Modeling glossary
57 modeling industry terms explained clearly.
I've built this glossary from my years of observation in the modeling world. Each term is defined simply, in plain language, to help aspiring models and parents understand this technical vocabulary that's often used without explanation.
A
Modeling agency
A modeling agency is a specialized company that handles the promotion and professional development of its models. It ensures the connection between models and clients, negotiates and drafts contracts, manages accounting and administrative aspects. The agency works in service of its models and not the other way around, in exchange for a commission taken from their contracts. It plays a crucial role in career building and protecting the interests of its talents.
Read full definition →Mother agency
A model's mother agency is generally the first agency that discovered them and with which they began their modeling career. It defines the strategic direction of their career, places them in foreign partner agencies, and manages any difficulties (such as image rights recovery). The model may change mother agencies during their career. The mother agency receives a commission on each contract performed by the model, even abroad.
Read full definition →Agent
An agent is a person authorized and certified to perform the role of a modeling agency. In some countries like France, an agent's license is required. The agent is usually the owner or director of the modeling agency. They must possess the legal, commercial, and interpersonal skills necessary to represent and protect the interests of their models.
Read full definition →Model apartment
Model apartments are housing provided by agencies to their talents, particularly useful for early-career models or those traveling. These accommodations allow new models to start their careers without advancing housing costs. However, each night is billed to the model and deducted from future earnings as advances. These apartments also encourage networking between models.
Read full definition →Assignment
An assignment, also called a 'booking,' refers to a work contract for which a model is hired and confirmed. It is a concrete professional mission (photo shoot, runway show, advertising campaign, etc.) with specific dates, locations, and conditions. The assignment represents the culmination of the casting and selection process, turning an opportunity into a paid professional engagement.
Read full definition →Advance
An advance is money lent by an agency to a model before their contracts are fulfilled. Agencies often offer advances to facilitate their models' work: housing, transportation tickets, pocket money, professional equipment. These advances are then recovered from the model's first jobs, in addition to the usual commissions, until full repayment. This system allows beginners to start their careers without financial barriers.
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B
Backstage
Backstage refers to all the behind-the-scenes and technical areas of a fashion event, inaccessible to the public. During a runway show, it's the space where models are prepared: hairstyling, makeup, dressing, rehearsals. Backstage is a place of creative energy where all professionals coordinate (stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers, assistants). It's also an important networking space in the fashion industry.
Read full definition →To book
To book a model means to hire and confirm them for a specific assignment (job, test, event). When we say 'this model is booked all week,' it means their schedule is completely full. The booking process involves negotiating conditions, signing the contract, and logistics coordination. It's the final step that transforms a selection into a firm professional commitment.
Read full definition →Booker
A booker is a key member of a modeling agency team, serving as the main point of contact between the agency and the model. They manage the day-to-day career: prospecting clients, registering for castings, negotiating contracts, organizing schedules. A trusting relationship and good communication between the model and their booker are essential for professional success.
Read full definition →Booking
Booking refers to both the team within an agency responsible for managing models' careers and the professional placement activity. The booking team handles promotion, prospecting, casting registration, schedule organization, negotiation, coordination, and contract follow-up. The term 'booking' can also refer to a mission for which the model is hired. It is the operational heart of a modeling agency.
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C
Callback
A callback is a new appointment given to the model following a successful first casting. The client may ask to see the model one, two, or several times before making their final decision. A callback is generally a good sign, indicating the model is being seriously considered for the project. Final decisions between the last candidates for the same project are often made during callbacks.
Read full definition →Casting
A casting is a process of searching for and selecting candidates for a specific project, based on defined criteria (physical, technical, artistic). It can be an open audition or by invitation. The casting allows clients to evaluate the fit between the model's profile and their creative needs. It's a crucial moment where the model must demonstrate their personality, photogenic qualities, and adaptability.
Read full definition →Casting director
The casting director is the professional commissioned by a client to organize and supervise the selection of models for a project. They define selection criteria, coordinate casting sessions, evaluate candidates, and make final recommendations. The casting director has excellent knowledge of the modeling market and maintains an extensive network with agencies.
Read full definition →Character model
Character models are atypical profiles distinguished by their strong personality or ability to embody specific characters. Unlike classic models, their charisma and uniqueness prevail over conventional beauty standards. They are highly sought after for advertising campaigns and editorials because they are memorable. Character models bring a narrative and emotional dimension to projects.
Read full definition →Chart
The chart is the model's individual planning sheet, established by their booker, containing all information necessary for their professional travel. It includes client contact details, dates, times, meeting locations, emergency contacts, and special instructions. The chart is an essential coordination tool ensuring proper organization of the model's work.
Read full definition →Composite / comp card
The composite (or 'comp card') is a cardstock A5-format (6×8 in) double-sided card presenting the essentials of a model's portfolio. This true professional business card contains 2 to 6 representative photos, measurements, contact details, and agency. The composite is given to recruiters during castings and serves as a promotional tool. Its quality and design reflect the professionalism of both the model and their agency.
Read full definition →Couture
The couture section of a modeling agency specializes in activities related to high-end fashion designer collections. It provides fit models for fittings and pattern-making, as well as models for haute couture runway shows. This division requires specific profiles, often more experienced, capable of wearing and showcasing exceptional creations. It's a prestigious sector of the modeling industry.
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D
Digitals
Digitals are simple, natural digital photos of the model, taken without makeup or retouching, in basic clothing (tank top, swimwear). They show the model's real and current appearance: bare face, body shape, changes since the book (hairstyle, tan, physical evolution). Agencies regularly take digitals to inform clients and partner agencies about their models' evolution.
Read full definition →Direct booking
A direct booking means the model is hired directly without going through a traditional casting. The client bases their decision on the photo book, digitals, a video, or the model's reputation. This practice often concerns established models or celebrities. Direct booking reflects the client's confidence and the model's professional status.
Read full definition →Art director
The art director is responsible for the overall visual and creative coherence of a product, brand, magazine, or event. They define the aesthetic universe, supervise the creative team, and ensure the artistic vision is respected. On set, they're often the most influential person after the client. The art director guides creative choices and can have a major impact on a model's career.
Read full definition →DPI (dots per inch)
DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures the resolution of a digital image. The higher the value, the sharper and more detailed the image. For professional printing (A4 photo book, A5 composite), a minimum of 300 DPI is required for optimal quality. Insufficient resolution causes image pixelation. This technical concept is crucial for the quality of a model's promotional materials.
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E
Exclusivity
Exclusivity is a contractual arrangement between a client and a model (via their agency) stipulating that the model will not work for competing brands during a defined period. This non-compete clause must be financially compensated. Agencies generally request territorial exclusivity from their models. Exclusivity protects clients' marketing investments and enhances brand image.
Read full definition →Expenses
Expenses are the summary of costs and advances made by the agency for the model: transportation, accommodation, meals, miscellaneous costs. These amounts are then recovered by the agency from the model's next contracts, in addition to the usual commissions, until full repayment. Transparent expense management is essential for maintaining trust between agency and models.
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F
Fashion Week
Fashion Week is the industry's major event, lasting approximately 10 days, organized twice a year for each commercial season (spring-summer, fall-winter). Designers and fashion houses present their new collections. The most influential Fashion Weeks are Paris (PFW), New York (NYFW), Milan (MFW), and London (LFW). It's the most intense time for runway models.
Read full definition →Fitting
A fitting is a preliminary try-on session where the model tests garments being made. This step allows the stylist to make necessary adjustments before the final presentation (runway show, photoshoot, retail). The fitting ensures perfect adaptation between the garment and the model's body shape. It's a crucial technical step that determines the aesthetic success of the final project.
Read full definition →Full length
A 'full-length' photo or video shows the model standing from head to toe, allowing appreciation of their complete silhouette, posture, and proportions. This type of framing is essential for evaluating overall elegance, walk, and bearing. Clients often use these images for preliminary selections and assessing morphological fit with their needs.
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G
Guarantee
A guarantee is a minimum amount that a foreign agency assures a model they wish to represent, regardless of their actual contracts. Even with little or no work, the model will leave with the negotiated sum. Asian agencies often offer attractive guarantees to attract the best international models. This financial security facilitates international talent mobility.
Read full definition →Go and see
A 'go and see' is an informal meeting between a model and a potential client (photographer, art director, casting director) without a specific project at stake. The goal is to introduce yourself, make a connection, and discover the professional's creative universe. These appointments help develop your network and lead to future project opportunities. It's an investment in long-term professional relationships.
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H
Haute couture
Haute couture represents French artisanal excellence in clothing creation. Protected by law, this designation is reserved for approved houses by the Ministry of Industry. Creations are entirely handmade in Parisian workshops, custom-made for each client. Haute couture models are the elite of the profession, ambassadors of French savoir-faire and art de vivre.
Read full definition →Head sheet / head book
A head sheet (or head book) is an illustrated montage presenting a selection of the agency's models, created periodically to promote talents to clients. It highlights the agency's top models and new faces. This communication tool allows clients to quickly discover available profiles and helps the agency showcase its roster. The quality of the head sheet reflects the agency's positioning.
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I
Image (department)
The 'Image' department of modeling agencies specializes in major advertising campaigns and representation of prestigious brands. Models in this division are selected to embody the brand image of the most demanding clients. This sector requires strong photogenic qualities, a marked personality, and often established notoriety. It's generally the highest-paying sector in modeling.
Read full definition →Influencer
An influencer is a person who, thanks to their notoriety on social networks, can influence their community's purchasing behavior. In modern modeling, many models develop influencer activities in parallel to diversify income and strengthen personal branding. This dual model-influencer role has become a major asset in the contemporary fashion industry.
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J
Jet lag
Jet lag is a biological rhythm disorder caused by long-haul travel crossing multiple time zones. International models face it regularly and must learn to manage this fatigue to remain performant. Agencies and clients take this reality into account in schedule organization, sometimes allowing recovery days after long trips.
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L
Lookbook
A lookbook is a photographic catalog presenting a fashion collection in a coherent and aesthetic manner. More creative than a simple commercial catalog, it tells the story and universe of the brand through careful art direction. For models, participating in a lookbook is rewarding as these images are often used for promotion and can mark their portfolio with a strong creative signature.
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M
Mood board
A mood board is a visual inspiration board (collage of photos, drawings, texts, samples) that defines the atmosphere and creative direction of a project. Used before photoshoots, it guides the team on the desired mood: lighting, sets, styling, model attitudes. The mood board facilitates creative communication and ensures artistic coherence between all project participants.
Read full definition →Mother agency
The mother agency is the model's main agency, usually located in their home country, which manages their overall career and negotiates with international partner agencies. It coordinates worldwide contracts, protects the model's interests, and ensures consistency in professional development. This privileged relationship is based on mutual trust and shared career trajectory vision.
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N
New face
A 'new face' refers to a new face in the industry, a beginner model starting their professional career. These profiles are sought after for their freshness and growth potential. Agencies invest in new face development through training, test shoots, and first experiences. It's a crucial period where the foundations of a successful career are built.
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O
Open call
Open calls are weekly time slots where anyone wishing to join the agency can show up spontaneously to meet recruiters. These open sessions democratize access to modeling and allow agencies to discover unexpected talents. Models who wouldn't have had the opportunity to get noticed otherwise are often discovered during open calls.
Read full definition →Option
Putting an option on a model means reserving their services for a specific date without firm commitment. This temporary reservation allows the client to finalize their project before definitive confirmation. The model cannot accept other proposals for that same period until the option is released. A maximum deadline is usually set for the client to confirm or cancel.
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P
Show package
The show package is a seasonal tradition where agencies send composites of a selection of their best models to casting directors and key clients, a few weeks before runway shows. This practice presents new faces and communicates the agency's artistic direction. With digital, packages now often include video presentation clips.
Read full definition →People (commercial) model
People models specialize in mainstream advertising, prioritizing expressiveness and consumer identification over classic physical criteria. Their accessible look, natural attitudes, and acting talents are their main assets. Demand is high as brands seek authenticity and proximity with their targets. Many agencies have developed specialized people departments.
Read full definition →Personal branding
Personal branding is the strategy of developing and promoting one's personal image as a brand. For a model, this means defining their positioning, values, unique style, and communicating them consistently. Social networks have become essential personal branding tools, allowing control of one's image and direct interaction with their community.
Read full definition →Ready-to-wear
Ready-to-wear refers to industrially manufactured clothing in standardized sizes, as opposed to custom haute couture. This industry represents the majority of the fashion market and offers many opportunities for models: runway shows, photoshoots, advertising campaigns. Ready-to-wear models must adapt to standard sizes and embody the aspirational accessibility of brands.
Read full definition →Print
Print sections of agencies manage all services related to printed edition: fashion magazines, catalogs, press advertisements, billboard campaigns. This sector ranges from small webzine productions to prestigious editorials of major international magazines. Print requires strong photogenic qualities and adaptability to different editorial styles. It's a historic sector of modeling that remains very active.
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R
Rate card
The rate card is a model's official pricing for different types of services (runway show, photoshoot, advertising). These rates may vary according to experience, notoriety, destination, and contract duration. The rate card serves as a negotiation basis but final prices can be adjusted according to circumstances. It's generally managed by the agency that negotiates on behalf of its models.
Read full definition →Royalties
Royalties are secondary compensation related to the usage and exploitation rights of a model's images, beyond the initial work time compensation. These 'image rights' are received according to exploitation terms (duration, territory, media) and no longer require the model's presence. Royalties can represent a significant portion of income, particularly for widely distributed campaigns.
Read full definition →Runway
The runway is the elevated platform on which models present creations during fashion shows. Mastering the runway means knowing how to walk with elegance, rhythm, and attitude, in perfect harmony with the collection's universe. Each designer has their own vision of the show, and models must adapt to these varied aesthetic codes.
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S
Scout
A scout is a professional tasked with discovering new talents for a modeling agency. They travel through streets, shopping centers, and events, looking for promising profiles matching the sought criteria. The scout has a trained eye for detecting potential and knows how to recognize qualities that will make a future model successful. This prospecting activity is essential for agency renewal.
Read full definition →Scouting
Scouting is the activity of searching for and discovering new faces to recruit future models. Agencies must constantly renew their talent rosters to remain competitive. Good scouting ensures the agency represents tomorrow's icons. This prospecting takes place everywhere: streets, events, social networks, competitions. Scouting requires an expert eye and the ability to detect potential.
Read full definition →Showroom
A showroom is a privatized exhibition space where one or more designers present their new collections to a restricted professional audience (press, buyers, commercials). This more intimate approach than runway shows allows direct contact with the creations. Some showrooms are permanent, others are temporary (especially in luxury hotels during Fashion Weeks). Models present collections in a more personalized manner.
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T
Talent scout
A talent scout is a talent hunter commissioned by an agency to discover new faces in all types of locations (public streets, sporting events, school exits, shopping centers). They justify their seriousness with a professional card and take a simple photo (polaroid) before directing toward the agency. The talent scout has a trained eye for detecting modeling potential in ordinary people.
Read full definition →Tear sheet
A tear sheet is a magazine page cut out and kept as proof of publication of photographic work. For a model, collecting tear sheets constitutes tangible proof of their collaborations and publications. These pages become valuable portfolio elements, testifying to professional recognition and collaboration quality. They are often used to negotiate new contracts.
Read full definition →Test shoot
A test shoot is a professional photo or video session designed to evaluate a model's photogenic qualities before recruitment and/or to create the first images of their book. Funded by the client or agency, it tests the chemistry between the model and the camera. Test photo costs advanced by the agency are generally recovered from the model's future contracts.
Read full definition →TFP (time for print/pictures)
TFP stands for 'work time in exchange for photos.' This collaborative arrangement between photographer, model, and artistic team (makeup artists, hairdressers, stylists) allows everyone to develop their portfolio without monetary exchange. The photographer provides images to all participants in exchange for their free services. TFP is particularly used by beginners to build a professional book.
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U
Usage rights
Usage defines the usage rights granted by the model for their images in a specific context: medium (print, digital, TV), duration, territory, exclusivity. The broader the usage, the higher the compensation. This contractual concept protects the model's image and ensures fair compensation based on the commercial value of the use. Agencies carefully negotiate these clauses to optimize revenue.
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V
Voucher
A voucher is an official document signed by the client at the end of a service, confirming the completion of work by the model. It specifies mission details: dates, times, special conditions, amount due. This document serves as the basis for agency billing and constitutes legal proof in case of dispute. The voucher protects the model's interests and ensures payment for their services.
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W
Worldwide (contract)
A worldwide contract grants the client the rights to use the model's images anywhere in the world, without geographic restriction. This type of agreement, generally more lucrative, suits international campaigns of major brands. The mother agency negotiates these global contracts in coordination with its international partner agencies, ensuring coherent management of rights and revenue on a global scale.
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