The commercial printing industry is so big now that many times, models are needed to become endorsers, magazine or catalog covers, and even a brochure’s image. Print models could function the same as video models; however, there are really those who function only in print. They are kind of specialized in the sense that some of them do not really register well in videos. In short, they are not telegenic. But they are very photogenic. Often, a commercial printer would hire a model for their many printing projects, especially if the client does not have anyone to get and they do not really want to pay big money for those big-name commercial models.

So if you think that you have what it takes to be a print model, you can try out this endeavor and even earn some spending money on the side. The good thing is that you do not necessarily have to be like a supermodel with a towering height or a waif-like figure because there are many products that are being endorsed by regular people just like you. If you are interested, here are some of the things that you could do.

1. Build a portfolio. This is what you need to submit to different talent agencies or to the commercial printers so that your file could be placed in bank and taken out when necessary. It should be complete with your contact details so that if a company needs you, they can easily contact you.

2. Get a good photographer to take some head and body shots of you. Use simple clothing in basic colors that enhance your natural beauty. Flashy colors will just take away your natural look. Agents and makeup artists would like to see your “raw” profile so that they would know how to dress you and make you up for a shoot. If you can afford it, go to a professional photographer who knows how to look for your good angle and to light you up that will enhance your best features. There is always a good and bad angle to everyone so it is up to a good photographer with a keen creative eye to find that. Of course you can accessorize but do not wear so much jewelry.

If you cannot afford the fees of a professional photographer, make a research for the networking communities online where photographers and models converge. There are a number of photographers out there who are just starting out and they need to photographer models for their portfolios as well. You can help each other in building your portfolios.

3. Make an assessment of yourself. What kind of roles would you land if you were chosen? Build up your portfolio along these lines so that whenever there is a need, you will be easily picked. An example of a role would be a professional mom working as an executive at a big company.

4. Submit your completed portfolios to several companies. And yes, you have to prepare several because if you are not hired in one, there are still others that may consider using your face, your body, or even your body parts (i.e. hair, hands, feet, or back) for their print ads.

Becoming a commercial printing model can be an exciting as well as rewarding sideline job. You don’t even need to start early as there are commercial printerads that would need grandmother or elderly aunt material. The key is just submitting your portfolio to printers and agencies who might hire you.


Jerome Wetzel is always go for the commercial printing with high in quality but inexpensive for his marketing materials.