Can I Be a Model?

When a model wants to know whether they have what it takes to become a model

It is common to hear that to model one needs to be beautiful, tall and thin with the right proportions. While this may be true for high fashion models, where designers want one size of model that they feel shows off their designs in the best way.
However, if one may not fit this criteria, they should not give up as there are many other areas that one can work in successfully as a model. The modeling industry needs all different shapes and sizes. They range from the models who are required for the runways and fashion shows to those who appear in the background of TV commercials. A model only needs to find the right fit for their place in the industry. I have listed the different types of modeling work that’s available and the criteria for each, and as with most things in life there are always exceptions.

High Fashion Modeling

When someone sees the incredibly tall and thin figures that appear on the runways and editorials for the top fashion designers, these are the High Fashion Models. They are usually required to be between 5’8” to 5’11”, with a dress size of 0-4 US, with a typical bust size of 34. The age range can be from 14 years old to 25 years old. For guys the age range passes their female counterparts and they can start from the age of 16 until their late 30’s. They need to be between 5’11” to 6’2”, with an great physique and a chest size of 38” to 42” and 30” to 34” waist. Male models tend to have longer careers if they look after themselves.

Editorial Modeling

This is modeling for magazine editorials and covers such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, GQ etc. The standard requirements for these models are similar to those in High Fashion and one must be photogenic. It is most common for the same models to work in both Editorial Print and High Fashion. And the two usually go hand in hand for to get the better fashion campaigns, a model know that their chances increase when they can appear in the top editorial spreads. These editorials provide great exposure for models even though the fees earned are sometimes low, it is in a sense, free advertising for the model. This is normal and it can take a few years to gain the exposure needed to get the bigger paying campaigns.

Commercial Print Modeling

Commercial print is a huge market that includes every kind of print advertising. This can range from advertising in magazines to newspaper supplements to billboards. The benefit of working in commercial print as a model is that the target audience of the advertisers varies considerably. Naturally the brands want to attract and represent the people that will buy their products, so there are many opportunities here if one are not the High Fashion type.

Catalog Modeling

Companies use catalogs to sell their latest clothing lines or any other products they may carry, and the models purpose is to make them look desirable. Here one can find many opportunities for different model types, as the model is chosen to represent the companies target audience for the different products. With the increasing number of websites and online catalogs that require models to promote their products, this is can be a great source of income and has been considered for many to be a “bread & butter” job for many models as it provides the majority of their income while waiting for the more glamorous campaigns.

Plus Size Modeling

Modeling for the larger body type, this type of modeling is on the increase and a relatively new phenomenon. If a model is confident, with great attributes and one is between the sizes of 8-16 US then this could be a great option. There are more advertisers are using plus size models to promote their products in a way to appeal to a broader demographic. As a plus size model, one will still need to have clear skin, white teeth and great hair and carry themselves very well. For high hashion plus sized models the height requirements remain at a minimum of 5”8.

Glamour Modeling

Glamour modeling is a growing sector of modeling that emphasizes a models sexuality. Glamour modeling can range from lingerie and swimwear shoots, to artistic and nude photography to men’s magazines. For this sector a model will need to be beautiful, sexy and confident, with an extremely outgoing personality. Height restrictions do not to apply and are almost to the contrary as many models look curvier and bustier being only 5” to 5’4”, which is the great attraction to many models. If one is considering this area of modeling, they should be careful as there are many people that may take advantage of models who are eager to get into modeling. Glamour modeling saw a huge increase upon the increase of digital photography because now anyone can go to a department store, pick up a basic DSLR and a laptop and try to take pictures. If one is interested in glamour modeling it’s advisable to do some research before accepting to shoot with someone who’s portfolio is full of amateur glamour models.