Editorial models wear looks and pose for artful fashion editorial magazines to showcase a designer's newest collection.
What Exactly Is an Editorial Model?
An editorial model, also known as a print model, appears in high-end fashion magazines such as Vogue. Editorial models showcase the latest designs from a specific fashion designer or clothing brand in photoshoots. These models pose in front of the camera for fashion photographers, taking direction and following their artistic instincts to help create the perfect image.
Models are classified by their height in modeling agencies. Editorial models are subject to fewer constraints than runway models. Female editorial models are typically five feet nine inches or taller, while male models are taller than six feet. The modeling industry, which has a limited definition of beauty, is becoming more inclusive in some ways, such as working with more plus-size models and models from a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.
Commercial Modeling vs. Editorial Modeling
There are two types of modeling markets: editorial and commercial. Consider the following points of distinction:
Look: Editorial models represent high fashion and must fit specific haute couture measurements. Commercial models, on the other hand, work in product markets, and there is generally more inclusivity in this type of modeling.
Medium: Models in commercial modeling appear in film segments for television commercials on television stations or streaming networks, as well as in online advertisements. Meanwhile, editorial modeling is a collection of still photographs, such as portraits or tableaus, that appear in print magazines and on billboards to tell a visual story.
Requirements: Commercial models are often required to say lines of dialogue or act out scenes to market products, whereas editorial models are not required to speak and may only act through facial expressions and body language.
Advantages of Editorial Modeling
Pursuing a modeling career can provide several benefits if you reach a certain level of success, such as:
1. A strong modeling portfolio: Editorial modeling credits can help you stand out from the crowd. Tear sheets (similar to contact sheets) featuring editorial models' appearances in high fashion magazines can be assembled to show future modeling agents, talent agents, and fashion designers.
2. Collaboration with top designers: Because magazines hire top-tier talent for fashion editorials, being a model for such publications entails working with some of the most reputable and innovative designers in the world.
3. Travel opportunities: If you have the right look, a designer will advocate for you to represent their clothing. Models frequently fly to exotic locations for photoshoots, which means that a lucrative modeling career can provide ample opportunities for global travel.
The Downsides of Editorial Modeling
The following are some disadvantages of working in the editorial modeling industry:
1. Low pay: Magazines frequently pay models a flat fee regardless of the total number of work hours, and pay for models just starting out can be low. While more experienced models can command higher rates for editorial work, the rates are still generally lower than those available to runway or commercial models.
2. Long hours: Photo shoots can last all day in order to get the perfect shot. Lighting teams, directors, scenic designers, props teams, and others all collaborate to create a shoot, so there can be a lot of standing around and waiting for hours on end.
3. Rejection: Because editorial modeling is a competitive field, it can be difficult for aspiring models to break into it, especially because the desired look is often a relatively narrow standard of beauty. You may have to deal with a steady stream of rejections before, and possibly even after, breaking into the industry. Learn not to take rejection personally or view it as a failure; instead, practice self-care to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem.
