Commercial Models - What Are They and How    You   Can Become One

Commercial Modeling - A Great Career for All Ages, Shapes, Sizes & Heights

What Are Commercial Models?

When most people think of models and the modeling profession they think of high fashion supermodels like Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, and Naomi Campbell appearing on the covers of Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar.  However, there is a very lucrative side of modeling that many people overlook, and that is the commercial modeling industry. 

Commercial models are essentially models that look like everyday people and are modeling or advertising products such as food and household items, pharmaceuticals, travel destinations, sporting equipment and more.

 What Are The Requirements For Commercial Models?

Unlike fashion models who must have specific measurements (stats), commercial models can be any age, shape, size and height.  Hooray!  

Do Commercial Models Need Special Training?

Commercial models do not need to attend modeling classes, however, it is highly recommended that they have some basic acting skills and training.  Attending a few acting classes or workshops that focus on auditioning skills and how to work on a set is a good start.  A great resource for learning about commercial modeling is the book "How To Become a Successful Commercial Model" by Aaron Marcus which can be purchased at most bookstores and on Amazon.com. 

How Much Can Commercial Models Earn?

The income that a commercial model earns can vary depending on the type of job, the market in which the client or model is based, and the model’s level of experience.

  Another factor that can come into play is how the client intends to use the images or film in which the model is appearing.  For example, is the ad appearing locally, nationally or internationally?  How long does the client wish to use the photos, is it for a few months or indefinitely?  The more “usage” the client wants the more the model is paid. In general, commercial models can expect to earn around $250 per hour for the amount of time they are on set with usage and buyout fees ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.  

What Are The Best Markets For Commercial Models?

In the United States the best markets for commercial models are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Seattle.  Secondary markets like Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas and Houston can also be great.  Unlike fashion models who focus on big fashion cities like New York, commercial models have many more markets available to them. Commercial models can also work overseas in Paris, Milan and Asia but agencies typically work with commercial models who live full time in these markets. Commercial models don’t usually travel overseas the way that fashion models do.

How to Become a Commercial Model:
 In order to work as a commercial model you will need an agency representing you.  Therefore, you should start by sending some basic snapshots to experienced modeling agents and scouts who can evaluate your particular look and determine if you will be the right fit for their markets.  

 Unlike fashion models who, in the beginning, are evaluated solely on their physical attributes,  commercial models need to put a little more effort into their photos, even if they are just snapshots.  Be sure to show the agents and scouts your true potential by letting your personality shine through in your photos.

It is advisable not to invest in photo shoots or commercial headshots until you have a basic understanding of what agencies and clients are looking for and how the commercial market works.  As mentioned above, a great resource is the book "How To Become a Successful Commercial Model" by Aaron Marcus. Aaron's book is full of tips and advice on how to choose the right photographer, how to get great photos and much, much more.

In the meantime, the most important thing is to get as much exposure as you can to as many agencies as possible. A great place to start getting that exposure is with professional model scouting company ModelScouts.com.

You see them in swimsuit calendars, in men’s magazines, and in advertisements. They’re sensual, they’re alluring, and you can’t take your eyes off them. Who are these gorgeous women, you ask? They’re glamour models!

What is a Glamour Model Exactly?

Well, as mentioned above, glamour models are women who possess a certain kind of sex appeal and who aren’t afraid to show off their bodies. Their poses are more sexually suggestive than those of other models and are typically geared towards a male audience.

A quick flip through magazines like Maxim, FHM, or even Playboy will give you a good idea of what glamour modeling is all about. 

Do Glamour Models Have to Look a Certain Way?

Yes and no. While glamour models don’t have to fit into certain height and size requirements (like editorial fashion models, for example), they do have to be 18 years of age or older and have sensual curves, a fit body, enviable hair, and a stunning face.

Glamour modeling focuses much more on the model’s beauty and body than selling a particular product. A Vogue model’s job, for example, is to make the reader lust after an outfit or accessory. A glamour model’s job, on the other hand, it to make the reader lust after herself. 

Other Than Being Gorgeous and Voluptuous, What Makes a Good Glamour Model? In order to be a successful glamour model, you need to be comfortable with showing off your body.

Or, you need to at least know how to fake the level of confidence needed to seduce the camera, command attention, and create an inviting fantasy for readers. As well, just like every type of model, you must also be professional, outgoing, punctual, hardworking, motivated, and able to take direction well.

 What Kinds of Work Can Glamour Models Get?

Glamour modeling is almost always intended for commercial use, so you can expect your photos to be used for things like mass-produced calendars, men’s magazines, posters, playing cards, and advertisements for a wide range of health and beauty product. As well, it’s not unusual for glamour models to also work as swimsuit and lingerie models. 

Is Nudity Mandatory?

Definitely not, a lot of glamour modeling involves nudity, but a lot of it doesn’t. It’s up to you as a model to decide how much skin you’re comfortable showing. Of course the more open you are to different levels of glamour modeling the more work you’ll get, but you should never, ever do anything you aren’t 100% comfortable with. If you’re signed to an agency, they can help you set boundaries and book you jobs that match both your comfort zone and your career goals.  

Can Men Be Glamour Models?

Glamour modeling is almost exclusively a female profession, but there are a few opportunities for men, too. Women’s magazines like Cosmopolitan and Glamour regularly show sensual photographs of male models, and there will always be a demand for calendars, greeting cards, posters, etc. That said, if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a male glamour model, it’s probably a smarter career move to promote yourself as a commercial or fitness model and also take any glamour modeling opportunities that may happen to come your way.  

Do I Need a Modeling Agency to Become a Glamour Model?

While some glamour models have the experience and client base to work as freelance models, if you are a new model you should always have a legitimate modeling agency representing you. When you’re with an agency, you’ll be safe (the agency will always know who you’re working for and where you’re working), you’ll be paid what you deserve, and you’ll receive the guidance you need to further your career. Plus, many clients only use modeling agencies to find their models, so you’ll have maximum exposure and will have access to as many job opportunities as possible.