Being a Model (On the Radar: Awesome Jobs)

By: Adam Sutherland
Publisher: Lerner Publications
Publication Date: August 2012
ISBN: 978-0761377825
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler

If you’ve seen models on the covers of magazines, on television, or walking the walk down the catwalk and want in, perhaps becoming a model is a career choice for you. Not everything about modeling is glamorous, but most models would say it’s worth it. Of course modeling, like many other jobs, “involves a lot of hard work and dedication to reach the top.” Models don’t usually work solo, but rather have several people behind them. They are “represented by model agencies” and have a model booker to schedule their jobs. Sometimes “fashion agencies send scouts to large events, such as music festivals, to search for new faces.” You never can tell if you just might be the person they are looking for!

Of course there is one thing that you do have to have. If you are a woman you “must be 5 feet 8 1/2 inches (1.7 meters) or taller and men 6 feet (1.8 meters) or taller.” Naturally, if you still have your heart set on that catwalk, you’ll have to add some inches to those numbers. There are several different types of modeling including editorial work (magazines), catalog modeling, catwalk, and advertising. If you want to go for the money, the best-paid work can be in TV commercials. Just a day’s work “can end up being worth hundreds of thousands of dollars” if the ad runs for several years.

Modeling can be a “record-breaking business.” Take for example model Carmen Dell’Orefice. Now she’s been modeling for 66 years. You’ll read about several other record-breakers in this book. You’ve probably seen several Hollywood models if you’re checking out the field, including former child actresses. Some of the most successful models include Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, and Naomi Campbell, all of whom are featured in this book. You’ll also learn about successful male models Tyson Beckford and Joy Fatoyinbo, Gemma Howorth (a hand model), you’ll read about some “Vital Statistics,” and you’ll learn many other interesting things about one of the best jobs in the world ... modeling!

This is a fascinating look at modeling, one of the more glamorous jobs in the world. If you think this is a book that will teach a youngster how to become a model, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Rather, it’s one that provides an overview of modeling as a career, including getting down to the nitty gritty of the lingo or “Model Speak.” Short paragraphs define words/terms such as photo shoot, go-sees, commercial modeling, and tear sheets. The layout is quite vibrant with loads of full-color photographs and sidebar-like blocks scattered throughout the text. There are a few interviews to pore over and a debate that focuses on “Size 0 on the Catwalk: Yes or No?” In the back of the book is an index and additional recommended book and website resources to explore.

Quill says: If you have a youngster who is an aspiring model, or is thinking about modeling as a career, you might want to add this book to your list!