When people think of a model they usually think of a high fashion model or possibly a glamour model. However, the industry is a lot more broad with around 9 different modelling categories. Here we concentrate on the most common areas of the industry.
High fashion catwalk modelling
Being a fashion model may appear to be glamorous and exciting. This is not necessarily the case. Yes you may earn a large wage if you secure a high profile campaign, but these campaigns don't come along everyday. It is a very tough and hard business to enter into. There are constant castings to travel too, usually at your own expense, often lots of rejection before you secure work and long hours.
In order to work as a catwalk model you would need to match a certain criteria.
Age around 14-23, but occassionally a little older. Dress size 4-8 (UK), 5'9" and over. There are some exceptions to the rule - Kate Moss is said to be 5'7" and Sophie Dahl was a size 14 when she was launched into the fashion world.
Editorial Fashion
The requirements for fashion editorials are very similar to that of a catwalk model.
Editorial modelling requires the model to have good skin, teeth, hair and nails. An editorial model is usually featured in advertising campaigns to promote goods. You could be modelling everything from shoes, clothes, and bags to beauty products and perfumes. As you are there to sell a product it is likely that you will have a full styling team, meaning all you need to do is turn up on time and you will be dressed, have your hair and make-up done and then shoot.
Commercial Modelling
Commercial modelling is similar to editorial, whereby models are used to sell a product in a campaign. The campaign can be a printed advert, TV advert, magazine and newspaper work, billboards and a selection of other sources of advertising.
Becoming a commercial model is somewhat easier to break into than fashion model due to the fact that the models are far more "real". As in the height and dress sizes are closer to that of the average woman and the models are more of the "girl next door" type.
In order to fall into the commercial category you will need to be around 5'5" and above, generally slim and with a great attitude. This is not set in stone though, each client will want something different from their commercial model.
Glamour Modelling
As a glamour model you will not generally be selling a product, you will be the main feature. There is generally no height or size restrictions in glamour modelling, but if you look at the lads magazines you are likely to see models from 5' upwards and generally ranging from a size 6-12/14. Glamour modelling is all about sex appeal and creating a raunchy, erotic feel to an image.
Glamour models are usually well proportioned with the ability to give a cheeky, naughty look and move their body in a provocative way in order to create what some may say is an arousing image.
The main point to remember when you decide to enter into glamour modelling is that you need to be at least 18 years of age. Glamour modelling can range from lingerie and swimwear right through to nude. You do not have to go topless or even implied topless to be a glamour model and you should ensure that all levels are agreed and discussed prior to the shoot.
Plus Size Models
Surprisingly plus size models dress size starts as low as a size 12. The plus industry is not as large and as lucrative as the high fashion, although this is now changing. The average UK female is a size 14-16 and designers are starting to take notice of what the "real woman" wants. More stores now extend their clothing ranges to a size 16, where by a few years ago you would have struggled to find size 16 in many high street fashion stores.
A plus size model still needs to be tall, at least 5'8", and be well proportioned with good skin.
Character Modelling
When someone works as a character model there is no height, age or size restrictions. Some clients may require a gran, or someone who is heavily tattooed or someone who is very petite this is where being a character model really comes into its own. If you have the right look and attitude you can do very well in this type of modelling.
Catalogue Modelling
Being a catalogue model requires you to have a good figure and be in shape, but you do not necessarily have to be a size 6-8 and 5'9". There is more longevity as a catalogue model.
A catalogue model will appear in large brands magazines, books, on their websites and in catalogues etc, the model will have a look that the business feels will relate to their client. So if the catalogue or brand is aimed at the under 30's single business woman then the model will appear to have that look.
There are also many other forms of modelling such as; Parts model, Fitness model, Fitting model, Alternative model, Adult model and many more. Only you know which you want to do. Just because you don't fit into one category it does not mean you can not do some form of modelling.
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