A model wears and displays the latest fashion designs and cosmetics. Models may be male or female of any age group including children who are used to advertise products for companies.
Models specialise in live or photographic modelling. A live model appears in front of audiences (potential customers) wearing the latest styles of designers, manufacturers or retail shops while a compère describes the garments. A photographic model works in front of the camera wearing the garments or cosmetics being promoted.
A model may also appear in television commercials, demonstrate new products or services at exhibitions or trade shows or pose for an artist who makes drawings to be used in advertisements.
Satisfying Aspects
- wearing the latest styles
- variety of work
- possibility of earning very high fees
- opportunities to travel and meet interesting people
- opportunity to purchase clothes at wholesale prices
Demanding aspects
- working under pressure
- fierce competition
- having to maintain body in peak condition, including strict diets
- difficulty in finding employment until one is established
- having to change career once you are no longer physically at your peak
- working under bright lights or in unpleasant conditions, such as in sand
Requirements
A model should:
- be photogenic;
- have natural attractiveness and charm;
- maintain excellent health and have good physical stamina;
- enjoy working together with people;
- be imaginative and creative;
- work well under pressure;
- have initiative and self-confidence;
- have poise and a sense of style.
- The required height of a female model is between 1,7 and 1,82 metres while a male model should not be shorter than 1,75m.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Senior Certificate is recommended.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Dance Studies
Training
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 take both photographic, model and mannequin courses, as versatility is most important in modelling in South Africa.
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).
No special licensing or certification is required. After a person has been trained as a fashion model, registration as a professional model with an established model agency is recommended.
University of technology and university training in the areas of drama, art and clothing design are helpful in developing poise and a sense of style.
Employer
- Modelling agencies
- Clothing manufacturers
- Advertising agencies
- Retail shops
- Public relations firms
- Magazines
- Photographers
- Freelance fashion artists or illustrators
- Own business such a clothing shop
Contact
The Manager
Heads Model Agency
P O Box 1366
Houghton, 2041
Tel. (011) 442-6020/33
The Manager
Model Management
P O Box 95441
Waterkloof, 0145
Tel. (012) 344-3585
The Chairlady
National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA)
Tel. (011) 486-0565