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Models are in high demand in the advertising industry and may be used to represent a variety of products, services and ad campaigns. Modeling schools offer prospective models the opportunity to learn the skills needed to break into the industry and create a portfolio of professional pictures. This portfolio allows prospective modeling agencies and marketing departments the chance to see the model's potential for an upcoming project, and possibly hire the model for an assignment. Individuals interested in a long-term modeling career can attend a professional modeling career for formal training and guidance for entering this competitive industry.
How to Establish a Modeling Career
Modeling scouts and agencies can help many prospective models get started with a career in the fashion and advertising industry, but models will need formal training and experience to be successful in this highly competitive industry. Models need to meet certain height and weight requirements, have clear skin, be in good health to work long hours, and have a flexible schedule to take on different types of projects.
Modeling schools can train prospective models on how to walk on the runway, how to present themselves to potential clients, and teach them how to pose for professional photographers. These are all essential skills for any model who does not have any experience in the industry and is serious about pursuing a modeling career. Modeling schools help students pursue successful modeling careers by being actively involved in finding jobs for their graduates and placing models in different types of jobs as they build their portfolio.
Models may also work on creating their own website or online portfolio so that they can get booked for jobs more easily. Since many agencies charge a significantly high fee for securing jobs for models, many models can represent themselves and keep all of the proceeds of the project.
What to Expect at Modeling School
Modeling school teaches students basic principles about personal grooming, cultivating the right personality for the industry, and how to get discovered for different types of jobs. Some modeling schools are run by former models and modeling agents, but many professional modeling agencies offer formal modeling training as part of their career development departments. Individuals interested in modeling careers may be trained in areas such as:
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Modeling Contest Preparation
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Interviewing with Agencies
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Personal Appearance and Presentation
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Posing Techniques
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Professional Makeup Application
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Working with Professional Photographers
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Finding an Agent
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Modeling Conventions
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Understanding Modeling Contracts
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Attending Open Call Sessions
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Working with Model Management Companies
Modeling Career Training Programs
Modeling schools offer basic training and education about the modeling industry, and typically place candidates in a particular field or niche so that they can learn the specialized skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their modeling careers. The typical types of modeling training programs available at modeling school include:
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Petite modeling
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High fashion modeling
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Glamour modeling
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Teen modeling
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Mature modeling
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Body part modeling
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Character modeling and acting
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Plus size modeling
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Runway modeling
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Print and Editorial Campaign modeling
Employment Options and Job Opportunities After Modeling School
The modeling industry is very competitive and even the most successful models can have a relatively short career. Unless a model has signed a contract for several years, they will be working as an independent contractor and typically pick up projects on a freelance basis. Models may need to respond to casting calls and find an agent to represent them in order to obtain high-paying jobs.
In addition to modeling for print, televisions and other media outlets, models can pursue careers as demonstration models or product and sales ambassadors for a number of companies and organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook reports that job prospects look promising for those who want to become product promoters and demonstrators, and jobs for traditional editorial, print and runway models can be very short-term and offers minimal room for advancement.
The median hourly earnings of demonstrators and product promoters were $10.65 in 2006, while the median hourly earnings of models were $11.22 in that same year. If a model is working with a modeling agency, they may pick up work on a contract basis and pay the agency 15 – 20 percent of their earnings in exchange for the agency's services.
Related occupations include:
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Retail sales representatives
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Actors, producers and directors
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Marketing representatives
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Travel agents
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