Introduction
Many people struggle to understand what modelling is and its different types. For many, the word ‘model’ conjures up images of tall, thin, and beautiful people walking down the runway. However, the reality is that modelling encompasses a broad range of activities and requires much more than just good looks. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to help the audience understand modelling, including its history, different types of models, requirements to become a model, and challenges faced by models in the industry.
Unpacking the Mysteries of Modeling: A Beginner’s Guide
A. What is modelling?
Modelling involves the use of people to showcase a product or service in different industries, including fashion, advertising, and entertainment. The models are expected to display the product in the best possible way to entice potential consumers. Modelling requires a lot of hard work and dedication, with models having to maintain their physique and follow strict routines. They can work in different professional settings like studios, commercial spaces, or even outdoors, requiring the ability to adapt to the setting and the demand of every shoot they have.
B. A brief history of modelling
Modelling has been around for centuries, with the first known reference to models dating back to ancient Egypt. They would use these models for the purpose of showcasing their clothing fashion. As time passed, there was an increase in the demand for models, which led to the creation of modelling agencies in the 20th century. These agencies helped models book jobs, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers, and allowed the industry to thrive globally.
C. Different types of models
There are different types of models, varying on the particular industry in which they work in. The most common types of models are runway models, print models, commercial models, plus-size models, fitness models, glamour models, and editorial models. Each of these models has a specific role to play, and they must understand the industry in which they work, as well as the requirements and expectations of the clients they work with.
D. Requirements to become a model
To become a model, one must have certain physical traits, such as good facial features, height, and proportions. However, different types of models have different requirements. For runway models, height and a slim physique are key. Print and commercial models need to be versatile and have a good ‘camera presence.’ Plus-size models are required to have proportional and curvy figures, while fitness models need to have well-defined muscles. Glamour models should be able to exude sex appeal, while editorial models are expected to be versatile and be able to tell a story through their expressions and poses.
Breaking Down the Different Types of Models and Their Roles in the Fashion Industry
A. Runway models
Runway models are models who showcase designers’ clothing on a live runway. These models need to be tall, with a slim physique to effectively display clothing designs. They need to have a good walk and maintain their poise, body balance, and facial expressions to showcase the clothing perfectly.
B. Print models
Print models are models who feature in print advertisements like magazines or brochures. They need to be photogenic, with distinct facial features that can work with the camera, and pose in various positions that can attract potential customers.
C. Commercial models
Commercial models advertise commercial products like foods, household items, and cosmetic lines. They need to have an approachable smile, happy face, and engaging personality to connect with a potential customer. They are targeted towards a general audience.
D. Plus-size models
Plus-size models are models that have proportional, curvy figures. They typically showcase clothing designed specifically for plus-size individuals, helping to provide consumers with more inclusive options. Several fashion designers and brands are embracing plus-size models, necessitating representation in the industry.
E. Fitness models
Fitness models have a toned and well-defined physique, showcasing athletic looks for sportswear or fitness-related products. They also act as role models to promote healthy lifestyles in the eyes of potential customers.
F. Glamour models
Glamour models are associated with portfolios, calendars, video and TV appearances, etc. They typically promote a particular product’s sexy image, such as lingerie or swimwear and work frequently for men’s magazines. They need to be bold and adventurous in their poses and expressions and present themselves with glamour and poise.
G. Editorial models
Editorial models may work in magazines doing niche photoshoots or editorial story coverage, reflecting their versatility in photographs. They tell a story through the dynamic poses and expressions they exude in their respective shots.
Celebrity Models: How They’re Changing the Face of Fashion
A. The rise of celebrity models
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of celebrity models, who are bringing fame and popularity to modelling. Celebrities who have garnered a following can get hired by fashion houses or modelling agencies to represent products or services.
B. The impact of celebrity models on the fashion industry
Celebrities who work as models help to promote their respective brands. It’s also an effective way for brands to build a rapport with specific audiences in the market. The launch of a new fashion line with a celebrity model can generate a lot of media attention and thereby bring high revenue to the specific brand. Celebrities’ massive following on social media enables product exposure to viewers that can lead to a surge in demand for the said product or service.
C. Examples of successful celebrity models
Some famous celebrity models include Bella Hadid, who was named the ‘model of the year’ in 2016 and nominated for several other modelling awards. Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner are other examples of celebrities who have transformed from mainstream media to professional modelling careers.
Modeling in the Digital Age: How Social Media is Revolutionizing the Industry
A. How social media has changed the way we view models
Social media has revolutionized the modelling industry, offering new opportunities for models and agents. It transformed how models present themselves online, promoting professionalism and creativity. With a vast number of people using social media platforms, it has become easier for models to obtain international fame and reach. They are a primary source of fashion inspiration for individuals and contribute significantly to the modelling industry even with the pandemic took place.
B. The rise of influencer models
Social media’s growth resulted in a new type of modelling, influencer marketing. Influencers partner with brands to promote their products/services, can offer great engagement which then drives up sales. Influencers come in different sizes, and their influence over their specific demographic is one of the key indicators of the kind of modelling position that they are in.
C. The impact of social media on the modelling industry
Social media has enabled models to build their personal brand, find new work, reach a broader audience, and demonstrate their creativity. The rise of social media influencers has led to a shift in the modelling industry, and the relevance of agents may decrease as agents may no longer have the influence they had before.
The Dark Side of Modeling: Examining the Controversies and Challenges Faced by Models Today
A. The problem of body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards
The modelling industry has received criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and body shaming. Models often face immense pressure to maintain a particular physique and appearance, which can lead to various mental health issues like depression, anxiety-eating disorders and low self-esteem. The industry also calls for more diversification of models to include individuals of different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities.
B. The prevalence of sexual harassment in the industry
The modelling industry is also notorious for sexual harassment, with many models reporting instances of inappropriate behaviour from photographers, agents, and design personnel. Industry authorities have put measures in place like having supervised changing rooms, preventing photographers and team members from being alone with the models, establishing code of conduct amidst legal repercussions on violators with the #MeToo movement gaining momentum.
C. The mental health challenges faced by models
Amidst a highly competitive industry, models face severe mental health challenges. Loneliness, depression and anxiety are common aftereffects of pressures of staying fit, getting accepted for potential modelling gigs, and going through constant rejection. To address these issues, models need to have a strong support system that believes in them, proper representation, and working on modeling as a job, not with a sense of self-worth tied to it.
D. The actions being taken to address these issues
Modeling agencies and legal committees work now together to guarantee that models’ rights and well-being are protected. Several managers and agencies have been involved in building platforms for better representation of models with their backgrounds, experiences and help provide them with a supportive network. There have been campaigns on body diversity recognition and self-love, propelling an atmosphere with a more welcoming and accepting perspective.
Conclusion
The world of modelling can be exciting, rewarding, yet highly competitive. Modelling types range from runway to plus-size models, with requirements that depend on the type of industry it was catered for. The rise of celebrity models and the evolution of social media have revolutionized the modelling industry. However, the industry also has many dark sides, such as body shaming, harassment, and mental health challenges. To build a successful modelling career, models need to understand the industry, maintain their wellbeing, know their rights and portray professionalism every step of the way.
We hope that our comprehensive guide to modelling will help aspiring models and those interested in the fashion industry make informed decisions and be aware of the challenges that come with the job, thereby making the best out of their modeling journey.