Print Ad Modeling Jobs

What goes on in the world of print modeling? A very different form of modeling than the famous runway type, print ad modeling involves people from all walks of life used in published advertisement. Print jobs are terrific for those who don't fit the stereotypical model mold, and have the potential to pay a good wage. Read on to see if print modeling is right for you.

Print modeling jobs are shoots that will be featured on billboards, in magazines and on other promotional materials. Usually, a print ad will feature one or more models involved in an activity that highlights the advertised product. The job itself begins with hair and makeup, followed by wardrobe styling. The director will then instruct the models in different scenarios and poses. From hundreds of shots, only a few pictures may be selected. After that, the picture will be presented to the advertising agency to use in print ad production.

There are a wide variety of print ad jobs for models of various ages, colors, heights and builds. Since one product may require advertising for many different publications, it's necessary to shoot a diverse array of models and situations. For instance, an ad campaign for plus size women's clothing retailer Ashley Stewart might include an African-American model for Essence and Sister2Sister magazines, and a Caucasian model for More and Elle magazines. Some jobs don't even require a whole model, only body parts - hands, feet or legs. Other assignments may call for petite models because there's no need for a tall, high-fashion girl. There are jobs that call for more of a glamor look, or a preppy appearance. Print ads are the most diverse category of modeling assignments out there due to the sheer amount of products available to today's consumers.

As stated previously, print ad jobs use a wide range of models to fill assignments. This is excellent news for those who aren't runway model tall, or super thin. Print ad work means that a wide variety of people get the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of the camera. There's also a financial benefit to print ads. While a simple editorial spread in Vogue may only pay several hundred dollars to a middle-of-the-road model, a print campaign with Old Navy will potentially pay in the thousands. There may also be the option to receive residuals down the road from leftover shots that aren't used right away. Print ads mean good pay to working models.

Print ad agencies are a different type of agency from the high-fashion concerns. Unlike high-fashion companies that have a small cadre of willowy beauties and buff guys, a print agency will have a wide array of faces from all sides of the age, weight and ethnic spectra. They not only deal in beauty, but in acting talent. Print ads require more than simple posing; they often call for emotional expressiveness that will help to connect a particular feeling to a product. The best way to get dependable print work is to send head shots and comp cards to eligible agencies. Remember, never pay an agency anything, especially for head shots or comp cards. Models don't pay agencies, agencies pay the models. If there's no comp card or head shot, use a clear snapshot instead.

Everyone needs a portfolio once her career gets going. This portfolio is a collection of pictures from different photographers and shoots that convey the full range of a model's look. A complete portfolio should also have a resume and head shot, preferably in the very front of the book. A plain binder won't do; invest the fifty dollars to buy a nice, sturdy book with well-made clear pages for your shots. Once the assignments start to pile up, take the tear sheets (color ad copies) and add them to your portfolio. After a while, the book will be so complete that it will get jobs without you doing go-sees or meetings. Maintain the portfolio carefully, replacing it if it shows too many signs of wear and tear.