The modelling industry is often synonymous with the world of glitz and glamour. But behind the curtain is it really so? Follow me as we take a peek behind the curtain of this often misunderstood industry. Hi, I am Nicole Erza you probably know me from Myths Vs Facts Of The Modelling Industry. Let me be your tour guide into the exotic world of commercial modelling industry.

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Who Or What Is A Model?
Well, we all think that the modelling industry is full of glitz and glamour. But is it really so? There are many segments in this industry. They are fashion modelling, parts modelling, editorial modelling, runway modelling, promotional modelling, event modelling, petite modelling, etc. Whilst it is true that most models share similar prerequisites, different specialisation do require different kind of skills and physical traits. Let’s start with an area that I am personally familiar with, that is commercial modelling.

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So Who Or What Is A Commercial Model?
Companies and brand owners want consumers to relate to their products. They demonstrate their products with live models. What can a model actually bring to the table? When a model interacts with a product, he/she has to relate to it. In this case, the right commercial model plays an important role by bringing the product to life by just interacting with it.

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What Does It Take To Be A Commercial Model?
Have you ever thought of becoming a model yourself? In order for you to promote a certain product or service you need to be able to relate to the clients’ products or services. Example, a cosmetic company wanting to promote their lipstick. A coloured piece of wax on a stick is worthless. But the very same lipstick on a pair of luscious lips is very sexy, don’t you think so? That is why companies often use models to promote their products like the lipstick example discussed above.

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Two Sides Of A Model’s Life
There are two sides to a model’s life. The front end is directly related to the client, director or producer and product placement. Whether it’s makeup or hairdo, the model has to project a professional image. Although the model is not involved in creatives and productions, he/she still has to continue to project a professional image. Everything from maintaining a healthy diet to fitness routines, and from skin care regiment to off-cameo attitude which include maintaining a positive social presence wherever and whenever.

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For instance, if a female model is engaged by a fashion designer to showcase an elegant ballgown certainly there is an expectation for elegance of her social life. She mustn’t be seen on her social media with torn jeans and street style wear, which contradicts her client’s image. It will risk reputational damage to the client. In fact, the behind-the-scenes of a model’s social life carries more weight than preparations, image damage control, negotiations and overall presentation processes.
So What Is Next?
Let’s say you have been engaged for a fashion designer specialising in luxury ballgowns, whether on or off camera, you have to project poise and elegance, including on social media.
In fact, there’s even more pressure to maintain that kind of stature and image off camera. Projecting the very same professional image throughout all the preparations, negotiation, and heaven forbid, damage control, is certainly not something built in a day.

Certainly does entice you for a bottle of Pepsi, doesn’t it?
Photo by Ismael Abdal Naby studio from Pexels
If you like a particular product and have a strong advocation for it, does it mean you can model for it? If you love drinking Pepsi, but does it mean you can model for Pepsi? How does one even dip one’s toes into the world of modelling? Generally there are several ways to get started in the modelling industry. Let’s explore some examples below :-
(1) Modelling Agencies
A modelling agency is a place for brands and companies to go to when they need a model. A brand might need a model for advertising, runway or publishing purposes. An agency can provide the brand with a catalogue of models that might suit the brand’s needs. All the brand has to do is choose their favourite.
Just because a model is signed to an agency, it doesn’t mean he/she doesn’t have to audition for the job. A model still needs to audition to ensure that the brand has chosen correctly.

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(2) Modelling Schools
Modelling schools are a great way to start your career as a model. No harm learning a good set of skills after all. A modelling school is certainly a good platform to boost your confidence, posture, catwalk fundamentals and overall professionalism.

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(3) Freelance Agents
Freelance agents scout for models only when there is a job, on a part-time or short-term basis. Typically, they look for models who prefer a freedom of choice. This is a non-traditional way of modelling, and it varies from individual to individual’s preference.
This list never ends, these are just some common examples that are around in the market.

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Is That All To Commercial Modelling?
We have touched on commercial modelling but there is more to it than what is shared here. In fact, this specialty is always evolving as the marketing trends are forever changing. Now that we’ve briefly learnt what commercial modelling is about, we’ll expand on other types of modelling in future episodes.
Do you think there is a stereotype of who or what a model is? Do you believe that all models have to be tall? Stay tuned for the next episode where we will bust the myth of the model’s minimum height requirement stereotype.