Can I Become A Model?
Top Modeling Categories Include
- Editorial Fashion Modeling
- Runway/Catwalk Modeling
- Commercial/Lifestyle Modeling
- Plus Size Modeling
- Promotional Modeling
At Bella Modeling School, we make sure our students are well informed of the industry and understand the differences in each category. We want them to understand and know exactly the type of modeling they want to pursue and be fully prepared to pursue it.
Let‘s start with Editorial Fashion Modeling
These models are the ones you find in the editorial spreads of pages like Elle, Vogue, Glamour, etc. The requirements to be an editorial fashion model are: 5′ 9″ to 6′ 0″ tall and the models arevery slim. A female editorial models’ measurements are usually – bust 33″, waist 23″, hips 33″. This is one of the highest paid categories in modeling but also the most competitive. The more you work on building a name for yourself in the modeling industry, the greater chance you have of being successful in this category. Modeling agencies will always look at the “complete package” that the model presents when determining whether or not they can be editorial models. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet these stats exactly, there have been many models used outside of the standard requirements. Other things that help them determine hiring a specific model outside of look and measurements are number of followers on social medias, image they have in the industry, and how well they can represent their clothing/accessories. Here are some examples of what Editorial Fashion work looks like.
Runway/Catwalk Modeling
Becoming a runway model takes having a great walk and the height requirements all depend on the designers and what the style and sizes of clothing they make. If it is a petite line, they will need petite models, and if it’s a line made for taller girls, they would need taller models. However, the industry standard runway models for high fashion designers are 5′ 9″ – 5′ 11″ men 5’11” and up, and for more commercial shows, especially in Dallas the average height they go for is 5’7″+ for women and 5’10” for men. There are many designers that have used models that are even shorter than that, depending on the show they are having. Runway models, along with any other category of modeling, must always know their measurements so they are able to fit the clothes that designers are going to be showing to their clients. Sometimes the items, especially if it is the first time designers are showcasing it, are made in sample sizes which are sizes 0-2 or measurements 34″ – 23″ – 34″. Designers here in Dallas, Texas are not as picky as New York or even LA. For example, I am 5’6 and I have been able to walk in many fashion shows. Here is a photo of me walking a gown for Mexican Designer, Enrique, at Voces Magazine International Fashion Show. So don’t be discouraged! You can still walk the runway even if you aren’t tall enough, I did!
Commercial/Lifestyle Modeling
Commercial/Lifestyle models can be all ages, sizes, and height. Awesome right?! Commercial models can do everything that isn't normally associated with high-fashion, such as everyday product ads: food products, travel industry, tech devices, and the list goes on, or products that go with a certain lifestyle such as someone doing yoga, drinking healthy smoothies, or walking the beach with a "family". I say "family" because the other people in the photo may be other models and not actual family members. Commercial models also need to take good care of their skin, teeth, and bodies. These are the models that look like attractive everyday people, and are representing a segment of the population that can relate to them, or want to look like them by using the products they are representing. A bonus: they are usually well paid and can bring in extra money depending on what the photos are used for.
Plus Size Modeling
Plus-size models are not necessarily plus-size in terms of actual measurements. Sure, they fall outside the range of your standard editorial fashion model, which is why models in this range of sizes 8 to 14 (depending on the build), are usually considered plus-size models. Sometimes, even a size 6 can be considered to be in the plus size department. Most of the work for plus size models are in catalog, online, print campaigns for specialty brands and designers, followed by the showroom, fit, and magazine editorials. You can find plus size models everywhere nowadays which is a great change in the modeling industry and is opening a lot of doors for other models. For example, here is one of our Bella Modeling School graduates, Sophia Livolsi, who is pursuing modeling in the plus size category and has been able to book many jobs even while she was still in the program!
Promotional Modeling
Many promotional models, who are well under “modeling” height, have had excellent careers. Promotional models come in all shapes and sizes depending on the requirements of the brand they are working for. They do however as for models who have great attitudes and people skills since they are representing a product or brand for that day. Promotional models are booked for jobs that involve interacting directly with consumers face to face, giving out samples of a new product, dressing up as a certain role for an event, or drawing attention to a booth at a convention. Promotional modeling is the one category of modeling that generally does not require being in front of the camera or walking a runway, and it rarely has a height requirement. I, for example, have done many promo modeling jobs in my career and they have been great experiences for me! Here are some examples of the promo work I've done: I've been a Vegas showgirl, 1920's flapper girl, and have done promo work for products like VP racing fuels. These models are also known as a promo model or brand ambassador. There are always many jobs you can find in promo modeling and usually pay well by the hour. The ranges are anywhere from ($18-$50+ an hour). You will see a lot of models who pursue different categories of modeling doing these jobs on their downtime or in between other modeling gigs for extra money.
But that's not all!
There are many more categories in the modeling industry for aspiring models to pursue. I hope this helped you learn more about what is out there for models! Which category of modeling are you most interested in doing?
If you want to learn more about other types of modeling you can pursue, including the niche markets of modeling in the industry, and which ones would be best for you, Apply here! Learn more about the industry, and get the right training and materials needed to be successful in your modeling career.
Remember ladies to always KEEP IT BELLA!
Love,
Obdulia Espinoza
Bella Stylist, Actress & Model
