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This thread is about promotional modelling. It is a genre that many of us do, or express desire to do.
So this is a positive thread about model's experiences, agencies they may recommend, jobs they've enjoyed. No problem if photographers want to contribute but please don't derail the thread with negative stereotypes and anecdotes which are thinly veiled "ewwww you dont want to be doin' that it's not reall modellin' you want to be shooting with me unpaid" mantras. This is for the information of models who may want to consider it. We have to earn a living if we are doing this full time and promotional modelling can be reasonably paid, long hours and regular. Meet Kate. She is one of MM's top models, and was formerly with Ford agency. https://www.modelmayhem.com/832529 "When I was with Ford, they had me go to castings for "promo" jobs every now and then. I booked quite a few over the years, as well as lots of "legitimate" fashion and commercial work. I was always happy to have these jobs; they paid really well (usually more than any fashion tear I've ever had)." I can guarantee you that myself and everyone else I worked with from said agency did these types of jobs from time to time. Most required extensive castings and paid over $50/hour. Man, I adore being booked for those gigs." Now not all promo modelling is like this. Some of it is just handing our flyers and samples. But there are myriad opportunities in promotional modelling. But even models at the top of the tree do promotional jobs. Here are fashion models doing a promotion for example for Agent Provocateur in their infamous 'New Model Army' promotion campaign. 
Meet Victoria Elle. https://www.modelmayhem.com/49386 She is an agency signed commercial model and also has extensive promotional experience. Some examples of the kind of work she has done: "The most recent one I did was in 2012, for a shapewear company at a tradeshow for wholesale/buyers. I hung out at their booth and put on their products whenever a buyer wanted to see what they looked like on a living human, and walked around the exhibition hall every few hours wearing the product, a badge with their booth number on it, and a smile. I worked for two days and was paid $1500. Skill required: very specific body size/shape. I also did one for an information technology company where we had people share a brief message which we typed into a device. The message was then broadcast on a famous jumbotron along with a picture of the person (or group of people) and one of us models. Two days; $800. Skills: memorization: the patter the client wanted us to say to people was very specific and very long, and we were given one day to learn it. Also: ability to type very quickly and without typos on a small device outdoors during winter. " There is a huge variety of work on offer with promo modelling. The top image below is from a festival of horse racing at Cheltenham. This event employs circa 200 models by a variety of companies in a variety of roles. These were the meet and greet girls giving information to racegoers and representing a bookmaker sponsoring at the event. Their photos featured in just about every newspaper in the country during the week: 
Then there were even daily fashion shows at the event 
[img]Events like these where the models service up to 70 000 people a day in a high octane sporting environment can be very exciting. The atmosphere is a buzz, there's a good sense of camaraderie with models, and you get to meet lost of sports stars and celebs. Go to after parties every night etc. I work there as a model for designers on the village of boutiques modelling clothing. Again I was in many of the newspapers. But there are many different kinds of events, and different skills looks and ability called for: 
The above girls are from these agencies from NY and the UK: http://www.elitemodelsandevents.com/pro … odels.html http://www.simplysimply.co.uk/promotional-model/ http://www.ciaobella-events.com/event-bellas.php As you see some of them supply models for these event and trade fair fashion shows - so it can be great if you have some catwalk experience to get into it, or to give you the experience if you haven't. GRID GIRLS Some of the most sought after modelling jobs are on the Grid Girl circuit. What is it? It's promotional modelling at motor sports events. These genre in particular can lead to spin off work representing motor sports companies and some girls even break into presenting and VIP hostessing etc, but also there are photo opportunities a plenty. Except often you are likely to be working with 20 photographers at a time or 100 throughout the day! This can give photo exposure in everything from trade and motorcycle magazines to daily newspapers. What can you expect to earn if you break into it? It depends. Some events are even unpaid due to the competitive demand to be a grid girl. Others pay very well. Most are in between. Here is a mag article advertising for potential grid girls in the UK and how to apply; it http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-new … /4183.html Full hospitality and £165 a day. Here are some MM grid girls. Often there is a crossover to other events, such as ice hockey, horse racing, and football and cricket; sometimes effectively cheeleading. You will also see such models often have relevant magazine shoot related work as a spin off and other extensive credits and tears such as Maxim magazine covers etc.so its often a particular related field to glamour. If motor sports is your thing, then it can be an exciting field. These girls have extensive grid experience but also phenomenal credits and experience. https://www.modelmayhem.com/2658310 https://www.modelmayhem.com/861802 
https://www.modelmayhem.com/760258 https://www.modelmayhem.com/312975 More: http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6800594_becom … tml#page=0 http://www.pitlanepromotion.co.uk/grid-girls/ 
Here is a well known UK/LA/international model on MM who has extensive grid credits which have taken her to being on TV with speedway etc. https://www.modelmayhem.com/64480 but as you see she also has extensive other credits 
And another with extensive fashion and runway credits: https://www.modelmayhem.com/1129765 
Here are some of the Indian Premier League girls who represent as cheerleader dancers who perform throught the day in India. As well as the match daty work, the girls are ferried around doing Bollywood film premiers and magazine shoots and ad campaigns 
Here are a couple of models who have represented IPL teams: https://m.modelmayhem.com/367496 https://www.backstage.com/toccaralanett/ Travel to India and accomodation is normally paid for and the girls can earn a few grand a month. Take care however: its become a business because of the good money getting influxed by agents who can skim the model's money. EDUCATION AND TALENT If you sign up with a promo agency, often they are also talent agencies. The type of work they can get you may range from brand ambassadors to hostessing to things where your particular talents like performing are utilised. So when applying tell them all your skills education and experience. Many pride themselves on the high education of their models: http://bammarketingsolutions.com/talent/ 
Kristan "Hello my names Kristan, I have my Bachelors Degree in Social Science. I love co branding with BAM and my swim suit company, Sugar Strings Swimwear. I am an ex professional soccer player and athlete. My passions include progressing my company, fashion, sports and of course working with BAM!" Check out the other models there and see how their education and skills are utilised for brand ambassador jobs. Performance skills such as dance, acting, stilt walking, burlesque and fire eating can be utilised also by the agencies providing often well paid work for corporate clients and events ranging from racecourse entertainers to Torture Garden latex clad stiltwalkers, and burlesque at rock concerts and VIP parties and show events. OTHER TYPES OF PROMO MODELLING AND PAY 
This is a good basic resource: http://www.ehow.com/info_7866270_averag … odels.html IN STORE PROMOTIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS can pay anything between $10 an hour to $20 an hour. This is where you hand out samples of cosmetics and perfume in stores to demonstrating technology. These jobs may be at the lowe end but you would still be expected to look refined, speak well, and be well dressed. If you are representing a brand that is that of a Paris fashion house its not so bad. If you are giving samples of potato chips in a supermarket maybe not so interesting; but on the other hand if you are taking home $100 a day for two weeks and you are the belle of the store nothing to sneer at! TRADE SHOW MODELS This is where the ante is upped. It can involve travel, and events from Clothes Show live to technology fairs to power bota shows. The money is better. $150-$500 a day can be earned and the shows typically last 3-5 days. You may be demonstrating product, wearing a sash and encouraging people to the stand, being a brand ambassador at a booth, or posing on a car or walking down a catwalk. HOSPITALITY MODELLING This is where models are used to look after and meet a greet clients. This can range from corporate hospitality at sporting events, to casinos and exclusive clubs, to foreign embassies and rock concert VIP areas. Pay averages $20-$50 an hour. As with all the rates, it depends on the area and employer. Have a look at a few other MM models who have extensive promotional credits. I am sure you will agree they are also some of the finest photographic models around; many Agency signed including with TOP Fashion agencies: https://www.modelmayhem.com/1311723 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1211836 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1786883 https://www.modelmayhem.com/208931 https://www.modelmayhem.com/867657 https://www.modelmayhem.com/3003252 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2693957 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1734828 https://www.modelmayhem.com/433586 https://www.modelmayhem.com/41848 https://www.modelmayhem.com/373244 https://www.modelmayhem.com/10033 https://www.modelmayhem.com/733692 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1595439 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2534944 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2236581 https://www.modelmayhem.com/728257 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2406465 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2319972 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1916871 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1766557 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1454823 https://www.modelmayhem.com/35352 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2294526 https://www.modelmayhem.com/241217 https://www.modelmayhem.com/636698 https://www.modelmayhem.com/204379 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2805361 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2393949 https://www.modelmayhem.com/1929016 https://www.modelmayhem.com/3082086 This is a nice story. A model here who posted about wanting to become a grid girl. And she's done it now for the British Superbike championships: https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=843221 https://www.modelmayhem.com/2637871 
So this idea that we all are dreaming of Vogue is fallacious. The desire to become a grid girl for example can be intense and achievable. Holly is 5ft 2" So it really is a mistake to see promotional models as something lowly. Many of these girls are in a different league from most of us journeyman models and certainly there is no question at all of them not being real models. Many are busy, internationally travelled through promo, and also do a variety of other modelling from campaigns, editorial, fit and showroom to glamour, alt, life modelling and art nude. Here is a good article on the experiences of two promo models from the Chicago Tribune: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012 … mick-place QUOTE: "Usually, the people who come to the show aren't all that knowledgeable about cars, and people wouldn't want to listen to an engineer providing technical details," Frumkin said. Not to mention, in 2011, 74 percent of Chicago Auto Show attendees were men. "So why not have a beautiful woman provide that information about the car, to get them interested?" Models say they can earn anywhere from $200 to $500 per day. Caitlyn McCabe started working as a promotional model while studying communications at DePaul and says she now brings in about $45,000 a year from auto shows. "It's a pretty good way to make a living, especially if you are an actor, a model or in communications," said McCabe, 26. "It's my only source of income." So one thing for sure is, that those who think one can only make a living at modelling via nude work if they aren't agency standard doesn't know what they are talking about. Promo isn't for everyone, but it can earn us decent wages when we need them and can open doors, have an enjoyable social life and - very important - give us valuable work references. I have only done two promo jobs myself but they were both wonderful and while they aren't on my bio here, they are certainly on my full work CV. No photoshoots are. So there is no need to worry about what people may think if you do promo work. As you can see by all the exceptional models here who have done it (and they are just a tiny fraction) it can be something to be proud of and it at least shows people you are reliable and professional. If you have information like agencies you can recommend, and enjoyable events you have done, please contribute! If this remains civil I hope it can be added to the Model Resources I wrote for Fit modelling and Life Modelling here; again both of which can provide regular, interesting, and well paid work for models: https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=789480 https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=789626 Apr 22 14 04:39 am Link I am not trying to go off the subject, but perhaps this is a corollary to the promo model, namely the promo model photographer
So my question is how are these events photographed? I know just about anyone of the attendees can take a snap of any of the models, specially at trade and car shows. But do you know is there an official need for a photographer for such events and how does one become an official ( maybe not the right term) photographer. Is it about working with the event organizer? The promo agency? The individual booth owners? This actually seems like a blast to shoot. Apr 22 14 06:21 am Link Risen Phoenix Photo wrote: Yes of course its a BRILLIANT way for photographers to meet models and yes great fun. Certainly I am paid to model already so its my job to be shot. And often have met photographers this way. If a photographer wants to shoot me for a reduced cost I always suggest they come where I am modelling anyway. Its certainly more likely they will get published at an event.
Apr 22 14 06:29 am Link I've worked with models who also do promo. It can be a nice little earner for somebody with the right look and attitude.
Lovely Sarah Beaufoy who has been with many of the known commercial agencies in London also used to be a "Grid Girl" (maybe still is) and posted about it on her Facebook a lot for a couple of years. She seemed to enjoy it. Just my $0.02 etc. etc. Apr 22 14 06:30 am Link Another Italian Guy wrote: Ah she's awesome! She was Miss Gloucestershire and done stuff for Coco de Mer one of my favourite stores!
Apr 22 14 06:37 am Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: Eliza; Thanks so much for investing the time to enlighten emerging talents here... I've long be a strong advocate for the aforementioned... in fact one of my very fav colleagues relocated in NYC to pursue work in acting... bottom line? She discovered promotional modelling and has never looked back... totally loves it!
Apr 22 14 06:44 am Link I will say that in my part o the world promo modeling is pretty much the only way that a model can earn a sustainable income modeling, and even then I'm not sure if there is enough to make it a full-time job. Apr 22 14 06:58 am Link ArtistryImage wrote: Thank you. I hope it remains positive and also acts as informative to photographers and muas too as these events particularly trade fairs like Clothes Show Live, Fet-Con, Bridal shows and big sporting events can be great networking and collaboration efforts too. I know for example the above Cheltenham event the MUA Monika Vrublova who is exceptional came to me at 6am because she was fully booked every morning from racegoing ladies and other models etc. Apr 22 14 07:00 am Link MedievalIce wrote: That is true but if you see those who do it by viewing their ports above, they nearly all travel to do it. And it can take them round the world. I know two girls who have worked fashion shows and cosmetics promo on cruise ships, to doing the Eurovision song contest last year, to doing power boat trade fairs in Dubai. Its not huge money, but pretty good, and all expenses paid. They see the world that's for sure. But you have to be good at talking, good posture, smiley, be reasonably intelligent, speaking other languages is a definite advantage, as is product knowledge. The bike girls for example know their bikes; the racing girls know their horses; the cosmetics girls know their cosmetics. And the latter of course makes it also an interesting opportunity for muas. I had samples galore in addition to good wages! I was in Gloucestershire at the time but happy to go to London for the gig.
Apr 22 14 07:05 am Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: That's exactly it. I'm about four hours from NYC, so there is no need for promo agencies to reach out this far to find talent. So basically all the promo stuff that goes on is small-time, local stuff. Apr 22 14 07:18 am Link MedievalIce wrote: Yes you have to travel. But travel cost there is FAR cheaper than the UK and the client will usually pay the travel expenses, hotels etc anyway. Apr 22 14 07:20 am Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: Sure. But I wonder if that would even be time-cost effective for people living up here. Also bear in mind that while transportation may be cheaper, it may also be much less available - particularly when we are talking about public transportation.
Apr 22 14 07:31 am Link MedievalIce wrote: Well yes. If you are getting the work that's what to do. Trickier to do if the work is still irregular though. Apr 22 14 07:36 am Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: Right, which is exactly why there are so few full-time models in my neck of the woods. There isn't enough work to support it, and most who want to try and be full-time just move. Apr 22 14 07:54 am Link Wow. I really want to do promo modeling now. It seems like it pays great and it looks fun! Apr 22 14 07:59 pm Link Cervezax wrote: Hello,
Apr 23 14 11:35 am Link my tiny drop of poison into your whole fun of promo modelling.
everything listed here works great. hey, I'm not judging, just state the facts. and you cannot get it both ways.  Apr 23 14 12:19 pm Link In my experience the different agencies are really local. None of those agencies you mentioned do any work in my area. Networking has to be done on a local level for most promo models.
Promotions is a pretty good job; the pay is good and schedule is flexible, but it is unreliable and is seasonal in many areas. Apr 23 14 01:10 pm Link I've always wanted to try promo modeling, but I'm not sure where to start. Apr 23 14 07:39 pm Link In my city promo models are hired from craigs list. They post coming in for a weekend event $20. + for how many days.. That way the don't have to pay agency.
Its easy to check them out.. The real ones list event days locations etc and you can check them out. L2 Apr 23 14 07:49 pm Link An easy way to find promo model gigs are to find the smaller agencies that book specifically for them.
Encore Nationwide, Attack!, Vantage are just a few that immediately come to mind. There are also FB groups for promo models/brand ambassadors to help find them gigs. Apr 23 14 08:59 pm Link Love the 'New Model Army' images, OP.
Promo modeling is frequent out here in Sin City. We have the conventions and there are a lot of events and shows. There are all types of theme done. Often you will see male and female 'Elvi' doing promos. Something I have been curious about looking into is spokesmodeling. I know that during the events out here they will hire both promo models and spokesmodels to present whatever they are showing at the event. Anyways, it's cool to see some creative promo modeling stuff Apr 24 14 05:58 am Link OP,
Yes, promotional modeling can be a means for "some" to earn a few extra dollars... But, such genre of modeling shouldn't be viewed as a means to earn a reliable "consistent" living. Yes, some promo clients do pay hourly rates that exceed $150 and there may be other promo clients that pay day rates exceeding $500. But, if you divide the pay rate by the number of days such "promo model" isn't working during the week, month and or year and minus all expenses (travel, hotel etc) I'm sure you'll get a VERY different conclusion. Yes, it may be possible that a few "promo models" have earned more than $40k in a year but that's not the norm... Keep in mind that most promo/trade show gigs only last a few HOURS or a few DAYS not weeks nor months! Also, I have yet to see and or hear of any note-worthy agency booking promotional work for their listed models! However, I have heard of a few such note-worthy represented model(s) refusing such promo/trade show job offers via a secondary agency source... even though the job (Maserati) paid more that $3k for 5 (6 hr) days. Simply put, the model(s) didn't want to "cheaply" tarnish her brand and or take a chance of losing future valued clients. (their words not mine) I'm not seeking to bash or discredit promo models... but rather, the premise of your overall posting seems to have been painted with a very wide optimistic and one sided opinionated/subjective brush. (based on my industry knowledge and experience) I could go on to discus/dispute/question the validity and or perception of such "promo model" seen by most industry professionals... but, that conversation would truly derail this thread. So, I'll end with this question and follow up statement: why would a "scientist/part time model" devote so much time researching and lobbying for promotional modeling? Yes, I realize that some aspiring models will find your posting interesting but to most the information/opinion you've posted is NOTHING new. Sadly, it's as if you're seeking to prove some sort of worthless point... because surely "writing" your PhD merits priority over the context of this thread but what do I know! 
*no pun nor harm intended Apr 24 14 10:07 am Link Saadiq Photography wrote: Hey Saadiq, I believe one of the models in a previous thread said that Ford booked her for promo. I could be wrong.
Apr 24 14 11:29 am Link Saadiq Photography wrote: She does this to take a break from her regular work. Apr 24 14 11:57 am Link Saadiq Photography wrote: No one said it was. It's a kind of modeling you can do between other kinds of modeling jobs. A lot of people don't know it's an option, hence this thread.
Saadiq Photography wrote: There are levels of working model who can afford to turn down $3K jobs, and there are levels of working model who can't. Some years ago I worked at a PR Agency, and when we did sufficiently high end events for Conde Nast, we got girls from Ford, and from Elite. Sure, they were probably new faces, but still. Apr 24 14 12:02 pm Link AgathaDelicious wrote: I think I might need to move to Vegas once my current work contract is up. I'm not sure what the odds are that they'd take me as a spokes model but it sure would be nice to do that in an area that would offer work on a consistent basis. It is an entertainment capital and I'm sure the work would be better than where I came from.
Apr 24 14 12:55 pm Link Saadiq Photography wrote: Victoria Elle wrote: Actually, the OP's obvious edification of the said payment amounts would suggest a different opinion than yours.
Saadiq Photography wrote: Victoria Elle wrote: Victoria, honestly it doesn't matter to me whom you may have worked for nor does it matter to me said employer's client list. (some of us call this tactic worthless name dropping)
Apr 24 14 05:03 pm Link Saadiq Photography wrote: Saadiq Photography wrote: Victoria Elle wrote: Actually, the OP's obvious edification of the said payment amounts would suggest a different opinion than yours.
Saadiq Photography wrote: Victoria, honestly it doesn't matter to me whom you may have worked for nor does it matter to me said employer's client list. (some of us call this tactic worthless name dropping)
Thanks for the shout out, Eliza Apr 24 14 09:38 pm Link Kate Eaton wrote: Kate to quite honest and direct... YES, I'm suggesting that you may have signed with the wrong agency! Because, as a "whole" booking such promo gigs doesn't require an agency not alone a note-worthy agency. (obviously there are exceptions because life/business isn't absolute)
Apr 24 14 10:31 pm Link Saadiq Photography wrote: That's your *opinion.*
Apr 24 14 10:53 pm Link Saadiq Photography wrote: ^^ This is the perfect example of why models may want a private forum of sorts, IMHO.
Apr 24 14 10:53 pm Link Lovely read Eliza Apr 24 14 11:23 pm Link Saadiq Photography wrote: Kate's pretty well known here . I'm gonna have to say she knows what she is talking about. Apr 24 14 11:37 pm Link Kate Eaton wrote: Yup - and in my book personal experience kinda trumps 'opinion' every time. Apr 25 14 12:42 am Link Drew Smith Photography wrote: Hi, Drew. I know I promised not to post in the MF again but I did want to mention that AzWah is a industry pro with multiple tears and who works with NY agencies and models. This is a link to his website: http://www.azwahsaadiq.com/ His 'opinion' does come from working in the fashion industry. I am not commenting on the debate. His personal experience may actually trump 95% of those on MM. I won't return or respond further. Apr 25 14 01:56 am Link Tony Lawrence wrote: I appreciate that Tony. My statement was a General statement about 'shutting the fuck up' and not directly aimed at Azwah.
Apr 25 14 02:41 am Link Rick OBanion Photo wrote: Rick, that seems to be the problem... She's well known HERE in this MM playground! Not to take anything away Kate's achievements, industry experience and or industry knowledge. But, here in NYC... MM popularity is a moot point among industry professionals!
Apr 25 14 08:26 am Link Saadiq Photography wrote: I think you're confusing "opinion" with coming to the OP's defense. I don't doubt what you say. You are much more knowledgable that I.
Apr 25 14 10:10 am Link Saadiq Photography wrote: Perhaps the Canadian market is different than what you are used to dealing with, Saadiq. Fair enough. I was on the Ford main board and am currently on the main board of another major agency. These jobs involve castings that are closed to all models not selected by the client from the big ("legit") agencies in the city and occur on average of maybe twice per year. They are by no means my (or any of my peer's) "bread and butter" clients (that would be catalogue work, in my market anyhow) but, frankly, $50/hour or more is a welcome gig when you have a mortgage to pay.
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