The following is a guest post written by Margaret Colebeck. It is the second in a 2-part blog post series about the pros and cons of promotional modeling.
Margaret is a Marketing Associate, Model Coordinator, and trade show modeling expert for Vantage Advertising. Also known as Models4tradeshows.com, Vantage Advertising is a nationwide event staffing company that hires trade show models and promotional models for events throughout the United States and Canada.
I've asked Margaret to write a handful of posts related solely to working within the promotional modeling field. Please note that I do not work for Margaret or Vantage Advertising. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about promo modeling, please visit the site link above and you'll get all the info you'll need.
Aaaannnnd, take it away, Margaret!
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Continuing on from our previous post, "The Pros of Promotional Modeling," we’ve outlined the cons of becoming a promotional model below. However, it is important to look at both sides in order to make the right decision for yourself as to whether or not promo modeling is worth looking into in more detail.
Getting
Hired: It’s not always easy for promotional models to get hired (especially
if you’re male), because dozens of promotional models apply to events where
only one model is needed. This especially makes it difficult for up and coming
promotional models to get hired because, not only are they being compared to
dozens of other models that applied, but they don’t have as much experience. **Promotional Modeling Tip: To help gain
experience, try volunteering for an event or accepting gigs at a lower rate.
Getting
Paid: Depending on the agency, it can take up to 90 days for you to get
paid. Therefore, before you commit to an event, make sure you are fully aware
of the agency’s payment policy and know when to expect the check.
Long Hours:
Trade shows and promotional events are known to last all day and sometimes into
the evening. Before becoming a promotional model, understand that working 10-12
hour days is common, and that you are expected to stay on your feet (sometimes
in stilettos) the entire time.
Commuting to the Job: Promotional events do not always take place
in the heart of a large city. Sometimes, there are promotional events and
festivals that take place an hour or two away from your location. Be sure to
review the details of each event and determine which events you are willing to
commute to and which you are not.
Stereotyping: No matter how smart and professional trade show
models and promotional models are, there will also be an article or blog post
outlining how degrading this promotional modeling is for men and women. While
this stereotype should not affect your individual gigs, it’s important to
understand the negative connotation that the majority of the media associates
with this field.
And there you have it, the pros (in a previous post) and cons of becoming a promotional model. This is by no means a
complete list, but instead outlines the major aspects that you should consider
before deciding whether or not promotional modeling is the field for you.
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