#ModelMonday: What Type Of Model Are You?
Hey lovelies!
Welcome to another #ModelMonday! Today we're going to discuss the various types of modeling available to anyone aspiring to become a model both male and female. Below has a complete list of the types of modeling as well as the requirements and in some cases agency suggestions. Let me know what you think and happy reading!
TYPES OF MODELING
FASHION MODEL:
This is one of the most widely known forms of modeling and ironically comes with the most restrictions. It's the most exclusive and most difficult type of modeling for a model to get into and succeed in. Below are some of the common requirements to be a fashion model:
- 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:
Models in this category can be found gracing Elle, Vogue, Glamour, and more. In most cases, you MUST fit the requirements set for a “Fashion Model” in order to be considered for this category. Almost all editorial fashion agencies in the US are based in New York, but agencies/jobs can be found in other major cities (LA, Chicago) and overseas.
FASHION CATALOG MODEL:
This category is a little less strict with its requirements but there are still a few. 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:
Runway models are models that are seen walking the catwalk or runway also known as a “live model.” Runway models use their bodies to show off fashion garments of a specific clothing designer. The known requirements for runway models are that 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:
Commercial models have a variety of work such as 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. This category 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.
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.
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. There are other general requirements though: 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. 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. 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 but fitness models can also be self-represented.
FIT MODEL:
Not to be confused with fitness models, Fit models are models who work behind the scenes in fashion houses and with garment manufacturers to make sure that sizing and fit are maintained in the clothing manufacturing process. Garment manufacturers require a variety of shapes and sizes of fit models in order to fit their garments properly before they are shipped to the consumer. You may not have the look that a print model needs or the height of a runway model, but if you can consistently maintain your measurements then a career in fit modeling may be for you.
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.
SWIMSUIT/UNDERWEAR MODEL:
Swimsuit and underwear/lingerie models are larger(males)/curvier(female) than editorial models.
There are many opportunities for swimsuit models other than just modeling bikinis or speedos. Swimsuit models can model lingerie, undergarments, sleepwear, summer wear, and can also be showroom and fit models.
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.