Types of Models and Modelling

Now you don't have to be wafer thin to become a model. The modelling industry is open to everyone, all body types and sizes. If you want to be a model have a look at the list of different types of modelling and then decide the one you want to be. The world is filled with beautiful women, but not everyone can be a model, it takes a special person to do this. The most important ingredients are confidence and to believe in yourself. FashionCovers a very wide range of work - from editorials and covers for fashion magazines to commercial advertising campaigns for the top brands. Perceived to be glamorous, it is very hard work, very difficult to get into and only a few models make it to the top. You are probably more likely to win the Lottery. You need to be between 5'9" and 6" tall (175 cm to 183 cm) or taller, extremely thin, 32-36" (81-91 cm) bust, 22-25" (56-64 cm) waist and 33-36" (84-91 cm) hips. Distinctive facial features are currently in demand, but the requirements and expectations change constantly. Editorial This is modelling for magazines (inside articles and covers), very often fashion. You can get excellent exposure from it, therefore it is desperately sought after by models and your best friend becomes your favourite enemy in the fight for an assignment. Extremely hard work, difficult to get into and very poorly paid. Catalogue Models appear in catalogues of major chains and mail order shops. Average looks are sought, requirements are more relaxed and closer to the real world. Catwalk (Runway) Also considered very glamorous, also provides excellent exposure. Physical requirements similar to fashion models. Age currently starting at 14, and getting younger. Few girls that age are confident enough to pull it off. Commercial Promotion of various products (from fashion to moisturiser to cleaning products, and everything in between) in magazines, newspapers, on billboards, etc. Requirements vary.  Glamour Everybody wants to be a glamour model these days. Difficult to define, though, because it can mean anything: page 3, boys' magazines, top shelf magazines. Usually, it seems to be a suggestive girl in a bikini, transparent or similar outfit with a lot of glossy makeup. Freelance Not really a type of modelling, but a career path. A freelance model will typically advertise her (or his) services on the Internet, often through one of the large, respected models' sites. Some online agencies are listed in the models links page. Work can be anything from portfolio work to artistic work, clothed or nude, pro photographers and amateurs, and increasingly for stock photography. This type of work falls into paid work and prints for time, and can be an excellent opportunity for models who don't make it with one of the large agencies or who want to pursue modelling as a part-time career. Requirements are totally flexible and only depend on what the photographer has in mind. Nude In all of the above types of modelling you should be prepared for at least some degree of nudity, even if no-one mentions it beforehand. Fine art nudes or simply body is usually an artistic interpretation of the human body. Often very innocent, it can also be extremely explicit if it helps the artist get his or her message across. Whatever it is you are asked to do, even if you find it shocking at first, in fine art modelling, it is never to titillate, but to aid artistic expression. If you are interested in fine art nude work, you will probably be a freelance model. As with other types of freelance modelling, the requirements are flexible and only depend on what the photographer needs for a particular project. There are many more types of nude work with even more names - adult, hardcore, Continental, … If you are considering this type of work, it is best to discuss with the photographer in advance and in detail what you are expected to do. Prints for Time; Time for Prints; Tests A co-operation for mutual benefit: The model puts in her/his time, resources and effort, and the photographer does the same. No money changes hands. Both benefit from each other's skills and talents ... Promotional Modelling There is often quite a lot of promotional modelling work around. That work can require you to wear a client's clothes or demonstrate a product (often using your voice to explain or sell) in a shopping centre or trade show. Hourly rates vary from tens of thousands of dollars per hour depending on the location, the product and the model. A trained, or at least a pleasant, voice can help you in this line of work.