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A model (from Middle French modèle),^[1] sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed for the purpose of displaying and promoting fashion clothing or other products and for advertising or promotional purposes or who poses for works of art.

Modelling ("modelling" with a doubled "l" is British spelling, vs "modeling" single "l" American spelling) is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as an acting, dancing or mime artist, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is not considered modelling.

Types of modelling include fashion, glamour, fitness, bikini, fine art, and body-part models. Models are features in a variety of media formats including books, magazines, movies, newspapers, and TV. The models themselves can be a featured part of a movie (Looker, Tattoo), reality television show (America's Next Top Model, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency), or music video ("Freedom! '90", "Wicked Game", "Daughters").

Contents 1 Modeling agency 2 Fashion models 2.1 History 2.2 Print modelling 2.3 Runway modelling 2.4 Supermodels 3 Glamour models 4 Fitness models 5 Bikini models 6 Models with other objects 7 Gravure idols 8 Alternative models 9 Body-parts models 10 Salary 11 See also 12 References

[edit] Modeling agency

A modeling agency is a company that represents a group of models which they call their model board. Model bookers (also called "booker" or "agent") are a group of people who manage a model's career. An agent helps a model find jobs, book jobs, gives advice, and emails or gives copy books and comp cards to various clients they work with (a comp card is a selection of pictures printed on a card, a copy book is a scanned version of a models portfolio). An agent may send models to various clients and schedule modelling interviews (also called go and see or castings).^{[citation needed]}

A model does not have to work with an agent but it is highly recommended for fashion/runway models. ^[2]

[edit] Fashion models

[edit] History

The first person described as a fashion model is Parisian shopgirl, Marie Vernet Worth. She was a house model in 1852, to her fashion designer husband, Charles Frederick Worth.^[3][4]

Because clothing is needed to be modelled for all people, a variety of shapes and sizes is required in models. The job ranking for fashion models are: print (part time), print modelling (full time), runway modelling, and supermodel.

[edit] Print modelling

Print models showcase clothes in images used in magazines, newspapers, advertisements, billboards, press kits, etc. Fashion models may be used to display or promote various types of clothing, such as dresses, jeans, suits, lingerie, or swimsuit. They are known as an "editorial model" or "photographic model". They can work all over the world. The fashion capitals are London, Paris, Tokyo, Milan, and New York. Though there are markets in almost every country, shooting can take you anywhere from a studio to exotic locations like Fiji or Morocco or Florida or Tenerife, which can make a career exciting but also demanding.

Models work under the direction predominantly given by the photographer but also from clients. They must work in a variety of working conditions depending on the client. Models' work can have them in extreme cold weather or hot weather. Print models can work part-time or full-time. For example, a part-time model might only work one week out of an entire year. Full-time models work with a variety of photographers and clients.^[5]:188

A model must accommodate his/her time and must be flexible. He/She must be willing to work any day of the week, at any hour, depending on whom they're working for, how much money they'll get, and how much they're willing to accept. Print models go to interviews (called 'go and see's' which are to meet a client so they know they are in town or a "casting' which is always for a job) and must take a portfolio of their best work which is normally arranged and decided upon by their agent. Agents classify models as self-employed though predominantly function under the agencies business number, they have to go to modelling interviews in order to get more work. The average career span of a print model is 3 to 5 years. A girl's peak money periods often range from 15-25 years of age and men 18-35. Fashion magazines often shoot younger models while commercial print clients target a broader age group. Women's career spans are normally shorter but they can expect to make up to 9 times a male model's earnings in a year.

Models often venture into areas associated to the entertainment/production industries once they have withdrawn from modelling exclusively.

The requirements for print models depend on the needs of the employer. Models must be well kept- hair, skin, and attractive or unique features.^[5]:189

[edit] Runway modelling

Runway models showcases clothes from fashion designers, fashion media, and consumers. They are also called "live models" and they are self employed. Runway models work in different locations. Models constantly travel to large cities where fashion is well known - London, Milan, New York City, and Paris.

Some runway models were discovered as print models. The demands for runway models include certain height and weight requirements. During runway shows, models have to constantly change clothes and makeup. The models turn and stand to demonstrate the garment's key features. Models also go to interviews (called "go and sees") and must keep a portfolio of their work. They go to modelling interviews to find more work. The more experience a model has, the more likely she is to be hired for a fashion show. A runway model can work in other areas, such as department store fashion shows, creating product lines, acting etc.^[5]:191-192

The British Association of Model Agents (AMA) says that female models should be around 34-24-34 in (86-61-86 cm) and 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) tall.^[6] The model must be slender and in shape.

The preferred dimensions for a male model are a height of 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) to 6 ft 4 in (1.95 m), a waist of 28–32 in (71.12–81.28 cm) and a chest measurement of 36–40 in (91.44–101.60 cm).^[6] Male runway models have been noted as being skinny and well toned.^[7]

Male and female models must also possess clear skin, healthy hair, and attractive facial features.

The former requirement measurements for models used to be 35.5-23.5-35.5 in (90-60-90 cm), which were the alleged measurements of Marilyn Monroe.^{[citation needed]} Today's fashion models tend to have measurements closer to the AMA recommended shape. Although in some fashion industries, a size 00 is more ideal than a size 0.

The often thin shape of many fashion models has been criticized for warping girls' body image and encouraging eating disorders.^[8] Organizers of a fashion show in Madrid in September 2006 turned away models who were judged to be underweight by medical personnel who were on hand.^[9] In February 2007, six months after her sister, Luisel Ramos - also a model - died, Uruguayan model Eliana Ramos became the third fashion model to die of malnutrition in six months. The second victim was Ana Carolina Reston.^[10] Luisel Ramos died of heart failure caused by anorexia nervosa just after stepping off the catwalk.

Recently, runway walks are less flamboyant compared to the late '80s and early '90s, when Naomi Campbell and other supermodels were known for their distinct struts. Instead, most designers want a natural stroll.^[11]

[edit] Supermodels

Supermodels are highly paid, high profile fashion models. These (usually female) celebrities appear on top fashion magazine covers, in catalogues, and in fashion shows.

The first model widely considered to have paved the way for what would become the supermodel was Lisa Fonssagrives.^[13] The relationship between her image on over 200 Vogue covers and her name recognition led to the importance of Vogue in shaping future supermodels. Her image appeared on the cover of fashion magazine during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s from Town & Country, Life and Vogue to the original Vanity Fair. Models like Dorian Leigh and Jean Shrimpton have also been dubbed the first supermodels.

[edit] Glamour models

Glamour photography emphasizes the model and the model's sexuality rather than products, fashion or the environment. Glamour modelling often focuses on the sexuality of the subject and insinuations of sexuality serve to enhance a product's attractiveness. Glamour models may be used for mass-produced calendars, pinup and for men's magazines, such as Playboy magazine. Famous glamour models include Pamela Anderson, Jordan, Jodie Marsh, Lucy Pinder, and Louise Glover.

[edit] Fitness models

Fitness modelling centres on displaying an athletic physique. Fitness models usually have defined muscles like bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Their body weight is usually similar to (or heavier than) fashion models, but they have a lower body fat percentage due to increased muscle mass relative to their fat mass.

[edit] Bikini models

Bikini models are also usually required to be physically fit and with an appealing body shape. Bikini models can usually be shorter, around 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) to 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).

[edit] Models with other objects

Due to various aspects, models are used to increase sales of a wide variety of products including: cars, food, furniture, electronic devices, etc.

Art models are models who pose for photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists as part of their work of art.

Models are frequently used for training art students, but are also employed by accomplished artists. The most common types of art created using models are figure drawing, figure painting, sculpture and photography. Although commercial motives dominate over the esthetics in advertising, its 'artwork' commonly employs models.

Throughout the history of Western Art, drawing the human figure from living models was considered the most useful tool in developing the skill of draftsmanship. In the art school classroom setting, the purpose is to learn how to draw humans of all different shapes, ages and ethnicities, so there are no real limitations on who the model can be. In some cases, the model may pose with various props, one or more other models, animals etc., against real or artificial background, in natural or artificial light and so on.

Models for life drawing classes are often entirely nude, apart from visually non-obstructive personal items such as small jewelry and sometimes eyeglasses. In a job advertisement seeking nude models, this may be referred to as being "undraped" or "disrobed". (Alternatively, a cache-sexe may be worn. Eadward Muybridge's historic scientific studies of the male and female form in motion, for example, has examples of both usages.)

In Western countries, there is generally no objection to either sex posing nude for or drawing members of the opposite sex. However, this was not always so in the past, particularly prior to the 20th century. In 1886 Thomas Eakins was famously dismissed from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art for removing the loincloth from a male model in a mixed classroom. Similarly, Victorian modesty required the female model to pose nude with her face draped (illustration). European arts academies did not allow women to study the nude at all until the end of the nineteenth century. Up into the present day some rare art classes prefer male models to wear a jockstrap.

Policies vary regarding male models having an erection. Some instructors don't mind at all (especially with younger or inexperienced models), while others, including the Register of Artists' Models (RAM) in the United Kingdom, consider this as cause for termination.^[14] In any case, it may be inconvenient for the artists, as the subject is not exactly the same as when the drawing session commenced.

[edit] Gravure idols

A gravure idol (グラビアアイドル, gurabia aidoru^?), often abbreviated to gradol (グラドル, guradoru^?),^[15] is a Japanese female model who primarily models on magazines, especially those marketed to men, photobooks or DVDs. Gravure idols, in most cases, emphasize their sexual attractiveness and often model in swimsuits or lingerie.

"Gravure" (グラビア) is a Wasei-eigo term derived from "Rotogravure", which is a type of intaglio printing process that was once a staple of newspaper photo features. The rotogravure process is still used for commercial printing of magazines, postcards, and cardboard product packaging.

Gravure idols appear in a wide range of photography styles and genres. Their photos are largely aimed at male audiences with poses or activities often intended to be provocative or suggestive, generally accentuated by an air of playfulness and innocence rather than aggressive sexuality. Though gravure models may sometimes wear clothing that exposes most of their body, their nipples and genitalia are generally covered and they seldom appear fully nude. It is also common for gravure idols to have very large breasts, and in their videos models are often shown performing activities specifically intended to cause their breasts to bounce or shake, such as jogging or doing jumping jacks.

Gravure models may be of any age, but usually range from their late teens to their mid-twenties. In addition to appearing in mainstream magazines, gravure idols often release their own professional photobooks and DVDs for their fans. Many popular female idols in Japan launched their careers by starting out as gravure idols.

Gravure models are commonly photographed wearing bikinis or lingerie, but may also appear wearing schoolgirl uniforms, Japanese street fashion, and kimonos. Since 2008, zakzak magazine has awarded a Gravure Idol Award.^[16]

[edit] Alternative models

An alternative model is any model that does not fit into the conventional model types, and may include punk, goth, fetish, tattooed models or models having a distinctive attribute. These mix with high fashion and art models. Publishers such as Goliath in Germany have enabled alternative models and punk photography to become known to a larger audience.

[edit] Body-parts models

Some models are employed for their particularly attractive body parts. For example, hand models may be used to promote nail products and are frequently part of most television commercials.^[17] Hand model, Ashly Covington^[18] has worked on television commercials that are shown around the world.^[17] Another hand model, Kimbra Hickey, found fame after being featured on the cover of Twilight.^[19] Leg models are useful for showcasing tights, and wrist models are used to showcase watches or bracelets. Petite models or females who are under 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) have found success through body part modelling.

[edit] Salary

Despite the stereotype of modelling as a lucrative and glamorous profession, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the median wage for commercial and print models was only $11.22 per hour in 2006.^[20] MarketWatch listed modelling as one of the ten worst jobs in America.^[20] Print models may work for manufacturers, stores, etc. for little or no pay. Experienced print models can make about $200- $ 500 per hour. Some print models do not work with an agent. The ones that work with an agent must give 15 - 20 % of the model's earnings to the agent. Famous print models can make thousands of dollars.^[5]:189

Beginner female runway models make less money than models that have experience. The average wage for a female runway model can range from $ 250 -$1,000 an hour per runway walk. The salary of a top runway model can exceed $ 500,000.^[5]:191 Costs of travel, transportation, food, hotels, etc. are deducted from the model's pay. Fashion models can get discovered by editors, cosmetic companies, photographers, fashion industry professionals, etc. A contract girl for a cosmetic company can make about $ 300,000 to $ 2 million per year.^[21]

Male runway models make less than female runway models. Beginner models can earn up to $ 150 per shoot. The famous male models make at least $500,000 per year. Designer clothing and fragrance ads pay the most money. A male runway model can earn up to $8,000-$15,000 per day for high-end catalogues.^[22]

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Models (people)

• Child modeling
• Hip hop model
• House model
• Internet modeling
• List of black fashion models
• Modeling agency
• Plus-size model
• Promotional model
• Spokesmodel
• Supermodel
• Time for print

[edit] References