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What Type of Model Are You?

In many ways, making a career out of modeling depends on three key factors:

  1. Your genetic makeup
  2. Your determination and hard work
  3. Your willingness to focus on the type of modeling best suited toward your answers to 1 and 2.

Many models dream of walking the runways of Milan. Many dream of having their faces in magazines and commercials. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re one of those people. But are you putting your time and energy into the best places for your individual success?

Hard work and determination are important; they can make the difference between sinking and swimming. But no matter how hard you work at it, the nature of your body may limit where you can succeed. It can be harsh to tell someone that, through no fault of their own, they can’t do what they dream of, but the great thing about modeling is that really anyone CAN succeed. It’s about focusing your determination and work toward the areas of the industry that accept the assets you bring.

With this in mind we thought it would be useful to outline a handful of the most popular professional modeling types and explain what it typically takes, physically, to succeed in these markets. In some ways, making a living in modeling is like making a living in sports. If you aren’t tall, it’s going to be very difficult to be a professional basketball player.  Yes, there are sometimes exceptions to the rule (do you remember Spud Webb?), but knowing how your genetics align with a particular genre is critical if you want the best chances to truly make a living at modeling. Also, remember that a single individual can fit across multiple genres.

Runway Models

Think of the big fashion week shows like in Milan, Paris, New York and London. The models all fit very strict requirements and also put a lot of work and practice into their walk. Depending on your market, however, the requirements may be less strict.


Model: AJ Knapp

Here are the basic requirements:

Females

  • Height:  5’9”– 6’0” (sometimes 5’10” and sometimes up to 6’2”)
  • Bust: 32”– 34”
  • Waist: 23”– 25”
  • Hips: 33”– 35”

Males

  • Height:  Generally 6’0” minimum
  • Waist: 31”– 33”

If this is your goal, make sure your measurements are listed accurately and that your images show both your body structure and your ability to move gracefully.  Also, take the time to display your look when wearing different clothing types, like swimwear, dresses and casual looks. There are designers of every kind, so focus on the types you want to appeal to.

If you fit the strict requirements listed above you are in luck, but your work isn’t done yet. Often you will spend hours upon hours practicing your walk, going to castings and then long days of work. While runway is among the most prestigious types of modeling, contrary to popular belief it rarely pays well. For a non-celebrity model, it’s normal to be paid in nothing but clothes or, at best, a few hundred dollars.

If you don’t fit the statistics above, it doesn’t mean you’ll never walk a runway, but it does mean your chances of making it a career are very low. If this is you, read on to see if your energy might be best spent elsewhere.

Commercial Models


Model: Luckyfox; Photographer: Sarah Kehoe

Commercial work is usually based on conventional beauty. While having a face that stands out is good, the unique, odd features of many editorial and runway models may not fare so well in commercial work.

Print  

Females

  • Height: 5’7”– 6’0”
  • Bust: 32”– 34”
  • Waist: 23”–25”
  • Hips: 33”–35”

Males

Thin, tall body type

Commercials

No minimum height. Only clothing sizes vary.

Females

  • Dress size between 2 to 4 (sometimes extending to 6)

Males

  • Waist: 31”–35”

For commercial print, think of JC Penney, which often has casual, daily life shots. To excel in commercial print, you need to be able to look natural in front of the camera. There are a lot of smiles and laughs, and usually nothing too posed. The sizing can still be strict, but has more leeway than editorial or runway modeling.

For commercials, height is not an issue. This opens the door for a lot more people, but there are still a lot of specific requirements. Mostly, commercials require acting ability even if there are no lines. There are a lot of great commercial acting classes where you can train and increase your chances of booking commercials. Outside of ability, most commercial actors are thin and fit with conventionally attractive looks.

Editorial Models


Model: Kelli Kickham; Photographer: Vivendi Studio

Because editorial is in print, height is usually less important than in other forms of modeling. However, if you are a 5’5” editorial model, your jobs will be limited. Even if you photograph tall, clothing is pulled for taller models.

Females

  • Height: 5’8”–6’0” (sometimes 5’9” and sometimes up to 6’2”)
  • Bust: 32”–34”
  • Waist: 23”–25”
  • Hips: 33”–35”

Males

  • Height: 6’0” minimum
  • Waist: 31”–33”

Editorial modeling, like a fashion spread you would see in Vogue, is very exclusive and generally prefers tall, very thin, young models with sharp facial structures. Unique features such as large or wide-spaced eyes, big lips, high cheekbones and gaps in teeth often open doors for those starting in editorial modeling. Some of these features are considered less conventionally attractive, but are ideal in these jobs.

Fitness Models


Model: Rachel Elizabeth Murray; Photographer: Mike Byerly

You see fitness models when you look at ads for gyms, workout videos and fitness magazines. To be a fitness model, you need to have high muscle mass and lean to minimal body fat.  Generally, there is no height or measurement requirement, but a body fat mass less than 15% is standard.

Fit Models

Very different from fitness models, fit models are used to size clothing. While the measurements vary greatly from company to company, often a female fit model is an even spread 34-24-34 or 36-26-36.

There is no glamour in fit modeling—you stand in a room and try on clothes to determine the fit and style choices for production. Fit modeling can pay well and be more frequent and dependable than other types of modeling. However, the hardest part of fit modeling is that your measurements have to stay consistent all the time. For some models, even fluctuating an eighth of an inch can mean losing work.

Glamour Models


Model: Jessica Vaugn; Photographer: Danny Griffin

While there is no height, age or weight requirement for glamour modeling, most glamour models are between 18 and 30 years of age, thin, fit and large chested. These are the models you see in Maxim and Playboy. Classic beauty is an asset in glamour modeling. Large lips and soft facial features often work well for glamour modeling. Outside of the look, glamour modeling is based in sexy poses and clothing, so sexual allure is a strong focus. Lingerie modeling is a large outlet for glamour models and most successful glamour models incorporate some form of nudity, although glamour photos can also be fully clothed.

Alt Models


Model: Ulorin Vex

Alternative modeling is what you see in Dark Beauty, Gothic Beauty, Alt, Bizarre and tattoo magazines. Often, alternative models have body mods including piercings and heavy tattoos. Alternative modeling can include pin-up work and fetish work, as well. Whereas brightly colored hair, large facial piercings and a lot of tattoos usually hurt your chances in conventional modeling, in this arena it’s an asset. These models are often booked for their unique look and posing ability.

Plus Size Models


Model: Anna Adrielle; Photographer: Arno Nieuwhof

Plus size models, like you see in Plus Model Mag, are larger than the runway and editorial models mentioned above, but still have strict height requirements. Most plus models are fit and active with broad shoulders and a larger build. Plus size models can find a lot of work in plus size catalogs, runway, commercial and lingerie.

  • Height: minimum of 5’8”
  • Size: 10–16 depending on market (sometimes starting at size 8)
  • Fit Model Size: 18

Art Models


Model: Brennan; Photographer: Corwin Prescott

There is no age, height or weight requirement for art modeling in general, but specific jobs may have requirements. Art modeling is what you see in galleries, whether it is photographed, drawn, painted or in another medium. While art modeling isn’t always nude, most work requires at least some level of nudity. It can also be very physically demanding, especially if you are modeling for an art school. This can mean holding difficult poses for hours at a time while students draw you. By hour, this work doesn’t always have a high pay rate, but it can be more consistent with repeat clients.

Mature

Usually mature models are (or appear to be) 50 years old and older. Commercial print and commercials often use mature models –think about pharmacy ads and commercials featuring families. A bright smile with good teeth and a nice facial structure can help make a good mature model, and height and measurement requirements are not strict.

Maternity

Maternity models work mostly between 5 and 7 months pregnant. There are no specific height or weight requirements, but usually a fit build is desirable. Maternity models are used in ads for pregnancy products, baby stores and in a variety of commercials.

MM Castings

MM Castings is part of the Model Mayhem team specifically set up to help manage and grow casting calls on the site as well as help members improve their chances of finding more work.

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64 Responses to “What Type of Model Are You?”

  1. September 29, 2018 at 3:14 pm, tsigili said:

    There was very inadequate discussion of markets which play a major factor in what models can do, where they already are.

    Today, there are only 4 significant fashion markets, in the US. If you are not in one of those markets, and seek to do fashion modeling, you WILL have to move. Count on it.

    The major market for models, everywhere else, is limited to commercial work, video work for local advertisers (often handled by local TV personalities and not models). The commercial work will be mostly product related, one way or another.

    For almost everything else, you will be working for very limited opportunities in the general commercial print area, with products, often with just parts, and not all of you. Hands, feet, face etc. If you don’t have the ability to do parts, then you will be more limited in that situation.

    Just about everything else is going to be experimental work with photographers, many of whom will still be learning their craft. They will shoot for their own interest, whatever that might be, and will pay modestly for your time. That includes all types of work, with a heavy emphasis on glamour and figure work.

    Typically, real commercial work, even in smaller markets, will be filled by top agency models from major markets, who are already established with commercial clients. Any assignments for smaller markets will be imported, and will usually be less popular models, in the larger markets, who will work for more reasonable fees.

    That’s the reality. Commercial work is almost entirely, real, bona fide, model agency representation, and very little is done with free-lance models at all. (That means the actual client is paying the model and NOT the photographer. All the photographer does, is help select the model, if that.)

    Photographers that hire and pay models on their own, are mostly doing low budget or experimental work. Much of that is swimsuit, lingerie, figure (nude), or glamour, or some combination thereof. That’s what free lance models can get, IF they have skills. Beginners are of little value, until they acquire skills, so most of that is trade time for photos, irregardless of the type of work. Photographers seldom pay a lot for free lance models.

    Determine where you fit in…………and if you don’t want to do low budget and experimental work with photographers, you had better be in a market, where you can do the work you want to do, or you should seek other kinds of work, and not modeling.

    Reply

  2. January 23, 2018 at 10:13 am, Emma said:

    I feel like anyone can be a model no matter their height or bust.

    Reply

  3. November 08, 2017 at 8:21 pm, Tara Lee said:

    The height requirement never made sense. It also actually gives a distortion of what the clothing looks like in reality. Maybe fashion designers and marketers think that’s clever but not really. It’s why I do not ever buy Calvin Klein. They don’t make cloths for real people. Most of what they make look hideous when out for happy hour on Friday night. I have found cuter cloths at Target but always try them on first because how they look in a picture on a model from Wilamina means nothing to me. I could care less how she looks in the cute dress I want to buy and that is what designers and fashion merchandisers and modeling agencies just don’t get about real people. Peace out.

    Reply

  4. July 17, 2017 at 2:25 am, bhanu sharma said:

    Hi! I am 21 years old male and I’m 5’8 tall , I really want to be into modelling, is there any hope for a guy with that much height as they all ask for 6’feet but I ain’t.

    Reply

  5. July 02, 2017 at 1:48 pm, Kamani Perera said:

    Important article

    Reply

  6. June 18, 2017 at 2:37 am, Abi Neutrino said:

    What do you guys think I’m suited towards? Find me on MM as AbiNeutrino

    Reply

  7. April 05, 2017 at 10:06 pm, ZZZ! said:

    Sorry but range is more strictly now. High fashion model height is 5’11 / 6’3. Measurements stats are bust 30/31waist 22/23 hips 32/33.

    Reply

  8. December 09, 2016 at 12:18 am, Ndzhaka said:

    Hey, I was just wondering what if I wanted to be a model and I meet majority of the requirements, but I have curves. Would I still be allowed to model??

    Reply

  9. October 20, 2016 at 9:55 am, Myra Esoteric said:

    I have been advised to look for what models in my height range are doing and to go for that certain mold.

    I see that the “types” who are like me are all significantly taller (like 5’7″ and 105 or 5’4″ and 92 lbs) and that most people of my height do glamour and have different physiques from myself.

    Is a 5’0″ ~80 lb 29-20-29, age 30+ waif type, good for glamour modeling? Which markets are best?

    Reply

  10. September 25, 2016 at 4:28 am, Lala said:

    I was model when I was a kid but I’m bcz I don’t think I can be anymore.. I am 19 years old and Im 168cm (5’5″) and 45kg… I think I’m too short for modeling now.. Anw Im studying civil engineering now so I think Ill be a future engineer

    Reply

  11. June 26, 2016 at 2:09 pm, E.C. from D.C. said:

    The plus size model range isn’t even that plus size and the fact that is can start “as small as” a size 8…jeez.

    Reply

  12. March 25, 2016 at 11:12 pm, Carolynne Scoffield said:

    I’m 36-28-34 5’9 (well before I got pregnant anyway) have been modelling steady for 3 years, will be 31 this year, have done print, magazines, editorial, glamour, runway, bridal, and will now be branching into maternity. I networked like crazy and created my own blog that ended up with over 20,000 followers. All in the attitude and presentation people 🙂

    Reply

  13. March 23, 2016 at 9:28 am, Dan Spector said:

    My understanding is, in the old days, when Worth was the height of fashion, models were women of substance, as this was the typical buyer. After World War II, Coco Chanel saw that since Parisians were all half-starved, she started designing for the waif – and it has never changed, despite the Nebraska diet of American women

    Reply

  14. March 08, 2016 at 1:51 pm, Dionne Danae said:

    For models that are under 5’7 but petite with proportionate measurements, I suggest going for swimwear modeling. Runway, editorial, freelance, that’s how I make most of my money modeling in Hawaii.
    However, I’m 5’5, but because my hair grows upwards, my height is measured at 5’6 – 5’7 starting from the top of my afro. I’ve been a lucky exception in most casting calls. Just something to consider if you’ re a model sporting natural big hair. lol

    Reply

    • October 20, 2016 at 9:58 am, Myra Esoteric said:

      What about the under 5’2″ group?

      Reply

  15. December 09, 2015 at 12:58 pm, Paul said:

    What makes a good model in any aspect of the industry, is not just their looks, but their personality/attitude. I have worked with some absolutely beautiful women, who I wouldn’t invite back if they paid me, and others who are a 5 or 6 on the looks scale, but a 10+ on the personality level…..Give me one of those models and I will be very happy. The model/photographer relationship is a team relationship, and sorry but to me no one alone gets to drive the ship….it is a team effort. Remember if you are a good model you still need a good attitude. Hey that goes for photographers as well but in this case the comment is directed towards models in particular.

    Reply

  16. September 22, 2015 at 9:53 am, Shanice Nahara Gallardo said:

    They choose the tall and skinny ones because the clothes fit better and more loose on them than a girl who is 5’4 or 5’5 with a lot of hips and thighs…Its not discriminating at all. On a thick girl you’d spot rolls and fat and they can’t sell clothes like that on the runway. They start of with one particular size to sell. Then, once the people love it they increase the sizes for those who or a little bit bigger than a size 2 lol. Runway models carry a different type of look compared to a commercial model. The runway is a completely different modeling from commercial. When people think of modeling they tend to think of runways. And when they start to apply tattoos on their body and gain a little weight its now impossible to become a runway model. Not saying you all have to be skinny and tall with sharp features but those girls fit clothes a lot better. Thicker, shorter girls are known to show off their body. See those girls sell their curves while the skinny ones sell clothes….True fact. Commercial models tend to have natural physiques. Runway models can’t be a commercial model because of their looks. Just be appreciative that there’s opportunity for girls all shapes and sizes. It may not be in runway modeling but you still are a model. Whether you’re modeling for Hollister or gap or other places… You’re still a model… Just remember they’re trying to sell clothes not curves and tattoos. Curves can pull off some clothes or make it look sexy but its just selling their body that’s it. That’s how they made the rules…

    Reply

  17. April 22, 2015 at 8:59 am, Kristina Gratton said:

    What type am i best suited for?

    MM# 3637242

    Reply

  18. April 14, 2015 at 8:29 pm, Shaun Nac said:

    tall, dark and handsome type who fits the descriptions u mentioned

    Reply

  19. March 12, 2015 at 4:43 am, Leo Petrarca said:

    perfect 😉

    Reply

  20. March 11, 2015 at 3:25 pm, Kevin Stolz said:

    As PeteX commented a good photograh captures the escence of the models character. I am very OLD school 1979 and one of my profesors told me the first year that too many photographers wait for the perfect model and never find her or him while real photographers find the perfection in every model who appears in front of his lense.

    I have stuck to that philosophy and worked with every type of model and try to bring out the escence of each one who I shoot. Of course not every model is apt for every type of modeling job but there is indeed something for everyone and a market for every body type.

    As a photographer I try to stay fit, modeling is a DEMANDING job not only for the model but for the photographer as well, a shoot for “Playboy” or other Magazines can go 12 hours and span even 2 or 3 days depending on the location so I recommend, eat healthy, stay fit (don’t obcess), and take care of your skin.

    Reply

  21. January 24, 2015 at 12:36 pm, Roksana said:

    Hi i want to apply for modeling,my lenght is 168-169 my size is 36 and i am 20 years old,i have
    Long black hair,and it is up to my hips,my question is that,can i apply for modeling?i don’t want to cut my hair!!
    Can I work as a model with condition?

    Reply

    • February 11, 2015 at 11:35 pm, Kai Raber said:

      So long as you don’t volunteer to be a hair model unless its for an upstyle, and so long as you can put the effort into styling it(be it you or a stylist). Freelance modelling gives you the ability to keep your look, and pick the jobs you want. it may limit the amount of jobs you get if its too long for certain projects. best thing to do to start out is to start your portfolio. I’m just starting out myself. I don’t meet many of the requirements. I fit the alt model category but haven’t done much alt modelling yet.

      I found a friend of mine who was a photographer and hadn’t started to shoot models. He agreed to do a shoot for TFP. This means you get what both of you put into it. Time for Pictures. You and the photographer both put time into the shoot and both receive photos. Be sure that you clearly understand the shoot, time, place, what you should wear, makeup and hair if you are doing it, or need to find a stylist(are you paying the stylist? Or are they collaborating for their portfolio as well? I usually manage to do it myself but it is beneficial to have a stylist collaborate with you and the photographer. And what you are receiving from it(your photos). I did a beauty shoot, and told the photographer not to over edit, to show my skin texture. This way when you send out the photos to photographers they can see whether or not they will have to do a lot of editing.

      Pick 1 or 2 outfits to model. Arrange a time and a place and be clear about what you are wearing. I sent my photographer photos and he helped me decide what I wore(you don’t have to go that far if you are confident enough, that was just me). Do your hair but don’t over do the makeup, remember you want to see your skin texture.

      Practise your poses, be natural about it. I would stand in front of my full length and bathroom mirror for hours! Model Mayhem also has great education, including videos made by models giving tutorials on how to pose, what to bring to a shoot, etc. I definitely recommend checking out the “edu” section at the top of the page.

      Bring water and easy snacking to the shoot. Not cool to be posing on an empty stomach. As nervous as you may be have fun with the shoot, you’ll be in front of that camera for maybe 2 or more hours after lighting checks are done. So get comfortable. If your tense the pictures will show it. Take your time with the poses. Don’t be disappointed if only a few photos turn out. My first shoot I had 3 photos that turned out and only 1 I actually thought was worthy for my portfolio. This isn’t always the case, however.

      Have fun!

      Reply

  22. September 24, 2014 at 5:03 pm, christina marie said:

    I don’t believe in strict size measurements, most photographers are jumping on the “healthy size” and “true to life” bandwagon. Starving yourself to achieve an ideal size is no longer in

    Reply

  23. September 24, 2014 at 1:12 pm, David Hutchinson said:

    It’s all about looking fit and clean without bulges. Especially when you arch your back upwards when there can be folds and rolls from the back towards the stomach and vice versa. How do you look with your knees tucked to your breast/chest when sitting on your ass on the floor. Any bulges should be minimal so it will be easy to photoshop or manipulate during editing.

    Reply

  24. August 17, 2014 at 7:47 pm, lovemeimamonster said:

    I’ve been trying to get into alt. modeling for almost 5 years now but I don’t have any piercings just yet but the unique and colored hair I have I’m just scared I wont be able to make it

    Reply

    • February 11, 2015 at 11:37 pm, Kai Raber said:

      Don’t be scarred! If you have crazy hair that’s a great start!! Just keep adding to your portfolio! Do it because you love it!

      Reply

  25. July 17, 2014 at 3:14 pm, Amber Michelle said:

    I’ve never been interested in Runway models, which I am not tall enough. I’m 5’2, I love piercings, and I’m thinking about getting some tattoo’s.

    Reply

  26. June 18, 2014 at 5:47 pm, K80 said:

    Alt & Art, hell yeah. ♥

    Reply

  27. May 31, 2014 at 10:03 am, Jessica de Virgilis said:

    I’m a very petite model.
    5’1 with good proportions.
    I work for advs, editorials and personals, although I’m not in that measurements 😉

    Reply

  28. May 13, 2014 at 6:23 pm, Rabbs said:

    Very helpful article, it would be nice if a follow-up article was written regarding alternative modeling in New York City. Most opportunities in the city seem to be based around fashion modeling, which isn’t exactly going to happen if you’re 5’3″ and about 100lbs. It would be really great to know if anyone has any advice about how to get into alternative modeling on the East Coast!

    Reply

    • October 04, 2016 at 4:09 pm, Myra Esoteric said:

      Is 5’1″, 78 accepted in alternative? Inquiring minds would like to know.

      5’3″ / 88ish people can do commercial print if you can fit standard or petite pants without hemming.

      Reply

  29. April 29, 2014 at 8:53 pm, Michelle Lisa said:

    i dont really know what i am

    Reply

  30. April 11, 2014 at 1:37 am, confusedandhurt said:

    I am 5’5″, have been modeling for only 1 year, and do print, editorial, vintage, and runway. I’ve won a pageant, and have been in magazines as well. I think it really depends on your attitude and work ethic.. yes modeling is a lot of work, especially if you are freelance. I like to be freelance because then I have the choice of what I get myself into, and not being pressured to do things/wear things I don’t want to or work for people that I do not want to. Also, this gives me a chance to work in any state that I want. But being freelance means more time into looking and setting up gigs, usually providing your own transportation, and taking the time to make sure you are profiting more than you are spending. Once you get the hang of it, it gets easy. It is a business. And you reap the rewards when you do your taxes, and kept very close attention to every gig you did and keep receipts and record of mileage.

    Reply

    • September 05, 2014 at 9:35 am, Lady Ash said:

      Wow that’s awesome. I would love to do that. I also so freelance work, but it’s so hard to find paying jobs it seems. Everyone wants TFP work. :/

      Reply

    • March 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm, GoodChoices said:

      You sound like a real pro. Very good points. It seems true in most creative professions: You get out what you put in if your careful and do things with a specific goal in mind. People want to just step in and immediately make money but what happens is they end up with a pimp and stressed most of the time. Such is life, you live and you learn!

      Reply

    • December 09, 2015 at 1:01 pm, Paul said:

      Thank you for reaffirming my point that being good goes hand in hand with having a good attitude. You can be gorgeous but be the worst model ever, if your attitude sucks….good luck on your modelling endeavours, and hold strong to your good attitude.

      Reply

    • October 20, 2016 at 9:57 am, Myra Esoteric said:

      I know that commercial agencies have a 5’4″ bottom limit. What are the opportunities for women who are under 5’1″ and who are ineligible due to not fitting into a “glamour” mold?

      What recommendation would you give to a 35 year old new model, around 4’11” and 80 lbs?

      Reply

  31. April 10, 2014 at 7:21 pm, Kristen Rowe said:

    I’m a size 6 and 5’10 which I think is perfect for me but I am a lifestyle model and its great. I would love to do more glamour and runway would be fun
    .

    Reply

  32. April 10, 2014 at 11:18 am, Jordi Morris said:

    well darn, according to this, i’m no good for modeling :[ im too short and my proportions are all off. very discouraging.

    Reply

    • April 10, 2014 at 11:30 am, Kelli Kickham said:

      Don’t be discouraged! What kind of modeling are you trying to do? There is always more than one place to fit in. =)

      Reply

    • February 11, 2015 at 11:39 pm, Kai Raber said:

      Hey I don’t fit most either. But I will do it anyway! There are many professional models in many of these areas that do not fit the “criteria”.

      Reply

  33. April 10, 2014 at 8:33 am, JN said:

    I am sorry, but you are wrong about PRINT commercial models. There is no height requirement. You can look at databases of major commercial agencies. I am 5’2″ and book commercial print all of the time.

    Reply

    • April 10, 2014 at 10:32 am, Kelli Kickham said:

      There are exceptions, but a lot of commercial print agencies only accept 5’7+. It’s pretty standard.

      Reply

      • April 10, 2014 at 11:13 am, JN said:

        Not being a wise a$$ or starting a fight..I am a nice person lol but if you do a search on the big commercial agencies, there are a lot of women under 5’6″. Look up CESD, Jan Alpert Management, Bella models, Lauren Green, Ramona to name a few in NY.

        Reply

        • April 10, 2014 at 11:29 am, Guest said:

          Well, now they are accepted. Ha.

          Reply

        • April 10, 2014 at 11:52 am, Guest said:

          My last comment had to await moderation and has now disappeared. If this ends up being a double, I apologize.
          I’m not trying to start a fight either, and I understand where you’re coming from. However, most commercial print agencies that focus in modeling do have height restrictions.
          I work in casting and see a lot of girls from CESD, and generally when their girls over 16 come in for print castings, they are 5’7+. There are also talent based commercial print agencies who are less likely to use strict height regulations, not to mention that if the “talent” abilities are strong and marketable they would make exceptions regardless.
          Another very trusted modeling site (Models) says generally the same thing as here. I think putting the link makes them not post my reply. 😛
          I also want to make it clear that I’m by no means doubting or downplaying your success. =)

          Reply

        • April 10, 2014 at 12:14 pm, Kelli Kickham said:

          My last comment had to await moderation and has now disappeared. If this ends up being a double, I apologize.
          I’m not trying to start a fight either, and I understand where you’re coming from. However, most commercial print agencies that focus in modeling do have height restrictions.
          I work in casting and see a lot of girls from CESD, and generally when their girls over 16 come in for print castings, they are 5’7+. There are also talent based commercial print agencies who are less likely to use strict height regulations, not to mention that if the “talent” abilities are strong and marketable they would make exceptions regardless.
          Check out what the Models site (cannot link, I think it deletes my comments :/) says about it, generally the same thing as here.
          I also want to make it clear that I’m by no means doubting or downplaying your success. =)

          Reply

          • April 10, 2014 at 12:29 pm, JN said:

            Thank you for the intelligent rebuttal 🙂 I can agree mostly there is less height restriction for over 30-35 and I can see how 16-25 would be over 5’7″ in advertising.

          • April 10, 2014 at 12:32 pm, Kelli Kickham said:

            That’s very true. In Los Angeles, they usually want rather young for commercial print as well and use commercial talent FOR print for the older age ranges, from what I’ve seen.
            Thank you for the discussion and I hope you continue to do very well!

  34. April 10, 2014 at 3:28 am, joyce lowis said:

    nice one!

    Mayhem #3354572

    Reply

  35. April 10, 2014 at 3:25 am, Guest said:

    nice one

    Reply

  36. April 10, 2014 at 1:09 am, tommy mac said:

    my ass needs to get to LA or back to NY…wasting my time down here in Destin, FL

    Reply

  37. April 10, 2014 at 12:01 am, Laurence D'Aertrijcke said:

    I’d love to change the world of modelling and have more variety on the runway, proving they’re all healthy men and women.

    Reply

    • April 10, 2014 at 4:31 am, PeteX said:

      Good luck! Perhaps the current system is aimed at fashion buyers who need to see clothes in a very specific way, but it does nothing for me.

      I think a good photograph will capture something of the model’s character. That will generally make the model—and by extension, the model’s clothes—look more attractive. A runway doesn’t do any of this. The expression on the models’ faces usually says, ‘Please God, don’t let me trip!’ The photographs would actually be better artistically if she did, not that I would wish a painful accident on anyone.

      Reply

      • April 10, 2014 at 1:12 pm, Laurence D'Aertrijcke said:

        I just don’t understand why they need to see clothing in a certain way. Clothing is made for people isn’t it? So why not have normal people with smiles on their faces modelling them.

        Reply

        • September 24, 2014 at 8:26 pm, logic said:

          simple: taller people=more clothing=more visibility=better ability to judge the CLOTHES. There isn’t necessarily any intention to suggest a certain type of people are better than the rest for any other specific purpose

          Reply

        • March 11, 2015 at 3:49 pm, Truth Serum said:

          The reason tall, thin, straight models have been used, and will continue to be used, is because they make everyone look good. They make most designer’s clothes look good, they make most photographer’s photos look good, and they make others imagine they might look like that in those clothes. Photographers don’t have to learn how to shoot any and all body types to show their true beauty, and designers don’t have to design for body types other than their own and a waif which looks good in most everything.

          Everyone wants to look their best and don’t want to risk looking less than great. I completely agree with you however. There are a few brands which encourage consumers to post their own images of them wearing the clothing. But they won’t go so far as to market with “normal” people. Only children’s boutique clothing companies are doing this or hand tailored luxury dresses. And their images are stunning.

          Reply

          • September 22, 2015 at 9:56 am, Shanice Nahara Gallardo said:

            Very true. I completely agree.

          • March 31, 2016 at 3:58 pm, nina said:

            I totally desagree my friend! When i see the clothes in fashion models or runway i see move hangers and i dont like the clothes at all, but after when i see the same clothes in real beautiful women as jlo,bellucci,jessica alba,nicole scherzinger,jessica biel,eva mendes etc the first thing i say is ohh my god!!!! i want it now!!!! As u see most of designers want unhealthy skinny models,tall like men,with strange faces without any detail of feminity & beauty. So women make a very wrong thought about their selves…..and they think that model and beauty is the hanger ! to be beautiful and healthy is to be normal not skinny ,not fat, with beautiful face and female body ,to excersize and eat healthy! these are real beautiful models that they can attract anyone in the market men to love them and women to have healthy idols and buy what they show

        • February 12, 2017 at 7:06 pm, Vanessa said:

          The fact that you’re saying “Why not have NORMAL people with smiles on their faces Modelling them.” Is pathetic. There is no such thing as normal for one. Another thing is that the clothing they design are for a specific measurement that they believe will sell their products more. Therefore, if the clothing doesn’t fit a certain model, it might fit another.

          Reply

  38. April 09, 2014 at 10:06 pm, Lady Ash said:

    Well poop. According to this I’m only good for glamour, art, and maybe alt modeling. 1″ off man. 1″. 🙁

    MM 3300327

    Reply

    • September 04, 2014 at 11:44 pm, Kathleen B said:

      I feel ya! I’m technically only 5’7 and a half! And scouts know!

      Reply

  39. April 09, 2014 at 7:31 pm, Tim Obas said:

    this is completely different in asia

    Reply

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