Fashion model
Wear clothing and accessories to promote them to fashion buyers, customers and the media in live fashion shows or in photos.
About the job
What it's like
If you enjoy being in front of the camera, working with creative teams and don’t mind competition and rejection, this could be the job for you.
As a model, you’ll present fashion or products to appeal to buyers, customers and the media. You might appear in live fashion shows or take part in photo shoots and video productions. This could be for magazines, catalogues, advertising campaigns, television, film or social media. Your look, posture and ability to take direction all help bring a brand’s vision to life.
You may choose to specialise in one area of modelling, such as fashion and catwalk, photographic or commercial work, promotional modelling or influencer modelling on social media. Some models work across several areas, depending on demand and their skills.
You could work in studios, on location, at fashion shows, trade fairs or designers’ workshops. No two days are the same, but modelling work is often short-term or freelance, so you’ll spend a lot of time preparing, travelling and looking for your next role.
Your tasks might include:
posing for photographers in studios or on location
walking the catwalk to display clothing in fashion shows
taking direction from photographers, designers and directors
acting or speaking lines in TV adverts or video campaigns
hair modelling or modelling garments for designers during fittings
promoting products through your own social media platforms
attending castings, auditions and go-sees
You’ll need the right look for the type of modelling you want to do and must take good care of your appearance. Confidence, patience and self-discipline are essential, as you’ll face criticism and rejection.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British Fashion Model Agents Association (BFMA) – get help and guidance to find which modelling career might suit you
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- self esteem
- verbal communication
- listening
- networking
- cooperating
- resilience
- persevering
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Performance Arts
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
There are no formal qualifications needed to become a fashion model.
You'll need to focus on your physical appearance, fitness and presentation. Having the right ‘look’ for the type of modelling you want to pursue – whether it’s fashion, commercial, catwalk or influencer work – is key. This includes maintaining healthy skin, hair and body fitness, as well as developing confidence, good posture and the ability to take direction in front of a camera or on the catwalk.
In Scotland, there are a number of ways to start a modelling career. Aspiring models can join local modelling agencies in cities such as Glasgow or Edinburgh, which represent a wide range of talent for fashion shows, photo shoots and advertising campaigns. Attending open castings or submitting professional photographs to agencies is a common first step. Many Scottish agencies also offer guidance on building your portfolio and improving skills such as posing, runway walking and personal presentation.
Models in Scotland may work locally for fashion brands, photographers and promotional events or travel to other UK cities for larger campaigns and runway shows.
Influencer modelling is also growing, allowing models to showcase products on social media and build a following from home.
Fashion modelling has become more inclusive. There are now more opportunities for models of different shapes and sizes.
Modelling agencies might want a certain look depending on what they're modelling.
If you're under 16 years old, there are laws on what work you can do.
