If you want to become a model, the first thing you need to do is find out which type of model you are: fashion model or commercial model? Although there are many niche types of modelling (body parts, plus size or alternative modelling, for example), the two most common areas are fashion modelling and commercial modelling.
Commercial modelling is the largest area of modelling, while fashion modelling is the highest profile. The models who tend to succeed in each are very different, so it’s important you know which type you are in order to market yourself effectively – so you give yourself the best chances of building a successful modelling career.
However, many aspiring models are unsure of the difference between fashion modelling and commercial modelling.
Read on to find out exactly what makes a fashion model or commercial model, what the requirements for each are, and how to find a suitable fashion model or commercial model agency.
Fashion Model or Commercial Model: Which Are You?
What is a Fashion Model?
Become a Model
Fashion modelling is all about modelling clothes. Fashion models might appear on the runway, in editorial work, in catalogues – even in shop front windows.
A fashion model is a clothes hanger; a human mannequin. Everything you do is about showing the clothes you’re wearing in their best light.
What is a Commercial Model?
Commercial Modelling
The role of a commercial model is to sell a product or service by advertising. The scope is huge – almost every product/service needs a model to advertise it, from health and beauty products to technology products.
A commercial model could work on TV, in print, online, in trade shows – the list is endless.
What Are The Requirements for a Fashion Model?
The clothes fashion models are modelling are made to certain measurements. Fashion models must meet those measurements or they won’t fit in the clothes and won’t be able to model them.
Although each fashion modelling agency might have slight variations in requirements, there are general standards that almost all fashion models conform to.
Female
Female fashion models tend to have long legs and a small bust.
Female fashion models should be above 5’8 and no taller than 6”. Models should be slender, with weight in proportion to height. Your dress size should be between a 6 and 8, with a waist no larger than 25” and hips no larger than 35.5”. Bust size is generally expected to be no larger than a 34B. In terms of age, successful female fashion models are generally between 14 and 25.
Male
Male fashion models must be taller than 6″ but no taller than 6′ 2″.
Successful male fashion models are mostly between 6” and 6’2. Your physique needs to be excellent, with chest measurements between 37” and 42” and a waist between 30” and 32”. Male fashion models can often have longer modelling careers than female models if they maintain a healthy look, with age sometimes ranging from 16 until 45.
In addition, both female and male fashion models tend to have an unusual, striking look. Successful fashion models generally have a fairly angular and ‘edgy’ look, and models will often have a strong jaw and cheekbones. Teeth will be straight, white and even, and lips will generally be medium to full. Fashion models tend to look ‘leggy’, and will look fluid and graceful.
What Are The Requirements for a Commercial Model?
Commercial modelling is the largest area of the modelling industry, and the requirements can be incredibly varied. Models will range from looking aspirational but relatable to looking completely real, the type of person you’d expect to bump into in the street.
There are no prescriptive age or body type requirements for a commercial model. Instead, the most important thing is to be able to bring the brief, the character you’re modelling, to life.
That’s why we say commercial modelling is like acting without lines: your expression, eyes and pose have to tell a story. The more stories you can believably tell, the more characters you can model, the more work you are able to get as a commercial model.
Professionalism is also incredibly important. Commercial modelling is a huge industry, but it’s also very competitive. If clients don’t want to work with you, there will always be another commercial model who can take your place.
How to Find a Fashion Modelling Agency?
As the requirements for fashion modelling are quite prescriptive, there isn’t a huge range of fashion modelling agencies – and their requirements will be very similar.
Fashion models do not need to have a model portfolio before applying for representation, as the agency will help you build this up if they sign you. We generally recommend that fashion models attend a walk-in as a first step. Fashion modelling agencies often hold these two or three times a week.
When you attend a walk-in, you’re likely to get immediate feedback on whether they’re interested in representing you or not. However, you’ll rarely get in-depth information as to why. Don’t be disheartened – each agency has a very specific set of requirements at any time and just because you’re not suitable for one, doesn’t mean you won’t be for another. They might just have signed another model with a very similar look to you, for example.
Here’s a list of reputable fashion modelling agencies you can apply to:
Models 1
Select
Premier
Boss
Storm
IMG
Elisabeth Smith
Colours Agency [Glasgow Based]
Check their websites for details of their next walk-in. If you’re interested in a fashion modelling agency that isn’t on the list, please get in touch and we can advise you on whether they’re legitimate. (Read more on Avoiding Modelling Scams)
How to find a Commercial Modelling Agency?
As the requirements to be a commercial model are so much broader, there are many more commercial model agencies than fashion agencies. Many of their requirements will be very different, so it’s important to discover the right agency for your look or you’ll be less likely to find representation.
Generally commercial models will need to show what they can do as well as what they look like, through a model portfolio. This can make a difference to how quickly you are signed up and how many agencies you sign to so some models may want to do this before applying.
Model Portfolio
The standard process for finding commercial modelling agency representation is to send a prospecting email including your model portfolio, your measurements and your personal details.
If an agency is interested, they’ll likely then invite you in for a face-to-face meeting (More on this) before deciding whether they want to offer you representation.
Finding the right commercial agencies to apply to can be difficult, because of the scale and variation of the sector. That’s why we offer an expert matchmaking service for We Are Models members. Our team works with you to define your look, helping you market yourself in the way that maximizes your modelling opportunities. Then we’ll create a tailored list of recommended commercial modelling agencies that are most likely to want to represent you.
To find out more about our expert modelling agency matchmaking, get in touch.
If you want to become a model, the first and most important thing you should do is understand which type of model you are – a fashion model or commercial model. There is rarely a crossover between the fashion model or commercial model worlds, so if you target the wrong area for your look then you’ll be much less likely to be successful.
If you want to talk to someone in more depth about marketing yourself more effectively, send us an email to hear more about our model consultation service.
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