Answering a Reader Question #346

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi Dania in regards to modeling what's more important a models weight or their measurements. I really want to know in regards to a commercial market in NYC. what's more important to clients and agencies. For the commercial market it is common for a agency to turn down a model based on her weight or measurements. Also when a agency signs a commercial model what criteria do they go by to sign someone like what does a model have to have in order to get signed to a commercial agency. Thanks so much

Hey, Anonymous! Measurements are almost always considered a higher priority than weight overall. This is mainly because of the whole sizing factor when it comes to wardrobe. Commercial/print models in general do not have to adhere to the same strict weight/measurement requirements that high fashion, runway and editorial models do. It is not as likely for an agency to tell a commercial model to lose weight or turn him/her down because of their weight--they mainly care that you're healthy in appearance and are proportional. So it is important to know that difference when it comes to commercial modeling.

Commercial models are meant to appeal to the mainstream public so that means they shouldn't be super thin/waif-ish or necessarily have to possess strong bone structure like fashion models. It's an entirely different niche of the industry so the physical requirements are not the same. Commercial/print agencies love models that are healthy, proportional, have good skin, healthy hair, nice teeth, great smiles and it helps if their features are symmetrical (when referring to symmetry in a person's face, it means how well the left side matches correspondingly with the right). However, even if a model's face isn't symmetrical, it doesn't mean an agency won't be interested.

In general, commercial models are the more attractive version of the girl/guy-next-door. They have to be able to show expression easily (both subtle and over the top), know how to emote different expressions/looks and fit into the types of "roles" clients need (i.e. the girlfriend, best friend, mother, sister, tech geek, teacher, businessperson, etc.).

Comments

Briy said…

Hi, I'm an Aspiring High fashion model... I wanted to ask how do you lose inches to fit measurements, I am 6'1'' and currently 34-25-37, and have been working for 6 months to slim down and i have gotten no where...

April 6, 2012 at 4:35 PM

Dania Denise said…

Hi, Briy! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #350." Thanks for reading!

April 7, 2012 at 6:19 PM

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