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


Working Hours

45–47

hours per week

Career Area

Actors, entertainers and presenters

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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

Skills needed

  • the ability to work well with others
  • active listening skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • 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

Entry requirements

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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly

Career 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.