A decade ago, if you wanted to become a model it was much more difficult and aspiring models generally had to look a certain way. Today, the modelling industry has grown massively and there is much more room for variety. There are many different areas of modelling in which models of all shapes and sizes are in demand, which has made modelling much more accessible.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing which type of model you are is critical to your success.\u201d<\/p>\n
The biggest mistake we see aspiring models make is aligning themselves to the wrong type of modelling. If you don\u2019t market yourself within the right area, you\u2019ll be unlikely to get modelling jobs or agency representation.<\/p>\n
Everything \u2013 having a perfect portfolio; contacting the right agencies; getting signed; getting booked for jobs; getting rebooked for jobs \u2013 comes back to knowing which type of model you are and maximising your chances within that area.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a breakdown of the most common areas of modelling, and the types of models who are best suited to each.<\/p>\n
Want to become a model? First know your type.<\/p>\n
Fashion Modelling<\/p>\n
Modelling Types | Become a Model<\/p>\n
\u201cFashion Modelling is the type of modelling that the majority of people know about, but it\u2019s not the only type of modelling.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is what most people think of when they think of modelling. It\u2019s the most high profile area, but it\u2019s also one of the most difficult to get into.<\/p>\n
Fashion modelling is about promoting high fashion, and covers a broad range of mediums from runway modelling to editorial shoots to fit modelling for designer brands. The requirements for a fashion model are stringent.<\/p>\n
Female models mostly need to be over 5\u20199 and male models over 5\u201911, and must be slender, striking and have an unusual or exotic beauty. (Read more on fashion modelling)<\/p>\n
Commercial Modelling<\/p>\n
Modelling Types | Commercial Modelling<\/p>\n
\u201cCommercial modelling is all about promoting products or services, so there\u2019s much more variety in the type of model that \u2018sells\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
A company marketing tech and gadgets, for example, is going to want someone very different to a company marketing washing powder.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the largest area of modelling because the requirements are much less proscriptive, and many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people.<\/p>\n
The most important requirement for a commercial model is to be able to act. Whether you\u2019re appearing in TV, online or in print, you\u2019re selling an image. Actors often cross over into commercial modelling for that reason \u2013 you need to be able to capture an emotion, on demand and on repeat. (Read more on commercial modelling)<\/p>\n
Character Modelling<\/p>\n
\u201cCharacter models come in all shapes and sizes, but they are fantastic at portraying different characters and taking on different briefs. This is our model Deepak Anand featured in Vice Magazine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Character models play a character as an extra in films or TV, or model in commercials or promotions. There\u2019s no specific requirement for a character model in terms of height, weight, body type or age.<\/p>\n
Character models will be best suited to certain roles \u2013 if you look like a mechanic, for example, you probably don\u2019t look like a grandmother!<\/p>\n
Low barrier to entry in the character modelling industry means competition is fierce, though. Making sure you stand out from the crowd means being professional, committed and likeable \u2013 so clients want to work with you. (Read more on character modelling)<\/p>\n
Glamour Modelling<\/p>\n
Modelling Type | Lingerie Models[Source | Source]<\/p>\n
\u201cGlamour Modelling is used to sell an image. Glamour models tend to be sexy, both male and female. Male models are well toned and women are curvaceous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rather than promoting a product or service, glamour modelling is used to sell an image. Glamour models convey an image of sexiness, and models are generally well toned (men) or curvaceous (female).<\/p>\n
There are various types of glamour modelling, including lingerie, swimwear and Page 3. Glamour models might do editorial work, or online work such as live webcam are easy to get into and can be highly lucrative. (Read more on glamour modelling)<\/p>\n
Body Parts Modelling<\/p>\n
Modelling Type | Hand Modelling<\/p>\n
[Source | Source]<\/p>\n
\u201cBody Parts modelling is another section to the commercial modelling world. There are jobs out there for body part models but the work is less frequent than that of a broader commercial model.\u201d<\/p>\n
Body parts modelling refers to, as the name suggests, modelling a part of the body, generally in print or film. The most common types of body parts modelling are:<\/p>\n
Hair modelling \u2013 Hair product ads demand healthy, versatile hair
\nLegs modelling \u2013 Long, shapely legs are made for leg modelling
\nHand\/Feet modelling \u2013 graceful hands and impeccable nails are a must
\n(Read more about body parts modelling)<\/p>\n
Petit or Plus Sized Modelling<\/p>\n
Modelling Type | Plus Size Model[Source | Source]<\/p>\n
\u201cTess Holliday is a plus size model making waves in the industry. She\u2019s a size 22 and has recently headed up a campaign with H&M\u201c<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an increasing realisation amongst professionals in the fashion industry that the everyday consumer comes in more than one shape and size.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re seeing more clothes being designed for plus and petit-sized women, and as a result there\u2019s more demand than ever to model those clothes. Petit models are generally between 5\u20195 and 5\u20197 in sizes 6 to 10, and plus-sized models will generally by 5\u20199 and up, from a size 12 upwards. (Read more on plus sized modelling or more on petit modelling)<\/p>\n
Child, Teen and Classic Modelling<\/p>\n
Commercial Modelling<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter how old you are, a modelling career could be a viable option for you. Age is only a number and it is more about what you can do and how photogenic you are. That is not to say that anyone and everyone can model though\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
You can become a model at all ages. Child modelling can be very lucrative, and is mostly personality based. If your child is happy and well-behaved, they could make a great child model. Any product marketed for children or babies needs a child model, so the opportunities in this field are vast.<\/p>\n
(Read more on child modelling)<\/p>\n
Teen modelling can be a fantastic foundation for a career as an adult model, and the opportunities here are vast as the teen demographic is very lucrative for advertisers. Teen models have to have the \u2018look\u2019 the client wants, but personality is equally important.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also recommended that teen models have other skills and hobbies as these demonstrate passion and personality \u2013 something all directors look for. Versatility is critical to teen models, as you\u2019ll likely work across many mediums and it will help you lay a better foundation for a modelling career as an adult.<\/p>\n
(Read more on teen modelling, or read our advice to parents of child or teen models)<\/p>\n
At the other end of the spectrum, there doesn\u2019t have to be an upper age limit on modelling. Classic modelling refers to models who are around 35 or older, and the demand for this is increasing. It\u2019s never too late to build a career as an older commercial model.
\n(Read more on classic modelling)<\/p>\n
These are some of the main types of modelling, but it isn\u2019t a complete list. The modelling industry changes to reflect advertising demand \u2013 so as demand increases, new types of modelling spring up to meet it.<\/p>\n
Knowing which type of modelling you\u2019re best suited to is absolutely critical if you want to become a model, because it will allow you to maximise your chances of getting booked within that sector. As the industry becomes increasingly diverse, it\u2019s never been a better time to be a model \u2013 but it\u2019s more important than ever to know your look.<\/p>\n
We Are Models offer a bespoke model consultation to help you decide your look and position yourself competitively for modelling jobs. We have relationships with some of the top modelling agencies and casting directors in the world, so we understand what they\u2019re looking for and how to give you the best chances of success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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