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Chapter One: What Is Commercial Modeling?

How to Become a Successful Commercial Model
You're reading Chapter 1 of "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model". You can also read Chapter 7. When you're done, order your own copy so you can read the rest of this incredible guide to the acting and commercial modeling industry!
Contents:

Praise for "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model"

“You Must Have This Book! Aaron Marcus is a genius! I wish we would have found this book five months ago, when we first decided to go into modeling. I am so glad we got just in time, before my sons next photo shoot. It told us what to bring (which we thought they would supply everything) to the shoot. This book tells you how to get an agent, go on interviews what to do, what not to do. IT IS GREAT!!! Aaron Marcus gets down to every detail, I am so glad we found this book, it has really helped my son in his new found career and will continue to help us as he goes further. Thanks so much for writing it!”
Cindy Dacus • SC
“Although I purchased your book years ago, I still use it and the more I learn the more relevant I see it is. It has saved me thousands of dollars and more importantly headaches and heartaches in pursuing an entertainment career. Much of your advice applies across the board.

Thank you for writing such a beautiful book. The value of its wisdom does not become immediately clear until you begin working in the industry and see just how many pitfalls, sharks, and con artists are out there. Couple that with the desperation of most artists and it does not make for a good pathway to success.

I never told you thank you and even if I did I wanted to say it again. You have given me a foundation from which to work so that I know how to go about seeking jobs, and preparing myself for those jobs. I wish everyone could say they have been able to avoid the nervousness and insecurity of trying to approach agents, advertisers, casting directors without a clue as to what is going on! You can only imagine the laughs they have when they get home! I know I would.

Your book and advice has made me more confident and poised so that others who are looking to break in look to me for advice and clarity. It is amazing what the power of information can do. You have freely given out information in a non-selfish way and I just wanted to say that I appreciate it if no one else does. You have inspired me and encouraged me to give my best even when I meet professionals who are less than so. I really like your stories when you tell how you have come upon auditions by "accident", by how maintaining professionalism you win credibility though maybe not the job right away.

Thank you again and please keep up the good work. For every artist who is prepared and ready there are 10 more who have no clue. Much success and looking forward to meeting you soon.”
Tiana Hynes • CA

What are Commercial Models Used For?

Every day you see commercial models in many different types of ads. They appear 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, on the Internet, etc.

The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting a product or company. He or she has to act without words.

To even be considered as a fashion model you must have very specific physical requirements. Normally female fashion models are between 5’9” and 6’ tall, have a 34-size bust, 24-inch waist and a 34-inch hip. Some markets outside of the United States will allow the models to be a little shorter. Male fashion models are normally 69 to 6920 tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket.

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. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.

The commercial model connects the client, product and the consumer. A client is the person whose product needs to be advertised. Usually, the client hires an ad agency to produce an ad, the ad agency hires the photographer, and either the art/creative director from the ad agency or photographer hires the commercial model through the model’s agent.

How Much Do Commercial Models Earn?

The fees are different from city to city and job to job. Adult commercial models can expect to make anywhere from $50 to $250 an hour depending on the market. Children are paid less than adults, but can earn up to $75 an hour. There is no way of knowing how much one can earn. I know a commercial model who earned $50,000 from one job, and I know people who have made $2,000 for an entire year.

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 understand what agents do and know how to make sure you are working with a reputable and honest agent. 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.

What Does It Take to Make It as a Commercial Model?

The best way to get work as a commercial model is to learn some acting skills, be self-motivated, and have the time to accept work.

How Do Models Get Work?

Although this process is explained in greater detail later in the book, the short answer is that agents can mail models’ composite sheets (a collection of photos), post photos on their Web sites or even e-mail individual images directly to a photographer or art/creative director, and they decide which model to hire for the job. Sometimes models audition for the job by attending a go-see. This is when models go to a photographer’s studio or casting office and audition in person.

What Are the Advantages to Working as a Commercial Model?

As I mentioned earlier there are no physical limitations to being a commercial model. Most people do commercial modeling on a part-time basis. It is not only so much fun to be shot by a professional photographer, but it is also thrilling to see yourself or your child in a magazine, newspaper, billboard or poster. The hours are extremely flexible, and the fees paid to commercial models are incredible.

What Are the Disadvantages?

There is no guarantee that there will be steady work. That is why most people work part-time. 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.

What Does It Take to Get Started?

A person can get started by simply having a head shot taken. In the book I explain how to get photos taken free as well as how to find professional photographers to shoot your head shots. Depending on the area, one can have a head shot taken and begin trying to get work for about $350. 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.

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