The Three Basic Levels of Modeling

Although the big-time models on the cover of Vogue get most the attention, there are actually three different levels of modeling: hobby modeling, secondary-market modeling, and big-time modeling. Each has its own requirements, which means there are opportunities for many different types of models.

Maybe your not ready to leave your friends, family, and education for a modeling career in a big city such as New York or Paris. Maybe you just want to have some fun, express yourself creatively, and get involved with the fashion industry. In this case, you may want to consider hobby modeling. Hobby models model at local malls, in local TV commercials and ads, and for their hometown newspapers. Hobby models generally earn little or no money.

Maybe you'd like to earn some money, get a chance to be the center of attention, and develope a stronger sense of self-esteem, but don't want the stress and loneliness of traveling all the time and never seeing your friends and family. In this case, you may want to pursue secondary-market modeling, modeling in cities such as Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Secondary market models appear in catalogs, advertisements, local runway shows, and regional publications. Many manage to carve out lucrative careers, without the continual travel, competition, and stress of big-time modeling.

Or maybe you're prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to give big-time modeling a shot. Maybe you've been dreaming of seeing your face on a magazine or big bill board in Times Square, and you're ready to leave your friends and family to work harder than you ever have before to give big-time fashion modeling a try. Although the rewards are great, so is the competition. Even though you realize you may not you may not make it, your decision is so strong you're willing to risk everything to give it a shot.