Model

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. Live models appear in front of audiences (potential customers) wearing the latest styles of designers, manufacturers or retail shops while a compère describes the garments. Photographic models work in front of the camera wearing the garments or cosmetics being promoted. Models may also appear in television commercials, demonstrate new products or services at exhibitions or trade shows, or pose for artists making drawings to be used in advertisements.

Some satisfying aspects of this career include:

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

Some demanding aspects may include:

working under pressure
fierce competition
having to maintain body in peak condition,
including strict diets
difficulty in finding employment until established
having to change career once you are no longer
physically at your peak

Personal Requirements

photogenic
natural attractiveness and charm
excellent health and good physical stamina
enjoy working together with people
imaginative and creative
work well under pressure
initiative and self-confidence
poise and a sense of style
meet the required height for female and male models, females should be between 1,7 and 1,82 metres, while male models should not be shorter than 1,75m

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

No specific requirements
National Senior Certificate is recommended

What to Study

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.

Employment

modelling agencies
clothing manufacturers
advertising agencies
retail shops
public relations firms
magazines
photographers
freelance fashion artists or illustrators
self-employment, own business such as a clothing shop or own modelling school or modelling agency

Further Information

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

National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA)
The Chairlady
Tel: (011) 486-0565
https://www.nama.co.za/

Getting Started

take part in activities that promote self- confidence in front of large audiences
practise activities such as dancing, gymnastics or figure skating that teach you to move gracefully
try to find work in a departmental store to learn about fashions and retail
arrange to speak to models about this type of career and watch them at work

Programmes by Study Institutions

Eastcape Midlands TVET College

Port Elizabeth TVET College

Tshwane University of Technology

Premier

Related Occupations