What it takes to be a successful model

Recently I thought “how could I depict simply in a visual aid, what elements or qualities it takes to be a successful fashion model”?. Based on my personal observations of over 15 years in the fashion industry, I narrowed it down to 6 main qualities/ factors/ circumstances required to become a successful model. Before we evaluate anything, we always need to start with definitions and in this case the definition of what it is to be a “successful model”.

My personal definition of a successful fashion model is someone who’s main source of income is from modelling and that too can look like many different forms - they could either be a model working in their domestic market, or they could be a model working in an international market. Success does not have to be measured by fame or popularity. I think success in a career means that you are earning an income whilst pursuing something fulfilling.

So now that definitions are aside, and of course, you can reflect on your own personal definition of what success looks like as a model, here are my 6 factors. Keep in mind this is an infograph, so the information is in it’s most simplistic form, as no doubt each point could be explained in it’s own chapters.

I hope this visual aid helps give you some clarity in what goes into being a successful model.

Copyrights:

Photo on cover is of model Aminah Ada, shot by Katriena Emmanuel 2019.

Infograph created and written by Katriena Emmanuel