Editorial Model Definition: Commercial vs. Print Modeling

An editorial model or print model appears in high-end fashion magazines like Vogue. In photoshoots, editorial models showcase the latest designs from a particular fashion designer or clothing brand. These models pose for fashion photographers in front of the camera, taking direction and following their artistic instinct to help create the perfect image.

Modeling agencies categorize models by height. Editorial models have fewer restrictions than runway models. Generally, female editorial models are five feet nine inches or taller, and male models are taller than six feet. The modeling industry, which has a narrow scope of beauty, continues to become more inclusive in some ways, such as working with more plus-size models and models representing a wider variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Editorial and commercial modeling are two types of modeling markets. Consider the following areas of difference:

• Look: Editorial models showcase high fashion and must fit specific measurements of haute couture. By comparison, commercial models work in product markets, and there is generally more inclusivity in this type of modeling.
• Medium: In commercial modeling, models appear in film segments for television commercials on television stations or streaming networks or in online ads. Editorial modeling, meanwhile, is a series of still photographs, including portraits or tableaus, that appear in print magazines and on billboards and tell a visual story.
• Requirements: Commercial models often have to say lines of dialogue or act out scenes to market products, whereas editorial models do not have to speak and might only act by way of their facial expressions and body language.

Pursuing a modeling career can have several advantages if you rise to a certain echelon of success, such as:

1. 1. A competitive modeling portfolio: Editorial modeling credits can help you stand out. Editorial models can assemble tear sheets (similar to contact sheets) featuring their appearances in high fashion magazines to show future modeling agents, talent agents, and fashion designers.
2. 2. Collaboration with top designers: Magazines hire top-tier talent for fashion editorials, so being a model for such publications means working with some of the world’s most reputable and innovative designers.
3. 3. Travel opportunities: If you have the look a designer seeks, they will advocate for you to represent their clothing. Models often fly to unique places to participate in photoshoots, meaning a lucrative modeling career can present plenty of opportunities for world travel.

Some disadvantages of working in the editorial modeling industry include:

1. 1. Low compensation: Magazines often pay models a flat fee, regardless of the total number of work hours, and compensation for models who are just starting out can be low. While more experienced models can command higher rates for editorial work, the rates are still generally lower in comparison to those runway models or commercial models can negotiate.
2. 2. Long hours: Photo shoots can take all day in an effort to capture the perfect look. Lighting teams, directors, scenic designers, props teams, and others all work together to build a shoot, so there can be a fair amount of waiting around and standing in place for hours on end.
3. 3. Rejection: Editorial modeling is a competitive niche, so it can be challenging for aspiring models to break into this field, especially when the desired look is often a relatively narrow standard of beauty. You might have to endure a steady stream of rejections before and possibly even after gaining a foothold in the industry. Learn to not take these rejections personally or view them as failures; practice self-care instead to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem.

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