Types of Modeling

Runway modeling is widely known because you see and hear about it everywhere in the fashion world. Designers are in business to sell their designs, and need models to bring their clothes to life, so it is worth the designer’s time and effort to have the most ideal model to show these collections. Therefore, models have to meet very strict requirements.

Don’t be alarmed. There are several types of modeling. If a female or male model does not meet the standard criteria of a runway model (which is really specific and traditional), one might try other avenues of modeling such as editorial, print, promotional, acting/commercial, body part, fine art or fit.

Editorial

Editorial modeling is a form of print modeling. It is for high fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, or Glamour (to name a few). It is generally edgy and displays a current style or trend. Petite models can be editorial models ranging from 5 ft 0 in and up.

Print

Another form of print modeling is commercial print. Commercial print advertises products, services, and companies. Print ranges from portraying a business theme such as doctors, nurses, executives to athletic fitness ads for the sports industry, and swimwear or lingerie. There is no current set height or size, but as in any modeling arena, one should be attractive, well proportioned and posses some acting skills whether natural or training.

Promotional

Promotional modeling is live modeling representing a company and its brand to consumers. Promotional modeling ranges from handing out promotional material for a company at local bars, shopping malls, etc. As a promotional model, one must be outgoing, energetic, and an extrovert. See my blog Who Could be a Model for more details on a model’s characteristics.

Acting/Commercial

Acting and Commercial modeling is similar to promotional modeling with the exception that it is usually filmed or recorded for television. It entails portraying a lifestyle or stereotype to promote a brand or service.

Body Part

Body part modeling is modeling hair products, makeup products, jewelry, or shoes using a model’s face, hair, hands, legs, and feet. Body part modeling intertwines with print and commercial print modeling because they advertise products to consumers to purchase.

Fine Art

Fine Art modeling is usually nude work for painters, photographers, and the like. Models in this field are usually used for training art students, posing as a statute, and being captured in a drawing or painting. The art that is created is called figure drawing, figure painting, or sculpture, and photography. Painters and sculptors, often submit their work to museums and art galleries for sale.

Fit

Fit modeling is another way to make a living in the modeling industry. Very high paying if you possess the right attributes and features a designer needs. Being a fit model can be stressful because the model must (must, must, must) have and maintain a perfect body. Fit models work closely and sometimes exclusively to a designer. Some companies hire fit models. Fit models are rarely seen, but are often best paid in the business.

Runway Fashion modeling can serve as a great paying career, but you must be a certain size, height, and body type in order to be considered a fashion runway model. The tradition is for one to be very tall and very thin (to give you an idea, models are also referred to as mannequins). In some fashion industries in the world, a size 00 is more ideal than a size 0. The amount of exposure once labeled as a runway model is limitless. Runway models get casted for fashion shows in Paris, Milan, London, New York, Montreal, and the list goes on. All types of modeling is open for males and females, and usually the ages of 18-25 are the best candidates for agencies and designers.

I only named a few types of modeling here, there are many more such as alternative modeling which are models who don’t fit in the other modeling areas that I have mentioned like tattooed, punk, and Goth. There is also plus size modeling, which has grown over the past years, but again not as reflective as the traditional modeling types. I think to be successful is to know which category that best suits you, your attributes, and your personality and work that angle first and if you desire to become a runway model, work at it, meet the criteria and GO FOR IT!

Ty and/or its affiliates accept no liability for the content of this blog or for the consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided. However, I do attempt to gather information from valid, trustworthy, and reliable informational sources.

I hope that you find the information provided helpful and insightful. I look forward to receiving your feedback, comments, and suggestions: all are most welcomed. All photos in this blog are sole property of the respective owners.