Is becoming a model right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Model
Models must interact with a large number of people, so it is important to be polite, professional, prompt, and respectful. A model's career depends on the preservation of his or her physical characteristics, so models must control their diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to stay healthy and photogenic. Haircuts, pedicures, and manicures are necessary work-related expenses.
Models must be able to manage their portfolios and their work and travel schedules. Competition for jobs is strong and clients' needs are specific, so patience and persistence are essential. Models spend most of their time being photographed. They must be comfortable in front of a camera for photographers to capture the desired look. Models must have basic knowledge of hair styling, makeup, and clothing. For photographic and runway work, models must be able to move gracefully and confidently.
Picking a Specialty There are many areas that models can work in successfully - you just need to find the right fit for you. The modeling industry now looks for all different shapes and sizes, from runway models to plus size models. We have listed the different types of modeling work that’s available and what each requires.
High Fashion These models are generally required to be between 5'8" to 6' tall, weigh 108 - 130 lbs depending on height, waist no larger than 25", maximum hips 35", dress size 0 to 4US, with a typical bust size of 34. The age range can be from 13 to 25. The "look" can run from classic beauty to some extreme looks. For guys the age range is 16 until their late 40’s, height between 5”11 to 6”2, with an excellent physique and a chest size of 37” to 42” and a 30” to 32” waist. Guys tend to have longer careers.
Editorial Print
These models shoot for covers such as Elle, Vogue, etc. and magazine editorials. Often, the same models will work in both high fashion and editorial, therefore, the requirements are very similar. This type of work provides excellent exposure for models, however the pay is typically very low and it can take a few years of experience to get the bigger paying jobs.
Commercial Print These models do print advertising, ranging from magazines, to billboards, to products on store shelves. Brands are looking for models that closely represent the people that will be buying their products, so there are more opportunities for employment in this area.
Catalogue Modeling This type of modelling offers many opportunities for various body types. Clothing lines and other products are sold through online or printed catalogues, and companies look for models to represent their target audience, and to make their products look good. Due to the increasing number of websites that require models to promote their goods online, this can be a very viable option for many models.
Plus Size Modeling This type of modeling is on the increase and requires a larger body type, between the sizes of 8-16 US and a minimum height of 5'8". Considering the average size for women in America is around size 14, more and more advertisers are using plus size models to promote their products and to appeal to a broader demographic.
Body Parts Modeling There are three main types of body parts modeling - hands, feet, and legs. However, there is also a market for ears, hair, bottoms, necks, eyes and lips. This specialized type of model can be used to promote and sell products or in films where the producers are looking specifically for beautiful hands or legs. Hand models are used to model rings and bracelets for jewellers, nail polish, nail extensions and hand creams.
Glamour Modeling These models can do a variety of work, ranging from lingerie, swimwear and nude photography, to men’s magazines. Height restrictions typically don't apply, which can be very attractive to many models. A model's body needs to look exceptional for this type of work.
TV Commercials Each commercial requires someone different and specific for the job, therefore there isn't an overall criteria for age, size or height. Brands are continuously seeking models that the general public can identify with which opens this type of work up to anyone who feels that they have what it takes. Commercials can range from highly stylized to reality style and some acting ability, of course, is necessary.
Influencer Models Very trendy people on Instagram tend to have very large followings, and big brands are starting to recognize the value in these individuals. They are referred to as 'influencer models'. These influencers are the sexy, beautiful, tattooed, pierced, alternative, busty or quirky, and have a lot of influence when they publish a post.
Brands and influencers will collaborate and agree to have the influencer post an endorsement of the brand's product, resulting in financial compensation (or free products) from the brand. The influencer can demand a higher compensation if they are able to send a high number of clicks to the brand's website. This type of modeling is accessible to everyone.