Modeling Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the key terms in the modeling industry — comp card, go-see, mother agency, measurements and more. For anyone starting out who wants to understand how the business actually works.
20 terms · 5 categories
Editorial vs Commercial
Editorial modeling is high-fashion magazine and runway work — artistic, trend-setting and prestigious, but it pays little. Commercial modeling is advertising, catalogue and brand work — relatable, product-selling and far better paid. Most working models do a mix of both.
Read→Fit Model
A fit model is a model whose body is used as a live mannequin to test how a brand's clothing fits, drapes and moves during design and production. Fit models are hired for precise, consistent measurements rather than a runway look — the work is steady and well-paid, but rarely photographed.
Read→Petite Model
A petite model is a model shorter than the fashion-runway standard — typically under 5'7″ (170 cm) — who works mainly in commercial, catalogue, beauty, lingerie and parts modeling, where height is flexible. Petite models are judged on proportion, look and versatility rather than runway height.
Read→Sample Size
Sample size is the standard set of measurements brands cut their prototype and runway samples to — typically US 0–4 (EU 32–36) for women, roughly a 34-24-34 frame at 175–183 cm. Fashion and runway models are expected to fit sample size off the rack; commercial, plus-size and fit modeling use different standards.
Read→
Casting
A casting (or casting call) is an audition for a specific modeling job — a campaign, show, catalogue or editorial being cast right now. The client or casting director sees shortlisted models, checks their look, measurements and portfolio against the brief, and decides who to book. Unlike a go-see, a casting is tied to one real job.
Read→Go-See
A go-see is a short, informal meeting where a model visits a client — a photographer, brand, casting director or agency — so they can see the model in person, check their measurements and portfolio, and decide whether to book them for future work. Unlike a casting, a go-see is not an audition for one specific job; it is a first look.
Read→Open Call
An open call is a scheduled window when a modeling agency or client will see anyone who shows up — no appointment and no invitation needed. It is the most common way for a new face to be seen by an agency for the first time, usually with a comp card or a few simple photos and basic measurements.
Read→
Comp Card
A comp card (also called a composite or zed card) is a model's business card: a single printed card with a few of their best photos on one side and their name, agency and stats — height, measurements, hair and eye colour — on the other. It's what a model leaves behind at a casting or go-see.
Read→Digitals (Polaroids)
Digitals — also called polaroids — are clean, unretouched photos that show a model exactly as they look right now: minimal makeup, hair down, fitted plain clothes, shot straight-on. Agencies and clients use them to see the real face and body behind a polished portfolio.
Read→Portfolio (Book)
A modeling portfolio — also called a 'book' — is the curated collection of a model's best professional photos that agencies and clients review to judge range, versatility and experience. It combines tear sheets, editorials and strong test shots, and is shown in person or as a digital link.
Read→Tear Sheet
A tear sheet is a page from a published magazine, catalogue or campaign that features a model's work — literally “torn” from the printed piece. Tear sheets are proof a model has been booked and published, and the strongest, most credible pages in a portfolio.
Read→TFP (Time for Print)
TFP — 'Time for Print' (also 'Trade for Print') — is an unpaid shoot where a model and photographer collaborate for the images instead of money: each keeps the photos to build their portfolio. It is common for new models building a book, but the terms — usage, credits, edited images — should always be agreed in writing first.
Read→
Model Scout
A model scout is a person who searches for potential new models — at events, in public, or (increasingly) on social media — and refers promising faces to an agency. A legitimate scout never charges a fee: they earn only when a model they found is signed and starts working.
Read→Mother Agency
A mother agency is the agency that first signs a model, develops them, and manages their overall career — including placing them with larger agencies in other markets like Paris, Milan and New York, and taking a percentage of what those placements earn. It is the model's home base and long-term manager.
Read→New Faces
'New faces' is the industry term for models an agency has just signed and is beginning to develop — the entry tier of a roster. New faces are built up with test shoots, digitals and a first portfolio before being pushed to major clients and international markets.
Read→Option (Hold)
An option (or hold) is a client's tentative reservation of a model for a specific date, before a firm booking. A “first option” has priority: if a second client wants the same date, the first option is “challenged” and must confirm or release it. Until it is booked, it is not a confirmed job.
Read→
Buyout
A buyout is a broad transfer of usage rights where a client pays to use a model's images widely — often across all media, territories or in perpetuity — rather than a limited licence. It is the most extensive and expensive form of usage, negotiated separately from and usually far above the day rate.
Read→Day Rate
A day rate is the fee a model is paid for one day of work — a shoot, show or campaign day. It covers the model's time only; usage rights (where and how long the images run) and expenses are billed separately. Day rates vary widely by market, client type and the model's level, and are negotiated by the agency.
Read→Exclusivity
Exclusivity is a contract term that restricts a model from working with competing brands for a set period — for example, a model who fronts one perfume campaign agreeing not to appear for a rival. Because it blocks other income, exclusivity is paid for on top of the day rate and usage.
Read→Usage Rights
Usage rights (or “usage”) is the licence that defines where, how and for how long a client may use a model's images — one country or worldwide, one year or in perpetuity, print only or all media. Usage is negotiated and paid separately from the day rate, and often costs far more than the shoot itself.
Read→