Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Model.

Job Title – Model

Description

A Model poses for artists, photographers, or customers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances.

Typical Job Activities

Displays clothing and merchandise in print and online advertisements
Promotes products and services in television commercials
Wears designers' clothing for runway fashion shows
Models accessories, such as handbags, shoes, and jewellery, and promote beauty products, including fragrances and cosmetics
Poses for workers taking photos or creating paintings or sculptures
Works closely with photographers, hair and clothing stylists, makeup artists, and clients to produce a desired look
Creates and maintain a portfolio of their work
Travels to meet and interview with potential clients
Conducts research on the product being promoted—for example, the designer or type of fabric of an article of clothing

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Related Occupations

Actor/Actress
Cosmetologist
Fashion Designer
Photographer
Television presenter

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Art, Speech and Drama and Dance

Entry to Work Place

Model Schools and Agencies:
Leading mannequin schools and agencies are situated in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban.
The prospective fashion model is required to follow both photographic, model and mannequin courses, as versatility is the most important thing about modelling in South Africa.

Nature of training:
Training involves deportment, poise, grooming, social etiquette, clothes sense and wardrobe planning, make-up and skin care, as well as modelling (photographic, wholesale, retail and ramp).

Duration of course:
Usually takes two months.

Registration:
No special licensing or certification is required. After a person has been trained as a fashion model registration as professional model with an established model agency is recommended.

Advance Training at a Technikon or University:
Technikon and university training in the areas of drama, art and clothing design is helpful in developing poise and a sense of style.

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be photogenic
Have natural attractiveness and charm
Be able to maintain excellent health and have good physical stamina
Enjoy working together with people
Be imaginative and creative
Be able to work well under pressure
Have initiative and self-confidence
Have poise and a sense of style

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

High

Self-Employment Opportunities

High

International Employment Opportunities

High

Possible Employers

Modelling agencies
Clothing manufacturers
Advertising agencies
Retail shops
Public relations firms
Magazines
Photographers
Freelance fashion artists or illustrators
Own business such a clothing shop

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Relevant Contact Details

National Association of Model Agencies
www.nama.co.za/

The model company
www.modelco.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Not very stable

Reasons to consider this career

I can make more money that the average person
I can work for myself
I can work internationally
I can work flexible hours
I can apply my special skills