Promotional Modelling

Commercial modelling is different to fashion modelling because the height and size restrictions aren’t so specific. This means that there are lots of opportunities for work in various areas of commercial modelling, one of which is product promotion. To find out more visit www.modelsblog.info/

Lots of companies engage in product promotion. It is an ideal way to get your product in front of the customer, giving them the opportunity to see how the product works and to try it for themselves. Models are often used in product promotions because the public is drawn to attractive people, and are more likely to stop and look at the product. For certain products, the model’s skills at walking or posing are also useful for showing the product in its best light.

Getting it Right

It is common for the models to be trained by the business before the public promotion begins. This is because members of the public often have questions about the product and it reflects badly on the company if their representative can’t give any answers. On some occasions, the model may be required to sell the product, in which case they will need to be trained in handling various payment methods and ensuring the security of the money and the product. On the other hand, the model may just be asked to take details of interested parties for the sales team to follow up.

Variation

Modelling for product promotion can involve anything from giving out leaflets to modelling clothes or demonstrating how a product works. To be a successful product model, you will need to be a quick learner, reliable, punctual and have lots of stamina – often these product demonstrations are in shopping malls, high streets or at trade shows, all of which are hard work. The benefits are that you will be interacting with a lot of people, and you will get several days work – the pre-promotion training, plus the number of days you are to spend on the promotion.

Whilst product demonstration modelling may not be what you envisaged from your modelling career, it gives you valuable experience in dealing with people, working long hours and selling a product. These are skills that you will need if you want to take advantage of the modelling opportunities that come your way.

Is There Any Value in Modelling Competitions?

A modelling competition sounds like a great idea - the chance to show what you can do to lots of influential people at once. Many modelling competitions, however, should be given a wide berth. To find out more visit http://www.modelsconnect.net

Reputable modelling competitions have launched faces like Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bundchen. Often run by world-famous agencies like Elite, they showcase a selection of young models who have already worked in the industry, and they’re purpose is to give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a new face.

This is the sort of modelling competition that any aspiring model would want to take part in. There are, however, a range of modelling competitions marketing themselves to you, and it pays to do a lot of background research before you sign up to take part.

Check It Out

If the competition is being run by an agency, make sure you check them out. Ask if they have a model book (which all good agencies should have) and see if you can contact people who have taken part in the competition previously or who are models with the agency. Run a web search to see what information comes up about the competition and to gauge the reaction of those who have taken part.

Look After the Pennies

Some competitions ask for a registration fee. This can vary from  reasonable fees to requests for over £250 to take part. Always be cautious of modelling agencies, competitions or searches that ask for lots of money up front. You’ll rarely get your money back if you’re not happy, and the organisers often don’t make clear what your money is buying. Before you hand over any money, be sure you know what you’re getting into.

Avoid Adverts

Small adverts in newspapers for modelling competitions are usually scams. If you’re going to enter a competition, make sure it’s run by a reputable agency, designer or organisation. A good competition will advertise properly, hold the competition in a proper venue and have clear rules and regulations.

Use Common Sense

It’s fine to enter your local newspaper’s “Face of  . . .” competition. It’s a good way to start and you will get some valuable experience from it if you win. The usual entrance into the modelling world is through an agency, so try that in preference to competitions - if they think there’s something you should enter, they’ll be sure to put you forward.

Tips for Modelling Jobs

You’ll be delighted when you get your first modelling job – but the work starts well before the photographer clicks the shutter. Many aspiring models take up make up artist courses to make the most of their features.

Getting your first modelling job is a real thrill, and you’ll want to be sure that you create the right impression with the photographer, the art director and any representative of the company and agency that you’re working for. After all, if you work well with these people, they’re more likely to remember you in future and perhaps book you for other jobs.

Like most jobs, there are some key tips that will help you further your modelling career before you event get in front of the camera:

-                      Get a mobile phone. This ensures that you are always contactable by your agency and that you can contact them, or the person who is running the job.

-                      Make a note of date, time and place. Carry a paper or electronic diary, so that when your agency calls with a job you can book it in exactly. If you don’t know where the studio or venue is, get directions from your agent. If you turn up at the wrong place, or you’re half an hour late, everyone will put a black mark against your name.

-                      Arrive early. There’s usually a lot to do in preparation for a shoot. If you turn up early, it gives the photographer the opportunity to try out his set-up, and for the make-up and hair stylists to get to work.

-                      Take the right things. When your agent calls, make sure you ask if you need to bring anything with you – clothes or accessories etc. Before you leave home, check that you’ve got everything you’ve been asked to bring, including your portfolio if required. This will help you to be prepared for the shoot, and not waste time.

-                      No Make-up. Unless you’ve been told to wear make-up, go without any on. This will save time for the make-up artist at the shoot.

-                      Use dependable transport. If your car breaks down, it will make you late for your appointment. Make sure that your care is regularly serviced and always has enough petrol in the tank to get you to your destination. If you’re using public transport, make sure you leave enough time for you to miss a service, take the next one and still get there on time.

-                      Network. Even if this is your first modelling job, it pays to chat to all the people there. A friendly, reliable, hard working model is more likely to get work than a late, non-communicative one. Take every opportunity to get to know the people in the room and make sure they know where you can be contacted.