Despite any height or size requirements, models in all of the following divisions are expected to be well proportioned with excellent
skin, hair and teeth- and work well with the camera.
A fashion and editorial female model is typically 5'9 and over, a male model is between 5'11"- and 6'2". These models usually have a striking or unique look. The jobs associated with these divisions are typically editorial spreads for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan or ELLE. This type of modeling would also cover ad campaigns for the major designers like Gucci, Hugo Boss or Donna Karen.
Commercial Print modeling is also known as "Real People" modeling. There is no age, height, or size requirement in this division. Want to know what a commercial print model looks like? Well browse the advertisements in newspapers and magazines; you will see that all ages, ethnicities, and sizes of people are represented. You will find models looking like lawyers, daughters and students all for advertisements like insurance, financial institutes, schools and toothpaste. Many do not realize that these are all professional models as well. A good commercial print model not only works well for the camera but also has an ability to act out different scenarios. For example it is not unusual to go to a commercial print casting and be asked to act as if you have a headache or that you have just been asked to the prom or that you are mad at your parents. The more comfortable you are at expressing different emotions to the camera the more successful you will be in commercial print.
Catalogue clients generally use girls that are 5'9" and over with measurements that are approximately 34-24-34. Male models are between 6' and 6'2" with a suit size usually anywhere from 39 to 42.
These requirements are typically set because the clothing used on the day of the shooting are samples. Clothes have not gone into production yet and the client only has one size to choose from. Given this fact it is important that the model presents the clothing as best as he or she can.
Runway models have generally the same height and size requirements that were previously listed for catalogue modeling but can vary in smaller market. For example, a small fashion show at your local mall probably won't require you to be a certain height or size.
Runway clients generally hire those models that have experience walking on a runway. A good runway model works well under pressure and walks the runway with confidence and her/his own unique style.
Showroom models are used when department stores and boutiques visit wholesale manufactures and designers to sell their store with the newest styles for the upcoming season. For example; a department store will visit a clothing designer like Calvin Klein to see his new line of clothing for each season. There are 4 weeks per year that serve as market weeks for fall, winter, spring and summer. Designers hold in-house meetings and models are used to display the clothing for appearance and fit. This makes it easier for buyers to make a decision on what to purchase for their store.
Showroom models are typically chosen for how well they fit the clothing during a casting. Again, the clothing is pre- production so they generally only have one size that serves as their "sample". The model that fits their clothing best is usually chosen since no pinning can be done. These are live events and the buyers would see these types of alterations.
Beauty modeling is for cosmetics, beauty supplies and hair products. You should have beautiful clear skin, a great face and luxurious hair. There is no age, height, or size requirement in this division.
With modeling you are basically the mold to which the clothing is made. You must be a perfect size. For example: a woman may be an exact size 6 or, or for a man, a perfect 32-inch waist. These are only examples; the actual size depends on the client's individual needs. If chosen for this type of work, you cannot fluctuate in your size while the clothing is being fitted to your body and it usually takes up to two months for the "samples" to be created. So these models have to be very careful not to gain or loose any weight during this period of time or you will have to be replaced. For those who get a fitness client it can be very lucrative. Fitness Modeling is for those models that are in great shape and train as professional body builders. These models have well defined muscular builds and cater to fitness magazines as well as advertisements for supplements, vitamins, weight loss programs and so on.
Plus-size model is the term used for a female model larger than the standard U.S. size 8. They primarily model in clothing for consumers wearing a dress size 14 or higher. The requirements for plus-size models are no different from those of high-fashion models, except for larger overall bust, waist and hip measurements. Plus size models can be found in advertising campaigns, magazine editorials, Runway, live-TV work and commercials.
ICON is proud to work with many national television and film casting companies. The opportunities are endless and the profits are unlimited. There are no physical limitations for actors; think of the people you see in commercials or on the big screen - the variation in looks is undeniable. Watch any TV show and you will see a cross-section of American society that is as diverse as the characters they portray. They represent all ages, sizes, and backgrounds leaving the industry open to anyone who has tenacity, talent and confidence. Actors with talents are the most desirable, as casting directors will look for those with some experience under their belts.
