Find out if your ‘average’ looks are what agencies are looking for and perhaps you can become a commercial model.  The commercial modeling category is filled with jobs for average looking people to appear in magazines, television, infomercials, commercials, websites, catalogues, brochures, stock photography and so many more modeling opportunities.  There are thousands of modeling and acting opportunities as a commercial model around the world.

The Look

Commercial and print modeling has the most opportunities than any other type of modeling because there are no ’standards’ other than body:height proportionate. ‘The Look’ is simply that you’re a regular person selling products.  Don’t Squeeze the Charmin guy, PineSol lady and Verizon network guy are all great examples of everyday looking people becoming famous.  Each one has earned millions as the faces and spokesmodels of international brands.  We don’t know there names but all of us know there faces. 

The Attitude

There is such a wide breadth of opportunities that models must be self-motivated and prepared.  Working commercial models don’t usually have the stereo-typcial ‘model attitude’.  There’s simply no time for primadonna’s, models work very hard in this category busily attending go-sees, auditions and fitings.  

Pay attention to your agents instructions because they will coach you on what the client wants for their shoot.  For example, a sports equipment company is selling a volleyball and the photo shoot that they need models for will be a beach volleyball set.  As a model, you want to wear beach/athletic gear and if you know the brand and already have it then wear it.  On the other hand, if the photo shoot is for business attire, then be prepared with high heels, clean and professional hair and make-up.

The Agent

Agents are your business partner. They’re earning a percentage of what you get paid so their goal is to help you get the job.  Listen to them very carefully because they have been working with the client and clearly understand the ‘look’ the client wants.  If you’ve been asked to attend a go-see then you’re already 1/3 of the way to getting the job, the rest is up to your attitude and look. 

With so many different types of job in commercial modeling, your earnings and agent commissions will be 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.  So do yourself a favor and form a professional relationship with your agent, be courteous to other industry pros and network – you never know when a photographer will remember you and ask for you on their next job.