Should I be a model?

Money, travel, five-star hotels, luxury cars, exclusive parties, thousands of followers and even free designer clothes! Do you want to be the next top model?

Slow down. There's A LOT more to being a model than potential fame and fortune. Modelling is a fiercely competitive industry.

Don’t be discouraged! The globalization of businesses and the increasing need for diversity in the modelling industry have created a growing demand for models of different abilities, ages, body types, ethnicity, race, and sizes.

Learn more about the role to help you decide if it's the right career path.

Photo by Royal Anwar on Unsplash

Models have roles to either promote, display or advertise commercial products (notably fashion clothing in fashion shows), or to serve as a visual aid for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography.

Here are some modelling careers to consider:

• Fashion modelling

• Jewelry modelling

• Shoe modelling

• Body parts modelling (hand, feet, eye, hair, etc.)

• Runway modelling

• Glamour modelling

• Influencer modelling

• Fitness modelling

• Plus-size modelling

• Commercial modelling

• Print or editorial modelling

Photo by Cleo Vermij on Unsplash

In a typical day as a model you might:

• gather information from modelling agents about job opportunities

• travel to casting sessions with potential clients or agencies

• collaborate with photographers, hair and clothing stylists, makeup artists, and clients

• pose for artists and photographers

• display clothing and merchandise in print/online advertisements, or fashion shows

• conduct research on products or services to be promoted

• promote products and services in television commercials, film, videos, or social media

• build your portfolio

• follow strict routines of diet, sleep, exercise, and self-care

Work Environment

Conditions will vary from comfortable studios and runway fashion shows to outdoors in all weather conditions.

You will travel domestically or internationally to auditions, bookings, and to meet clients.

Most models work part-time and have unpredictable work schedules.

No formal education is required to become a model. Requirements vary depending on the type of job.

If you want to start a career in modelling, you should consider developing the following skills and qualities:

• Confidence

• Self-awareness

• Interpersonal skills

• Style

• Physical fitness and endurance

• Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity, and grace

• Listening skills

• Determination

• Adaptability

• Organizational skills

Photo by Jade Destiny on Unsplash

Decide what kind of model you want to be. Do your research and identify the type of modelling that best suits you.

Create a portfolio. Take some basic headshots and body shots, or invest in an experienced photographer.

Look for an agent. You'll need an agency to help you find work.

Use social media. Focus particularly on visual platforms that emphasize pictures and video.

Take relevant classes. Modelling classes can teach you about the industry and train you to perform at photoshoots.

Look for opportunities. Go to open casting calls, volunteer, or enter competitions.

In Canada, the average annual salary range for a model is $39,000-97,500 depending on experience.

The average annual salary is $45,000.

In the United States, the average annual salary range for a model is $48,303-132,342 depending on experience.

The average annual salary is $77,190.

• you have self-awareness and a confident personality you can project

• you're passionate about fashion including clothes, hairstyle, makeup, skincare, footwear, and accessories

• you enjoy collaborating with others

• you're adaptable and don't mind changes in your schedule or working conditions

• you enjoy fitness and healthy eating

• you enjoy travelling

• you have difficulty handling judgment, criticism or rejection

• you like to have a consistent schedule and work environment

• you prefer working alone or in small groups

• you do not like physical and emotionally demanding work

• you lack discipline and cannot follow an exercise routine or specific diet

• you require a stable and predictable income

Ready to hit the runway?