Hand modeling is one of the most niche areas of modeling, but if you have the right hands for the job, it can be an exciting and fruitful industry. Both male and female hand models can book jobs to model products like rings, watches, bracelets, cosmetics, medical equipment, technology or tools.
Many aspiring models are discouraged when they’re told they aren’t tall enough to be a runway model or don’t have the right look for a fashion model, but the good news is there are so many other modeling avenues to explore. While the modeling industry is more inclusive today than it ever has been with many model scouting companies scouting models of all shapes, sizes, and heights, hand modeling is still a good option for many people who want to be involved in the industry in some way. Before you decide to delve into hand modeling, here are five things you should know about the industr
5
Your Hands Must Have the Right “Look”
To many people, they are just hands, but in hand modeling, they are everything!
Not only do hand models need finely maintained hands including smooth, moisturized skin and well-kept nails and nail beds, but there are also structural features to consider as well. For female hand models, the requirements generally include having fingers that are long and slender, as well as a narrow palm and wrist and even skin tone. For male models, it is typically preferred their hands are not overly hairy. There are always jobs for those whose hands don’t fit this mold, however, so don’t be discouraged if that doesn’t sound quite like you. It is always best to get feedback from a reliable agent rather than counting yourself out since agents have a vast knowledge of the types of work available for which you may be qualified.
4
You Will Need to Protect Your Hands All the Time
ccidents happen, and when accidents happen that could affect your livelihood (in this case, your hands), it is essential you take every precaution to prevent any damage to them. Typically, hand models avoid tasks and hobbies that are hard on the hands and can cause callouses or break nails. Hand models also need to be careful when doing things like cooking to avoid burning their hands. While it is a less acute form of hand damage, sun exposure takes its toll on the skin over a period of time and causes age spots and wrinkling. For this reason, hand models should be sure to keep their hands protected from harsh sunlight and to wear an SPF on them as well. Hand models also often opt to sleep wearing gloves over their moisturized hands to keep them soft and supple.
3
Hand Modeling Requires Patience and Talent
If you’re thinking: “I have hands! I could be a hand model!” - think again. It takes a lot more than just having hands to be a hand model, just as it takes a lot more than having a face and body to be a fashion model. Hand models need to be able to hold their hands in the same position, often for hours on end. While their hands are in this position, they need to keep them steady as can be, which gets more complicated as poses become more intricate.
2
Income Can Vary Greatly for Hand Models
Most hand models do so on a part-time basis to earn extra money. It takes a while to build up the experience and qualifications to make a substantial living just off of hand modeling, but it certainly can be done. Forbes magazine asserts hand models can earn up to $1,000 a day for television work and between $2000 and $5000 for print work. Certainly not a bad rate for a day’s work!
1
Successful Hand Models Usually Live in Big Cities
Most hand models find they get the most work when they live in a Cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Milan, London, and even Chicago, shoot far more ads and commercials than smaller cities, therefore, an aspiring hand model would find the most opportunities in one of the bigger cities.
Your Hands Must Have the Right “Look”
To many people, they are just hands, but in hand modeling, they are everything!
Not only do hand models need finely maintained hands including smooth, moisturized skin and well-kept nails and nail beds, but there are also structural features to consider as well. For female hand models, the requirements generally include having fingers that are long and slender, as well as a narrow palm and wrist and even skin tone. For male models, it is typically preferred their hands are not overly hairy. There are always jobs for those whose hands don’t fit this mold, however, so don’t be discouraged if that doesn’t sound quite like you. It is always best to get feedback from a reliable agent rather than counting yourself out since agents have a vast knowledge of the types of work available for which you may be qualified.
4
You Will Need to Protect Your Hands All the Time
ccidents happen, and when accidents happen that could affect your livelihood (in this case, your hands), it is essential you take every precaution to prevent any damage to them. Typically, hand models avoid tasks and hobbies that are hard on the hands and can cause callouses or break nails. Hand models also need to be careful when doing things like cooking to avoid burning their hands. While it is a less acute form of hand damage, sun exposure takes its toll on the skin over a period of time and causes age spots and wrinkling. For this reason, hand models should be sure to keep their hands protected from harsh sunlight and to wear an SPF on them as well. Hand models also often opt to sleep wearing gloves over their moisturized hands to keep them soft and supple.
3
Hand Modeling Requires Patience and Talent
If you’re thinking: “I have hands! I could be a hand model!” - think again. It takes a lot more than just having hands to be a hand model, just as it takes a lot more than having a face and body to be a fashion model. Hand models need to be able to hold their hands in the same position, often for hours on end. While their hands are in this position, they need to keep them steady as can be, which gets more complicated as poses become more intricate.
2
Income Can Vary Greatly for Hand Models
Most hand models do so on a part-time basis to earn extra money. It takes a while to build up the experience and qualifications to make a substantial living just off of hand modeling, but it certainly can be done. Forbes magazine asserts hand models can earn up to $1,000 a day for television work and between $2000 and $5000 for print work. Certainly not a bad rate for a day’s work!
1
Successful Hand Models Usually Live in Big Cities
Most hand models find they get the most work when they live in a Cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Milan, London, and even Chicago, shoot far more ads and commercials than smaller cities, therefore, an aspiring hand model would find the most opportunities in one of the bigger cities.
By Vanessa Helmer
Modeling Expert
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