If you want to be a model, it can help to have a focus. Actors often have a “type” they are more easily cast in and models should follow that example and select which type of modeling is most suitable for them. The most popular options are runway and print work, but it can be challenging to figure out which to choose.
Before you sign with a San Diego modeling agency such as InnoVision Talent Agency, here’s the difference between print and runway modeling and how to decide which is the right path for you to pursue.
Runway Modeling
When you think of Paris or New York Fashion Week, you probably think of runway shows. Fashion designers hire runway models to walk the catwalk and showcase their clothes in a way that makes people want to buy them. To do this, runway models must possess the ability to command a room’s attention.
The original supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista started as runway models and made a name for themselves, strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Evangelista once said that she and fellow model Turlington “don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” More recently, Gisele Bundchen, Karlie Kloss, and Gigi Hadid have become some of the world’s most recognizable supermodels by walking in Victoria’s Secret runway shows.
Men also walk in fashion shows. Sean O’Pry, David Gandy and Tyson Beckford are some of the well-known male faces on the runway scene.
Keep in mind that these are top modeling professionals and the average runway model won’t earn millions of dollars or live a glamorous lifestyle. The profession requires a lot of hard work and dedication, as well as a diverse skill set. You should have a confident walk, good posture and a commanding presence. The more confidence and poise you have, the more at home you’ll feel on the runway.
Print Modeling
Rather than work a room in front of a live audience, print models work a camera on photo shoots. Print models are used in print campaigns for just about any type of business you could imagine. Whereas runway models walk the catwalk to highlight a fashion designer’s clothes, print models are used to advertise various products and services, from fashion and jewelry to furniture and food. Print models could appear in catalogs, magazine advertisements, billboards, brochures and posters.
Rather than requiring a specific look, many times, clients who are casting for print campaigns are looking for everyday “aspirational” types who are appealing to others. Clients often want to cast models who appear happy and successful to market their brands effectively.
In some cases, clients may want to cast a model representative of their brand. For instance, if the client is an outdoor equipment retailer specializing in camping gear, the casting director may look for a rugged outdoors-person or physically fit female model.
Generally speaking, though, print modeling is a good option for models of all backgrounds, types and ages. Since print campaigns often feature models posing as families or need models to advertise age-specific products like toys, it’s the most promising avenue for children and teenagers to pursue.
Some print campaigns also need what are known as “body parts models.” These models specialize in modeling only certain parts of their bodies, such as their hands, legs or feet. A hand model may be used in a print campaign for a jewelry designer; a leg model may be cast in an ad for a hosiery brand; a foot model may be used in an advertisement for a podiatry-related product or service. The options for print models are virtually limitless.
Runway vs. Print: Which Is Right for Me?
While some successful models can work both runway work and print modeling, most people will be better served by focusing on one or the other. Wondering which type of modeling is right for you? There are a few things to consider when deciding which type of modeling to pursue.
Runway models often must fit within a specific set of physical requirements. While there are some exceptions, female runway models often need to be 5’9” or taller and male runway models should generally be 5’11” or above. Runway models typically have a slimmer build and may need to have specific body measurements.
Print models, on the other hand, can be any shape and size, as there is a lot more room for diversity. Many clients casting print campaigns are looking for everyday people who are relatable and engaging. It’s more important to have a nice smile and natural facial expressions than a specific body type.
Think about your strengths and the feedback you receive from others as well. For instance, do you feed off the energy of a live audience or perform better in more intimate settings? Can you command a room, or does the camera love you? Do people compliment your walk? Have others described you as photogenic? Give yourself an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses to determine whether runway or print modeling may be the better fit for you.
The best thing you can do as an aspiring model is study the type of modeling you want to pursue. If you want to be a runway model, watch fashion runway shows and practice your walk. If you feel print modeling is more suitable for you, take a look at the models appearing in print advertisements and study their poses and facial expressions.
Work With a Modeling Agency
If you’re interested in launching a modeling career in California, partnering with a San Diego modeling agency could help. InnoVision represents models of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. We pride ourselves on diversity and finding people underrepresented in the modeling world.
To start working with InnoVision Talent Agency, fill out an application to be added to our talent roster. It could be just the step you need to land your first runway show or national print campaign!