Is commercial modeling better than fashion modeling?

The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting a product or company. Each time we turn around, we see commercial models in many different types of ads in newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction with an article in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, and more.

Most people have the impression that cities such as New York, Paris, London and Milan are the top cities for modeling, but contrary to this belief, nothing can be further from the truth. While these cities are the prime areas for fashion modeling, you don’t have to relocate to any of them to work in other areas of modeling.

Forget the stress, stringent dieting, constant criticism, height and age requirements that come with the high end modeling for places such as Gucci, Versace, and Chanel. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.

Where as the fashion model is usually between the ages of early teens to early twenties, 5’9 to 6’ tall and sizes 2-6, commercial models, on the other hand, need only to have the ability to look like a real person. In commercial modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are hired.

Although there’s not as much fashion photo work in other cities, many of them have grown more diverse in the last few decades, hence, commercial modeling has boomed outside of the usual modeling capitals of the world.

Companies such as Heinz, Jockey, Bayer, State Farm Insurance, Safe Auto, many ads for new medications on the market, local sports teams promotions, and Claire’s Accessories, shoot their advertising using local models. Some local publications, including area department stores, newspapers and magazines, use fashion models

Web-based clothing retailers have also used commercial models. They go to Minneapolis for Target and Dallas for J.C. Penney. It’s also not uncommon for models to travel abroad to places such as France, Italy and Singapore.

The pay for such bookings can also be very rewarding. Most models are content making a "good-living in the big city, while others collect up to a six-digit salary. For photo shoots, models earn about $50 to $250 an hour (child models are usually paid less), with the agency getting a 20 percent commission. They also may receive bonuses for appearing in specific advertisements.

So thinking about commercial modeling in your area? Here are some things you will

need to know before you take the plunge

- Most people do not realize that commercial modeling is like any other kind of business. Before entering this or any industry, you must do your homework. You must learn about the types of photos that will get you the most work. You must know what is expected of you as a professional model, and learn how to practice before entering the business. Certainly, the people who have done their research and have gotten the needed information will have the greatest chance for success.

- Legitimate modeling agencies do not charge upfront fees.

- Enrolling in acting classes may help you feel more comfortable in front of a camera as well as play an important part in obtaining work in commercials and films.

If you don’t have the physical attributes to become a professional model, consider checking out and signing with agencies in your area that represent commercial and promotional models, which uses people to appear primarily in print ads for clients such as those mentioned earlier in this article. Pay rates may vary, but models are usually paid $250-$360 for a two- to eight-hour day, depending on where you live or relocate.

As with any other form of modeling, there is no guarantee that there will be steady work, which is why most models work part time while working at other jobs. There are no health benefits, and no money is withheld from your checks for tax purposes. You are responsible for paying taxes on all income you receive from modeling

All it takes to get started in commercial modeling is simply having a head shot taken. Depending on the area, one can have a head shot taken and begin trying to get work for about $350, but there are also photographers that work on a time for prints basis where you can have these done as well. Finding agents to submit your head shot for jobs would be the next best step. It is important to get experience working in front of a camera before trying to work in a major market.

But most importantly, the best way to get work as a commercial model is to be self-motivated, and have the time to accept work. You don’t know where the next job may lead!