Explore careers

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Make-up artist job information

Models need to be:

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