When we work with models most of them don't know what type of model they would like to get into. So here describe the many types of modeling you will find in the
modeling industry. You may only fit into one category, while others may fit into several. Below we briefly give each modeling
genre a definition. This information came from the following
http://modelmentors.com/types-of-modeling/
FASHION MODEL: This category is the most exclusive
and most difficult of all categories for a model to get into, much less
succeed in. As a whole, a fashion model must be tall, young, and thin.
In addition, there are fashion model “size requirements”, and hardly any
exceptions made in terms of that. There is no universally-agreed
upon, official “fashion-industry size-standard”, the size requirements
in fashion modeling are TYPICALLY as follows:
- Female Fashion Models:
- Model Height Requirement: 5’9” to 6”.
- Model Measurement Requirement: 34-24-34. (There are exceptions
within one inch, and MAYBE two, of this standard. Anything beyond that
is extremely unlikely to be considered.)
- Model Age Requirement: 16-21 years old.
- Model Size Requirement: 0-4.
- Model Weight Requirement: 105-130 lbs, directly proportional to height
- Male Fashion Models
- Model Height Requirement: 5’11” to 6’2”.
- Model Weight Requirement: 140-165 lbs, directly proportional to height.
- Model Measurement Requirement: Waist between 29” and 32”. Shirt size
between 15-15 ½ neck, sleeve size between 32 and 34. Jacket size
between 40 and 42.
- Model Age Requirement: 18-25 years old.
EDITORIAL FASHION MODEL: These models are the ones
you find in the editorial spreads of pages like Elle, Vogue, Glamour,
etc. You MUST fit the modeling requirements for a “Fashion Model”
(listed above) in order to be considered for this category.
FASHION CATALOG MODEL: Slightly less restrictive
than fashion modeling in terms of requirements, but catalog modeling
still has rigid standards nonetheless, and is also difficult to get
into. Catalog models are the ones you see in the clothing catalogs,
posing in a variety of outfits. Typically, only female models between
5’8” and 6’1” will find work here. Male models should be between 5’10”
and 6’2”.
RUNWAY MODEL: Models that walk the catwalk or
runway; a “live model.” Runway models are hired to use their bodies as a
mechanism to display the fashion garments of a specific clothing
designer. They MUST be tall (5’9” and up for females, 5’11” and up for
males), slender, have measurements that fit the standard clothing size,
and know how to walk the runway.
COMMERCIAL MODEL: Most agency models work in this
category. Commercial models work MANY different jobs, including: print
advertisements, catalogs, campaigns, television shows, magazines, trade
shows, and much more. There are no height or size requirements to be a
commercial model. So even if you are DYING to be a fashion model, but
simply do not fit the size requirements for mainstream “fashion
modeling”, you can still find work and book great jobs as a “COMMERCIAL
fashion model”, doing fashion print and things of that nature. Not
interested in being a commercial fashion model? No problem. This
category of modeling accommodates MANY types of looks: from the
girl-next-door, to middle-aged men, to those with very
“unique/interesting” faces.
PRINT MODEL: Print models are used for many
different types of publications, such as: magazines, print
advertisements, billboards, posters, calendars, campaigns, booklets,
flyers, banners. Print models must have an attractive face, good skin, a
nice body, and a pretty smile. Print models can find modeling work in
one of two ways: through a modeling agency, or by freelance modeling.
GLAMOUR MODEL: Glamour modeling focuses much more on
the model’s appeal, beauty, and body than it does anything else. Models
in this category are considered very pretty; able to book work simply
by being attractive, a nice body, and having a sort of “sex appeal”.
While there are no height or size requirements, glamour models DO have
to be at least 18 years old. Glamour models can work as non-nude models,
or as nude models.
- Non-nude glamour models are typically hired to
appear in swimsuit, bikini, lingerie, and form-fitting attire. Often
times they will find work in magazines, music videos, calendars, etc.
They can find work as a freelance model, and they can also find other
work through modeling agencies as a print model, commercial model, or
promo model.
- Nude glamour models are almost never represented by
a mainstream modeling agency, and most always they will find modeling
work through their own means (internet, friends, referrals, casting
calls, networking, etc.)
PROMO MODEL / PROMOTIONAL MODEL: A promotional
model, also known as a promo model, is a model that is hired to
represent a brand, product, or service. This category of modeling does
not have a height or weight requirement; thus making it much easier to
get into promo modeling than it is to get into many other types of
modeling. While there are no height/weight requirements, there are other
general requirements for booking paid promo work: a great attitude,
outgoing nature, a nice smile, and the ability to easily adapt/learn.
- SPOKESMODEL: A spokesmodel is a more lucrative form
of promo modeling. These models tend to have signed contracts with a
specific company; acting as the face of the brand, being paid to attend
events and make special appearances, appearing in advertisements, and
traveling the country.
- TRADE SHOW MODEL, OR CONVENTION MODEL: Tradeshow or
convention modeling is another form of promo modeling. These models are
hired by a company to represent their brand, product, or service
specifically at a trade show or convention. There are no height/size
requirements, but these models need to be outgoing, reliable, work well
with others, and take direction well. They also will be expected to work
long hours, readily engage with other people, to quickly
learn/accurately relay the company’s mission (or products or talking
points) to consumers.
CATALOG MODEL: A catalog model has the same job
description as a “fashion catalog model”, yet none of the same size
requirements. General catalog models are needed in all shapes and sizes.
There are tons of clothing designers in the world offering a variety of
options, many of which cater to petite, plus-size, or alternative
buyers. These designers need models of the same variety to pose for
their catalogs. Almost any category of model can be used as a (general)
“catalog model.”
PETITE MODEL: These are models that are on the
shorter side- typically 5’4” and under. While they will not be able to
find work as a fashion model, petite models can still find work in other
categories, such as a print, commercial, glamour, or promotional
modeling. Petite models can be sought after for their small hands/feet
for print work as well.
FREELANCE MODEL: A freelance model is one that is
self-represented: they are not signed exclusively to any one modeling
agency, they do not have an agent or a manager, and they are responsible
for finding their own work. In addition, they are responsible for their
own marketing, promoting, networking, and branding. This might all
sound overwhelming, but in this day and age, freelance models have many
avenues to get a career started. The internet is their main
weapon/source; if properly harnessed, freelance models can still make a
name for themselves without an agency.
FITNESS MODEL: Fitness models are toned, in-shape,
healthy, and have good muscle tone. There are no size/height
requirements, but you MUST be in shape! There are modeling agencies with
“fitness modeling” departments. Fitness models seeking representation
should focus on these first, but fitness models can also be
self-represented.
PARTS MODEL: These models typically model their
“parts”, such as their hands, legs, feet, stomach, etc. There are
modeling agencies that represent parts models, and the best way to get
started in this modeling category is by finding an agent rather than
attempting to freelance.
PLUS-SIZE MODEL: These models, also known as “Full
figured models”, are models that do not fit the size requirements for
mainstream modeling. They weigh more, have fuller figures, and have
pretty faces. They can be hired as catalog models for plus-sized
clothing brands, among many other job opportunities. Plus-sized models
are able to achieve representation with modeling agencies that have a
“Plus-Size” division.
ART MODEL: Art models work with visual artists. The
model is the subject of the intended art piece, usually being required
to pose while the artist interprets and creates a piece of art. They are
able to use the model as a real-life visual aid. There are many mediums
an art model can be asked to participate in. Some of the more common
include paintings, illustrations, sculpture, and photography.
NUDE MODEL: Nude models typically only find work in
photoshoots. Occasionally they will do videos/films, but the most common
medium they work with is photography. They can pose topless or fully
nude. Nude models rarely have modeling agencies. There are no height or
weight requirements.
PINUP MODEL: Pin-up models first gained notoriety in
the 1940’s and 50’s, with the term “pin-up” referring to a physical
photo of an attractive model, which could be “pinned up” on the wall. In
the past, pinup models were more risqué than their current era. Today,
modern pinup models (posing in the same manner and outfits of the 40’s
and 50’s), seem to be
less risqué than their current era, as
times have changed and so have social standards. To explain: modern
pinup models can be seen wearing classic 1-piece swimsuits, while modern
glamour models can be seen wearing barely-there string bikinis.
ALT MODEL, or ALTERNATIVE MODEL: This genre of
modeling does not conform to “typical” modeling standards. The models
used in this genre are not the mainstream, cookie-cutter models. Many of
them have tattoos, piercings, unusual hairstyles, etc. They can work in
this industry with the help of internet websites, networking, and niche
magazines.
FETISH MODEL: A fetish model will be hired to
model/display various fetishes. For example, latex clothing, bondage,
foot photoshoots, etc. Almost always, these models are self-represented.
