Can I Be a Model?
You are likely to hear that to be a model you need to be beautiful, tall and
slender with perfect proportions. Now this is certainly true for high fashion
models, where designers want one type of model that they feel shows off their
designs in the best way.
However, if you do not fit this criteria, don’t despair as there are many
other areas that you can work in successfully and lucratively as a model. The
modeling industry needs all different shapes and sizes. It ranges from the
models who are required for the runways of Paris and Milan to those being seen
in the background of TV commercials. You need to find the right fit for you and
your place in the industry. To help you with this Studio Mango 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
When you see the incredibly tall and lean figures that grace the runways and
editorials for the leading fashion houses and designers, these are the High
Fashion models. They are generally required to be between 172cm to 180cm (5”8
to 5”11), with a dress size of 4-6 US (6-8 UK), with a typical bust size of 34.
The age range can be from 14 to 25. For guys the age range is more flexible and
they can start from the age of 16 until their late 40’s. They need to be
between 180cm to 188cm (5”11 to 6”2), with an excellent physique and a chest
size of 94cm to 106cm (37” to 42”) and 76cm to 81cm (30” to 32”) waist. Guys
tend to have longer careers if they look after themselves.
Editorial Print
This is modeling for magazine editorials and covers such as Vogue, Elle etc.
The standard requirements for these models are similar to those in High Fashion
and you must be very photogenic Quite often the same models will work in both
Editorial Print and High Fashion. These editorials provide great exposure for
models even though the fees earned are sometimes relatively low. This is normal
and it can take a few years to gain the experience needed to get the bigger
paying jobs.
Commercial Print
A huge market that encompasses every kind of print advertising. This can
range from advertising in magazines to products on supermarket shelves 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 you are not the High Fashion type.
Catalogue Modeling
Companies create catalogues (print or online) to sell their latest clothing
lines or various others products, and it’s the models job to make them look
good. Here you will find many great opportunities for different model types, as
the model is chosen to represent the target audience of the different
companies. With the increasing number of websites that require models to
promote their goods online, this is very lucrative for many models.
Plus Size Modeling
Modeling for the larger body type, this type of modeling is on the increase
and a relatively new phenomenon. If you’re confident, with great attributes and
you are between the sizes of 12-16 US (14-18 UK) then this could be for you.
More and more advertisers are using Plus Size Models to promote their products
in a bid to appeal to a broader demographic. As a Plus Size model you will
still need to have great skin, teeth and hair and have that something special
about you. For High Fashion Plus Sized Models the height requirements remain at
a minimum of 172cm (5”8). (Plus Size Models below - eastwestmodels.de)
Glamour Modeling
Is modeling that emphasises a models sexuality. Glamour Modeling can range
from lingerie and swimwear shoots, to artistic and nude photography to men’s
magazines. You will need to be beautiful, sexy and confident, with an extremely
outgoing personality. Height restrictions tend not to apply, which is the great
attraction to many models. If you are considering this area of modeling, take
care as there are many dishonest people that take advantage of young models who
are eager to get into modeling. If you are interested in Glamour Modeling it’s
advisable to have a reputable agency looking out for your best interests.
Body Parts Models
An area not usually thought about for newcomers, but it is a very relevant
sector of the industry. The most common body parts tend to be hair, eyes, lips,
hands, legs and feet, which are used to promote many products in print and TV.
You will need to have exceptionally well proportioned body parts and know how
to look after them. This is definitely an area within modeling that’s worth
considering as it can prove to be surprisingly profitable.
TV Commercials
Modeling in TV commercials does not have any overall criteria for height,
size and age, as each commercial requires someone different and specific to
that job. It is usually necessary to have some acting ability, but this can be
natural ability or learned. There are many different types of TV commercials,
ranging from the highly stylised photographic, to the performance led reality
style. The great advantage in TV commercials for a model is that brands are
continuously seeking models, which the general public can easily identify with.
This opens up the doors to almost everyone, who feels that they have what it
takes to work in this sector. Typically those represented by a model or actors
agency have a better chance of appearing in TV commercials.
Real Life Models (People Models) and TV/Film Extras
If you like the idea of modeling, but do not fit into the above categories,
then this could be for you. Real life models are used in advertising or
corporate campaigns, when companies are looking to represent the everyday
person. As a TV/Film Extra you will generally be non-featured (no speaking
parts) and in the background of a scene. This can be fun and interesting to be
part of, but it can also be long hours with lots of waiting around. The
benefits are that if you are flexible with your days, it can be a good way to
supplement your income.
With our Professional approach and friendly photographers we can help with
ALL types of modelling!
www.studiomango.co.uk