When people imagine the lifestyle of a model, they often picture glamour, travel, and beauty. Supermodels of the 1990s and early 2000s painted a vision of a somewhat cutthroat industry, where being ultra-thin was a necessity. But today, the reality is shifting. I spoke to model Unya Suwanna about what life as a model is really like.
Unya started as a model in 2020 when she was scouted off Instagram during the COVID pandemic. She has worked for ASOS, BooHoo, Anne Summers, PrettyLittleThing, and countless others over her career so far.
Early starts and long days
For Unya, no job or day is the same. “Sometimes I have to fly to a different city, like Paris, Barcelona, Ibiza. Or I can be in the UK, like Birmingham or Manchester”.
But despite the ever-changing locations, routine plays an important role. “I would wake up around two hours before I have to be at a shoot… have some breakfast… do some stretches and light workouts”. The day then unfolds in structured blocks: two hours in hair and makeup, followed by the morning shoot which takes two to three before an hour-long lunch break. The afternoon typically involves another three-hour shoot, with the day wrapping up around five pm — though Unya says being in bed before eleven is rare.
From E-commerce to global compaigns
Unya’s work spans from regular e-commerce shoots with well-known brands like ASOS, to large-scale billboard campaigns across Europe.
On smaller e-commerce jobs, there may only be a handful of people on set, but for larger campaigns, the team grows significantly, having 20 to 30 people in the room. “There needs to be lighting, makeup, hair, photographer, videographer, and the models… a whole team”. The contrast highlights the exciting variety models experience day-to-day, where no two jobs are the same.
The surreal side of the job
Working long hours and travelling a lot can be demanding, but the job brings amazing opportunities to travel. This year alone, Unya has worked in Thailand and the Philippines, and can be found on numerous billboards in Amsterdam.
“I can’t believe this is my life” she says, describing the incredible experience of working across the globe. “You feel like you’re on vacation when you’re at work!”
Despite these moments, seeing herself on the billboard remains the most fulfilling part. “I feel grateful everyday that I’m working as a model. My younger self would be so proud.”
More than just looking pretty
One of the biggest misconceptions about modelling is that it’s easy, but the reality is that it comes with struggles. “Sometimes you have to shoot in a fur coat in 35 degrees heat for 12 hours a day… sometimes you have to wear swimwear in 10 degrees and pretend it’s summer”, Unya explains.
Beyond the physical discomfort, there is also a mental challenge. She describes it as a “mental fight you have to fight with yourself on set”, to maintain the energy and expression throughout long, demanding days.
A changing industry
Having worked in the industry for six years, Unya has seen the industry go through important changes, especially in diversity and representation. “Brands are constantly changing directions” she tells me. “If you compare modelling industry now to 10 years ago, it’s already so different. People think a model has to be six foot tall and really skinny and slender … and nowadays there are so many different types of models”
This shift towards inclusivity has re-shaped the industry, helping it to become more reflective and relatable to real people.
The rise of AI, and why it can’t replace humans
Like many creative industries, modelling has begun to feel the impact of AI, but Unya remains optimistic about the future.
“There’s definitely less jobs than normal”, she admits. “To be authentic is everything a human can bring to the world… that’s something AI could never replace”. For her, what makes a shoot successful is more than just appearance. “Character and personalities” is what matters.
She also points out on the practical side: “I need to experience a model that looks like me, a person with my body type, in order for me to buy something… how do I know how the clothes are going to sit on me?”
This reflects the wider concern across creative industries, and authenticity continues to be increasingly valued in response to the rise of artificial content. When it comes to modelling, AI struggles to replicate what real people bring to the shoot.
A supportive community
Stereotypes of the industry let people believe models to be mean and nasty, but Unya disagrees. “We’re only human” she says. “Some people are shy and some people are a little bit more outgoing”.
In fact, she describes the community as supportive. “Most of my friends now are models… everyone knows the community and models are really nice, actually”.
Breaking into the industry
For those wanting to start a modelling career, Unya’s advice is simple: be authentic. “Completely be yourself, that’s the first thing that people are going to see”, she says. She also emphasises the importance of being committed. “If you’ve got what it takes, just go for it: just go all in and invest in yourself”.
Ultimately, Unya sees modelling as a creative collaboration. She sees herself as a canvas, “I need to be open to be able to do everything… it’s like an actor”.
The reality behind the image
Modelling can look effortless and glamorous from the outside, but behind every image is a combination of hard work and adaptability. In an industry which faces constant change, authenticity continues to define success.
