Most people associate modeling with tall, slender, “beautiful” people. The truth is that there are different types of modeling. The categories are: Fashion, Body Part, Commercial and Glamor Modeling.

Fashion Modeling

Editorial Modeling

Fashion editorial modeling consists of modeling for a magazine’s editorial pages. These magazines, such as Elle, Glamour and Cosmo, usually focus on fashion. The editorial pages will feature models wearing what the magazine thinks will be the next trend in fashion. Editorial work does not pay as well as other types of high fashion modeling but it is great for building a model’s reputation and building one’s portfolio. . Also, because fashion magazines are not as constrained as advertising work, they can use more ‘extreme’ and ‘special beauty’ models in their pages.

Runway Modeling

Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections twice a year (Fall and Spring) to perspective buyers. Designers present these collections to a gathering of buyers by sending models down a walkway or runway. How well a model brings the clothes to life and shows important features of the garments can determine how well they sell. So it is worth it to a designer to have the most ideal models show these collections. This is why models have to meet very strict requirements and why they get such high fees for this type of work. These young models tend to be very tall, slender and move very well in clothes.

Catalog Modeling

Catalogs require models in the clothes they are trying to sell. Generally, catalog modesl are picked for a project because they represent the ideal of the market segment for which the catalog is targeted. Catalog modeling usually pays well because of the volume of photos that must be taken.

Print Modeling

Print modeling can be for display ads or collateral print material. This is the most demanding work to get but pays the best because of usage and exclusives. These are the ads that can make or break a designer’s reputation. Therefore it is important that the photo and model work perfectly to convey the ‘image’ that is wanted.

Show Room Modeling

Modeling for buyers in the designer’s show room.
Fashion Lingerie and Bathing Suit Modeling
These two types of modeling speak for themselves. Since these two can be revealing they require good body proportions and body tone.

Fitness Modeling

This is one of the fastest growing modeling categories partly because health and fitness has moved more into the public consciousness. There has also been an increase in the number of fitness, health, and outdoor lifestyle magazines.

Fashion Fit Modeling

Fit models have the perfect proportions for a given clothing size. Garment manufacturers and designers hire fit models to use to piece together new creations, see how they move, and develop their patterns. The key for a fit model is to never gain or lose an inch. Fit models can be hired by manufacturers in permanent salaried positions.

Fashion Tearoom Modeling

This was very popular in smaller markets. Usually it would be at ladies luncheons where models would wander between tables wearing designer clothes from local fashion boutiques. The models would describe the outfit they wore and where to buy it. Not big bucks, but a place to start and gain confidence in a small market.

Further Divisions

These categories can have further sub categories for size-petite and plus, and for age-children, preteen and mature. Petite size models are usually 5’2 to 5’6. Plus size is the same height as standard size models bust size 14-16. Main stream models usually start in around 14 years of age and go to their early twenties.

Body Parts Modeling

Body part modeling is a special category that belongs in both fashion and commercial modeling. This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Body part models usually specialize in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck.

Types of Commercial Modeling

Product Modeling

In product modeling a photograph is being generated to sell a product and the model is used to show how the product is used. The model may also be used to convey an image about a product. The physical requirements and look for commercial product modeling can vary a great deal. It all depends on the story or image the company is trying to sell. This is where character models are used.

Lifestyle Modeling

Models are used in photos showing a period of life or doing something in life. The models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. The physical requirements, age, size, etc. can vary greatly. Attractive people are usually used.

Corporate Modeling

Corporate modeling is like lifestyle modeling but will have a business theme.

Product Demo

In smaller markets this seems to be a favorite area to start models. Models stand in front of, or in a store or mall, and hand out free samples of something. This is a good way to build confidence around people.

Trade Show Modeling

When trade shows come to town some exhibitors may hire models to hand out literature at their booths.