Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself in a magazine ad, on a billboard, in a catalogue on a poster?

The answer is probably yes. Have you recently noticed that you no longer or never looked  quite look like Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks and might even be 20 or more years older? For many, that is when the fantasy about being a model seems to end and reality kicks in. Actually, I have some great news for you.

There is an entire division of modeling that unlike fashion modeling, has no height, weight or age restrictions. All types of people are needed. Men, women, children and even babies are needed. Models are needed to believably portray the mom, doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher, banker, real estate agent, athlete, child, librarian, the list goes on and on. This is Commercial Modeling. The “real” looking people who are seen in virtually every non - fashion ad. The best part is that along with paying up to $250/hour (in New York only), most commercial models work on a part-time basis. Even if you live in a small market, chances are, commercial models are hired for jobs. Commercial models take a few hours off from their jobs, go to the photographers studio for the shoot, and go back to work before the end of the day. If you are concerned about being too old to work as a model, then simply look at a few magazines like, Newsweek, Time, etc... Who are the models hired to represent an insurance company, bank, tutorial company,  not the twenty year old, no, it is the woman in her thirties, forties or fifties.

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, games, etc.
   
To even be considered as a fashion model you must have very specific physical requirements. Normally female fashion models are between 5'9 - 6'0 tall and must wear a size two - six. Male fashion models are normally 6'0 to 6'2 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.

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 an honest agent and avoid the scams. 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 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 to supplement their income on a part-time basis. The hours are extremely flexible, and the hourly fees paid to commercial models are wonderful. And, of course, it is a thrill to see yourself or your child in a magazine, newspaper, brochure, or on a poster or billboard.

AARON MARCUS - (Bio)

Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He has been cast in 1023 (to date) TV and radio commercials, corporate films and print ads including: AT&T, McDonalds, The Discovery Channel, Crayola Crayons, LifeSavers, Procter & Gamble, Mass Mutual, Molson Beer, Acura, Disney World, United Way and K-Mart.

Aaron has been seen on TV and films such as: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, HBO’s, The Wire, Homicide, Life on the Street, The West Wing, The Prosecutors, Broadcast News, Cry Baby, Korea Gate, Stage Fright, America's Most Wanted, and General Lee. He has been hired as a stand-in on projects such as: Silence of the Lambs, Guarding Tess, The Pelican Brief, Twelve Monkeys, Syriana and Runaway Bride.

How to Become a Successful Commercial Model

Aaron has also written "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model", the most important book available on commercial modeling. He also publishes the Tear Sheet, acting and modeling newsletter. These informative materials can be ordered through Aaron Marcus’ web site, www.howtomodel.com
Mr. Marcus also teaches people how to become successful commercial models with his 6-hour “How to Become a Successful Commercial Model Seminar.”
For additional  information about Mr. Marcus’ book, newsletter, or workshop contact:
Aaron Marcus
3505 Shelburne Road Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21208
(410) 764-8270 / aaron@howtomodel.com