What Sort Of Model Are You?

by Mistie McDonald

So you want to model. 

Ok awesome. 

The next questions you need to ask yourself is : 

What genre of modeling do I fit?

What is my body type?

What are my stats? 

(height,weight,etc)

What am I interested in?

Most girls get into modeling because well "I have a pretty face, a hot body & I like the camera."

This isn't really the reason to get into modeling.

This business is brutal. You have to have a tough skin.

Because you are going to be run through the ringer when it comes to your looks and what you do and don't fit. Especially if you choose fashion. 

Now for some cold hard facts.

If you are wanting to work in fashion and want to be signed to an agency,

you better be no shorter than 5'7 and no larger than a size 4 and thats pushin it.

A size 4 is considered a bit fat for fashion.

Also you better be younger than 18.

It blows I know. But them's the breaks when it comes to the fashion world. 

Now its a bit more loose in rules for commercial print fashion, but not much.

They still want you to be 5'6 and no bigger than a size 4.

The reason for this is that the sample sizes for designers are made to showcase the clothing with the least amount of material possible and well they are made to hang on sticks in all honesty.

Ok now on to the divisions of modeling.

Under fashion there is :

Fashion, Editorial, & Runway

All 3 of those have the strict height and size rule

Catalog

Not to restrictive. 

This can be everything from web catalog to print.

Fit & Fitness

The only requirement for this is you have a sickeningly fit body

(think Jillian Michaels or body builders)

Plus Sized

Size restrictive. Mostly size 12-14 sometimes up to an 18.

They still want you tall. But it tends to be a little more body friendly.

Commercial Print

Height and size a lot like fashion.

Think about seeing the ad's in the mall in ur favorite stores

Showroom,Promotional,& Trade show

These are all basically the same thing.

Think about going to a convention or an event where u see booths with models wearing the companies logo's and promoting their products. 

Measuring restrictions depend on the event.

Parts Modeling

Lips,legs, eyes, and other body parts. 

Think makeup or lotion commercials

40 Plus Modeling

Basically for people over 40

Beauty

These are mostly seen for makeup companies and hair companies. 

No measurement requirements because their head shots.

Think either nice and clean makeup/hair or really artsy!

Glamour

Think Fhm,playboy

Not really any stat requirments.

Alternative

There is literally no restrictions on this.

Anything goes honestly.

Think goth,punk,emo,steampunk, tattoo's and anything non mainstream

Ok so now that you have a basic understanding of the divisions of modeling, which I will go into more explanation of them at a later time.

Now is the time to look at yourself and start deciding what you think your good for.

Remember if your under 5'7 and not a size 4 or less toss fashion out the door.

So get in front of the mirror and be really honest with yourself.

Look at your measurements and your features and then look at the modeling divisions and choose.

Now I will tell you that you should try everything at least once.

That doesn't mean that you will choose that division. Just means you get to have a bit of fun.

The trick is to be honest with yourself. If you really aren't sure there is no harm in asking.

So good luck my darlings!