Models pose for printed advertisements, films, television commercials, and live audiences to demonstrate or display various products, such as cars, soft drinks, clothing and cosmetics. Models also pose for creative artists and art students.

JOB DUTIES

Models may:

Model garments while standing on a stage or platform

Walk through the audience allowing them to touch the fabrics and get a close view of the garments

Answer questions about the fabric, style, price, and designer

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Models may specialize in these areas:

297.667-014 FASHION MODELS display or show clothing and accessories before designers, professional buyers, sales personnel, and individual customers.

961.367-010 PHOTOGRAPHERS' MODELS are employed by advertising agencies and free-lance photographers for a particular assignment. They are seen in advertisements for all types of goods and services. Models seen on magazine covers and billboards are generally at the top of their profession. Photographers' Models may further specialize by modeling only one part of their body, such as their hands, legs, or face.

961.667-010 ARTISTS' MODELS pose for painters, sculptors, photographers, or art students. They must hold a pose for long periods of time.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Models may work alone or with other Models, stylists, fashion coordinators, directors, producers, and photographers. Some Models work free-lance or under contract with a modeling agency. A few "house" Models work full time for one employer.

Models may work under a variety of conditions in all types of environments and settings. They may work outdoors in all types of weather and indoors in classrooms, studios, or showrooms. These rooms may be unattractive and inadequately ventilated or modern and comfortable. Camera lights make some studios hot and stuffy. Because Models need to pay constant attention to their appearance, they must follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise. Models may do considerable walking or standing with few rest breaks.

Models usually do not have regular work schedules unless they are employed by wholesale or retail firms. These Models generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Many Models, especially beginners, spend only a few hours each week modeling. However, they may spend considerable time auditioning and traveling to and from assignments including out-of-town jobs. Some assignments involve evening, weekend, or holiday work. Fashion Models find that their work is often seasonal, with peak times in spring and fall when new styles are shown. Artists' Models have slack periods during school vacations. Models often take other jobs during slow periods.

Models must often provide their own make-up, accessories, and transportation. Beginning Models are encouraged to have a portfolio of professional photographs of themselves to show prospective employers. Free-lance Models often use a telephone answering service or machine and pay the costs themselves.

Television Models who are members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) or the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) must pay an initiation fee as well as annual dues. Non-union Models are hired by the company and not through the unions.

You Should Prefer:

• Performing activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

• Having business contact with people

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and follow instructions

• Appear natural in front of people or cameras

• Cooperate well with co-workers

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You must choose between two modeling sessions which are at the same time. For one of the modeling sessions you will receive $0.20 a mile in traveling time and $75.00 per hour modeling (it is located 90 miles away and the session will be three hours long). For the second modeling session you will receive $0.24 a mile in traveling time and $60.00 per hour modeling (it is located 81 miles away and the session will be four hours). From which session will you receive the most money?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Must be able read clothing labels and answer questions regarding fabric. For example, crepe back satin, rayon gabardine, silk brocade, taffeta, and faille.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write up a schedule for next months modeling sessions including times and places.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

When modeling you need to think about what hair styles and accessories look best with the clothing you are modeling.

Many employers require Models to be a certain height and weight. Generally, female Models should be between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall and weigh between 110 and 122 pounds. Male Models must be 6 feet tall and wear a size 40 (regular) suit. These size requirements are specified so that Models may wear unaltered clothes from designers and manufacturers. Petite and Full-figured, as well as Big and Tall male Models are also needed and must meet certain size requirements.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1400 FASHION , 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

011 MARKETING EDUCATION

Approved vocational education programs in Marketing Education prepare students for occupations in moving industrial and consumer goods and providing services to users of those goods. These programs deal with marketing, sales, distribution, merchandising, and management. In addition, these programs provide instruction in buying, pricing, promoting, financing, storage, and market research.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

144 PROFESSIONAL MODELING

Programs in Professional Modeling provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment posing and displaying clothes for photographers, illustrators, and other artists. Modeling is essential to advertising in printed media and television commercials.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Vocational education programs in marketing education may offer work experience opportunities. Postsecondary educational programs in professional modeling may offer opportunities for experience as well. Experience in fashion modeling may be obtained by participating in local fashion shows.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Model employer

internships

volunteer work with a Model employer

community service work with an agency

Artists' Models may find employment by applying directly to art schools. It is difficult to find jobs in fashion or photographic modeling since competition is keen. Modeling schools' placement offices may provide job assistance. Registering at a modeling agency may be helpful. Fashion or Photographers' Models may also contact employers directly. Some assistance may be obtained from local offices of Michigan Works! and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Models' wages depend on their experience and popularity, type of modeling, number and length of assignments, and whether they free-lance or are employed by one firm.

Nationally, fashion models appearing in television commercials could earn a minimum of $478.50 per session in 1999.

In Michigan and the Detroit area, models had wages comparable to those earned nationally. For fashion shows on a runway, they earned $100 for day shows and $150 for evenings performances (In 1999 shows could last up to 2 hours). They received an additional $30 per hour for rehearsal time plus $30 per hour for fittings. Hostesses may receive $25 to $45 per hour for a 6-hour show. A model for print (ads) may receive $125 to $185 per hour.

In department stores, Models' earned approximately $15.00-$30.00 per hour as demonstrators and promoters.

Television Models who are union members are paid according to contract terms.

Full-time Models employed by garment manufacturers and retailers receive paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; discounts on merchandise and services; life and health insurance; and retirement plans. Free-lance Models provide their own benefits. All full-time AFTRA members receive paid vacations and sick leave. Some Models receive expense-paid trips for modeling assignments.

There is no usual line of advancement in the modeling profession. Increases in income, full-time employment, and entering television or movie acting may be regarded as forms of advancement. A Model's career is usually a short one. Many gain enough knowledge to move into fashion designing, advertising, public relations, or retailing. Some top Models become retail or wholesale buyers, representatives for clothing manufacturers, or members of editorial staffs of fashion magazines. Others eventually work for or open modeling agencies or modeling schools.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, the number of Models is unknown. Competition for modeling jobs is usually keen and the supply exceeds the demand. Part-time work is easier to find. Most openings occur due to replacement. The most versatile Models will have the greatest employment opportunities. Opportunities are best in New York City. Other large cities which offer good opportunities for models are Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Models in Michigan work for a variety of establishments including advertising agencies, television stations, manufacturing companies, large retail stores, newspaper and magazine companies, and catalog developers. Many Models find employment in local fashion shows, commercials made for television, and other presentations.

Most openings for Models in Michigan will occur to replace Models who leave the occupation. However, some openings will occur because of growth.

The glamour of modeling attracts many more persons than are needed in the occupation. Experienced Models will continue to receive most of the assignments. Models may have a shortened career if they become identified with a style or a product which becomes outdated.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.