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 What type of modeling is right for me?
by Intira Mleswan
IMC Arcticle Contributor
Almost the first question ever asked out of a hopeful models mouth is "Do I have what it takes to model?", and my first reply is "For what type?" which often is met with a look of confusion.
In almost all cases the person asking the question is highly attractive, whether it be a cute Britney Spears / Christina Aguilera / Shakira type of attractive, an angular Kate Moss attractive, or the blonde bombshell.
They've been told by others that they are very beautiful and should model, but at some point have read in a magazine that they were "too short" or "too tall" or "too thin" or "too voluptuous" or "not exotic enough".
The problem is that chances are what they heard was right- they may have been too short for something like runway or fashion modeling but might be perfect for petite or catalogue modeling.
Let's look at some of the different types of modeling and their markets, and some of their general requirements. You can click on any of the below you're interested in, or just read down.
High Fashion & Runway
Runway Models and High Fashion models are often not "classically beautiful", and often have very angular bodies and faces. The reasons behind this are often two-fold:
- Clothes are often designed to look their best when viewed in the store on a hanger, and the angular models with tall, slender bodies show the clothes at their best
- Someone with angular features is often much easier to photograph than a model with more flesh. The more angular the features, the easier it is for the photographer to get a good picture no matter the angle or lighting situation.
It doesn't mean that the one model is more beautiful than the other, or that a different sort of models pictures can't be just as striking. It just means that it is almost impossible for someone like Kate Moss to take a bad picture no matter what the lighting or angle.
A female model should be 14 to 19 years old with a minimum height of 5'9" to 6' tall and a weigh around 115 lbs. Busts are usually 31-35", hips are usually 33-36", and waists are usually 21-25". If you are within an inch or so of any of the measurements, this may be an option to consider if you have a great complexion, lips and eyes.
But be warned- this often means leaving the United States for years, and the market is incredibly competitive. Because the pay is so high (not supermodel level, but $200,000 to $300,000 for a show is normal) it is a cut-throat and high-competitive industry where any and everything goes on.
Only about 1 in 300,000 models who compete for runway and high fashion modeling make it. For many reasons, it is also rife with partying, drugs and other negatives. Many models who do make it have often been lead down this road and are quickly dropped by their agencies, never to be heard from again.
Catalogue
Catalogue and Commercial Modeling together make up the lions share of available work. You should generally be between 5'7" and 5'8" tall, and a size six. Features or a particular ethnicity are not as important as general attractiveness and a clear complexion.
Most Catalogue work is highly-regional, and can range from Delia's and the Gap to Victoria's Secrets or your local department store. Highly-regional means that if a large company is located in Boston, they will use Boston models for their catalogue shoots. There are still many local stores that often use local models, but the size of the market and the amount of willing models often means that you won't be making a living doing this, but rather just having a good time and making some extra on the side.
Mature
Contrary to popular belief, life does not end at 30 and neither does a modeling career! Models ages can range from 1 to 80, with most of that work in Commercial and Commercial Print.
Petite
In many cases a model is highly attractive, but very short. If your measurements are in good proportion, you may be candidate for petite modeling. Petite models generally have a height of 5'2 and 5'6 and weigh between 100 and 110 pounds. Be warned, petite fashion and commercial print is small, very competitive market and depending on your area finding a legitimate agency that takes on petite models may be difficult.
Plus Size (full figured)
Plus Size Modeling is hotter than one might think it be, as over 1/3 of the USA's population can fall into the plus-sized category. Plus-sized model requirements are often a size 12 to 14, a height of 5'7" to 5'11", and have a well-toned and proportioned body.
Promotional
Promotional models are generally live models- most of modeling is about selling either a product or an idea, and almost nothing sells an idea like a pretty girl standing next to it. This could entail demonstrations of products at events (trade shows, conventions, etc.). Some examples of promotional models are the Budweiser girls, Car Show Girls, Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Models and more.
Commercial & Commercial Print
If you are very attractive, but for whatever reason don't seem to fit the requirements of the other types Commercial and Commercial Print is often your best bet. Besides Glamour, it often is the most lax in requirements as at various times all shapes, sizes, looks and ethnicities are needed.
Unfortunately due to the size of the market and the amount of models willing, it often isn't possible for most models to make a living in Commercial and Commercial Print but it can be a lot of fun and a great experience.
Young & Teen
To qualify for Teen Modeling, you generally need to be between the ages of 13 to 17. Teen models are usually used for Commercial or Commercial Print modeling, not for High Fashion or Runway. Catalogue and Commercial Advertising targeted at the teen demographic makes up most of the market.
Artistic & Artistic Nude
Artistic and Artistic Nude photography is often black and white, and used in magazines, "High Art", gallery shows and electronic distribution. The focus is often on the figure, and often a models face is not even shown. Because such an importance is placed on the figure, a models features are not as important as being fit and toned. A lack of tattoos and body art is generally desired, although in some cases they are actually requested.
Glamour
In general, modeling is about selling a product (such as clothing, jewelry, etc.) or an idea (i.e., using a model with a mohawk in an ad to make you think of someone breaking the mold). Glamour photography differs in that it tries to sell the model or an atmosphere. This could include everything from promotion shots, bikini calendars or Playboy-Style photography.
The requirements for Glamour vary greatly, and it is often the most lenient in terms of body statistics, ethnicity and a models look. But in general you need to have a healthy body image, a good and clear complexion, good body proportion and fit.
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