Is Your Dream to Become a Female Model?
Here at The Model Builders, we can help guide and support aspiring female models as you attempt to break into the fashion world.
Modelling 101
We can craft a tailored portfolio to kickstart your career
Modelling is a tough industry to break into because it is competitive and strict about its requirements. However, certain niches of modelling are more relaxed.
As a model, you need to know the ins and outs of the business in order to make it work for you. If you have the know-how and determination, you’ll improve your chances of landing that dream modelling job.
How Can The Model Builders Help?
We can craft a tailored portfolio to kickstart your career
We have over 18 years of experience in the modelling industry and can help aspiring models find their feet.
We have photography studios around the UK that you can register to model at. We give models the opportunity to walk away with some amazing high-quality images that can be used for a modelling portfolio or z-cards.
Perhaps most of value is our expertise. We provide ongoing support and advice for models looking to break into the industry.
Modelling Requirements
Each niche of modelling has different requirements depending on the audiences they cater to. High-fashion is famously the strictest and most difficult to break into. Commercial modelling contains lots of sub-categories like fitness, glamour, body part and plus-size modelling, and these are generally easier to get into as they tend to be more relaxed about their rules.
The first thing you need to do as an aspiring female model is figure out which category of modelling you are most suited to. While many models wish to reach the same dizzying heights of success that supermodels reach, it’s important to understand that supermodels are high-fashion models and must therefore meet the stringent standards that are required from most designer brands.
Commercial Modelling
Commercial modelling is the most common type of modelling. A commercial model may find themselves working for a clothing brand one week and a phone company the next. A commercial models job is to sell products to the general public.
Unlike high-fashion, the requirements are fairly ambiguous as brands need commercial models to reflect and speak to their audience. That means that, while taller and physically proportional people are more likely to be accepted by commercial modelling agencies, the requirements are more relaxed.
Commercial modelling has many sub-categories including fitness, petite, plus-size and alternative.
Commercial models do not reach the same levels of fame as high-fashion models, but there is still a lot of money to be made. It’s also more possible have a sustainable, lengthy career as a commercial model.
The In’s and Out’s of Catalogue Modelling
A catalogue model is a model who works and models clothing brands and accessories. As seasons and collections are constantly being updated and changed, this means there is constant demand for catalogue models and new shoots need to take place on a regular basis.
Modelling agencies and brands will look for models who reflect the brand’s target audience. If a model reflects a certain brand well, they may even find themselves with ongoing and consistent work.
Depending on the nature of the shoot and the time frame, a catalogue model may find themselves working up to 7 days a week to get the photos ready for launch time.
Models looking to get catalogue work should research the brands they are interested in so they understand the market and the products.
Petite Modelling
Petite modelling is a niche of commercial modelling. Petite models are required for modelling clothing and product ranges that are designed for shorter people.
Many high-end and high-street brands are creating ranges that cater to petite people, which means the demand for shorter models has soared. This means that many modelling agencies like to have petite models signed on their books in case a brand every requests a shorter model. There are even some agencies that work specifically with petite models.
If you are too short for high-fashion (which requires women to be a minimum of 5’8”), petite modelling could be a great option for you. There are still limitations; most brands prefer models who are between 5’2” and 5’6”, though allowances are often made for a person who has the right look.
What Requirements Must High-Fashion Models Meet?
High-fashion, or catwalk, models must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 5’8” tall or a maximum or 5’11”
- Must have a size UK 6-8 dress size
- Needs 34”-24”-34” bust, waist and hip measurements
Most women struggle to meet these criteria because there are very few women who naturally possess such a tall, slender and proportional frame. High-fashion is trying to appear for the privileged few, and they wish for their models to also reflect this.
High-fashion models are also very young. Many start in their teens and retire from the catwalk in their mid 20’s.
If you don’t meet the requirements for high-fashion modelling, don’t panic! Most aspiring models don’t meet the strict requirements needed for high fashion. Commercial modelling is much less strict, though there are still necessities depending on the niche of modelling. For example, plus-size modelling requires models to be proportional and over a size 14. Petite modelling requires models no taller than 5’7”. Alternative modelling usually requires you have some sort of body modification (like tattoos or piercings), or brightly-coloured hair to help you stand out.
Most niches of modelling do prefer their models to be slender and proportional with a good smile. This type of look will find you more work and give you more chance of being signed by a modelling agency.
Models who work commercially should also find that their careers have more longevity than a high-fashion model, as age will not affect their work as much.
Plus-Size Modelling
As with petite modelling, plus-size modelling has also seen a huge increase in products and, therefore, a higher demand for plus-size models. Many high-street and designer brands are now creating plus-size ranges to cater to the curvier woman.
There are many agencies who have a plus-size category, and there are some who work only with plus-size people.
Plus-size is considered above a size 8 in high-fashion modelling, and around a size 14 for commercial modelling. Height is still important and plus-size models must have proportional body shapes (an hourglass shape is usually desired).
If you’re interested in potentially working in the plus-size modelling industry, register with us today and we can help.
Mature Models
Commercial modelling requires all types of people to cater and reflect all the different audiences out there. Mature models in particular are having an easier time getting signed to modelling agencies and finding work.
In the past 10 years, mature models have really had a moment. Many brands have used mature models in campaigns showing beauty has no age limit. Skincare products, clothing lines and jewellery brands have all been seen hiring mature models to sell their products.
If you’re an older model who is interested in modelling, get in touch today and we can tell you if you have what it takes.
Do I Need to be Signed to a Modelling Agency?
A modelling agency is highly advantageous for aspiring models who want to work professionally. Agencies take a cut of the model’s payment when they help them find work. It’s therefore in their best interests to find work for any models they have signed.
It can be difficult to get signed by a modelling agency. Research the agencies you like the look of and that you meet the criteria of, and apply using the application form on their website. Don’t be disheartened if you are rejected; nearly all models face rejection early on in their careers. You can apply to as many agencies as you want, as many times as you want. The applications will require you to attach some modelling photos, so make sure to only use your best photos to increase your chances of success.
How Do I Get Started?
It’s easy!
Register with us today and we will assess your application and evaluate your chances of success in the modelling industry.
If successful, we’ll be in contact to arrange your photoshoot.