What Kind of Model Am I?

       What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word "model?" A tall, lanky girl strutting down a runway? The pictures you see in fashion magazines? A person in a TV commercial advertising toothpaste? A well endowed (or enhanced) vixen standing next to a luxury car?      Whatever you were thinking, you were right! There's more than one type of model. Lesson 1 is to accurately evaluate yourself and identify what kind (you may be more than one) you are.        There are 3 MAIN categories with several subcategories within, and also specialized types of modeling such as Plus, Petite, Parts, Fit etc.  I will go into those in detail in a later lesson.  If you do not fit into one of the 3 MAIN categories I am going to discuss today, don't lose hope! Your most likely a candidate for one of the more specialized categories.        THE 3 TYPES OF MODELS ARE.....      1) FASHION/EDITORIAL - the labels are interchangeable.  Fashion models in general range from a size 00-4 or 0-6 (depending on the agencies individual standards). They are typically no shorter than 5'9 (there are exceptions) with a waist no larger than 25" and hips no larger than 36". You see them on the runway, in print ads for high end products in magazines, on billboards and TV.  Agencies will typically look to sign models who are under the age of 21.  The pictures you see of them are more artistic and dramatic in comparison to those of commercial models.  Fashion models do not have large tattoos or body piercings.  They have good skin and natural hair.  They have a portfolio and a composite card.       2) COMMERCIAL - COMMERCIAL MODELS COME IN ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND AGES. REPEAT: COMMERCIAL MODELS COME IN ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND AGES. This category covers models you see on tv commercials, in print advertisements, they do background work and small parts on TV shows and in movies, you might see them in music videos, magazines.....anywhere you look and see "normal" people.  A commercial model is supposed to look like a "normal" person, but much better! All ages, all ethnicities, all heights are eligible, since there is such a variety of work.  There is one large condition: A COMMERCIAL MODEL MUST BE IN SHAPE AND HEIGHT/WEIGHT PROPORTIONATE! Commercial models also must keep their skin/hair/nails in good condition. Commercial models should not have large or visible tattoos. If you have them (like I do) learn how to cover them... NOW.  They should not have visible piercings. The pictures you see of them will be very smiley, very happy....they are "regular" people advertising everyday products, services etc. They also have a portfolio and a composite card.      3) PROMOTIONAL MODELS- There is no height or size requirement for promotional models, only that they are in shape and height/weight proportionate.  You see promotional models at trade shows, events, car shows even night clubs.  The job of a promotional model is to look great and draw people's attention to the product or event.  Sometimes promotional models are handing out flyers, selling raffle tickets, just standing next to something while looking pretty or in some cases distributing important information about a product or service to potential customers.  Every job is different, but you must have the same qualities for all of them: a great smile, a sparkling personality and a great attitude! You will not last long as a promotional model if you complain, show up late, or have a bad attitude. Promotional models do not need a portfolio, they should have a resume instead as well as one good head shot and one body shot so the client can see what they look like.  Promo modeling is less strict as far as tattoos and piercings, but it is up to the individual client. Some jobs will request models with no tattoos at all, some actually are looking for models with ink.        So, take a realistic and objective look at yourself in the mirror and decide which category (or categories) fits you best.  After you've determined what kind of model you are.....then you'll be ready for the next step.      Check back soon for updates!