MODELS Number 144 Interest Area 1 1998
THE JOB
MODELS wear, use, or pose with products to display and advertise them. Print (Photographic) Models are the most familiar. They pose for pictures that appear in magazines, newspapers, or catalogs. Some of them specialize in ad photography for products ranging from detergents to computers. Models may be posed by the photographer or improvise a variety of poses themselves. They are hired by ad agencies or freelance photographers to do a specific job and are photographed wearing the newest fashions, cosmetics, hair styles or jewelry. Their pictures appear on magazine covers, in magazines and on billboards. They are generally at the top of their profession.
Fashion Models work for clothing manufacturers, dress designers, department stores or dress salons. They model in formal fashion shows or informally in private showings. Accompanied by music, they walk, twirl and turn on a platform or runway before a live audience to give the fullest view of fashions worn.
Showroom or Fitting Models model clothes and accessories for buyers in manufacturers' showrooms. They need standard measurements that fit showroom designer sizes perfectly and show them off to the best possible advantage. Their busiest seasons are spring and fall when new designs are shown.
Commercial (Television) Models appear on taped or filmed commercials showcasing consumer goods. For products that require speaking lines, they may need acting experience.
Artists' Models pose for art classes and professional artists like painters, sculptors and photographers.
Relatively few models work full time for one employer. Those who do usually perform clerical, sales, or other work for the firm during off seasons. Most models work for employers on a free-lance basis, with temporary assignments lasting from one hour to several weeks or months. Some specialize in one type of modeling, while others perform various types of work.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Models work in all kinds of environments and settings, frequently under uncomfortable conditions. They may pose outdoors wearing out-of-season clothing, hold an awkward position for up to 30 minutes, or stand and walk continuously without showing signs of strain. The need to follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise can interfere with a normal social life.
Models who appear in films or television usually belong to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Screen Extras Guild (SEG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), or all. Artists' models may belong to models' unions, co-ops, or guilds which schedule jobs and negotiate fees.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. This information is for the broad occupational group, Demonstrators, Promoters, and Models, of which Models are a part.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 12,440 Estimated number of workers in 2005 18,740 Projected Growth 1993-2005 51% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,290
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Models work in a relatively small occupation. Most modeling jobs are located in major metropolitan areas--Los Angeles and San Francisco are the two areas in the state with most modeling opportunities.
Because of the glamour associated with modeling, there are far more job seekers than available modeling jobs. Competition is intense and success is rare.
Most job opportunities come from the need to replace models who leave the occupation, as well as from the constant demand for new faces. Careers may last only a few years--sometimes because models lose their youthful appearance or a particular look goes out of style.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Agents for models say that only a handful of the professional models ever attain superstar status with yearly salaries more than $100,000. Most freelance models earn less than $1,500 per month, even during busy seasons. This is because they have to pay modeling agency commissions that average between 10 and 20 percent of their gross pay. A few top models earn between $2,500 and $5,000 per month or more. Retail department stores pay models between $10 and $50 or more per hour plus discounts on purchases.
Photographic models earn from $12 to $100 per hour. High fashion photographic models can earn up to $500 per hour or more.
Beginners work only a few hours each week, but they spend a great deal of time auditioning and trying to build a reputation. In fact, most models don't get enough assignments to fully support themselves. They often wait tables, clean homes or do other jobs to augment their incomes--especially when they are just starting out in the industry.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Models must have the right look for their work. This means being attractive and well proportioned. For live fashion shows, female models are expected to wear clothing in sizes 6 to 10 and be 5'8" to 6' tall. Male fashion models wear sizes 39 or 40 regular or 40 long and range in height from 5'11" to 6'4". Size requirements are rigid because manufacturers' and designers' samples come in certain standard sizes. Petite models are 5' to 5'4" tall. Larger models show sizes ranging from 14 to 20.
The camera "adds" at least ten pounds to the physical appearance, so photographic and television models are usually thinner than those in fashion shows. Artists' models represent a variety of physical types.
Models should appear poised, energetic and dynamic, possess self-discipline and work well with others. Above all, they need optimism and the spirit to keep trying in this highly competitive career field.
HOW TO TRAIN
High school students should take courses in art, sewing, fashion design, drama, and dance. Modeling schools can help prospective models develop confidence and poise. Students can practice moves and graceful poses on a ramp and in front of cameras. They also learn about skin and hair care and effective uses of makeup. Fashion career classes are offered in community colleges and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) centers.
ADVANCEMENT
Modeling careers are typically brief. Models can train for related careers like fashion designers or consultants, buyers, photographers or actors. By taking business and administrative courses, they can prepare to own or manage schools or agencies.
FINDING THE JOB
Most models work for professional modeling agencies to get assignments or leads. Some agencies hold open interviews on certain days of the week. Modeling schools provide placement services for students and graduates. Artists' models find work by applying to schools or through models' guilds.
Models need a portfolio--a collection of photographs and, increasingly, a video--to take to interviews. They also need one-page composites (pictures) showing several poses to send prospective employers. They pay for photography, printing and video costs that may range from $200 to $500 or more.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For a list of approved modeling schools write or call:
Council on Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education 1027 Tenth Street, Fourth Floor Sacramento, CA 95814-3517 (916) 445-3427
To verify that a talent and/or modeling agency is licensed by the State, write or call:
Department of Industrial Relations Division of Labor Standards Enforcement Licensing and Registration P.O. Box 420603 45 Fremont Street Rm. 3205 San Francisco, CA 94142 (415) 975-2057
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Buyers No. 118 Fashion Designers No. 185
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Model, Garment 297.667-014 Model, Photographers' 961.367-010 Model, Artists' 961.667-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Demonstrators, Promoters, and Models 490320
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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