Frequently Asked Questions

As a fashion model, it would be your job to promote clothing and accessories to fashion buyers, customers and the media. You might model items in fashion shows, or in photographs for catalogues, magazines, newspapers and advertising campaigns.

You could specialise in various types of modelling, such as:

• advertising, photographic and TV commercials
• fashion and catwalk
• promotional modelling (demonstrating non-fashion items at product launches and trade fairs)
• in-house live modelling for designers and clothing wholesalers

In fashion show modelling you would move along a catwalk, walking and turning to display clothes in front of an audience.

In advertising, photographic and commercial modelling you would:

• pose for photographers in a studio or on location
• follow directions from photographers
• act or deliver lines in TV commercials.

As a photographic or catwalk model, you would work closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors. You would also spend much of your time going to castings for jobs, keeping in contact with your agency, and looking after your appearance.

As an in-house live model, designers would fit garments onto you in the workshop, and you would show finished clothing to fashion buyers, journalists and private customers. You would also often have basic reception and secretarial duties when you were not modelling.

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.

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:

• basic walks, turns and poses
• photographic modelling techniques
• diet and health
• skin care and grooming
• how to work with agents.

Some will also provide you with a few professional photographs (known as ‘test shots’) to start your portfolio (or 'book') that you show to potential 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.