Hi Sea
Nice to see you here too!
Well, to be a successful model in SL, one would need many things to "survive" in the fashion industry. The most basic and essential qualities for being a successful model would be to have a good eye, a sense of style and the ability to evolve with fashion trends and make them their own. The more successful models are those that obviously become trendsetters as far as style quotients go.
That aside, models that are easy to work with are more likely to have an extended career. By easy to work with, I mean being humble and down to earth as opposed to being a diva. A career-focussed model is also someone who understands the importance of networking, staying in the loop of fashion events and trends, be willing to learn and accept critique for their personal development and growth. Like any other job, one has to always try to be at the top of their game. This includes even brushing up on modeling education/courses as things do change.
I do believe however, as I do encourage the same of my models, that they develop their other skills and talents within the fashion industry to balance their modeling career or to evolve from it.. For those that are inclined towards photography, styling, DJing, set building, writing, presenting, marketing, public relations, choreography or production; I urge models to further those interests and skills to keep yourself a well-rounded fashion industry professional.
All in all, a model has to be versatile, tough, fashion savvy, forward-thinking and embrace changes and critique with grace and charm. Always with style.