I WANT TO BE A MODEL: Week #2
Knowing Your Niche as a Model
Last week, we discussed the “typical” requirements of high fashion models of print and runway. The most “important” requirement is height with a range of 5’7” to 5’11” between the two divisions. If you do not meet the height requirements for being a high fashion print or runway model, though, there are different areas that you could take advantage of in the modeling industry that are unknown (or overlooked) by the general public because they may not hold the glamour of high fashion.
The largest and most prominent area to look into outside of runway and high fashion is commercial print modeling. The main difference between commercial print and high fashion print is that commercial print is product-based. For every product there is a demographic that is targeted; different types of models will get more favorable responses among different demographics. Not only is there a variety of heights that can be used, but age, size, and looks can also vary greatly. As they appeal to different consumers, there are different attributes that clients look at when choosing commercial print models: character, lifestyle and girl/guy next door.
All three of these types fit a certain niche and represent the real world.
Character models play a role: A 65-year old male will be more likely to listen to medical advice from someone who looks like a stereotypical doctor rather than a chiseled male model.
Lifestyle models fit a demographic: The average mother of three probably won’t buy laundry detergent from a waif-thin 15-year old with smoky eyes and stiletto heels.
Girl/guy next door does not overpower the product: They are beautiful to look at without overshadowing the product and distracting the target demographic.
Although these are not as known and don’t typically come to mind when we think of “models”, they are just as important and present as a high fashion model and in much more demand. A successful model is a versatile model. In Chicago, a model can have a career as a high fashion model, a commercial model or even both!
Check back next week to find out how important researching modeling schools and conventions are before signing on the dotted line.
-Alyssa Dilts - Elite Model Management
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