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Modeling 101

By Candace Perry

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Types of Modeling

+Modeling Has Two Branches

The modeling industry consists of two distinct branches:

Print Modeling

Runway Modeling

This workshop will be focusing on Print Modeling, though we’ll go over runway modeling briefly

+Know Your Market!

When we talk about modeling here, we’ll be using two important terms to know:

Industry Standard/Major Market:

Refers to the standards the big agencies in NYC, Miami, LA are looking for

Small Markets:

Refers to exceptions to modeling standards that are made in the smaller markets like Savannah.

+Runway

Exceptions:

Small markets (All ages, 5’5”+, Size 0-4)

Plus size (5’9,” Size 10-16)Runway models are a blank canvas for designers and should have straight, white teeth, excellent posture, and healthy hair. They start their careers before age 21.

Industry Standard

Age 16-24

Height 5’9”-6’0”

Size 0-2

Measurements 34-24-34

+Print Modeling

Print models are models that are photographed regularly for catalogues, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and other advertising forms.

These models must be photogenic & able to portray different moods by changing their expressions or poses.

+Print Modeling Requirements

Though print models range in height & age requirements, all must: Be in great shape Have clear skin White teeth Healthy hair

Confidence and no amount of shyness in front of the camera is key!

+Branches of Print Modeling

Within print modeling, there are several branches: Fashion/Editorial Commercial Glamour Fitness Plus Size

+ Fashion/Editorial Print Models

Exceptions:

Small markets (5’5”+, Size 0-2)

Plus size (5’9,” Size 10-16)These models have very unique facial bone structure and are able to communicate a story through body language.

Industry Standard

(Same as Runway)

Age 16-24

Height 5’9”-6’0”

Size 0-2

Measurements

34-24-34

+Commercial Print Models

Commercial models are “everyday people’ and requirements depend upon the product they are selling. The models range in age from young to old, but all have clear skin & a great smile. Models in this branch are typically expected to have some acting skills as well as they may be booked for TV commercials.

Industry Standard

Age Any

Height 5’5’+

Size Any

Measurements

Any

+Glamour Models

Glamour models are models that model for sexy products such as bikinis, lingerie, or men’s magazines. There are no height or size requirements, though there is a breast cup size requirement of a C and larger. Glamour models are curvy, but in excellent shape.

Industry Standard

Age Any

Height Any

Size C Cup

Measurements

Any

+Fitness Models

Fitness models are in excellent shape and model for health, fitness, or nutrition products. Once again, clear skin, white teeth, and a great smile are paramount. They often must have a great year-round tan as well. Age and height do not matter for this particular facet of the modeling industry.

Industry Standard

Age Any

Height Any

Size Any

Measurements

Any

+Plus Size Models

It used to be that models had to be teeny tiny. Now modeling has opened it up to a more “real woman” market to include plus size models. Though there are still height requirements, plus size models can range in size from 10-16, and walk runway as well as model for print. But they still must be in moderately good shape, toned but curvy and bigger-boned.

Industry Standard

Age 16-24

Height 5’9-6’0”

Size 10-16

+Self-evaluationQ: Where do you fit?

+What if I don’t fit into any market?

Unless you’re shorter than 5’5”, you can do commercial modeling. Remember, commercial modeling is “everyday people” modeling. You just need to have clear skin, white teeth, a pretty smile, and be in great shape!

+What if I don’t want to be a commercial model?

Unfortunately, the modeling industry’s requirements are super strict. Exceptions are typically only made in local markets. The downside to local markets is they don’t typically pay. So modeling becomes a hobby for models in local markets.

+Tools of the Trade: It’s All About Marketing Yourself

+Q: Can I get into Modeling for FREE?

A: NO…unless you sign with a large market agency in NYC, Miami, or LA. If you don’t live in one of those cities, you need:

PHOTOSPolaroid's: If you are a fashion or runway modelCompcard: If you are any other type of model

You don’t need a full portfolio of work, but you DO need the above. Since competition is fierce (agencies receive thousands of submissions a week), your photos must stand out.

+Polaroid Photos Example

Unedited, no makeup, natural hair

Don’t have to be professionally shot but should be clear & in-focus.

Above is an example of what FORD Models requires. You can see more examples of polaroids at www.models.com

Marketing Tool for Fashion & Runway Models

+Compcard Example

She stands out in a pile of photos

Wide range of looks showing versatility

Professional: Flawless makeup, hair, & photography

Headshot, ¾, full bodies

Marketing Tool for All Other Models

+ Tools of the Trade: Hire the Right Team

+Choosing Your Photographer

Hire someone with an eye for fashion photography, NOT a wedding photographer!

Look through their portfolio and see if they’ve shot other models

Look for well-lit, in-focus, glossy work that could’ve been published in a magazine or HAS been published in a magazine

+Examples

BAD Fashion Photography GOOD Fashion Photography

+Choosing Your Makeup Artist

Not about the colors or style of makeup in their portfolio; makeup artist work can range from weddings to editorial.

Choose by looking closely at the eyes and see if the eye shadow colors are well blended. The blush application should also be soft & smooth

Have they been published in any magazines?

+Examples

BAD Makeup GOOD Makeup

+Choosing Your Hair Stylist

Not about the styles of hair their portfolio; hairstylist work can range from weddings to editorial.

Choose by looking closely at the hair; does it look professionally done? Does it look like something you’d see in a magazine or something out of a horrible Southern Belle photo?

Have they been published in any magazines?

+Examples

BAD Hair Styling GOOD Hair Styling

+ Tools of the Trade: Submit to the Right Agencies

+Avoid Scams!

Scams typically include:

Overnight/fly by agencies that do castings at hotels

High-dollar investments (you should spend $500 for a compcard, no more)

Promises of getting signed

No requirements; if you notice they’re taking short people and have no standards at all, run away!

Require expensive modeling classes & conventions

+Legit Agencies

Have a physical location

Have compcards on their walls

Have work hanging on their walls from things they’ve been published in

MAY offer modeling classes, but that is not their sole focus and they do NOT require all models to take them

+Submit Yourself

Check agency websites for casting calls

If you’re nearby, go in-person. Wear jeans, heels, and a solid colored t-shirt.

If you’re not nearby, submit your photos

+Self-Eval Let’s Take a Look At YOUR pics!