The 50 Best Careers in Modeling

By Jeanne Rejaunier

If success in the modeling industry is your ambition, you need to be equipped with the right knowledge to achieve your goal. Whether you’re new to modeling or an old pro in the field, The 50 Best Careers in Modeling can give you important tools to bring your career to the next level. Every day, models and actors of all ages, types, sizes, and ethnicities are booked to appear in lifestyle and fashion print ads, on-camera television commercials, educational and industrial films, music videos, voice-overs, internet and video game work, parts modeling, fit modeling, runway, catalog, trade shows, reality television shows, and more. Modeling is a multibillion dollar world populated by tens of thousands of established professionals already earning a living being well paid for their talents. Each year, hoards of untried newcomers with a dream knock at the door.

So how can you break in, stay in, and make it to the top in an exciting and challenging career as a model? Where are the best modeling opportunities, and how do you find them? How can you make your presence known to key power players in a position to boost your career? All these and related topics are explored in The 50 Best Careers in Modeling by Jeanne Rejaunier, author of the internationally acclaimed bestseller about the modeling industry, The Beauty Trap.

In this her newest work, Rejaunier spells out the dos and don’ts you need to know for success in what is arguably the world’s most highly competitive business, but one of the most rewarding. The book’s uniqueness lies in its being the first of its genre to break down into individual job categories the 50 plus areas in which models and those who support them behind the scenes may find work, what it takes to prepare for each area of the industry, and how you can best pursue each one. Information for The 50 Best Careers in Modeling was obtained through personal knowledge gained from Rejaunier’s many years' involvement in the modeling world, and by her interviews with experts in the field – models, agents, personal managers, bookers, casting directors, photographers, producers and directors, attorneys, accountants, fashion designers, buyers, department store executives, and others.

If you are young and attractive with the right attitude and work ethic, many opportunities in modeling will potentially be available to you. If on the other hand you are beyond the first bloom of youth and are not blessed with a drop dead gorgeous appearance, you too can find your niche in the modeling industry, as opportunities for all types of models today have expanded exponentially and proliferate as never before. Give yourself a competitive edge by learning about the best job areas a modeling career offers, no matter what your age, sex or type, whether you’re aiming for a career in front of or behind the camera, and whether you are a beginner or an established player.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanne Rejaunier
• Release date: Jun 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476293578

Jeanne Rejaunier

Jeanne Rejaunier graduated from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, and did postgraduate studies at the Sorbonne, Paris, the Universities of Florence and Pisa, Italy, and the Goetheschule, Rome, as well as at UCLA. While at Vassar, she began a career as a professional model, and subsequently became an actress in Manhattan, Hollywood and Europe, appearing on and off Broadway, in films and television, on magazine covers internationally and as a principal in dozens of national commercials.Rejaunier achieved international success with the publication of her acclaimed first novel, The Beauty Trap, which sold over one million copies and became Simon & Schuster’s fourth best seller of the year, the film rights to which were purchased outright by Avco-Embassy. Rejaunier has publicized her books in national and international tours on three continents in five languages. Her writing has been extolled in feature stories in LIFE, Playboy, Mademoiselle, Seventeen, National Geographic, BusinessWeek, Fashion Weekly, Women’s Wear, W, McCalls, American Homemaker, Parade, Let’s Live, Marie-Claire, Epoca, Tempo, Sogno, Cine-Tipo, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and countless other publications. In addition to The Beauty Trap, Rejaunier also published six other novels: Spies 'R Us, The Motion and the Act, Affair in Rome, Mob Sisters, Odalisque at the Spa, and Everybody's Husband; and nonfiction memoirs My Sundays with Henry Miller and Hollywood Sauna Confidential. Rejaunier's Planes of Heaven spiritual series include seven titles: Planes of the Heavenworld, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Heaven but Didn't Know Where to Ask, The Kingdom of Heaven and 4th Dimensional Consciousness, The Afterlife in the Here and Now, Living in Eternity Now, The Eightfold Path and the 8th Plane of Heaven, and Here and Hereafter, Forever After. She is also the author of Astrology For Lovers, Modeling From the Ground Up, the Fifty Best Careers in Modeling, Titans of the Muses, The Paris Diet, Runway to Success, The Video Jungle, Astrology and Your Sex Life, Japan’s Hidden Face, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Food Allergy, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Migraines and Other Headaches.As a filmmaker, Rejaunier directed, produced, filmed and edited the 4 hour documentary, The Spirit of ’56: Meetings with Remarkable Women. Some 200 of her videos are now posted on YouTube:at http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhw4; additional writing is available on her blog, www.jarcollect.blogspot.com).

Book preview

THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING

JEANNE REJAUNIER

Published by Jeanne Rejaunier at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Jeanne Rejaunier

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2016 Jeanne Rejaunier

All rights reserved.

ISBN:9781476293578

DEDICATION

TO MODELS EVERYWHERE, PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE:

Most people don't realize what enormous effort and what hard work it takes to make it in modeling. May this book serve to enlighten and help readers who aspire to modeling careers, and for those readers who already have a leg up in modeling, long may you prosper at what you do so well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

Part One - Film, Video and Television Modeling

Chapter 1 - Television Commercial Model

Chapter 2 - Spokesperson

Chapter 3 -Game Show Model

Chapter 4 - Industrial, Educational & Training Films Model

Chapter 5 - Featured Player

Chapter 6 - Infomercial & Home Shopping Model

Chapter 7 - Background, Atmosphere, Extra, Omni

Chapter 8 - Bit Player, under 5, Walk-on

Chapter 9 - Music Video Model

Chapter 10 - Voiceover & Jingles

Chapter 11 - New Media Model

Part Two - Print Modeling

Chapter 12 - Fashion Editorial Model

Chapter 13 - Catalog Model

Chapter 14 - Advertising Print Model

Chapter 15 -Endorsement Exclusives & under Contract Model

Chapter 16 - Swimsuit, Lingerie, Calendar, Poster & Billboard \

Chapter 17 - Publicity Model

Part Three -Wholesale/Retail Modeling

Chapter 18 - Designer/Manufacturer’s Showroom Fit Model

Chapter 19 - in House Duplicate Pattern Model

Chapter 20 - Writing Appointments, Showroom Model

Chapter 21 - Merchandise Mart & Market Week Model

Chapter 22 - Haute Couture Designer Collections Model

Chapter 23 - Designer Collections Runway Model

Chapter 24 - Department Store: Retail Runway Model

Chapter 25 - Department Store: Print Model

Chapter 26 - Trunk Show Model

Part Four - Live Demonstration Modeling

Chapter 27 - Special Promotions and Informal Floor Model

Chapter 28 - Convention Model/hostess

Chapter 29 - Live Industrial Show Model

Chapter 30 - Promotional and Product Demonstration Model

Part Five - Special Modeling Categories

Chapter 31 - Male Model

Chapter 32 - Child Model

Chapter 33 - International Model

Chapter 34 - Supermodel/celebrity Model

Chapter 35 - Petites, Plus/large Size Models

Chapter 36 - Parts Modeling 0 Hands, Feet, Legs, etc.

Chapter 37 - Regional Model

Chapter 38 - Testing Board Model

Chapter 39 -Character Person/Real People/.Classic

Part Six - Modeling Partners

Chapter 40 - Model Agent & Model Management

Chapter 41 - Model Agency Sales Force: Booker

Chapter 42 - Model Agency Trainer

Chapter 43 - Personal Manager

Chapter 44 - Talent Agent

Chapter 45 - Model Scout

Chapter 46 - Modeling Contests, Conventions & Pageants

Chapter 47 - Modeling School Owner/instructor

Chapter 48 - Independent Casting Director

Chapter 49 - In-house Casting Director

Part Seven - Behind the Scenes in Modeling

Chapter 50 - Makeup Artist

Chapter 51 - Hairdresser/Hairstylist/Hair Designer

Chapter 52 - Wardrobe Person

Chapter 53 - Fitter, Presser, Starter, Dresser, Checker

Chapter 54 - Runway Show Designer, Coordinator, Set Designer

Chapter 55 - Location Scout

Chapter 56 - Photographer

Chapter 57 Production Staff: Film Crew

Modeling Glossary

About the Author

The Beauty Trap, by Jeanne Rejaunier

Connect with Jeanne Rejaunier Online

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the many people who helped with information and assistance, as well as encouragement in completing THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING. The following individuals and organizations provided invaluable assistance:

Irene Allen, JC Penney; Elite Model Agency, New York; New York Public Library, Central Ridge Library, Beverly Hills, Florida; Locust Valley Library, Locust Valley, NY;. Photographer Ellen King, Hollywood; Bickerton Models, Toronto, Ontario; Angie's Models and Images Talent, Toronto; Boss Models, New York, London and Cape Town; First Model Management Inc., Honolulu, HI; Delia Model Management, Wilmington, NC; Model Club Kids, Boston; Dynamite Agency, Paris; Pauline's Model Management, New York: IMTA (International Model and Talent Association), Phoenix, AZ; Page Parkes/Intermedia, Houston, Dallas and Miami; Directions, USA, Greensboro, NC; Applause Models, Toronto; Carole Kleban, Professional Children's School, New York City; George Michael of Madison Avenue, New York; and Michael De Mars, Houston, TX.

To the great number of individuals who also provided assistance and information but chose to remain anonymous, I would like to extend my gratitude as well.

PREFACE

1

THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING is a guide for how and where to aim your sights when your goal is success in the modeling industry. 50 BEST provides essential information that aspiring models need in the quest for industry know-how, and is also a resource for working models and actors who are looking to shift into new rewarding areas in their careers. So whether you’re a raw beginner or already immersed as a professional, this book is designed to help you.

Thousands of people want to be a part of the modeling industry, but have no idea how to begin. Drawn by the lure of glamour and excitement, eager to share a piece of the pie and start earning big money, they want to know what talent and abilities a model needs, whether they have what it takes, and how they can acquire the ingredients to make a difference. Those who are already a part of the modeling business are forever seeking to expand their expertise, find ongoing opportunities and increased income streams. They want to polish their image, maximize endowments, attain the highest potential on an ever more meaningful level. So how does one break in, stay in, branch out, and reach solid success in a rewarding career as a model?

Modeling is a multibillion dollar industry populated by tens of thousands of established professionals earning a living being well paid for their talents. In addition, each year, hoards of as yet untried newcomers with a dream knock at the door. While the field may seem crowded, as luck would have it, in modeling, there is always room for new faces, especially for hard workers who believe in themselves, are persistent, and continue to learn and grow as they move along.

Models and actors of all ages, types, sizes, and ethnicities are needed for lifestyle and fashion print ads, on-camera television commercials, educational and industrial films, music videos, voice-overs, internet and video game gigs, parts modeling, fit modeling, runway, catalog, trade shows, reality television shows, and more. As you read through THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING, you’ll see how the modeling industry welcomes diverse types, and that individuals of no matter what age or type have a chance to bring their goals to reality.

What are the best modeling opportunities, and how do you find them? When should you go where, and what do you need to know beforehand? How can you best make your presence known to key power players in a position to boost your career? We’ll explore these and other topics in this book

Information for THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING was obtained through personal knowledge gained from my own many years' involvement in the modeling world, by interviews with experts in the field, and through other media sources. In the course of writing the book, I interviewed agents, personal managers, bookers, models, casting directors, photographers, producers and directors, attorneys, accountants, fashion designers, buyers, department store executives, and more.

The modeling industry offers tremendous opportunities to an enormous variety of persons with a wide range of talents and skills. Since the industry provides jobs to both those in the limelight and those who work behind the scenes, THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING investigates potential work in both high and low profile areas, visible and supportive. Some categories overlap and can serve as credits or entrees to other branches of the modeling and fashion worlds. For example, a runway or fashion model may also perform in TV commercials; a product demonstration model may do industrials; any model in any field can branch out into acting, and so on.

Chapters in THE 50 BEST CAREERS IN MODELING are divided according to category, with individual jobs cited containing descriptions of work both in the public eye and behind the scenes. Within each section, information is provided in six classifications: Job Description and Responsibilities; Employment Opportunities; Earnings; Advancement Opportunities; Experience and Qualifications; and Tips/Advice/Important Information. The Glossary at the end of the book contains definitions of the special terms used by models and the people who work with them.

If you are young and good looking with the right attitude and work ethic, plenty of modeling opportunities will potentially be made available to you; if on the other hand you’re beyond the first bloom of youth and are not blessed with a drop dead gorgeous appearance, do not despair, for you too can make it in modeling. Work opportunities in the industry have expanded exponentially and proliferate as never before. In opening this book, you’re one step closer toward fulfilling your personal path in modeling. Whether you’re a greenhorn or an entrenched player, this book will help you learn how to better reach your goals. As you continue reading, be aware of the Tips given at the end of each chapter, and try taking some of the advice in the descriptive sections to heart.

This book will spell out the dos and don’ts you need to know for what is arguably the world’s most highly competitive business, but one of the most rewarding. Accept the fact that nothing is going to be dropped in your lap, and that you will have to work hard for what you want. But if modeling success is truly your ambition, with the right knowledge at your fingertips, you can achieve your goal. Others have realized theirs, so why not you, too?

The fact is, if you sincerely want to develop your skills, if you apply yourself, network and follow direction, there is no reason on earth you can’t climb the ladder of success to its ultimate rung – the very top of the modeling profession.

INTRODUCTION

What You Need to Know to get the 50 Best Jobs in Modeling

Who can model?

Modeling is a large and highly lucrative international industry in which European and regional US agencies and clients play a major part, with New York at the summit and epicenter.

Modeling provides work to a variety of age and type categories, including newborns, infants and children, teens, college kids, girl next door, American beauty, glamour girl, young mother and fathers, homemaker, career woman, businessman; older parents, retirees, grandparents, spokespeople, announcers, geeks, goofballs, nerds, persons with special needs, and more. In short, individuals of every size, sex , age and ethnicity are needed to model. Some models are large, plus size, others petites. Some, parts models, model only portions of themselves -- hands, legs, lips, or feet, for instance. The majority of jobs in modeling are for young women fashion types; the next most in demand modeling type is character people. Currently, there is a major shortage of elderly men in the character category. Senior men, listen up!

Although all types are needed, each modeling category demands specific requirements. Age and size are factors clients always consider. If a job calls for a ten year old child and your offspring is small or large for his age, looking not like ten but like six or twelve, he will not be chosen.

High fashion models appearing in magazines like Vogue, Elle. Harper's Bazaar, and on catwalks showing designer collections, usually have a sophisticated, elegant look, a well-proportioned slim figure and long, shapely legs; some may be exotic, others more wholesome and commercial; some may be unique combinations, but most are 5'9 to 5'11 in height; their ages usually ranges from 15-25, (preferably still teenagers when initiating careers) unless they are celebrities or supermodels, in which case they may be older and shorter.

Male fashion models, though they may begin modeling later than their female counterparts, should be buff, between 5'11 and 6'2, usually with a medium build bordering on athletic. Real people models should not look glamorous, but down to earth, fitting the friendly neighbor-next-door appearance.

Other modeling categories include the general fashion type, calling for a pretty all-American, contemporary woman, late 20's to mid 40's; the classic woman, elegant, attractive, and over 45. The junior model, Seventeen magazine type, can be smaller than high fashion, 5'6 to 5'8", while plus models are large women, wearing clothing bigger than size 12, (from 14 up); petites wear sizes 1-7, are 5'2 - 5'6 and under age 25. General fashion male models can be any age, but are usually under 45; big and tall male models are 44 longs and up. Female models who are shorter than the standard high fashion requirements can be hired for petite runway and petite fashion print; short male and female models can also do print advertising, commercial, and other non-fashion assignments. Infants, children, and product models are chosen among all ages and types, as are TV commercial models. Commercial models may overlap with all other types.

Image, Type, and Look

Within each group, the model must fit an image and represent a specific type. A model’s look needs to be what the specified job requires – neither too young nor too old, not too commercial if the job is fashion, not too career woman if the job is junior, not nerdy if a buff male is called for, and so on – you get the picture.

The fact is that almost anyone and everyone can be a model of one sort or another at various points in time, the secret being to suit the sought for image at specific job calls. Though there is no set look in facial features, good teeth, healthy skin and hair are standard expectations for most models, with the sometimes exception of character people, who can frequently deviate from the norm, as the case may be. Yes, men, if you're bald, you don't have to rush out to invest in a hair transplant or even buy a toupee. Bald men are welcome in modeling, as you may have noticed!

While a model’s looks and look are key elements, no model makes it on looks or look alone. A model must project personality on go sees, on the runway, and in front of the camera; the model's flair and individuality must stand out; the model must have impact and be able to draw attention to the product or service being sold.

What kind of work are models paid to do?

Models are hired to work in print advertising, television commercials, wholesale/ retail/runway, designer and manufacturer showrooms, and live demonstrations, to name a few of the most popular modeling job areas.

In print modeling, a model works in various categories – editorial, advertising, catalog, publicity. Commercial print models are seen on national billboards, in magazines and newspapers, and may also appear in television commercials, industrials, and films. Even some acting assignments sometimes fall loosely under the category of modeling and are often performed by models.

Models are also hired for live appearances. In the wholesale/retail sphere, in-house modeling is where a model shows garments to buyers in the designer's or manufacturer's showroom; in fit modeling and production sample modeling, clothes are created and fit on a model; in this category we also have runway modeling for designer collections, trunk shows, and retail modeling in department stores. There is informal, floor modeling, as in department stores, restaurants, and tearooms, where a model mingles with customers. Live modeling also exists in promotional and product demonstration, convention modeling, live industrials, and trade shows.

Film, commercial, infomercial, music video and industrial assignments demand all types of models. For these, there are no age or height requirements, and the work can be done throughout one's entire life.

Some models specialize in one of the above mentioned areas alone, others in two or several.

How much money can I make as a model?

Models' earnings vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, including experience, responsibilities, reputation, popularity, type of modeling, agency clout, and other determinants. Overall financial rewards for the successful model can be excellent, greater than the individual would likely make in other fields. Some jobs, such as those in print modeling, are based on an hourly or daily rate set by the agency. Other fees, such as for television commercials, are regulated by performers’ unions. Union minimum, called scale, is the bottom line, but rates can be negotiated above scale for popular, established models in certain circumstances.

We need to differentiate between solid workhorse models, steady earners, booked every day doing bread and butter catalog and other journeyman jobs, and the superstars with high priced brand contracts who are in the enviable position of being able to pick and choose what assignments they will accept. That said, these same top model performers who demand big dollars to walk for designers in runway appearances or in print and TV cosmetics ads will work a Vogue editorial shoot for peanuts - and prestige.

Then again, a sudden star can be made, when a previously unheralded individual is chosen to represent a product in a high visibility promotion. In such cases, the virtual unknown (who has usually paid his/her dues in the industry for a requisite time, and while as yet unknown to the public is already known to industry cognoscenti) will be seen in a constantly aired commercial for, let’s say, Apple computers, Verizon wireless, or V-8 juice. That performer, though not yet (at this point) a celebrity, stands to make a pile of money during the commercial run. The question is: will he/she be able to capitalize on and build on the so-called instant success, or after this campaign has run its course, will he/she be back pounding the pavements hoping for the next big break?

How to quantify the model’s earning power, which fluctuates from season to season? When does a model arrive at the pinnacle of job security? Is a model protected from job price fluctuation? These are questions models often face, and there are no easy answers. Trying to figure out how much a model can earn can pose more puzzling dilemmas than rocket science.

In print, while the agency assigns an hourly and daily rate to each model, rates are not totally 100% written in stone and may vary depending on the situation. There is often a so-called bid and asked price, with considerable negotiations involved between agency and client. Richer, more important clients will pay the high going rate for a superstar or top model in a region. The model’s agency may, at its discretion, offer a break in price to the client who is on a limited budget, often with the understanding that this is a special favor because we like you and want to work with you in the future, and know we’re going to be doing a lot of business together. Thus is a marker made, to be collected at some future date. Conversely, there is the situation where a top model will ask for an exorbitant rate but find herself priced out of the market and suffering job loss. So exact figures a model may earn are not so easily defined.

Some fees are absolutely non-negotiable. Union scale, set by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Radio and Television Artists), set minimums that must be paid, whereas in non-union categories, modeling job rates can shift up or down.

There is no way to predict how long it will take a model to earn how much or how long the earnings can be sustained, just as there are no predictable time periods involved in the length of time it will take a model to arrive at a point where he/she can demand and get top rates.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that modeling will ever pay off bigtime. Success depends on marketing and demand, and in the modeling field, no one identifiable course can guarantee a living. Most modeling is essentially entrepreneurial in nature, dependent on the model's own efforts to build a career, coupled with luck and being at the right place at the right time. At first, it is unlikely that many choice contracts of long term assignments or job security will be offered. It takes time to build a modeling career; indeed, if it’s any comfort, few if any models are ever satisfied with their current status or degree of achievement, but are ever looking to reach the next level.

Best guideline is to trust your agency for direction. They have your interests at heart. Agents want you to succeed, and realize how a good portion of your success is monetary. Your personal resolution should be to make sure you’re always ready for the next opportunity as it’s presented, and accept your agency’s guidelines on earnings.

Where are the best modeling jobs? What’s the best city for modeling?

The major international modeling markets that offer the most work, money and prestige to fashion models are New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Japan. Secondary American markets in which fashion models can find plentiful work include Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta; Boston, Philadelphia, Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, Cleveland, Detroit, New Orleans, Hawaii and the Carolinas are smaller markets but are very good places where models can gain experience prior to moving into larger markets. Countless other regional cities also offer work to models. Other foreign markets offering good opportunities to American fashion models include Toronto, Montreal, Sydney, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Madrid, Tel Aviv, Zurich, Vienna, Athens, and other cities too numerous to mention.

Fashion models may begin working in virtually any of the above markets or combinations thereof, or in a variety of others, and may in time jump from market to market. Commercial and print models can find work in most of the aforementioned markets as well, but in the United States, the chief television commercial and print modeling center is New York, followed by Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.

While there is nothing to stop a model from launching a career anywhere in the world, the conventional wisdom is that in the beginning, sticking close to home in a secondary market is recommended prior to tackling the larger, more competitive markets. That being said, if your family happens to live in the tri-state New York area and thus the city is your back yard and no stranger to you, you will probably feel comfortable launching your modeling career directly out of the Big Apple.

Finding representation: Modeling and Talent Agencies

Models rely on model agencies to send them to clients for bookings, as modeling jobs are called. There are probably several thousand model agencies in the world. New York alone has hundreds. If you want to pursue a career in modeling, having an agent is not only desirable, but in most cases is a must. You will look to be affiliated with either a modeling or talent agency or both, and sometimes a personal manager as well. Although some models in some categories are able to work without representation, this is uncommon.

Model agencies range from small boutique operations to large multi-service companies that specialize in everything – Print, Runway, TV, Plus Models, Petites, Parts Modeling, Classics/Sophisticates, Men, Children, Character People – to agencies that do print nearly exclusively or TV commercials nearly exclusively, and so on. Determine which direction to emphasize for which agents, then formulate your plan to sell them that you are right for their particular focus.

In New York, where the majority of television commercials are shot, models may work through several talent agents, but usually through only one model agency. If you are New York-based, make sure you visit and are known to a number of the top commercial agents.

An earlier book I wrote, Runway to Success, contained more than 50 pages of model