Cara Delevingne has explained why she made the decision to quit modelling, despite being one of the world’s most in-demand faces. In recent years the 23-year-old has moved away from modelling to forge a career in acting and she'll soon be seen on the big screen as Suicide Squad’s Enchantress.

Cara DelevingneCara Delevingne has opened up on quitting modelling for acting.

In a blog penned for Motto, Delevingne wrote: “I started modelling when I was 16. The odds were against me. At 5’8, I was shorter than most girls in the business. Still, I gave it a shot, and like with most things in my life, I never gave up.”

“In no time, though, I found myself surrendering to the industry’s approval process. I felt like I needed validation from everyone. As a result, I lost sight of myself and what it meant to be happy, what it meant to be successful. I think it all stemmed from a deep-down feeling of wanting people to like me and love me.”

More: Cara Delevingne Says Facebook Dislike Button Will 'Set Off A Whole New Wave Of Bullying'

Delevingne said that after years of feeling like she was constantly disappointing others she suddenly asked herself: “Wait, what am I trying to do? Who am I doing this for? Over time, I came to realise that work and getting others’ approval isn’t the most important thing,” she continued.

“Yes, your career is very important—but it’s not the most important. Of course I was proud of my accomplishments, but I wasn’t genuinely happy. I was nearly 20 and had been modelling for several years."

"My vantage point had changed…and I had changed. I knew I had to reevaluate my life and my goals for my future. I didn’t want to resent fashion or my success. The process didn’t happen overnight, but it was imperative for me to preserve my integrity.”

More: Cara Delevingne Launches Rant Against Paparazzi After 'Up Skirt' Photograph Attempt

“It’s taken time, but now I realise that work isn’t everything and success comes in many forms. I’ve opened my mind, and now I embrace new things with a childlike curiosity. I’m spending more time doing the stuff I love. And I’ve been able to do better work because of it.”

Delevingne made her acting debut in 2012 with a minor role in Anna Karenina. She then went on to star in the adaptation of John Green’s Paper Towns in 2015. Her next big role will be as supervillain Enchantress in the upcoming Suicide Squad, opposite Jared Leto, Margot Robbie and Will Smith.