Excerpts from this article are taken from Aaron Marcus’ book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model. To learn more about commercial modeling visit: www.howtomodel.com.

How Commercial Models are Used
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 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 a reputable and honest agent. 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.

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.

How to Create Great Photos for your Comp Card
Deciding on the image or images that fit you best might be the hardest part of the whole process of putting together a composite sheet. Ask agents, casting agents, photographers, art directors and friends how they see you being cast. Consider their input, but you need to make the final decision. You must figure out how you want to present yourself to the world. Are you best cast as the grandparent type, student, athlete, teacher, plumber, lawyer, mom? Do you look right roasting marshmallows around a campfire, sitting behind an office desk - or both? Think about the types of photos that would best display those images. To help with ideas, look through:

• Magazines (non-fashion)
• Agents' talent books (these publications show photos of the models they work with)
• Newspaper ads
• Junk mail
• Photographers' showcase books (photographers pay to have their work shown in the books to generate business for themselves) One directory is called the American Photographer Showcase. Another is called The Creative Black Book. The Workbook is also a wonderful publication. These books can be found in camera stores, art schools, some public libraries, and at advertising agencies.

After the Photo Session
Before printing any composite sheets, you want to have agents view the photos and get suggestions from them. Contact some agents and see if they have open calls. Open calls are when agents see new people. Once you are sure that your photos will represent you well, then create a composite sheet.

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Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He has been cast in 1030 (to date) projects. You have most recently seen Aaron on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, HBO’s, The Wire, The West Wing, and ads for companies such as: AT&T, McDonalds, Molson Beer, Acura, Disney World, Nissan, Ruby Tuesday’s, United Way and K-Mart. Aaron has been cast in 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.

Aaron Marcus has written what many consider the most important book for commercial modeling entitled, How to Become a Successful Commercial Model. This informative book can be purchased through Aaron Marcus’ web site, www.howtomodel.com. He also publishes The Tear Sheet newsletter, a quarterly commercial modeling/acting newsletter.

Mr. Marcus travels throughout North America teaching 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 410-764-8270, marcusinst@erols.com or visit www.howtomodel.com

Copyright © Aaron Marcus. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.

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