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Model

Kaiwhakakite Kākahu

Models display and promote clothes or other goods on television, online, in magazines and advertising, and on catwalks at fashion shows.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a model. However, subjects such as physical education, and music, dance and drama are useful.

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3

Useful experience

Useful experience for models includes:

  • dance and drama
  • work with make-up and hairstyling
  • any work involving sales, promotion or contact with people
  • work in hospitality
  • photography experience.

What you will do

Models may do some or all of the following:

  • go to auditions and castings for modelling work
  • sit for make-up and hair stylists
  • discuss the required poses and movements, or the part to be played
  • model clothes, make-up, jewellery or other products in fashion shows or for magazines, websites or television
  • learn scripts and dialogue for television auditions.

Skills and knowledge

Models need to have:

  • knowledge of body posture, movement and facial expressions
  • knowledge of make-up, hairstyles and fashion
  • performance skills
  • knowledge of nutrition and exercise.
Pay

Pay rates for models vary depending on your ability, where you work, and the type of modelling you do.

Job opportunities
Poor
Opportunities to make a living as a model are poor due to lack of demand.

Industry

Entertainment

Models display and promote clothes or other goods on television, online, in magazines and advertising, and on catwalks at fashion shows.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a model. However, a portfolio of previous modelling work can be useful.

Chances of getting a job

Few opportunities for models

It is difficult to find full-time work as a model in New Zealand because the fashion industry is small.

Models often have other jobs as their main source of income.

According to the Census, 69 models worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Models may work for:

  • clothing retailers and designers 
  • cosmetic and personal care producers
  • advertising agencies
  • magazines
  • production companies
  • photographers
  • stylists.

Most models are self-employed. Most agencies require models to be on a contract that states they can't work with any other agency.

Progression and specialisations

Models may specialise in a particular type of modelling such as runway modelling or commercial modelling.

They may also progress to become fashion photographers or make-up artists, or set up their own modelling agencies.

Working conditions

Models:

  • usually work irregular hours, which can include weekends and evenings
  • work in photographic and television studios, fashion shops, on catwalks and at various outdoor locations
  • may travel locally, nationally or internationally for photo shoots.

Physical Requirements

Models need to:

  • have a tidy appearance
  • be fit and healthy, with good skin
  • meet physical requirements of clients – for example, height and body shape.

Useful personal qualities

Models need to be:

  • confident
  • reliable and punctual
  • patient
  • good listeners
  • adaptable
  • professional
  • able to accept criticism.

Industry

Entertainment

Models display and promote clothes or other goods on television, online, in magazines and advertising, and on catwalks at fashion shows.

Similar jobs in this industry

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