I start to develop as a model employer (6)

I believe the answer is:

artist

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'a model employer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'i start to develop' is the wordplay.
'to develop' indicates an anagram.
'i'+'start'='istart'
'istart' anagrammed gives 'ARTIST'.

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for artist that I've seen before include "Traits (anag)" , "Craftsman" , "Constable possibly" , "Painter; performer" , "Bacon, for example?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.

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