Introduction to the Types of Modeling

Introduction to the Types of Modeling  (Sorry about the length, but before I discuss the different types of models that are out there...there's a professional factor that they should all have in common)



Fortunately, for all of the aspiring models in the world, there are many different “TYPES” of modeling. The jobs are there, but how do you know which types of modeling that you are right for? The competition can be fierce and the industry standards confusing to who is “model material”. You may be wondering how you can learn more about each type of modeling that you are interested in. This is part of your homework. Modeling is a career and should be treated as such by taking the steps that is expected of others training for other careers. There will be individuals in society who think that modeling is an easy job that just comes naturally. Modeling is anything but natural... It's just meant to look that way. As you read through the different types of modeling categories you will see that no two jobs are exactly the same, but once you know what is expected of you there's a better chance that you will succeed versus being totally unprepared.

Before you get started with your career, strive for an advantage of saving some time and money from making some common mistakes. Researching the modeling industry can be fascinating to both the business orientated individuals and to the artistically inclined people. Due to its’ diverse opportunities around the world, there are many places to model, too. There are basic ways to start in modeling schools, but are they right for you and your situation? Anyone who is considering a career as a professional model should be aware of the different TYPES of modeling that are available, as well as the general requirements and locations of each type. There are even opportunities to model as a “hobby” for those who don’t want to make a career commitment.

Regardless of the type of modeling that you may do, there should be absolutely no excuse for not “acting” professional whether or not it’s your primary career. Even if you master the art and technique of modeling, you’ll be the “package deal” if you know how to communicate with others. If you don’t work on all aspects of being a professional model, you may end up losing some opportunities that could have lead to even more successful bookings. There are many potential jobs out there for models that are willing to work at being versatile. The larger percentage of available work may appear highly unglamorous, though, versus the jobs that models strive for. Pros and cons go hand in hand with the modeling industry, but it can be a great life- learning experience if you are a positive, innovative person.

Promoting yourself as a model is more than just “looking like a model”, so learn the skills and increase your knowledge about your chosen profession. You will gain a much better chance of standing out with clients and agents as well as being respected and working more. Dependability is near the top of the list of what they want too, because so many others will rely on your ability to show up on time and perform your expected role. The client’s money and reputation are on the line, as well as yours and the modeling agency, so treat every job with high importance and offer them your respect and interest.

Due to a little lack of experience (and sometimes age), some young and new models can be absolutely clueless to how to interact among professional (and sometimes “not-so-professional”) adults. How would most young, aspiring models know about the reality of the business of modeling without learning? It should not be assumed that your behavior and attitude doesn’t matter as much as your “look” or “specialty” when it comes to success as a model. Some clients will talk about the model right in front of them as if they’re not there and it isn’t always wonderful to hear. Sometimes the client will be polite and smile, but make poor comments about the model after they leave. This can be misleading to the model, but that’s just the way some can be. A model is an open target for public judgment, too. There are so many physical, emotional, financial, and personal challenges that models face from “day one” of their journey into modeling that can place a burden on being “professional” even when they probably feel like screaming (or crying), but self-control plays a large, respectable part in how you handle the bad days or “nasty” people when they arrive…and they will arrive.

In general, make a positive rule to yourself that you will act professional and be respectful to the many people that you will deal with, and accept that there will be others that may NOT follow that same rule. (That’s their problem! Keep your cool.) You can only be responsible for your own career and how you behave. So, the better that you are at not being defensive or overly sensitive to criticism will enhance your own ability to learn from others and be easier to work with. Some people may even be arrogant and mean in the way that they communicate with you, so it can take self-control and practice to cut through the personal insults in order to get the job done as a professional. Whether you are age 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. you will deal with some insensitive human beings, but always dignify yourself in not following that lead to lose your self-control, especially if you are the model.

The least amount said about most insults lets it become less validated to others. But, if it’s meant as honest, constructive criticism then remain attentive and open minded that you may have something to learn from this uncomfortable situation. Often, the comment may be meant as constructive criticism, but the way it may be said or “heard” by the model is another story. (*And if you ever become the one who is placed in the position to make critique on others…remember to use a little compassion along with your honesty, so that you don’t become one of those people who border being rude, uncaring, and arrogant just to prove that they’re in control. Pompous snobbery is very un-cool and not flattering. Professionalism and good manners should apply to everyone. You don’t have to follow in the stereo-type of previous divas nor modeling industry gurus past negative attitudes.)

There are scenarios for each “type” of modeling where models need patience and a “stronger-than-normal” self-esteem because they are placed on a different level of what is expected of them versus most other average jobs and careers outside of modeling. Can you imagine working in a career where you are “allowed” to be constantly critiqued by many about how you look, what you weigh, how old are you, etc??? Most people would feel harassed (& quit or sue), but is the model a super-hero when it comes to criticism? Of course not, they just practice taking it, and hopefully don’t let it destroy their self-esteem. Just because the industry professionals have their own opinions that may not benefit you in getting booked by them doesn’t mean that there’s something not beautiful about you. It certainly doesn’t mean that you won’t ever get booked for another client that you are more compatible with. Not everyone can be a “Cover Girl” or “Victoria’s Secret”, etc. type of model. There is so much competition in modeling and the standards are higher and usually difficult to achieve and maintain, so keep your MIND focused and your BODY fit in order to maintain the balance no matter what type of modeling that you are doing.

To be familiar with the different types of modeling can enhance your chances of making better decisions about the types that you are willing (or NOT willing) to do, too. You may gain a more realistic appreciation of the demands that models can be subjected to and face in the process of their jobs. It’s not as easy as some may think. Of course, a professional model should make it appear effortless, though, to the public! “Good Acting” comes in handy when you’re not the best, yet, so keep up the effort even if you’re feeling less than confident! In every job and type of modeling, use your ears to “listen” to what is wanted, and use your skills and creativity to show what the client wants to see from you and stand out to them. Make the client WISH they had MORE MONEY to offer you and request you again the next time! (LOL) The most seasoned, successful models know that even they have to keep up that effort to remain in such a fickle business like modeling.

The location of where you live, your height, your age, your measurements, your look, your personality, fashion and commercial trends, your financial status, and your knowledge of the modeling industry can affect the opportunities that you are exposed to and discover when you are in the business of modeling. These are very important factors that can determine whether or not “hobby” modeling leads into a longer, professional career as a model. Endurance is needed in modeling. Give it some TIME to get established as a model. There are also many other “subjective” factors that can determine whether or not you become successful as a model, too, such as the people who are hiring models, the people at the agencies working for you, or timing and places of other personal circumstances that effect the choices that you make in your career.

One giant thing that you should be in control of other than the obvious “physical grooming” is your PERSONALITY. Yes, always be professional, but don’t be a boring “robot” just going through the motions. Sometimes it may feel like you are just “going through the motions” when you are modeling, but this is where your attitude, personality, and temperament can shine you through to the next level of modeling where you are known to have a good reputation and act like a PRO. Being persistent without being annoying is a fine line, too, when dealing with very busy individuals, so use your brain and think things through before you have “regrets” afterwards. If individuals are acting annoyed with you, then take a step back and think of how you can quickly save your reputation or learn what not to do, again. Don’t “argue” to defend yourself, nor make a scene that makes you remembered as “THAT” model that shouldn’t even be a model. There are tactful ways of making a point…especially if you keep a smile or positive expression on your face and through your body language. This applies to EVERY type of modeling. Some new models are under the false impression that they will be supermodels just because they may be pretty with nice bodies, but there are more things that can be critiqued about a model than just how they look in person or in print, so the model’s personality plays a HUGE factor in completing your total package and how you are remembered.



For most, high fashion modeling is highly sought after, but can be “non-existent” and “un-attainable” even for the most beautiful, fit people for any given number of reasons. There are stunning and unique looks on both males and females, but the “package” of being a model is much harder to attain when the individual doesn’t recognize that they need to be ready for a diverse occupation and the standards that come with it. AND, for the percentage of models that get exposed to high fashion experiences, it may only be a very short-lived experience, too. The modeling industry requires such high standards that it becomes impossible to move ahead without some sort of knowledge and acceptance of what is expected of you. Being open to new experiences with an excitement that carries itself to the client, photographers, modeling agencies, etc. really can make a huge difference in the overall job experience. For those who know about the various types of modeling opportunities that exist in other areas, too, outside of high fashion, their career can span over a decent amount of time with extended income potential.



When it comes to how much MONEY a model can make (a.k.a. Income), it may be natural for most to fill their imaginations with dreamy, self-indulgent pictures of wealth and fame. It helps to visualize where you think you may want to be, but just remember that it also helps to stay realistic to what you have to do, where you have to be, and who you have to be affiliated with in order to be in the running with the industry’s top models. There are sacrifices, too, that you may endure that other people your age (or related to you) may not face or even understand about your modeling career. So, money is out there to be earned, but a lot of it’s not as glamorous as many would visualize and sometimes the opportunities are far and few in between.

That’s why we’ll discuss the many TYPES of modeling that’s out there. The AVERAGE MODEL’S pay range can depend on many factors, too, ranging from earning nothing (that’s right…no money) to thousands of dollars. There’s a BIG gap in that range, yes, but there are some interesting and important factors that the industry uses to rate how much a model will get paid. There are also expenses that may be deducted from model’s earnings, as well as some basic costs in their development and maintenance of career. It also matters about the cost of living where you are modeling to pay your bills or share expenses with roommates. (We’ll discuss more about development, money management, model’s rates, and low paying “prestige” jobs later.)

A new model, in theory, is similar to an artist’s blank canvas that develops over time. So, really, no two models are exactly the same, nor will their career paths lead to the exact same success or failure with particular “types” of clients and agencies. There are models that may have strong, diverse, photogenic qualities, but they are not tall enough to be a high fashion runway model in New York City, nor are they groomed or well versed at any public “speaking” modeling assignment. Then there are the beautiful people who aren’t photogenic (do not photograph very well or bring any life in front of the camera), but they have the ability to confidently talk in public. Not all models are printed models. There’s still hope for the inexperienced, but it takes effort, persistence, and the knowledge of where the model may need extra help in order to excel. Good, old-fashioned PRACTICE goes a long way versus just thinking that it should just come naturally. It may come more natural with experience, but until then…just keep practicing (especially posing in front of a mirror to be aware of your expressions or try having conversations with new people to make yourself more comfortable at that experience so it becomes more effortless).

An “aspiring model” is somewhat of a general term that describes a select group of individuals new to the business that may have some common goals in being a successful, well-known model. The statistics can be further against the odds if a model limits themselves to only opportunities that they are not truly suited for or in the wrong geographical location. It can also be a humbling experience to be reminded that you’re not perfect or that there’s someone else considered “better suited” for a job than you! (That can be painful when that happens! Good lesson, just a bad day for your self-esteem!) Move forward and keep up every realistic effort in taking care of having healthy habits that keep your mind and body in TOP shape no matter what type of modeling you are doing. If you are not comfortable with your body…it will show. If you’re not comfortable with being in front of a camera…it will show. If you have excess weight on your body…it will show. Generally speaking, almost EVERYTHING matters and that’s why modeling can take a toll on self-esteem. Weight control, body size and proportion, skin, nail, and hair care, wardrobe, etc…we’ll discuss how models must have control of their physical appearance for every type of modeling, later. So, the standards that models must meet to work in the fashion industry do trickle down in trends that people see in magazines and catalogs…then society feels they need to meet some of those standards, too. The controversy of models being too thin, having plastic surgery, or society comparing themselves to retouched pictures in magazines reaches girls and women of all ages.

As for FAME, success in “earning” some good money as a model is more likely than actually being “well known”, too. Think of how many models’ names that you know versus how many that you don’t. Just because you don’t know their name doesn’t mean that they are not considered successful by financial standards as a career model by their agency. Some types of modeling are truly rare opportunities, so in such a competitive and subjective industry, it can help the model to become familiar with realistic expectations of how the “types” are broken down into divisions such as “fashion” or “commercial”. Some models feel that when someone refers to them as “commercial”, it is meant as an insult to them personally, or a term that they can’t figure out and leaves them frustrated. The ideal situation is when a model can be considered for both, but that’s not always the case.

Models are hired for many diverse jobs not limited to only fashion, but, also commercially to promote a product, service, or whatever “creative concept” a client may be marketing to the consumer. This is a BIG business. Because there are so many different types of clients who hire models, it’s in a model’s best interest to be familiar with what’s out there and available. Each TYPE of modeling has different requirements and some particular industry standards that new models may not know about. It’s not likely that you can get ALL the answers if you just don’t know what you should be asking about.

Yes, models will learn many things as they grow in their career, but wouldn’t you prefer to know a little about what you want to do and what’s expected from you? Some potential models who are just starting out tend to assume that the “work” and “opportunities” will just come to them because they’re a model, so they remain passive and lose some really promising opportunities to models who have that special ability to do their research and get to know people that may potentially help them. The transition for some younger models (such as teenagers) to be able to communicate with adults and professionals within the modeling industry usually takes a little time and practice, but the effort must never stop because sometimes the communication barrier can put a strain on the model’s career (especially if they don’t understand how dependable they must strive to be). Within all of the different types of modeling there must be professionalism and communication, so an open mind is needed to distinguish how the model can interact with others and give the client their best attempt at making the experience a success.