Modeling is a dream for many 18 year old teenagers and in this guide we will tell you exactly how to get started on your modeling journey.
Is It Possible To Become A Model At 18 Years Old
It is possible to become a model at 18 years old. When you are in a store looking at promotional pictures or are reading a magazine, look at how many people pictured are in their teens. 18 is a great age to start modeling as it will give you time to work on your skills and develop. You will also have ample time to make the right connections in the industry. Modeling is a field where it can take time to grow into a full time career, so the more time you give yourself the better.
Deciding What Type Of Model You Will Be
The type of model you are will be determined to some degree by your genetics. There are many types of modeling roles that have body type requirements and some that do not. At 18 you should be at your final adult height and know which modeling roles you qualify for. You should also know your fitness level. These factors will determine some of your modeling options.
The important thing to remember is that nobody will qualify for every type of modeling role, so look at the list and requirements carefully and decide which ones to go for.
12 Types of Modeling Roles For 18 Year Old Models:
- Runway Modeling
- Editorial Modeling
- Print Modeling
- Fitness Modeling
- Fitting Modeling
- Swimsuit Modeling
- Promotional Modeling
- Parts Modeling
- Petite Modeling
- Plus Size Modeling
- Freelance Modeling
- Influencer Modeling
What Are The Height and Weight Requirements For An 18 Year Old Model
Runway Modeling
The most popular type of modeling is fashion runway modeling, which is when you’ll be walking for a brand label in a fashion show. Think of New York Fashion Week as this type of event. The requirements are mostly height related as female models need to be 5’9″ and male models need to be 5’11”. You’ll also need to have a strong runway walk and be able to pose on the runway.
As an 18 year old, you should already know if you’ve reach the height requirement.
If it looks like runway modeling is a fit for you, start training now so you have many years to perfect your walk and turns.
Print Modeling
Print modeling involves modeling with products or in advertisements for services. For commercial print modeling there is no height requirement. The most important requirements for print modeling are having a great smile and being able to pose with others in a group.
If you don’t know what type of model you are or want to be you should start with print modeling. Of all the modeling types, print modeling uses the widest variety of people so it is the easiest type of modeling to break into. It is also the type of modeling you can do the longest.
All types of people are needed for print modeling from babies to senior citizens. 18 year old print models who have a great smile, can work well with others, and are reliable, are in high demand.
Fitness Modeling
Fitness modeling is all about what you look like. The main requirement for fitness modeling is that you need to be in shape and look athletic. Companies will put you in position to use their products so you’ll need to be able to pull off athletic moves. Have someone watch you workout and tell you which of your movements look athletic and which ones need improvement.
Most fitness models in national campaigns are adults, but they started training for the role when they were in their teens. At 18 years old you’ll start to be in demand as a fitness model, so if you meet the requirements and love to workout it is a good one to go for.
Fitting Modeling
Fitting models are like live mannequins for designers and do the final fittings for clothing before they are sent off to be manufactured. The ideal size for a fitting model is size 6 or 8. While being a fitting model is not the most glamorous job in modeling, it still pays the bills.
Parts Modeling
Parts models only model specific parts of the body like hands, feet or hair. They are used to hold and show off items in advertising campaigns. The requirements for parts modeling are even toned skin and beautiful hair. There is no height requirement for parts modeling so anyone can do it. Parts modeling is a great way to get into the door of modeling, because when you do a good job in this role you’ll get noticed and hired for something bigger.
Petite Modeling
The requirements for petite modeling are to be under 5’7″ for women. Most petite models work in the commercial print field so they’ll also need to have a great smile and be able to pose well with others. Showcasing products is a big aspect of petite modeling, so practice holding and posing with various items in your home like a purse or shoes.
If you already know at 18 years old that you’ll be under 5’7″ this is a great modeling role to shoot for.
Plus Size Modeling
Plus Size modeling used to be only for adults, but the age is starting to drift downwards to include teenagers as well.
For women, the requirements for plus size modeling are size 12 to 22 and a great smile. Those who want to work as a runway model should also be 5’9″ or taller. If you poses these characteristics you can go a long way in plus size modeling. Most plus size models work in commercial print roles, but increasingly some are working in fashion and runway roles as well.
As an 18 year old you should know your final height, and if you are tall enough, some runway and posing training might be in order.
Freelance Modeling
A freelance model is someone who manages their own representation and isn’t trying to model full time. In order to be a freelance model, you should have a strong web presence and communication skills. You’ll need to convey what types of jobs you are interested in and what you are capable of.
Many 18 year old models are freelance models as it gives them the freedom to accept only they jobs they want and work on their own schedule. As an 18 year old freelance model you’ll be managing yourself and run your career how you wish.
Influencer Modeling
The requirements to be an influencer model are to have a high social media following. Influencers should have at least 1 million followers on TikTok, 100,000 followers on Instagram or 50,000 subscribers on YouTube to qualify as an influencer. It is certainly possible to get roles with less followers, but the pay will be minimal and you’ll mostly be working for free items from the company.
Promotional Modeling
Promotional Models must be 18 years of age. There is no height requirement for these modeling roles but you must have a good personality and be an outgoing person. Your job will be to attract attention to a particular product, booth or event.
How To Get Started As An 18 Year Old Model
To get started as an 18 year old model you’ll need to put together a small portfolio of images and start your social media accounts. After you have done that you should start promoting yourself to local photographers and modeling agencies to see if they are interested.
If you don’t know where to go to get pictures done, look for local photographers on Instagram. You can even ask other local models which photographers did their photos. Aspiring models should not have much trouble finding photographers who will do their photos for free. You do not need to pay for photos at this stage.
You need to craft your online identity to show off the fact that you are or want to be a model. You’ll need to make everything look professional and maintain a good online presence.
Here are 5 things you need to do on Instagram before applying to a modeling agency.
You are now expecting agencies and companies to invest time and money into you. They will not do this if your online presence doesn’t reflect what they are to some degree.
Getting Training As A Model
Most 18 year old models will need extensive training to be able to work as a model. If you live in a major city with a modeling school it would be a good idea to sign up for modeling classes with a school. If you cannot find one or need free classes, you can watch all of our YouTube videos on modeling which will teach you what you need to know.
How Much Do 18 Year Old Models Get Paid
Pay rates for 18 year old models are usually done as a day rate. For commercial print work you can expect to make $200 to $500 per day of work. If you are hired for a major ongoing video advertising campaign, you can get a higher rate, more like what an actor would make. Most teen models start working locally at much lower rates until they get their first big break.
Work Environment Factors
Determining what type of work environment you are comfortable with is a very important step for teenage models. Talking this over with you parents is essential as they will be helping you setup and get to shoots.
Travel Schedule
If you are still in school, your travel schedule will be limited. Many jobs require day long or week long commitments. Almost all local jobs will account for your age and only request you at night or on the weekends, so you should be able to start there.
Working at Events
Various fashion shows and events occur in big cities throughout the year, like New York Fashion Week. It will be challenging to attend one of these unless they coincide with one of your breaks from school. Luckily there are so many of them that you might be able to find one that lines up.
How To Find A Modeling Agency As An 18 Year Old
Our advice about modeling agencies is don’t be in a rush to find one or jump at the first one you find. It is vital that you vet modeling agencies to a high degree. The main thing you want to look for are what types of jobs their other clients are getting.
Most smaller agencies can only get promo modeling jobs for their clients, or jobs you could get for yourself if you just applied. These agencies don’t add value to your brand. While it may feel good to be signed, it really isn’t advancing you at all.
You’ll know you should sign with an agency when you can directly say what jobs you’ll be in line for with them that you couldn’t get for yourself.
Agencies To Avoid
Agencies that are pushing you to take classes or buy picture packages are almost always fake. They do not get clients jobs, so their only way of making money is to charge the models. If they were able to get jobs for their clients they wouldn’t need to be selling them classes, t-shirts, and experiences.
Can I Still Model If I Have Braces
You can model if you have braces. Modeling agencies and casting directors are looking for unique qualities in potential models and your braces are one thing that can give you a special look. Don’t be afraid of anything about yourself that is different from others, as it could be the one thing that gets you hired or signed.
Can I Model If I Have Acne
Modeling agencies and casting directors have scouted thousands of models and are able to look past acne issues when you meet with them. Since acne is a temporary problem that will go away, it will play no part in if they decide to hire or sign you. Potential models should not feel bad at all about attending a modeling audition with acne.
Do Models Have To Be Pretty
Modeling is about more than being pretty. At the core of modeling is the ability to sell a product and have something get noticed. Often in modeling it is better to be unique than pretty. There is no one standard or definition of pretty, so don’t get too hung up about being pretty enough to model, in the end it won’t matter.
If you want to see what opportunities are available for you at NGM Modeling, check out our Apply Page.
