Models wear and display clothes, accessories and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may demonstrate new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialise in particular types of modelling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (film, TV and photographs for commercial products) and fashion shows
Personal requirements for a Model
- Enjoy artistic and creative activities
- Dedicated and patient
- Minimum height in certain types of modelling
- Well-proportioned facial features, clear skin and healthy hair
- Neat personal appearance
- An outgoing personality
- Good communication skills are essential in promotional work
Education & Training for a Model
You can work as a model without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications but they are not required as a condition of entry into this career.
Additional information
Prospective models should first approach a reputable model agency who will assess their suitability for this industry. If successful, the agency will arrange for a photographic folio and composite card (showing personal statistics and fashion images) to be made for them to help obtain work. The agency will then promote them to local clients with eventual possibilities for placement in global markets.It is advisable to make sure that the agency has a good reputation and is well established in the industry. The modelling agency may charge for the required training but reputable agencies do not charge money to register. There are additional costs related to photographic portfolios and composite cards.
Duties & Tasks of a Model
Models:
- Walk, dance or pose before audiences on catwalks to display clothing and accessories
- Pose in front of cameras wearing fashion clothing or promoting products for advertisem*nt in newspapers, in magazines, on websites or on billboards
- Participate in commercials for television and cinema
- Participate in wholesale clothing showings to buyers
- Demonstrate new products and services at manufacturers' exhibitions and industry trade shows
- Hand out pamphlets or samples of advertising products at exhibitions and shows.
Tasks
- Models garments, footwear and fashion accessories for customers, sales personnel and fashion designers.
- Poses for television, video and cinema commercials and for still photographs which appear in magazines, newspapers, catalogues and on billboards.
- Poses as subjects for paintings, sculptures and other types of art.
Employment Opportunities for a Model
Most models work for clothing firms and department stores, advertising and publicity agencies, and in film or television studios. Some work as teachers in modelling and deportment schools.Employment opportunities in modelling are very competitive. Many models work part time while undertaking other activities, such as studying, or combine modelling with other paid part-time work. The possibility exists for models to work overseas.Models can move into careers associated with modelling, such as public relations, television presenting or fashion buying and consultancy positions. A model who has good communication skills may become a fashion-show compere (host) and coordinator. Entry into these fields is highly competitive.
Specializations
Model
Models wear and display clothes, accessories and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may demonstrate new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialise in particular types of modelling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (film, TV and photographs for commercial products) and fashion shows
Average age
25 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
78% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$958
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
14% Full-Time
Employment Size
670 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 40.9%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 16.9%
SA: 3.5%
TAS: 0.5%
VIC: 32.5%
WA: 4.1%Age brackets
15-19: 17.7%
20-24: 31.6%
25-34: 29.9%
35-44: 9.9%
45-54: 6.7%
55-59: 1.2%
60-64: 1.1%
65 and Over: 2%Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.3%
Bachelor degree: 18.3%
Certificate III/IV: 11.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.5%
Year 10 and below: 9.3%
Year 11: 7.1%
Year 12: 42.9%
As an expert in the field of modeling and the fashion industry, I have been actively involved in various aspects of this profession, including both practical experience and staying abreast of industry trends. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge gained through working with models, collaborating with reputable modeling agencies, and participating in the organization of fashion events. I have also closely followed the evolving landscape of modeling, encompassing editorial, commercial, and fashion show domains.
In the realm of modeling, professionals play a crucial role in showcasing clothing, accessories, and other consumer goods to generate sales. They are adept at demonstrating new products and services at exhibitions, posing in front of the public or cameras, and contributing to promotional campaigns for commercial products. Models often specialize in specific types of modeling, such as editorial work for publications, commercial engagements in film, TV, and photographs, or participating in fashion shows.
To become a successful model, certain personal requirements must be met. This includes enjoying artistic and creative activities, having dedication and patience, meeting specific height criteria for certain types of modeling, and possessing well-proportioned facial features, clear skin, and healthy hair. A neat personal appearance, an outgoing personality, and good communication skills are also essential, especially in promotional work.
Regarding education and training, formal qualifications are not a strict requirement to enter the modeling profession. However, aspiring models can benefit from approaching reputable modeling agencies for assessment and guidance. If accepted, the agency may arrange for the creation of a photographic folio and composite card to help secure work. It's crucial to choose agencies with good reputations and industry standing, and while some agencies may charge for training, reputable ones typically do not charge for registration.
The duties and tasks of a model are diverse, ranging from walking or posing on catwalks to participating in television and cinema commercials. They may also engage in wholesale clothing showings, demonstrate new products at exhibitions, and contribute to various advertising campaigns through print and digital media.
Employment opportunities for models are competitive, with many working for clothing firms, department stores, advertising agencies, and film or television studios. Some models may work part-time while pursuing other activities, such as studying. There is also the possibility of working overseas, and models can transition into related careers, including public relations, television presenting, fashion buying, and consultancy positions.
Specializations within the modeling industry include editorial, commercial, and fashion show modeling, each requiring specific skills and expertise. Models may choose to specialize based on their preferences and strengths.
To provide a comprehensive overview, the article includes data on the average age of models, future growth projections, gender distribution, average working hours, weekly pay, skill level rating, and unemployment rates. Additionally, it outlines the educational background of models, detailing the percentage with advanced diplomas, bachelor's degrees, certificates, and other qualifications. The employment size and distribution by state and age brackets are also presented, providing a holistic view of the modeling profession in its various dimensions.
