Model

Your Fit

Income

$90K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Model?

A Model is a professional who poses for art, photography, or fashion to display clothing, accessories, or other products. They work in various media, including photography shoots, runway shows, live modeling, and advertising campaigns.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Model.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Model earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$46K per year	$90K per year	$90K per year	$124K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $40K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Model do?

Work environment

Models work in diverse environments, including studios, fashion show runways, outdoor locations, and various venues for live modeling. The work often involves travel and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Models may work in various climates and conditions, depending on the requirements of the shoot or show.

Quick task list

Poses for photographers or artists to create images or artworks.
Walks the runway in fashion shows to display clothing and accessories.
Works with agents or agencies to find job opportunities.
Maintains a certain appearance and physical condition.
Promotes products or brands through various forms of media.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Fashion Model: Specializing in modeling clothing and accessories for designers and brands.
Commercial Model: Focusing on advertising for a wide range of products, not limited to fashion.
Runway Model: Specializing in modeling for live fashion shows and runway events.
Plus-Size Model: Representing plus-size fashion and advocating for body positivity.
Fitness Model: Focusing on athletic and fitness-related modeling.

Description

Modeling is a career that often relies heavily on physical appearance and the ability to present oneself in a way that appeals to designers, photographers, and advertisers. Models must be adaptable, able to work in various settings, and comfortable in front of the camera or audience. The ability to understand and interpret the vision of designers and photographers is crucial.

Networking and self-promotion are key aspects of this profession. Many models work with agencies that help them find work, but self-marketing through social media and personal branding is increasingly important. Models must also maintain their physical appearance, which can include strict diet and exercise regimens, and often face intense competition for jobs.

The industry is evolving, with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in terms of body types, ages, and ethnicities. Models today have more avenues to express themselves and reach audiences, including digital and social media platforms, offering new opportunities and challenges.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of creative and artistic projects in fashion and media.
Opportunities to travel and experience different cultures.
The potential for high earnings and public recognition.

You might make a good Model if you are...

Confident and comfortable in front of the camera and audiences.
Able to maintain a specific physical appearance and fitness level.
Adaptable to different styles, trends, and creative directions.
Good at networking and self-promotion.
Interested in fashion, photography, and the arts.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in creative and diverse environments.
Potential for travel and exposure to different cultures and fashion trends.
Possibility of high earnings and public recognition in successful careers.

Cons:

Highly competitive with no guaranteed stability or income.
Physical and appearance demands can be stringent and stressful.
Irregular work hours and the need for constant self-marketing and networking.

How to become a Model

Typical education

Formal education is not typically required to become a model, but training in fashion, acting, or dance can be beneficial. Most skills are developed through experience and on-the-job training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Drama or Theater Arts to develop comfort with performance and expression.
Physical Education to maintain fitness and understand body mechanics.
Art and Design to appreciate aesthetic elements, which can be useful in modeling.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in school fashion shows or drama productions.
Joining dance or sports teams to maintain physical fitness.
Volunteering for community events, particularly those involving performance or fashion.

Preparation after high school

Developing a portfolio with professional photographs.
Attending workshops or courses in fashion, acting, or modeling.
Signing with a modeling agency for representation and job opportunities.
Building an online presence and network through social media platforms.

More resources

Fashion Model Directory - A comprehensive resource for models, agencies, and fashion industry professionals.
Models.com - Offers industry news, professional resources, and model rankings.
The Professional Model's Handbook - A book offering advice and insights into the modeling profession.
ModelScouts.com - Provides information on how to become a model and connects new models with reputable agencies.
The Balance Careers - How to Become a Model - Offers practical advice on starting a modeling career.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.