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So as you probably know our TRA board includes Fashion and commercial models past and present. Here, we share some of the basics as well as some tips on staying afloat while pursuing your career while not deviating from your goal.

Fashion models promote clothing and accessories to fashion buyers and customers. They model in fashion shows or in photos for magazines, catalogues and posters.
The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting everything else (she has to act without words selling shampoo or toothpaste for example).

What does it take to be a fashion model?

Female fashion models should be somewhere between 15 and 22 years old, although probably closer to fifteen. Models don’t have careers that last as long as for instance, doctors, so agencies tend to invest their time in someone young.

You should be tall, long-legged, and lean. The minimum height is usually about 5′8″, and average weight for a model is 108-125 lbs. These characteristics are partly aesthetic and partly practical: this type of frame looks good on the runway and in front of the camera; and a somewhat scrawny build drapes clothing nicely and ensures a good fit in the standard wardrobe. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course - Kate Moss is 5′7″ and Gabrielle Reece is a giant 6′3″ - but, in general, the closer you are to the industry norm, the better your chances.

Fashion models still tend to be very skinny. Commercial modeling doesn’t require that you be “skinny”. The key is to take care of yourself. Don’t overeat, but do eat well balanced meals and avoid the snacks. Exercise and keep yourself in good shape.

Male fashion models are normally 6′ to 6′ 2″ tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket. Commercial models do not have any height, weight or size restrictions.

What are the different types of modeling?

Fashion: These often quirky and or exotic looking models walk the runway in fashion shows and appear in high fashion magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan or Elle. In the U.S., most of this takes place in New York. Certainly most markets have some fashion happening (L.A. is fast becoming a couture fashion hot spot )- but New York City is the fashion capital of the United States. Fashion models account for an extremely small percentage of the total model population in the industry.

Commercial: This is the biggest modeling category and the one most often overlooked and misunderstood by young models. These models generally have a more approachable, guy/girl next door look. Commercial models appear in ads, packaging, billboards, and magazine articles for everything from medicine to insurance, from work out equipment to office equipment.

This is a category where personality and the ability to show different expressions are equally important as looks. While some are beautiful or handsome - most successful commercial models look like everyday people.

Promotional: Promotions are how many models actually make a living. Promotional modeling ranges from being hired to hand out free samples of products to staffing trade show booths in large convention halls or even promoting drinks at a bar or restaurant. This is a category that rarely involves being photographed and is very much about your personality and ability to interact with people.

Glamour: Certainly not for everyone - but if you are comfortable with your body and certainly - of legal age - glamour modeling can range anywhere from calendar girl to swimwear catalog model.

Now of course due to the overall mission of this website, we have to inform you of some more overlooked areas of modeling where you can actually make money,

Parts modeling. Body parts that is. Don’t overlook hand modeling for example. Or hair, or foot modeling for that matter. Basically these specialized forms of modeling involve less face but if you have nice hands that can help sell a 5 karat diamond ring you can be a hand model!
Likewise, nice long legs can sell stockings, even shave cream.

Fit modeling. Often overlooked as well, fit models can also often make a good living. Fit models are hired by designer houses to fit their newer samples. For the most part fit models are more average sized in height or weight as they are to help sell clothes to the average consumer. So if you’re not a leggy and lanky size 2, fit modeling may be for you.

If you have not been detered from modeling by now perhaps you are The Next Top Model or a mildly successful hand or wildly successful fit model. Either way just be honest with yourself and pursue what’s in your heart.
And YOU- BETTER- WORK. COVERGIRL!

The purpose of this post is to show you the endless oppurtunities in modeling. Remember to think outside the box. After all, You are a Royal Artist!