15 Main Types of Modeling [+About AI Modeling]

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The modeling industry is not only about editorials, magazine covers, and high-fashion catwalks. One can choose between various types of modeling careers, including runway events, commercials, and AI avatars.

Whether you are interested in promoting fashion outfits in Milan, advertising sportswear for top brands, or representing skin care brands, you can quickly discover a niche that suits you best.

The modeling industry in the U.S. and around the world is transformed by modern trends. These days, it prioritizes diversity, which allows models of all sizes and ethnic backgrounds to find their place.

Nowadays, models are expected to have a strong presence on social media if they want to become in high demand across various industries and build professional careers.

How many types of modeling are there? As the industry is in a state of constant growth, the number changes all the time. By some estimations, there are 15-20 main types of modeling. Their number is expected to increase due to the development of digital media technologies.

What Does a Model Do?

Models get hired to represent products or promote concepts and ideas. Depending on the type of modeling, their job may include the following:

  • Walking the runway to represent a collection of clothing created by a designer
  • Appearing in TV commercials or magazine ads
  • Promoting sportswear or beauty products
  • Helping brands establish an emotional connection with their target audience

In the U.S., models can either get hired by agencies or work as freelancers. They need to collaborate with famous photographers, stylists, and art directors to gain visibility. Regardless of the type of model you prefer to be, you should stay a reliable professional with a strong personal brand image.

Different Types of Modeling

Below, we have created a comparison table to help you learn more about traditional and new types of modeling.

Type of modeling Focus/work Ideal traits Main platforms/clients Approx. income range (USD/year)
Fashion/runway
High-end designer shows, magazines
Tall, lean, high-fashion look
Vogue, Chanel, Prada
$40,000–$200,000+
Commercial
Ads, catalogs, campaigns
Expressive, relatable
Target, Coca-Cola
$25,000–$100,000
Fitness
Sports and wellness ads
Athletic, energetic
Nike, GNC, Gymshark
$30,000–$120,000
Lingerie/swimwear
Intimate or beachwear
Confident, toned
Aerie, Victoria’s Secret
$35,000–$150,000
Plus-Size
Inclusive fashion
Curvy, body-positive
Savage x Fenty, ASOS
$40,000–$150,000
Petite
Commercial, e-commerce
5’1”–5’7”, expressive
Fashion Nova, Shein
$20,000–$90,000
Body-зart
Product ads (hands, feet)
Symmetrical, flawless skin
Jewelry, tech brands
$20,000–$80,000
Mature
Age 40+ campaigns
Poised, authentic
L’Oréal, Dove
$30,000–$100,000
Digital/virtual
CGI and AI-based projects
Tech-savvy, adaptable
Balenciaga, Meta
Varies widely

1. Fashion Modeling

types of modeling fashion

Average pay

$500 – $5,000 per show

Top earners

Up to $20,000 per show or more. Projects for high-end designers and major fashion weeks bring higher profits.

Notes

Most models earn money for their participation in brand campaigns and endorsements, instead of focusing only on runway projects.

Famous representatives: Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid

Fashion modeling photography has gained a lot of recognition. It’s basically what most people think about when they hear the word “model.” Fashion models represent luxury brands, major fashion designers, and popular magazines. Here are the main subcategories of fashion modeling:

  • Runway models. They represent brands and designers during Fashion Weeks held in New York, Paris, and Milan. One should be confident and well-trained in modeling to work on such projects. The height of runway models is typically between 5’9”–6’ for women and 5’11”–6’3” for men.
  • Editorial models. These models pose for photos published in magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Editorial photos tell a unique story through visuals.

Why it’s competitive: Fashion modeling has strict criteria. One should have the perfect posture and certain body proportions. However, due to the inclusivity trend in the U.S., models of all body types now have a chance to try out this type of modeling.

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2. Commercial Modeling

types of modeling commercial

Average pay

$250 – $1,500 per shoot

Top earners

$100,000+ annually for consistent advertising contracts

Notes

These models are featured in ads, catalogs, or TV commercials. They should have versatile talents and be reliable. These traits are more important than height or body type.

Famous representatives: Cara Delevingne, Chrissy Teigen

Commercial modeling is one of the most popular niches, as it allows models with different levels of experience to land various types of modeling jobs. Commercial models look like regular people. They are often featured in TV ads. Besides, you can see them featured in social media campaigns, in product catalogs, and on billboards.

Cast directors hire people of various types for such jobs. They may need to hire a smiling mother for a family-themed commercial or find a person who looks like a successful businessman for corporate or tech ads.

Commercial modeling agencies in US prefer to work with models who look natural and approachable. They prioritize expression over body measurements. Here are the main subcategories:

  • Catalog modeling. Models pose for photos and videos shot for clothing brands and e-commerce platforms.
  • Lifestyle modeling. Models who specialize in this area often act in family, travel, or wellness commercials. They also pose for photos, capturing everyday moments.
  • Medical or corporate modeling. Models are featured in ads for hospitals, universities, or companies.

Commercial models often have excellent acting abilities or are successful influencers. They know how to act on camera while behaving naturally.

3. Runway Modeling

types of modeling runway

Average pay

$500 – $5,000 per show

Top earners

Up to $20,000 per show (major designers like Chanel, Dior, or Gucci)

Notes

Such models are hired to work on runways during top fashion weeks for brands like Chanel and Dior. It’s important to have the right height, be able to walk down the runway, and keep the perfect posture to thrive in the field.

Famous representatives: Naomi Campbell, Liu Wen

Runway modeling remains one of the main types of modeling popular in the world of high fashion. It involves professional models who present clothing collections live on the runway.

One should learn how to move professionally, master the art of rhythm, and display the right attitude to s쳮d. It’s important for a person to carefully consider every step and ensure that the way they behave on the stage aligns with the designer’s vision.

While in most cases one should still meet certain height criteria and have specific proportions, many U.S. and foreign designers now hire mature, curvy, or nonbinary models to celebrate diversity. It makes the industry more inclusive and makes high fashion more appealing to wider segments of the population.

4. Fitness Modeling

types of modeling fitness

Average pay

$300 – $1,000 per shoot

Top earners

$5,000+ per campaign or $100K+ per year with sponsorships

Notes

Many fitness models have gained visibility on social media. Some of them serve as brand ambassadors.

Famous representatives: Kayla Itsines, Jen Selter

Fitness models should be strong, energetic, and self-disciplined. Fitness modeling is all about advertising a healthy and active lifestyle. Many gyms, sportswear brands, companies that sell supplements, and popular magazines like Men’s Health or Shape hire such models.

Fitness models traditionally have been quite athletic, toned, and well-proportioned. However, while until recently the main focus was on perfection, nowadays one’s success depends on one's ability to stay authentic.

Brands prefer to hire models who can inspire their target audience and motivate them to focus on self-improvement instead of trying to conform to widely promoted ideals of beauty and perfection.

Many fitness models based in the U.S. have developed strong personal brands. They became successful trainers and influencers, using their social media to provide helpful recommendations on healthy workout routines and lifestyle.

5. Lingerie & Swimwear Modeling

types of modeling lingerie

Average pay

$1,000–$10,000 per shoot

Top earners

$50,000+ per campaign (Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated, or major athletic brands)

Notes

One should be confident in their body to advertise lingerie and swimwear. Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated often hire such models.

Famous representatives: Hailey Clauson, Candice Swanepoel

This type of modeling is for models who feel confident about their bodies and are ready to pose in lingerie or swimsuits. Brands like Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, and Sports Illustrated prefer to use such modeling types to advertise their fashion products.

Modern trends like body diversity have transformed this niche. These days, models of all sizes and ethnicities are in high demand. They should know how to pose and behave in front of a camera to achieve success in this highly competitive area.

6. Plus-Size Modeling

types of modeling plus size

Average pay

$250 – $2,000 per shoot

Top earners

$10,000+ for brand campaigns

Notes

There is a growing demand for such models, as top fashion brands value diversity and want to represent different groups. Many plus-size models worked on projects for Vogue and represented brands on major runways.

Famous representatives: Ashley Graham, Melissa Viviane Jefferson

Plus-size modeling is no longer a niche practice. It has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing types of modeling in the U.S. Brands are eager to hire models who wear sizes 12+. It allows them to show that every person can be valued for their natural beauty.

Major fashion and lifestyle brands hire plus-size models. ASOS, Target, and Savage x Fenty often feature them in their campaigns. Many models have gained a lot of visibility after becoming activists, promoting self-acceptance and inclusivity.

Those who want to build a career in plus-size modeling should be well-proportioned, have a charismatic personality, and have a great posture.

7. Petite Modeling

types of modeling petite

Average pay

$300 – $2,000 per assignment

Top earners

$5,000+ for brand collaborations or e-commerce campaigns

Notes

Perfect for models who are 5’1”-5’7” tall. Such models pose for product photos for catalogs, lingerie pics, and lifestyle photos.

Famous representatives: Devon Aoki, Lila Moss

Petite-sized models are typically not tall enough (5’1”-5’7”) to be hired for runway. However, even though they do not meet height requirements for models, they can still be in high demand and get hired for doing commercial, lingerie, and e-commerce shoots.

As the popularity of digital fashion is on the increase, many companies hire different models to show how their clothing would look on shorter customers. People prefer to see how garments look on those who are similar to them in terms of height, so petite models have plenty of opportunities to find projects to work on.

8. Body-Part Modeling

types of modeling body part

Average pay

$100 – $1,200 per day

Top earners

$2,000+ per day for high-end beauty or jewelry shoots

Notes

Such commercial projects require close attention to detail. One should keep their skin and nails in the perfect state.

Famous representatives: Ashly Covington, James Furino

This unusual type of modeling in the USA and globally is the best fit for those who have beautifully shaped body parts, like hands, legs, feet, eyes, or hair, and are ready to pose for ads and product shots.

For instance, brands often hire hand models to advertise jewelry and phones. Leg models often advertise shoes and hosiery.

Models should have flawless skin texture to secure such contracts. Besides, their hands or feet should be well-proportioned. This narrow specialization is suitable for those who fully meet the industry’s criteria.

9. Child & Teen Modeling

types of modeling child

Average pay

$50 – $1,000 per shoot (depending on experience and client)

Top earners

$5,000+ for national brand campaigns (e.g., Gap Kids, Target, Disney)

Notes

Kids are featured in ads for brands like Gap Kids and Disney. Children should be patient and confident to s쳮d

Famous representatives: Ellie Goldstein, Kaia Gerber

Children and teens are often featured in campaigns, the main goal of which is to promote clothing items, toys, educational services, or family products. Those who feel relaxed in front of the camera and have some acting and modeling skills are more likely to s쳮d. Children should have the full support of their parents to engage in modeling.

In the USA, child photo modeling is regulated by strict labor laws. Children can work for limited hours and are guaranteed to receive fair wages. Many kids sign commercial modeling contracts and then try out other modeling jobs when they become older.

10. Mature Modeling

types of modeling mature

Average pay

$300 – $2,500 per shoot

Top earners

$10,000+ for beauty, healthcare, or lifestyle brand endorsements

Notes

Models aged 40+ can often be seen in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle ads. There is an increased demand for age diversity in advertising.

Famous representatives: Maye Musk, Carmen Dell’Orefice

Many brands start hiring different types of models aged 40 years and older to reach out to specific audience segments. Such models typically have an elegant and refined look. They look confident and relatable, which allows them to promote products that may appeal to people from similar demographics.

Many skincare, wellness, and lifestyle campaigns feature mature models. Top brands like L’Oréal and Dove often hire mature models for their global ads to show that people can age gracefully and stay true to themselves.

11. Promotional Modeling

types of modeling promotional

Average pay

$20 – $100 per hour

Top earners

$2,000+ per event (large trade shows or tech conventions)

Notes

Brand ambassadors for live events. An energetic approach, solid communication skills, and approachability will help one s쳮d

Famous representatives: Alyssa Campanella, Tiffany Toth

Promotional models work as brand ambassadors. They engage with the public during all sorts of events, including conventions and trade shows.

This type of modeling is the best fit for charismatic individuals with well-developed communication skills. They do not necessarily need to have the perfect appearance or stay in an ideal physical shape. They should know how to engage with clients, distribute samples, and serve as a living embodiment of a brand’s values.

Many beginner models use such job opportunities to develop their networking skills, gain some online visibility, and earn money.

12. Freelance Modeling

types of modeling freelance

Average pay

Highly variable — $100 – $1,500 per shoot

Top earners

$5,000+ per project or brand collaboration

Notes

Models who manage their schedules on their own and are looking for job opportunities online. One should have a strong portfolio and be good at networking to s쳮d.

Famous representatives: Jessica Wang, Jordan Underwood

Unlike models who sign contracts with agencies, freelance models need to look for job opportunities, negotiate contract terms, and set rates by themselves. This type of modeling allows one to create their schedule independently and enjoy some flexibility.

However, one should be disciplined, excel in networking, and maintain a constant online presence to s쳮d as a professional. Freelancers should stay active on social media platforms like Instagram and Model Mayhem if they want to gain visibility and find new clients.

To launch their careers in the industry, many beginners start working as free models for photography sessions.

13. Stock Photo Modeling

types of modeling stock

Average pay

$50 – $500 per shoot (royalty-based pay possible)

Top earners

$2,000+ per session for premium or commercial stock libraries

Notes

Appear in generic marketing images. Versatility helps secure regular contracts and earn royalties.

Famous representatives: Annie Griggs, Daniel Wiseman

Stock photo models are hired to pose for pictures that can be used in advertising, on websites, or in social media publications. These general-purpose images may illustrate a variety of situations.

Such types of modelling are in high demand. However, when one engages in them, they should sign image release forms that may allow their pics to be published in many contexts. This is why one should read the terms carefully before signing any contract.

14. Fit Modeling

types of modeling fit

Average pay

$75 – $200 per hour

Top earners

$100,000+ annually (for long-term contracts with major brands)

Notes

Test garment fit to help designers understand whether clothes are comfortable to wear. Consistent body measurements are necessary for a garment to stay in high demand.

Famous representatives: Kathy Drayton, Erica Lauren

Different kinds of modeling are associated with different degrees of visibility. Fit models typically remain invisible to the general public. They are hired by fashion houses and production studios to help designers and manufacturers see how outfits would look on real people. If the garments fit, they are approved for mass production.

This type of modeling is important, as it allows brands to design products that will be used by real people. They hire fit models of all shapes and sizes to ensure that sizing for every segment of their target audience is accurate.

15. Artistic and Glamour Modeling

types of modeling artistic

Average pay

$100 – $1,000 per session

Top earners

$200,000+ annually with international magazine features or OnlyFans-style content deals

Notes

Pay depends on a specific niche, exposure, and online presence.

Famous representatives: Dita Von Teese, Tess Holliday

Artistic modeling is all about emotions, elaborated poses, and well-balanced compositions. This type of modeling does not prioritize commercial value. Glamour modeling focuses on beauty and the appeal of a specific lifestyle. It’s often used in fashion or lifestyle photography projects.

When experimenting with different types of modeling, one should possess a deep understanding of the artistic vision they want to convey. Besides, it’s necessary to be confident and adopt a professional approach.

What About AI Modeling?

types of modeling ai

AI modeling, also known as virtual modeling, has already become a reality. It’s one of the fastest-growing segments in the fashion and creative industries. It’s strikingly different from traditional modeling, and it has already changed the way brands promote their products, implement influencer marketing strategies, and organize runway presentations.

AI modeling involves the development and use of AI-generated models. These digital models look almost like real ones. They are created with the help of powerful services like Midjourney, DALL-E, Runway, or Stable Diffusion, often with advanced 3D engines like Unreal Engine or Blender.

Some of them are created from scratch and aren’t based on real people, while others are based on real models and celebrities. AI models can assume any pose, express various emotions, and wear all sorts of outfits.

Brands can develop and launch successful campaigns using all kinds of models without spending a lot of time and resources. They can create photos and videos for ads in hours instead of spending weeks on expensive photoshoots.

Average pay

$0 (for AI avatars) to $10,000+ per month (for creators who own copyrights to AI models)

Top earners

By some estimates, AI influencers like Lil Miquela earn over $12 million a year thanks to sponsorships and brand deals.

Notes

This field makes the line between modeling and digital art virtually non-existent. Nowadays, anyone can use tools like Adobe Firefly, Unreal Engine, and Runway ML to design realistic AI models.

Real-World Examples

types of modeling lil miquela
  • Lil Miquela is one of the first influencers created with the help of AI. She has 2.5 M followers. She’s already “worked” on the projects for Prada, Calvin Klein, and Samsung.
types of modeling shudu gram

Shudu Gram is the first “digital supermodel” in the world. She was generated by visual artist Cameron-James Wilson, who has worked together with Fenty Beauty and Balmain to make her more realistic.

types of modeling imma

Imma is a Japanese AI model with over 400K followers who was featured in campaigns for IKEA, Valentino, and Puma.

These AI-generated model types often make fiction indiscernible from reality. They communicate with their followers on social media, attend virtual events, and advertise various outfits in brand lookbooks

Perspectives & Opportunities

The adoption of AI models is expected to become more widespread in the next few years. According to a 2024 Vogue Business report, some agencies have already switched to AI models and use them when representing their clients. The key upsides of AI models include:

Cost-effectiveness. Companies can save money on travel, makeup, lighting, or physical production.

Creative control. Brands can adjust poses, lighting, outfits, and expressions quickly.

Inclusivity. AI models can be designed in different ways. It allows them to represent various body types and ethnicities that aren’t often seen in traditional modeling.

Sustainability. Minimizes carbon footprint and waste from large photoshoots.

Challenges

However, many critics voice serious concerns regarding the following issues:

  • Authenticity & trust. Audiences sometimes feel deceived when a model isn’t human.
  • Ethical issues. AI models can reproduce biases or unrealistic beauty standards if not handled responsibly.
  • Copyright & ownership. Who owns an AI model’s likeness? The creator? The brand? The person it resembles?

Job displacement. Human models, photographers, stylists, and MUA professionals fear fewer opportunities as brands shift toward digital avatars.

The Future of AI Modeling

In the U.S. and Europe, there are many well-known agencies like The Diigitals, Aww Inc., and VModel that already use AI versions of human models to produce advertising content. According to some estimations, up to 15–20 % of online fashion content might feature AI-generated or hybrid models by 2030.

Despite this, many experts consider AI modeling as a useful tool that can help human models more successful without replacing them.

How to Choose the Right Type of Modeling: FixThePhoto Tips

Discover your main strengths. Be sure to make an unbiased assessment of your appearance. Consider your height, body type, and the way you behave in front of the camera. If you are quite tall and have an attention-grabbing bone structure, you might consider runway or fashion modeling.

If you have a relatable appearance, consider commercial modeling. Your charisma and self-confidence will help you connect with the audience and will make you more memorable than other models with a similar appearance.

Find reputable agencies. Not every agency is the best choice for building a modeling career. Many of them have a narrow specialization. For instance, some of them may specialize in fashion and editorial work. Others offer more opportunities in commercial, fitness, or influencer modeling.

Be sure to learn whether a particular agency represents models who are somewhat similar to you. If so, the agency may be interested in signing a contract with you as well. Before contacting an agency, be sure to check whether its website is legitimate and read online reviews. It will help you avoid scammers.

There are plenty of well-established agencies like Ford Models, IMG, and Elite Model Management. You may also get in touch with small boutique agencies that provide personalized career development opportunities and allow you to find your place in the industry faster.

Create a professional portfolio. Your portfolio tells your clients about your talents. Be sure to invest in professional modeling photos. Book a photo session that will help you demonstrate the versatility of your talent. Add full-body photos, headshots, and natural light portraits to your portfolio. It’s better to include high-fashion shots and lifestyle pics to showcase your range.

These days, it’s important to have polished digital portfolios and maintain social media presence on Instagram and other social networks. You may need to use Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your photos before publishing them online.

Be reliable and trustworthy. To become successful at different kinds of modeling, you need to stay professional at all times. Your success depends on your reliability, not only on your looks. Come to an event or a shooting on time, reply to casting calls promptly, and become known as a person one can rely on.

Update your social media regularly and invest your time in networking to show agencies and clients that you are focused on your career. While your talent is what will give you visibility and recognition, it’s your reliability that will ensure that you will get booked repeatedly.

Stay healthy and confident. Modeling can be challenging on many levels, both physical and mental. Follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and establish a skincare routine to look healthy all the time. Taking care of your mental state is crucial. You will have to learn how to handle rejections with grace.

You should feel confident even if you realize that you aren’t perfect. It’s important to stay comfortable with your appearance and discover a source of energy inside you to maintain a strong presence during every photo shoot or runway show.

Do not underestimate networking. The right connections can still be quite important for those who want to s쳮d in the fashion world. Be sure to attend casting calls, explore new networking opportunities at industry events, take part in workshops, and don’t be hesitant when you have a chance to get acquainted with photographers, stylists, and other models.

You may also participate in online communities on platforms like Model Mayhem, LinkedIn, or Instagram. It might help you discover new collaboration opportunities.

Consider industry trends. The modeling industry is in a state of constant development. One season it might prioritize natural beauty and inclusivity, while another, it focuses on AI avatars and virtual campaigns. It’s important to learn more about the current trends in fashion and digital media as well as keep up with photography trends.

Be sure to discover how to utilize AI tools, including Adobe Firefly or Runway ML. It will allow you to produce content consistent with your branding style and work on virtual modeling projects.

Tata Rossi

Tech Trends Journalist

Tata Rossi is a photographer-advisor, key contributor at FixThePhoto, sharing her expertise about photography and 55% of photos you see at our blog are taken by her. She is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is the main so-called teacher in our team, conducting courses on photography and editing for beginners and anyone interested.

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Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

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