#ModelMonday: Commercial Modeling Tips: Insider Secrets to Success (Part 1)
Hey Loves!
We are moving through December so quickly we are almost done with the year!!! During this holiday season I hope you’ve enjoyed the gift our this month’s #ModelOfTheMonth Kaye Cox. If you haven’t already check out her full article here. We’re keeping this month’s focus on commercial modeling going. Check out the full article by Vanessa Helmer on tips for success as a commercial model below!
Interested in becoming a commercial model? Want to know more about the industry and what it takes to succeed? You’re not alone.
Many aspiring models have their sights set on a career as a commercial model but lack the professional guidance they need to break into the industry. Thankfully, some industry experts are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge and help others launch successful commercial modeling careers.
Aaron Marcus is one of those experts. He’s been a working as a commercial model and actor for nearly three decades and is the author of How to Become a Successful Commercial Model. And to give back to the industry that has served him so well for so many years, he held an Acting and Modeling Success Summit where he interviewed guests from every sector of the acting and modeling industry.
For commercial modeling, Aaron interviewed David Blecman, a professional commercial photographer. David has been shooting professionally since the 1970s when he was fresh out of high school. He’s shot projects for big-name companies such as Sears, Seagram’s, and Hilton Hotels, and has photographed top celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Celine Dion, and Gene Simmons. On the commercial side of things, his specialties include, but are not limited to, child and adult models, location and studio work, head shots, and products.
Together, Aaron and David broke down the basics and shared tips and tricks for succeeding in the competitive commercial modeling industry. Here are a few highlights from this informative seminar:
What’s the Difference Between a Commercial Model and a Fashion Model?
When most aspiring models think of modeling, they think of fashion modeling—runway models, ads in fashion magazines, that kind of thing.
But what most people don’t know is that fashion modeling is an incredibly small slice of the modeling world. Thanks to the height and size requirements, plus the fact that you have to know how to walk, the window for fashion models isn’t a big one.
Fashion models are essentially mannequins. When people ask, “Why are fashion models always so mean looking in photos and on the runway?” It’s because they aren’t supposed to display emotions that may distract from the clothing. They’re there to represent the product and make it look as good as possible.
Commercial modeling, on the other hand, has far fewer stipulations. You must be reliable and responsible and respect the people who are trying to help you, but aside from that, you can be young, old, male, female, and of any ethnicity and size. As long as you can look like somebody—a doctor, teacher, babysitter, or whoever the client needs you to be—and play the part, the opportunities are wide open.
Can Commercial Models Get Work in Smaller Markets?
Yes! You don’t have to be in a major market to do commercial modeling. Every town and city, regardless of its size, has a local newspaper, magazine, or business in need of advertising. You could find yourself on a billboard playing the part of a happy diner at a restaurant or in one of those “Where” type magazines (often found at hotels and tourist info booths) as a tourist enjoying the local sights.