Types of Modeling to Consider
by Angie Simpson

Have you ever dreamed of being a model? Ever dreamed of gracing the pages of magazines such as ELLE, Glamour or Vogue? Most girls at one time or another have thought about achieving "supermodel" status, but the truth is most people don't have what it takes.

An important virtue to keep on your side is honesty. Be honest with yourself and realistic about your qualifications. There are certain requirements which you need to posses to make it big as a model. If you do not meet these requirements, then you may not be as successful in your quest. Granted, there are many different types of "modeling", and your first step is establishing which type you fit into.

Runway Models

If you are looking to be on the runway, you have to be at least 5'10" - 5'11" in height and have a slender, well proportioned physique. Pay is determined mainly on the experience and status of the model. The range can be anywhere from several hundred to several thousand US dollars per show. And sometimes more for the "Supermodels" like Naomi Campbell.

Most runway shows center around modeling capitals like Paris, London, Milan and New York.

High Fashion Models

This part of the industry is very competitive. A female model should be between the ages of 15 and 19 with a minimum height of 5'9" and a weight of around 115 pounds. Diverse looks are as essential as the "attractive" look. Body proportions are a must. The high fashion arena has the highest visibility. These women can appear in television commercials, on billboards and in magazines like Elle and Vogue, but the presentation tends to always be "high fashion" versus a catalog look. The pay can be lucrative, but again, it is an extremely competitive market. Only about one in 250,000 models will ever make it big in this category.

Catalog and Print Models

Work assignments for catalog and print models can range from Victoria Secrets to newspaper inserts for major local retailers. Requirements are not as stringent, however, being at least 5'8" in height with a slender frame is always a plus. This category can vary in pay. Major catalogs like Zaks 5th Avenue can pay hefty sums per day for a catalog shoot. Local department stores like JC Penney that publish quaterly catalogs also fall into this category.

Commercial Models

Commercial modeling is a great opportunity for the girl who may not meet all the height and weight requirements of the fashion, runway or supermodels. Commercial models can be different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific look the advertiser is searching for. The pay can vary, and it always helps if you have some kind of acting talent. Commercial models are generally used to sell non-apparel goods, anything ranging from automobiles to soft drinks and home appliances.

Petite Models

Petite models are usually between 5'3" and 5'6" and weigh about 90 to 110 pounds. Most of the work for petite models is in the area of print. There again, this could be very rewarding and can lead to more job opportunities, including television commercials. Again, the pay varies, but is not as substancial as for high fashion models.

Plus Size Models

Over one third of the women in the US wear a size 16 or larger. The plus size market is rapidly growing, therefore the opportunities for plus sized models is getting bigger. Plus size requirements vary, but size 13 is the most widely used size. Pay would be along the same lines as petite models. A good deal of the work for the plus size model would be print work.