Commercial modelling

As the name suggests, commercial modelling is all about commercially focused material involving models. If you haven’t noticed, you’re seeing more ads than ever before (sometimes this isn’t a good thing, particularly for young children and people) but we’re looking at the positive ones. Think of all the stuff that pops up on your phone while you’re using your devices. Say, your email, weather or shopping app, or whilst you listening to the radio, during an ad break on TV or the trailers before a movie at the cinema. Sometimes it feels like the ads run longer than the program or film itself! However, one thing these ads present is models. This modelling niche encompasses all industries covering a multitude of products and services, and who better showcase this than professional models?

Promotional modelling

When it comes to presenting brands, products and services, sometimes in real-time, you’ll be tapping into promotional marketing. Models are used to promote lots of things – live in public, recorded videos, podcasts, and live TV (which brings us to our next type of modelling work).

Film/TV modelling

When the movie camera rolls, it’s time to capture another side of modelling. Models can land small gigs (like a cameo in a movie or music video) or large-scale work (such as a memorable 15, 30 or 60-second ad), depending on what clients are seeking. This realm of the modelling world exists and it’s real. Could you be the next film or TV model?

Catalogue modelling

You’ve probably had a catalogue in your hands and flicked through the pages at one point or another. Whether it’s in print or gone to the digital side, catalogues present models so that they can showcase their products and services to help businesses reach their target audience. This type of modelling doesn’t have strict criteria that models must fulfil. It’s an easy-going modelling division where no barriers are experienced, unlike runway models.

Fitting model

When clothing companies and fashion houses need to design and create their fashion range, a fitting model will step in to help. Statement pieces will be created using the model’s body shape and designed so that it fits them which can make their vision a reality. Fitting models come in all shapes and sizes so that brands can generate clothing that will fit

Want to be part of the modelling revolution? We say this because Models Direct has been switching it up in the modelling industry for… thirty years! Yes, that’s right! We’ve been looking for you! And now that you’re here, we want you to register with us so you get the modelling experience like no other UK agency out there. We’re serious! If you’re not sure, we get it, but we’ve got the clients (which you can check out here to see which big names we’ve worked with) and our models’ feedback.

If you have a zest for life and you’re a go-getter, then what are you waiting for?! Flexibility, professionalism, drive and willingness to learn are other key attributes that are part of the job spec. And if you’ve got an animal raring to go, then maybe they’re ready for some more extra attention accompanied by lights, cameras and action (and a handsome salary in the end too!)

Click the register button and maybe modelling will be more than just a bucket list idea! See you on the other side of our online application process – we can’t wait to meet you!

If you’re a budding, new or existing model, these steps are the same to get your modelling career rolling and for you to get noticed and get gigs booked. We’ll take a look at this question from the perspective of a newbie model. So without further ado, let’s go!

Select which modelling category you’d like to tap into

Did you know that there are many divisions in the modelling industry? No? Well, it doesn’t stop at fashion modelling. You have so many that you’re spoilt for choice and plenty that you or your agency can put yourself forward for simultaneously. There are commercial, editorial, fitness, fit, plus-size, petite, male, female, child, baby and even pet modelling to give as a few examples. So, think about which ones you’re most inclined to tap into, and hopefully from there, you can start to look for work.

Find a reputable modelling agency (like us!)

The right agency will do everything in its power to help you land gigs. Most, unfortunately, stick a load of images of their models online to appear as though they’re working hard. We call these agencies “showcase agencies” as that’s all they do – showcase their models but not do the hard graft of putting them forward for modelling jobs. A reputable agency will also verify clients, negotiate fees and be present at every touchpoint of the booking process. They’re there when you need them, and they’re there to help you find work.

Your modelling portfolio is key

If your portfolio is up to date, showing a nice range of versatile and diverse images, you’re onto a winning modelling document that will hopefully catch clients’ eyes who will take an interest in you. This space is yours and it’s in your hands to keep the content fresh, professional and true to life so that you can up your chances of being called for a casting or audition and eventually a role in a marketing campaign.

Keeping your online presence profesh

We’re all on social media but if you’re a professional model seeking networking opportunities (or any professional for that matter), keep your content clean, fresh and professional. If any agencies, clients or fellow models click on your Instagram feeds, they might take a liking to what they see and connect with you for collaborations and future projects.

Hang on in there!

Another tip is to not give up! It might seem like a long time coming but be prepared that landing a job may not happen instantly. More than likely, it’ll take time so in the interim, brush up on perfecting a good skincare and hair routine, exercising, healthy eating, positive thinking and modelling poses and expressions.

And there you have it, folks! How do you get work? Ultimately, by not giving up and creating a rhythm that works for you and around your other commitments.

Good luck, peeps!

Well, the short answer is that there is no set figure.

This is because each assignment is different and varies in scale, and every model takes on differing levels of work.

Fees for commercial models tend to start at around £150 a day but can certainly reach thousands of pounds for those who are experienced, in demand and working for clients with big budgets.

What is vital, however, is to work for a genuine agent, one that is registered and accredited as an authentic employment agency.

If you don’t, you leave yourself open to potential problems.

These might include not being paid anything at all, only being paid after a very long time and a lot of chasing or being paid significantly less than you were led to believe.

Models Direct has been operating for more than 30 years now and over the decades has worked with an array of big names brands and major clients.

We have an in-depth understanding of how the modelling industry works and have built up strong relationships with our clients – we trust them and they trust us.

This is not only when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of our models but also when it comes to payments.

As an experienced agent, not only do we find work for our models, but we negotiate the very best fees for them.

We then ensure they are paid what they were promised – and on time!

Here is how it works:

1. We are in daily contact with clients who seek particular types and descriptions of models for their photoshoots and other jobs.

2. We select and present models from our books based on the client’s requirements.

3. The client tells us who they are interested in.

4. We negotiate the very best fee possible for the job.

5. We offer the assignment to the chosen model or models and tell them exactly how much they will be paid.

6. They decide whether to accept the assignment on that basis.

7. The client pays us the fee in advance. This way we can ensure there is no change in fee or delay.

8. The model attends the assignment and then receives payment from us within the following few days.

This is the process we have always followed and we know it works for everyone – the client, the agent and, above all, the models themselves.

For more information about the industry, our accreditation and how Models Direct works visit www.modelsdirect.com.