Commercial models are not just important people that help make many of the adverts and promotions people see every day – they are essential. The brands that orchestrate marketing campaigns couldn’t do it without commercial models – nor would they be where there are today without the multitude of talent on offer. There are many […]
Published 29th May 2025
Commercial models are not just important people that help make many of the adverts and promotions people see every day – they are essential.
The brands that orchestrate marketing campaigns couldn’t do it without commercial models – nor would they be where there are today without the multitude of talent on offer.
There are many types of commercial models, which we’ll get to later in this blog. But first, we need to inform new readers – and remind current models – what commercial models are, and what they do. It doesn’t harm to refresh memories, and it will prove helpful for less experienced models.
What are commercial models?
Commercial models are “regular” people, like the ones who are reading this blog. They have their photos taken and are filmed by professional photographers to appear in a company’s marketing campaigns. The purpose of these campaigns is to get a message across to the public – usually by encouraging the public to buy products, but it can be simply to let the public be aware of something important, e.g. a council or government campaign. Commercial models can also be used by TV and film producers to appear as extras.
Some agencies may ask for experience for new models – at Models Direct, however, we do not ask for experience. This is because we know from regular clients that our new models have done wonderfully well in their assignments, and we don’t want to discourage perfectly enthusiastic and bright talent based on any prior modelling experience. Simply, to be a Models Direct model, models DO NOT need modelling experience when they register with us.
So, what do commercial models typically do on set? Completely different to high-end fashion models often seen parading down catwalks, commercial models are employed by agencies / brands to pose to promote certain things. By posing, commercial models usually help the brand sell to everyday consumers. It therefore appeals to many “everyday” people, as brands need to relate to potential customers, who are usually most of the population.
As readers can see, this is totally different to catwalk modelling, where models show off latest fashion lines to potential buyers.
In the world of commercial modelling, we can identify the following types – all of which we provide to our wealth of clients:
The “Big Four” as well may call them – Females, Males, Children (including babies and toddlers), Mature models.
Promotional models – used at live events, trade shows, launch parties and conventions. They are sociable, chatty and knowledge, engaging with viewers and potential customers.
Plus size models – Fuller-figured, curvaceous models of any gender have been in great demand for many years.
Models of Diversity – wheelchair users, amputees, models with any unique feature…we cater for them all and have placed them in hundreds of top-notch jobs.
Family models – Unique opportunities for two / three / four generations to come together and get paid handsomely for being together on film!
…and also, more niche types, including sports / fitness models, hair and hand models, and pregnant models.
Anyone can be a commercial model. But the most effective way to be seen by our clients is to apply with us. After that, our booking team will take it from there.