Model

Job overview
Models are people with striking looks and good physique.

They display garments to best advantage in fashion shows, magazine advertisements and on film or television.

What do people do in this job?
Modelling is usually done on a part-time basis, so those who are still at school, university or college or work full-time can do part-time modelling and earn an extra income.

Only a few can afford to do full-time modelling.

Modelling is a profitable and exciting career that can last from 10 to 15 years if the physical requirements and standards can be maintained.

A seemingly glamorous world is in fact very hard work, involving long and irregular hours.

The amount of money models earn depends on how much they are willing to give of themselves.

Fashion shows are held countrywide and models usually work at the centre where the show is held for one or two days.

A model can do advertising in almost any place in the world.

An advertising agency first decides what it wants and then they chooses appropriate models.

It is important to do as much as possible of all aspects of modelling.

The more a model specialises the less she or he earns.

Working hours are usually between 8 and 5, Mondays to Fridays but some fashion shows and television commercials take place after hours.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Models should be tall with good physique and striking features.

The average height is 1,73m to 1,82m for women and men must not be shorter than 1,83m.

Women must preferably be between the ages of 15 and 20 years when they start modelling and men between 18 and 30 years.

The ideal size for a woman who wants to become a model is not bigger than a 34 bust and men must have a number 32 waist size and 38-40 chest size.

A model must have a good and healthy skin, teeth and hair.

Only a person with a neat, slender figure and plenty of energy will attain success in this career, but reliability and personal neatness are important aspects too, while punctuality and correct posture are important.

A balanced diet and sufficient sleep result in a fresh and radiant appearance.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications, apart from those indicated above, but a good all-round education can help a model who is successful and begins to move in society.