Category: Fashion

 

 

What next?

Here are my recommendations. These are based upon my life experiences, my readings, and what I believe it takes to succeed in this field. Read them. Think about them. Combine these thoughts with other articles on this and other sites and then plan your modeling career. You will find authors with different viewpoints and definitions. Does that mean that one person is wrong or misleading you? Not necessarily. We all have different experiences and thus we developed different perceptions. It is my hope that when you have completed your studies you will find a consensus and have a plan which works for you. You are an individual who lives in your particular part of the world and with your limitations. There is no one formula.
Overnight success stories are rarely true. Someone may seem to rocket to the top overnight but you can rest assured that it was not an accident. Every career has its own demands and unique sacrifices. Most aspiring models don't realize there is a lot of work involved and they get frustrated when things don't move quickly. If you are informed and you have a plan you will be better prepared for the roller coaster. You need to be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for what this career will take. It is critical to understand the industry as a whole and in your part of the world to succeed in this career.

Basic Types of Modeling

Fashion Modeling

Fashion modeling seems to be a growing part of the industry. It encompasses everything from fashion shoots for ads, web sites, mail-order catalogs to live shows for design houses to promotions of all kinds of apparel.

Accessories.

Ideally, you must be a sample size - women need to be (at least) 5.6 feet tall, weigh approx. 110 to 120 lbs and possess vital statistics of 34-24-35 in. Men should be about (at least) 5'9" tall, weigh approximately 170"., with vital statistics of 39-32-37 in.. Clear healthy skin, good teeth, great expressions, clear eyes and healthy hair are common traits. Your personality should be extroverted and unafraid of performing.

Modeling clothing and accessories involves learning to walk, move, and showing off the clothing to make it appealing. Viewers will look at a model and often imagine themselves in that outfit. Clothing is designed to appeal to specific lifestyles looks. The entire effect must enhance the image of the clothes and be consistent throughout.

Keep in mind that your "look" may help or hurt you when it comes to specific jobs. Do not take it personally - perhaps you will have the right image for the opportunity!

 

Children and Teens Modeling

 

Children and teens can find work in many different types of modeling including fashion shows and commercials. Teen models are often called Junior models. Junior models must be 5'0" to 5'6" tall and 12 to 17 years old with very youthful looks. They usually have 32-34" busts, 21-25" waists and 32-34" hips.

 

Editorial Print Modeling

 

This refers to photography for magazines, including covers. This work is very eagerly sought after by models because of the exposure and the chance for repeat work. To achieve this goal you can expect to work long and hard. The smaller jobs are but you will get tear sheets for your portfolio that will help you get work.

 

Commercial Print Modeling

 

This refers to when models are photographed to promote a product on billboards, buses, magazines and newspapers. This type of modeling can be divided into two sections: Fashion Advertising and Product Advertising.

 

Runway (Ramp) Modeling

 

This is one of the best ways to gain exposure. However, this type of work can be very regional. It is considered the most glamorous type of modeling and requires a lot of confidence and grace. You will must make the audience think that you love the outfit you are wearing. You should look comfortable and at home in even the dullest outfit. There is a minimum height requirement of 5'6'' for runway work.

 

Glamour Agency Typical Work

Models who are willing to do topless and/or nude work may have many opportunities, but not always quality ones. Pick any job in this area with care and read al the fin print on print usage. While Europeans are very comfortable with the human form Americans are "officially" pretty up tight. If you are a serious model pick any work in this area with great care so that you do not taint yourself.