, live modelling for fashion shows, or for design houses and clothing wholesalers.

As a live fashion house model, you would:

model for designers whilst they create and fit garments
show finished clothing to fashion buyers, journalists and private customers
sometimes model at fashion shows and trade exhibitions
greet visitors and do basic secretarial duties.
As a live fashion show model, you would model clothes on the catwalk, performing basic walks and turns. You might also promote items like cars or furniture at product launches and trade fairs.

In photographic modelling you would:

pose for photographers in the studio or on location
follow directions from photographers and stylists
possibly model in TV/film advertisements.
Some photographic models specialise in modelling a particular feature such as hands, hair or legs.

As a photographic or catwalk model, you would also spend time attending castings or auditions for jobs.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work as a model you need a good appearance and the right  look. You do not need any formal qualifications.

You should be well-proportioned with even features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. The Association of Model Agents (AMA) recommends that you should have the following measurements:

females: bust-waist-hip measurements of no more than 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86cms) and height of at least least five feet eight inches (1.72m)
males: 38-40 inch (97-102cm) chest, 30-32 inch (76-81cm) waist height of at least six feet (1.83m).

The AMA also has guidelines for larger size ('plus-size') models. An agency may accept you for photographic or promotional work if you are not the standard fashion model size, as long as you have the right look.

You would usually start your career by sending photographs and details of your measurements to a modelling agency. Many model agencies also employ talent scouts, who go out looking for people with the potential for a modelling career.

You do not need to do a modelling course to get onto the books of an agency, and you should be wary of paying for portfolio pictures. Agencies will be able to assess your potential without expensive photos or training.

You should not have to pay an up-front fee to join an agency, although they may deduct an administration fee when you start to earn money. To avoid exploitation, you should make sure that you join a reputable agency - contact AMA or Alba Model Information for details.

If you start modelling before legal school leaving age, you must be licensed by your local Education and Welfare Authority, under the Children & Young Persons Act.

What further training and development can I do?
Once you have been accepted by a modelling agency, you will usually be given some training in skills including:

basic walks, turns and poses
photographic modelling techniques
diet and health
skin care and grooming
how to work with agents.
Some courses also provide you with a few professional photographs (known as "test shots" or TFP) to start your portfolio that you show to agents and employers.

Most agencies will not charge you up-front for training and test shots if they believe you have potential, although they may deduct a fee from your earnings when you first find paid assignments.

Some independent modelling schools provide similar courses, but they can be expensive and offer no guarantee of work.

Where can I go for more information?

Equity
Guild House
Upper St Martin's Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
http://www.equity.org.uk


Alba Model Information
PO Box 588
Southport
PR8 9BR
Tel: 0871 717 7170
http://www.albamodelinformation.com


Association of Model Agents
122 Brompton Road
London
SW3 1JD
(No website. Please send a stamped addressed envelope for information)

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or enquiries@learndirect-advice.co.uk

What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Earnings can vary. Most models work on a freelance basis through an agent and are paid for each job. Rates can vary from around $50 to $1,000 a booking. Agents usually take 20% of the earnings.

Models working for fashion houses may earn between $10,000 and $18,000 a year.

What are the hours and working conditions?
As a live model, you would mainly work in fashion show venues, showrooms and stores. In photographic modelling, you could work in studios and other venues, or outdoors in all weather conditions, depending on the needs of the shoot.

Your working hours could be long and irregular, depending on the type and amount of work you have.

The job can involve a lot of travel (sometimes overseas) to attend castings, fashion shows and photo shoots, which may mean having to stay away from home for anything from a day to a few weeks at a time.

What skills and knowledge will I need?

good grooming and willingness to look after yourself
fashion sense and awareness of trends
the ability to move well
confidence, self-reliance and discipline
a pleasant, professional attitude with good - people skills:
good time-keeping
patience, stamina and fitness to cope with long, tiring days and travelling
the ability to cope with criticism and rejection.