Commercial Modelling Explained: What It’s Really Like on the Job

You want to be a commercial model. That’s the perfect start. The desire has to be there, so you’ve perused our website and seen the range of brands who regularly approach us to find the most suitable talent to help them with their marketing and advertising needs.

Whilst you can view Models Direct’s available jobs and see our model’s feedback, we’d like to break down exactly what our commercial models can be expected to do – prior to the job, on set, and after the job. It’s not just a case of arriving at the venue and being photographed.

Apply to be a model

Prior to the day of the job

In most cases, models will be given a little time before we give them the good news that they’ve been selected by a client. This time allows models to conduct a little research about the company they’re working for. It will also allow them to check any travel timetables or best routes to get to the venue. It’s self-explanatory, because models should treat their assignments as first-day jobs. Yes, models will invariably have a lot of fun and learn a few things on set, but they are real jobs with real pay cheques, so models must treat all their assignments with the respect they deserve.   

Models also may be asked to wear certain clothes – a great example is our duo Catherine and Sean arriving to an outdoor set wearing jeans and check shirts for their assignment with MSD Animal Health.

So, once a model has received confirmation from us that they’ve been selected for a job, they need to research the company they’re representing, organise their travel arrangements, and check any personal items they need to take with them.

Please bear in mind that we offer occasional last minute bookings, so preparation time is restricted in these cases.

During the job

And onto the day (or days) itself. We’ll focus on what most of our commercial models can expect to do on a typical job.

First, arrive promptly and ask to see the designated person in charge of the day’s proceedings – they could be the main photographer, a personal assistant or any member of staff at the company; models will be provided with the main point of contact.

Hire a model

When the job starts, you’ll usually be asked to either pose or act. Getting into character is a major strength in a model’s arsenal. Models are usually given directions or expectations, but they can be allowed the freedom to express themselves.

When posing, models typically pretend to be customers or workers. It’s not always the case, though our models are frequently asked to pose as real staff members or members of the public. It’s an effective marketing strategy, after all. You might also be required as a promotional model, which involves interacting with the public and answering questions – and having plenty of fun.

Depending on the client, our models can enjoy free lunches, and the day itself can be distinctly more relaxing than a standard day’s work in most environments. There might also be some waiting time, which is typical for modelling jobs.

After the job

Upon completion of your assignment, you’ll undoubtedly be thirsty for more work. Not that plenty of our models enjoy multiple bookings, of course. But if you’re new to modelling, that first job should hold you in good stead for a repeat performance.

After a job, models should send us their feedback. We value all opinions and evaluations, so we look forward to every model sending in their feedback.

Models are reminded to keep their ePortfolios as current as possible with fresh photos; why not do this after a job with us when you’re feeling proactive? 

Also, don’t forget to post your experiences on social media. The more people who are aware of your modelling success with Models Direct, the better!