Modeling is a business with a large variety of styles and caters to people of all ages and sizes. From the kid next door, to a college girl, or a 50-year old dad, anyone has the ability to become a model; it only depends on the style of modeling you are best suited for. Here we list the various kinds of styles that are provided by the various modeling agencies and help you discover what works for your look.
Fashion
This is the where the strict requirement and the toughest standards for models are imposed. Usually fashion models taken for consideration are above 165cm, but generally people above 170cm are preferred. A slender figure is also preferred in most cases for this style. There are 4 main categories of fashion modeling namely, Runway, Editorial, Catalog and Fitness.
Runway: A person is required to do a professional catwalk in order to market a particular brand or fashion wear. Confidence and good height are required in this.
Editorial: High-end fashion magazines where a stylish fashion sense is showcased. A model should have good height, distinct looks, and a camera-friendly photogenic appeal.
Catalog: Print ads for various publications to present different types of clothing wears lines and products. Being photogenic and expressing various moods and emotions are important here.
Fitness: This type perhaps has the toughest body requirements and maintaining your body figure is an essential enduring process. The opportunities here are limited as there only certain kinds of sports and lifestyle brands that require the employment of fitness models, and as such, the competition for this modeling type is very high. But if you do get the opportunity, rest assured, your payment will be a hefty amount.
Commercial
This form has very little requirements other than a marketable look and personality. Anyone with passion for modeling has a good chance at excelling in this field.
Other types are assessed for good acting and role playing, and conversational skills are Television Commercials, Television shows, trade shows, entertainment magazines, event campaigns, and website videos.
Commercial print type of modeling also falls under the commercial category, which include Corporate (E.g. Nurses, Doctors, lawyers), Fitness, Swimwear, Lingerie, Glamour (Modeling with sexual appeal, such as Maxim/Playboy types, only for those above 18 years old.), and Alternative (E.g. Rock, Gothic, Indie looks etcetera).
Promotional
A specific form where one represent a brand, good or service. The modeling criteria are not very stringent on the model’s looks but rather the focus is on the ability to sell a product or idea, being able to communicate, and having an outgoing vibrant personality. Models are mostly used for an event, conventions or shows to promote their brand to consumers.
Plus-size
It is growing in popularity because of its industry and market relevance. This is an area modeling agencies are increasingly picking up on. People here don’t fit the conventional modeling standards, but have heavier weight and present a fuller bodily appearance.
Freelance
Freelance models are not bound to any agency and instead functions like a self-agency. They would have to source for their own clients, manage their own schedule, and promote their own works by creating their own portfolio, comp card, website. They may also work for multiple agencies and not be a contractually signed model for any particular agency. This all sounds very taxing on an individual, but upon establishing the right contacts and working out a proper management routine, this form of modeling is one which may gives higher levels of flexibility and greater number of opportunities.
Body parts
This is a modeling style where specific body parts are modeled for. Most commonly the body parts requested for are hair, legs, and hands. This requires the model to maintain the beauty of the specific body part well and lead a healthy hygienic lifestyle. For example, a hand model must take the effort to wash the hands regularly, cut the fingernails properly, go for manicure if necessary, and lead a healthy lifestyle to maintain the natural skin glow. If you think you have a nice shiny and luscious hair, smooth and beautiful leg or hand, you can highlight your interest to a modeling agency.
