Commercial Modeling
This is arguably the most common type of modeling. Commercial modeling fundamentally revolves around advertising and promoting pretty much any and every kind of service, product, or type of business and brand. The end result of the commercial modeling activities can appear in any type of medium, from television and print media to online platforms.
For example, commercial models may appear in still ads featured in magazines, billboards, and other media, e.g., showcasing children’s toys or breakfast cereal. When getting cast for a project, the commercial model becomes sort of a brand ambassador for the time being of the campaign. Of course, commercial modeling for kids is not limited to still images. Video ads for television and online use are now possibly even more common in this field. Having a certain understanding of basic acting can help kids with this, as such footage will require following a basic script of conveying emotions in front of the camera, as well as likely interacting with respective goods or other models participating in the project.
The typical goal of modeling performance for children within this type of gig is to radiate an appearance that can appeal to as wide a consumer base as the given thing that will be advertised possibly can. For kids, this is a great way to pursue their modeling aspirations, since this field requires a relatable, approachable, and somewhat less polished appearance from its models, more reminiscent of what the person may be looking like in real-life settings, contrary to, for example, a high fashion runway show. It also means this field is more physically inclusive for models of all ages.
Editorial Modeling
This type of modeling is possibly what the average person most often would imagine when thinking about models - the world of high fashion. Indeed, this niche of modeling is rooted in the fashion business, yet goes beyond just focusing on promoting the respective goods. In editorial modeling, the kid model is just as important as the things they have been hired to showcase.
Editorial modeling tends to put emphasis on models looking unique, with the styling and footage of the performers for the brand heavily delving into a creative and artistic approach, rather than, for example, just being straightforward and putting on the clothes on the back of the kid with barely tweaking their own natural look. Usually, these projects involve following a specific concept of aesthetics meant for a specific storytelling and expressions that align with what the respective brand is trying to do. Besides appearances on runway fashion shows, these campaigns also later get showcased in spreads in prestigious fashion magazines, and can end up becoming a short film, not just a simple ad video.
This means during such gigs, kids will also closely work with stylists and creative directors. In the modeling industry, such projects often can end up as one of the highlights of a model’s career, as the aim of such campaigns is to be as one of a kind as possible and push the boundaries of creativity.
Catalog Modeling
Amongst the formats that require kids modeling on a regular basis are catalogues. Photographs in such print or digital catalogues typically capture models interacting with various sorts of goods, from clothing to home goods. As it is for e-commerce purposes, only a basic level of modeling is required, where the kid simply poses in a piece of clothing or other products, such as accessories. Though, depending on how many products the respective client has, the photoshoots may take a longer time period and involve multiple outfit changes.
This is a great starting point for aspiring kid models, as it does need children of all ages to showcase products specifically meant for that specific age group, all while not requiring a specific experience level and other special skills beyond a positive attitude and professional demeanour. Catalog modeling does not make models into stars, but it is a great way to gain extra experience and understanding of the industry before moving on to the types mentioned above on a more regular basis.
