What Makes a Model a Supermodel?

What are the different kinds of models ? 

When talking about fashion, it’s only natural we start talking about modeling. But what actually makes a model a supermodel? And what’s the difference between a new face, commercial, social media, editorial, runway, campaign, top model, and supermodel? We’re about to take you on a career path from new face to supermodel—so sit back and read up, because you could be next. 

The Entry Model: The "New Face" 

This is the girlie who hasn’t yet moved to Paris, New York, or London but is looking to start her career. She’s just signed with a modeling agency, taken some headshots, and is waiting for a casting director to find her a gig. At this stage, she’s just getting started, and like anything in life, the first steps are the hardest. She’s sticking it out, finding jobs, and—let’s be real—just trying to pay rent. 

What kind of work do New Face models get? Well… they might walk some local shows, usually unpaid or for pennies (sorry, babe, that’s just how it is). They might book some e-commerce shoots for small online clothing brands—think catalog work. It’s a little scary at first, but she’s gotta start somewhere! 

The Commercial Model 

Commercial models book jobs with major retailers—think Kiabi in France, Old Navy in North America, or even Zara. These models have small contracts with brands, get steady work, and (thankfully) are always paid—unlike New Face models. 

You’ll notice that commercial models have a relatable look because they’re marketing to a general audience. Their features aren’t too bold or mysterious, and their makeup is never as dramatic as high-fashion models. They’re the girl next door, the friendly face, the one who makes you want to buy that dress. 

The Social Media Model 

This one gets interesting. Depending on how a girlie plays her cards, she can leverage her audience to book major gigs. If a fashion IT-girl builds up tens of thousands of followers and markets herself correctly, she can skip right past the icky struggle phase of the modeling industry and go straight to getting paid for partnerships. 

But let’s be real—just because you have a lot of followers doesn’t mean the industry will come knocking. You still have to put in the work. If you create a solid brand, stay consistent, and actually model, you can break through and make serious money. But it’s not as easy as just being cute online! 

The Editorial Model (Your Career Is Calling) 

The editorial model has officially arrived. She’s making a name for herself and getting signed with major fashion publications. And once you’ve been in Vogue, babe, your career is set in stone. Think of Anok Yai she was discovered, immediately propelled into editorial work, and boom, her career took off. But don’t get it twisted: just because you book an editorial gig doesn’t mean the jobs will keep coming. You still have to work for them. 

Editorial models are officially financially stable in the industry. They don’t necessarily have to move to a fashion capital, but if they want to take their career to the next level, that’s the step they’ll need to take. 

The Runway Model 

This is what most people picture when they hear the word “model.” To get consistent runway work, this girlie is living in Paris, New York, London, or Milan. While models work year-round, fashion week is when things get serious. If you’re a hardworking model, you could walk 30+ shows a month between multiple cities. And if you’re mid-tier, you might make anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per show, meaning $30,000–$100,000+ per season. Not bad, huh? 

But let’s be honest, unless you’re elite, you’ll be grinding. The average runway model makes around $10,000–$50,000 per season. Still, by this point, you’re established, connected with big fashion houses, and officially in the game. 

The Campaign Model 

These models are the face of a brand’s campaign. You won’t necessarily see them everywhere, but they are the ones rocking the season’s signature bag, coat, or collection. Most campaign models get their start in editorial or social media, but once they land a campaign deal, their face becomes instantly recognizable. Even if they’re not household names, fashion girls know them. 

Campaign models usually sign exclusive contracts. So if you’re the face of Dior bags, you won’t be modeling for Hermès anytime soon. Maybe you’ll walk a show for them, but an ad campaign? Absolutely not. 

The Top Model 

If you’re remotely interested in fashion, you know these names: Gigi Hadid, Vittoria Ceretti, Adut Akech. Top models do everything: editorials, runways, campaigns. They’re not tied down to one brand and can book multiple contracts across the industry. They grace the covers of magazines multiple times a year and walk 10–15 major shows per season for the most prestigious designers. 

At this level, models can earn $1–5 million per year with all their campaigns, brand deals, runway shows, and editorials. They are industry royalty. 

The Holy Grail, The It-Girl, The Supermodel 

So what’s the difference between a top model and a supermodel? A supermodel isn’t just at the top of the fashion industry—she’s famous outside of fashion. She’s a celebrity in her own right. Think Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Shalom Harlow, Kate Moss. Supermodels have been in the spotlight for decades and can make $10–50+ million per year through residuals, movies, brand deals, and endorsements. 

While they still grace the runway from time to time, most supermodels are more or less retired icons. Our predictions for the next generation? Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid (whether you like it or not), Kendall Jenner, Anok Yai, and Alex Consani. They’re close, but they need another decade to reach true supermodel status. 

How You Can Realistically Become a Supermodel 

Here’s the tea: 80–90% of models quit before they even make it to editorial. The industry is brutal, and if you don’t know how to play the game, you’re not making it past the first five years. But if you stick with it? If you push through the unpaid gigs, the lowball offers, and the constant grind? That’s when the opportunities start opening up. So if you want to be the next supermodel, don’t quit before the magic happens. Stay in the game, build your brand, get those contracts, and make it happen. 

We’ll be here, waiting to write about you in the future. 💋