We all have a pretty good idea of the ins and outs of a model’s working day, but what exactly do they get up to when there are no catwalks to strut down, no castings to attend, and no rushed backstage make-up and hair sessions?

A working model is always keeping an eye out for casting calls to attend, but when they’re between work, they’re still pretty busy!

Let’s take a look at the type of work models take on, as well as what they do on their off days to stay model-ready.

Types of Work for Models

Catalogue Modelling

Catalogue modelling is a very popular style of modelling alongside high fashion and catwalk modelling. Think about how many times you log on to the Internet to go clothes shopping, or how often you flick open a magazine to pick out your next Saturday night outfit. Filling up the pages are hundreds of men, women, and children pictured wearing the latest dresses, coats, jeans and shoes. These are catalogue models.

Catalogue models usually need to represent the general public, so they tend to have a girl/boy-next-door kind of look. Catalogue models can be any age, though they tend to prefer models who are over 5’7″. There is a sub-category for petite models.

Catalogue modelling is extremely popular and models are always in high demand because the turnover of both models and campaigns is so high. If you’re thinking about getting into modelling, catalogue modelling is a great place to start as the requirements are not as strict as high fashion.

A lot of catalogue models are signed to a specific agency and contracted for an exclusive period of time or to a particular brand, thus making this a reliable and popular choice of work.

Commercial Modelling

Similar to catalogue modelling, commercial modelling is more about household and lifestyle items. For example, the models you see posing on holidays or at festivals are commercial models.

Commercial models advertise a brand’s product. From bars of chocolate and toys to cleaning sprays or even the latest PlayStation, there are plenty of opportunities for models; if you think about the last advert you saw, you can likely recall a model showing the viewer how to use the featured product. That’s what we’re talking about, although we might see these models in magazines, on packaging or on a leaflet too.

Editorial Modelling

Editorial modelling is a type of modelling that is unfortunately on the decline due to falling magazine and publication interest. However, editorial is also very covetable and many models like to have some editorial experience under their belts. This is because editorial modelling is typically very artistic and different, and is often shot with a well-known photographer with a distinguishable style. Nearly all high fashion models have an example of editorial work in their portfolios.

High-end fashion models such as Lindsey Wixson and David Gandy will be taking on editorial commissions for magazines such as Elle, Vogue, 10 Men Magazine and Homme Magazine between catwalk seasons, while new models may be posing for FAULT or Fashion Insider Magazine.

Fitness Modelling

Much like commercial modelling, there’s no specific time that fitness modelling gets really busy or really quiet. Men and women are used throughout the year to advertise gyms, sporting equipment, protein shakes, trainers, and sporting events such as IronMan and the London Marathon. The difficulty of gaining fitness modelling work is not what time of year it is, but more around whether you have the right body shape and look for a brand’s requirements.

Many online personas (aka fitness influencers) land these sorts of jobs now, as well as celebrities in sports (David Beckham, for example).

It’s quite difficult to find work as a fitness model without having some sort of already-established persona in the public eye – but that’s not to say it’s impossible.

Glamour Modelling

Glamour modelling is another category of modelling that is on the decline due to the stoppage of lad’s mags. However, there are still opportunities out there for those interested in glamour modelling.

Having a high level of sex appeal and confidence is vital for glamour modelling. It’s important to remember that any images and videos taken of you can not be deleted, so you must be 100% sure glamour modelling is something you are comfortable with.

If you are more interested in high fashion modelling, it’s best to try and avoid glamour modelling as it may harm your chances. It’s unusual for a glamour model to stray into other types of modelling; to be a famous glamour model, you really have to create a persona that is sexy and enticing, and this can then be difficult to shake off.

Body Parts Modelling

If you thought those close-ups you see on TV adverts were all of the same model, think again! It’s very common for certain models to be used for specific areas – for example, the legs, eyes, bum, and even ears and lips.

Agencies are constantly on the lookout for men and women who have particularly beautiful body parts. You will probably find this line of work in the shoe, jewellery and make-up world, particularly for advertising campaigns and editorials.

Your body type must be near perfection to be considered, so again it’s quite uncommon for body part models to find themselves working in other categories of modelling. Body part models commonly have to go above and beyond the norm to take care of their body parts. For example, hand models can’t do any strenuous work with their hands, and they must wear gloves at all times when outside to avoid sun spots and marks, cuts or bruises.

There’s a whole world of modelling out there that’s not just orientated around high-end fashion. If you’re interested in exploring it, fill out our online application form and someone from the UK Models team will get in touch with you to explain how we can help.

A Model’s Day Off

So that’s what a model gets up to when at work; but what about on their days off?

Of course, not all models have the same hobbies and routines, and each day will look different. But we’ve collated a list of activities that many models have claimed to enjoy!

Working Out

Just because it’s an off day doesn’t mean it’s not a workout day! The number of workouts can vary from model to model, with some claiming they work out 3 times a week, and others 5 and beyond. But they all do some form of activity during the week, whether it’s pilates, barre, boxing, running or a gym workout.

A lot models like to go on a low impact walk – great for enjoying some fresh air, getting some vitamin D and burning a few extra calories.

Salon Visit

Maintenance of your appearance is key as a model, which is why many models visit their favourite salon when they have the time. Not only is hair trimmed and roots covered, but nails are also attended to. Manicures and pedicures are popular, as are waxing and laser hair removal. Brows can be tinted and waxed, and models may also choose to have lashes permed and dyed, or they may have semi-permanent extensions applied.

Some models opt for more intrusive procedures like botox and lip fillers. As these fade over time, they will need regular touching up.

Coffee Stop

A lot of models like to visit their favourite cafes for a matcha latte or oak milk latte. A cafe can be a great place to catch up with friends, grab a light bite and just sit and relax.

Food Shopping

Nutrition is very important for models, so they will regularly find themselves picking up fresh produce, in particular fruit and veg.

Restaurants

A lot of models claim to enjoy eating out at restaurants with friends. They still tend to make work-related decisions when it comes to food (so high in protein and veg, lower in fats and complex carbs), but even they know the importance of relaxing and enjoying the company of friends regularly.

Life Admin

When we get busy, life admin can catch up with us; it’s the same for models. Cleaning the house, doing the laundry, food shopping, catching up on emails, walking the dog, having a clear-out… models have to do this when they’re between jobs.

Recovery

Because models are always on the go and regularly work out, a lot of models like to focus on recovery on their days off. This may include ice baths or massages to help unknot tight muscles, or it may be more therapeutic in nature (like a spa visit).

Relaxing

Models, too, enjoy a good sofa binge every once in a while. They may enjoy reading or watching a film/TV series, or perhaps they’re into gaming. All models have a way of winding down and relaxing.

Sleep

During peak seasons, modelling can be a very high-stress job. It can often require extensive travel and long work days. This can often result in limited or low-quality sleep – not good for our health or our looks. Models like to try and catch up on sleep when they have time, perhaps even napping during the day.

Are you interested in becoming a model? Register with us today – it’s completely free, and we can tell you if you have what it takes to succeed.