You may have noticed that there are many different runway modeling jobs, and it can get confusing to figure out which one best suits your personality, style, and body type. If you want to walk the runway, you might consider becoming a runway model base model. What’s the difference between all these modeling jobs? This article will explore what each modeling job entails so you can decide which one is right for you!
Become familiar with the industry
Base models are generally non-professionals, but there are certainly benefits of using a model with prior experience. She will be familiar with your equipment and understand how best to work with it. And while you may have some technical questions in mind when working with a new model—specifically if it’s your first time working together—she will already know what you want from her.
It’s like having an extra set of eyes on stage. The same goes for hair and makeup, which is why many professional photographers prefer working with base models who also do their styling. You can save yourself some serious prep time by bringing someone else on board who is familiar enough with your industry that they won’t waste any of yours.
Figure out your body type
To break in, you’ll need to know your body type and base model (i.e., female clothing for women, male clothing for men). A few specific companies have exclusively made clothes for runway models over the past decades. Their names (like Givenchy or Victoria’s Secret) are often mentioned when people talk about modeling.
However, there are also general fashion brands that hire runway models from time to time as well. For instance, Abercrombie & Fitch always looks for good-looking people of every body type to wear their newest styles—and sometimes even takes on aspiring models just starting in the industry.
Keep track of your progress
Whether you use a simple journal or digital app, keeping track of your weight loss and exercise routine is essential. Tracking what you’re doing will give you peace of mind and help you monitor changes. In addition, take before-and-after photos of yourself so you can monitor your progress—that will give you even more motivation.
A great way to stay motivated is by competing with friends and family members on the same journey as you are! You can help keep each other on track when one person starts to slack off!
Attend castings and shows
Many designers host open calls where they’ll hire anyone based on looks, regardless of experience or portfolio. Attending shows will also help familiarize you with designers and give you an idea of what type of clothing they prefer their models wear.
Visit trade shows like IMG Runway if you have time, as well. Designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Vera Wang frequently showcase their newest collections at these events. The more familiar faces and names you know in your industry, the easier it will be for someone to notice your work—and that’s when modeling jobs start rolling in!
Start building relationships with agencies
Aspiring models need to start building relationships with agencies as soon as possible. Most modeling agencies are always looking for new talent and will reach out if they like what they see. If you feel that your portfolio is good enough and you’re confident in your look, then, by all means, reach out to a few of them yourself.
Once an agency reaches out, you must send them photographs regularly (professional and candids). Your pictures should showcase your unique personality and be clear and sharp. Be sure not to wear clothes that are too tight or dark—black-and-white prints are usually preferred over color photos.
Know what you want to achieve
So, you want to be a model. You have great looks and a stunning smile, and you know that someday, somehow, you’ll make it as a model. That’s fantastic – or not. Depending on how you feel about yourself and your ultimate goals, being a model may not be for you.
Before delving further into your pursuit of becoming a model consider if any of these are true for you: – You hate getting up early and staying late. Models work long hours; days often begin with fittings in preparation for an event that may take place in another country several days later – You hate strangers commenting on your body or appearance.
Stay focused on your goal and determination will pay off!
Successful models are very focused on their goals. They rarely have a casual attitude toward their work and always think about how to achieve their goal. Of course, you might not have your sights set on an international career—but there are other reasons why you might want to model.
What are the requirements to be a runway model?
Most fashion brands’ runways are a mix of professional and amateur models agencies have scouted. This is why there aren’t any strict requirements for being a runway model, but there are minimum height/weight requirements and overall physical condition rules.
Keep in mind that many fashion brands will be more selective during scouting, while others will hire anyone who passes their height and weight standards.
How much money do you make as a runway model?
Please make no mistake; being a model is about as glamorous and easy as it looks on TV. It’s not just walking down a catwalk in heels and showing off clothes from top designers. There’s quite a bit of business that goes on behind the scenes, including licensing deals advertising campaigns, etc. Of course, it can be extremely lucrative—look at Kate Moss! She reportedly earns $25 million per year working as a model.
Is runway model hard?
There are many misconceptions about getting into fashion modeling. Some people believe it takes tons of connections and expensive photo shoots, while others think it requires you to be a specific height or weight.
There is no easy path—you must work hard and hope for an opportunity. But, with some preparation (and maybe a little help from your mom), you can make yourself more attractive to potential recruiters and walk away with a career as a fashion model!
How do I become a runway model with no experience?
Maybe you’ve been approached by a recruiter at a shopping mall and are eager to sign up with one of these agencies. While it’s tempting, not all agencies are created equal, so before you fill out any paperwork and hand over your money, ask yourself: Why me? Do I have potential? Is there another path I could take that would give me more runway experience (and better pay) than taking photos for sample-size portfolios.
In contrast, others wear my clothes on the actual runways in Europe and Asia. Before giving up your hard-earned cash, try volunteering with an organization that puts models in reality shows, such as local theaters or schools. Alternatively, look for fashion shows by local boutiques or department stores.
Conclusion
Yes, there are ways you can work your way up to walking a fashion show. However, not all of them are easy. If you’re serious about getting a foot in the door, it might be worth investing some time and money into training or taking classes—but don’t expect it will happen overnight. Getting scouted is quite difficult, but with enough persistence and good luck, you could be wowing audiences on a catwalk one day soon! Keep at it! You got this.
