What Are The Different Types of Modeling?

Read this information carefully. Very few people can do ALL of these types of modeling. Many categories have very specific physical or skill requirements. Be realistic when setting your goals. If a modeling agency is asking for 5’10” models, don’t think that you will get signed at 5’5″. It’s not going to happen. Play to your strengths, and you will have a better chance at succeeding!

Fashion

Fashion modeling is done to promote clothing or accessories. Fashion models are generally 5’10″ or taller in major markets (Smaller markets often begin Fashion at 5’8″ and taller) and very thin with looks ranging from beautiful to unusual and distinctive. Fashion modeling is usually considered the most exclusive and difficult to succeed in. Most fashion models must be tall, thin and young. Do you have what it takes to be in high fashion?

Runway: Occurs during a fashion show when a model walks a runway or elevated catwalk, to showcase clothing and accessories to potential buyers.

Catalog: Print modeling done to showcase a company’s clothing or products in their publication. Example: JC Penney’s, Sears, Macy’s catalogs.

Editorial: Print modeling for high fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Glamour, ect. It is generally edgy and showcases a current style or trend.

Fit: A model that has the perfect body sizes and proportions for a certain clothing line or designer preference. It is very important for a fit model to maintain their size. Fit models are hired to help designers see how their clothing looks and moves on a person. Some companies hire fit models on a more permanent basis. Fit models are the least seen and often best paid models in the business.

Promotional

Live modeling designed to drive consumer demand for a product or brand. It can range from representing a company at a tradeshow to handing out samples in a shopping mall or appearing on behalf of an alcohol brand at a bar. A promotional model needs to be very outgoing and have a great personality.

Spokesmodel: A form of promo modeling in which the model acts as the face of a brand. They tend to be paid well and usually travel around countries to advertise said brand.

Commercial & Print

Commercial & print modeling is generally done to advertise products, services and companies. There is no set height or weight for commercial modeling, but you must be a well proportioned, attractive, real person that can act and play different characters. You will find commercial/print models in magazines, advertisements, posters, banners, etc.

Casual / Lifestyles: When a model portrays a distinctive part of life, from a college student in an ad for dorm room accessories to a senior citizen couple in a healthcare ad. Lifestyles models are generally attractive versions of the stereotype.

Corporate: Print modeling with a business theme. Corporate models portray doctors, nurses, executives, and other business people in brochures, ads and annual reports.

Swimwear: Swimwear models generally are curvier than fashion models with toned but not overly muscular figures. Swimwear models can appear in advertising for any type of beach or resort location, suntan products and swimwear catalogs.

Fitness: Fitness modeling requires a well toned figure and often a degree of athletic proficiency. Fitness models appear in ads for health and fitness products, athletic companies, and trade magazines such as Runner’s World or Shape.

Lingerie: This can range from a catalog lingerie situation where the girl is wearing a simple bra and panty set and smiling at the camera (JC Penney, Macy’s) to a scene where the mood is more mature in nature (Victoria’s Secret, Maxim).

Glamour: Modeling with a playful sexual overtone. Glamour modeling can include lingerie and swimwear. It can range from cheesecake pinup photos to calendar and Maxim style images. Glamour models normally have curvy figures and beautiful faces.

Alternative: Any modeling that does not conform to normal modeling standards. This can refer to models with tattoos, piercings, different hairstyles, etc. They can usually find work in niche magazines and through the use of the internet.

Nude

Glamour Nude: Playboy and Pin-up Calendar style modeling.

Artistic Nude: Posing nude for an artist for the purposes of creating art.

Erotic Nude: Nude modeling that is artistic yet sexual in theme. Not pornographic.

Modeling Specific Body Parts

Hair: Hair models have gorgeous healthy hair. They are used for hair product ads and to show different hairstyles in hair magazines or at hair shows.

Legs and Feet: Leg and feet models have long shapely legs. They may be used in ad for pantyhose or anything that would require an image of good legs.

Hands: Hand models have long graceful hands and impeccable nails. They are used in jewelry ads or any other image that requires a pair of photogenic hands.

Web Model

The business of modeling and specifically casting may not always happen through the internet. A quality client will always go through a modeling or talent agency to hire a model for work. The internet, however, can be used as a networking tool for amateur models and photographers to meet and develop their craft together. This is a great tool for amateur photographers, however the models unfortunately are usually left with nothing more than poor quality images and bad habits learned from lack of proper direction in front of the camera.

Acting / Commercials

Playing a role on television in an advertisement for a product, service, or idea. There is no specific requirement to be cast as an actor; generally, the requirements depend on the director involved.