What is a promotional model anyway?

If you read my #introduceyourself post, I mention that I am a model, in addition to pursuing acting and film work. Most of the work is lifestyle modeling or promotional, but what does that even mean? I’ll break it down.

The tall, slender women with legs for days and serious faces are runway models. I can barely scrape in with my height and weight for that, but I’m more suited to campaigns for regular products, rather than high fashion. The closest to haute couture that I usually get is a hair show, where I dress up in a gown and heels while a stylist cuts, dyes, or styles my hair for an audience.

Backstage at a hair show, 2015

“Lifestyle” modeling focuses on hiring people who look more realistic to advertise everyday items or businesses. For example, I’ve been in a Visine commercial and in a catalogue for Pressbox, a brand of university-themed clothing. I was selected for these because I look like a person with eyes and a college student. These types of gigs are the most fun, in my opinion, because I get to shoot and also have plenty of downtime to talk to the other people on set.

Me (left) and another model in the Pressbox Spring 2017 catalogue

“Promotional” modeling is more involved. We get hired to go to festivals, grand openings, conventions, and more to set up a booth and promote a product in person. I’ve done this mostly for Pepsi brand drinks. For example, this weekend, I’m the team lead for a promotion at a festival called Taste of Charlotte, where we’re giving out samples of a new drink called Sparkling OH!

There’s more work involved, because we have to memorize facts about the product and be able to answer questions. Sometimes, patrons will also rant to us about the presence of sugar or artificial sugar in the drinks, which we politely endure. Overall, people are appreciative of the chance to get a free sample and try something new. These events are usually very lively, and the one this weekend includes live music, games, and food samples.

My team giving out samples of the new drink! 2017

Because I’m the team lead, I also have to keep the operation running smoothly. There are lots of details to stay on top of, like keeping track of the amount of samples given out, making sure there’s always enough ice to keep the drinks cold, and keeping track of the “assets” like the tent and signage for our booth.

On my own, I also sometimes do “trade shoots” for pictures. These are photoshoots where the photographer and model “trade” services by shooting together without either one paying the other. That way, both parties (or more, if there’s a makeup artist or hair stylist involved) get good pictures to add to their portfolios.

Photo by Ron Tencati, Hair and Makeup by Ashley Brodie, trade shoot 2015

I’ve been told that I seem really “chill” or “down to earth for a model” and I think there are misconceptions about the job. Of course the finished product of a shoot and the nontraditional hours make the lifestyle seem glamorous, but there’s plenty of real work involved. Models may seem lofty from a distance, but they are part of the workforce and economy just like everyone else.

xo,

Cecilia :)