How Old Do You Have to Be to Become a Model?

How old you have to be to become a model depends on the kind of model you wish to be. There are baby models, child models, print ad models, fashion models and runway models. There is also a long list of specialty models including plus-size models, hand models, maternity models and elderly models. Each has its ideal age range.

Most modeling agencies start considering baby models at 6 months old. This is when they can sit up, smile and express themselves. The most important quality for a baby model to possess is independence. The baby must be willing to go to a stranger without crying. If the baby cries every time the mother lets him go, he will not make it as a baby model. Child models can be any age under 16. It helps to be cute, but often, unusual looking kids make better child models. The most important quality for child models is the ability to follow directions. If a kid wont do what the photographer asks, they wont get much work.

Girls interested in becoming a fashion model should consider entering the industry between age 13 and 16. By that time, it should be fairly obvious how tall she will be. The girl should be at least 5-foot-7-inches tall with clear skin, sharp features and good proportions. Teenage girls with potential to be fashion models will be considered by modeling agencies by this age. Male models tend to be older when entering the industry. Males should be at least 16 years old and at least 6 feet tall.

The top level of the modeling industry is reserved for runway models. In most fashion capitals around the world, the minimum age for a runway model is 16 years old. Keep in mind that runway models must fit a very specific body type and be able to handle the rigors of runway modeling work. Women must be at least 5-feet-8-inches tall and a size 4 or less. Men must be at least 6 feet tall with chiseled muscles. It is not all glitz and glamor. Many younger models have a difficult time dealing with the pressure of living abroad, staying thin and dealing with the model culture.

The age rules for plus-size models are somewhat different than for other models. There is not a market for plus-size baby or child models. There are also very few plus-size male models. Plus-size women models should be at least 15 years old and look like young women, not kids. Plus-size female models are larger than mainstream fashion models, but still must be attractive and proportioned. They must be at least 5-feet-7-inches tall and between a size 12 and a size 18.

Specialty models fill a need for something specific in advertising. This could be a body part like hands, legs or eyes. It can also be for a particular time of life like pregnancy or old age. In these cases, age is not particularly important. Hand models can work at any age as long as their hands are perfect. Pregnant women or elderly models should be age-appropriate.