Most of us know what beauty models are—they walk the runway and strut their stuff while the camera flashes. However, they’re not the only kind of model out there. Another kind of model you might not have thought about is a hand model.
Hand models show off rings, jewelry, and other products where hands are needed. If you want to become a hand model, you’ll need slender and well-moisturized hands as well as a knack for posing.
This guide goes into how to become a hand model and start a different type of modeling career from scratch.
Step One: Get Your Hands in Good Shape
The key to becoming a hand model is having great hands. That means you’ll need to make sure that your hands are well moisturized and that you have great bone structure. You’ll also need to make sure you’ve got clean, well-manicured nails.
Take a good look at your hands and be honest with yourself. Think about whether or not they would really be pleasing in photos. If they wouldn’t, you may need to consult a doctor or dermatologist to see what steps you need to take in order to get your hands up to snuff.
Step Two: Study Other Hand Models
Once you’ve identified that your hands will be great for modeling purposes, it’s time to start studying. Models don’t get to be models out of nowhere—many of them spend hours practicing in front of a mirror!
Start by watching other hand models on television or YouTube. Get a feel for what kinds of poses hand models typically use and what you might need to do in order to copy them.
Then, practice on your own or with a friend to get the same movements and poses down. This will help you get used to modeling and get a feel for what you need to do to be successful.
Step Three: Create a Portfolio
Once you’ve practiced modeling with your hands and feel comfortable and confident, it’s time to go to a photo studio and create a portfolio. At the studio, the photographer will help you pose your hands so that you can take great images that show off your skills.
At the end of your photography session, you’ll typically have both a physical and digital copy of your portfolio. This is what you’ll take to agencies in order to get hired as a hand model.
Remember, creating a portfolio isn’t free. You’ll need to be willing to invest a few hundred or thousand dollars into getting your initial photos taken for your portfolio.
Step Four: Apply at Agencies
After you’ve got a portfolio, it’s time to go to some agencies. Leave a copy of your portfolio with different agencies by walking in, or set up appointments online to head in and show off your photos.
If the agency likes your work, they’ll accept you as a model for them and will give you calls to let you know once they’ve found an appropriate gig for you.
Step Five: Complete Your First Gig and Build Your Portfolio
After you’ve signed with a modeling agency, you’ll start to get calls about potential jobs. The more jobs you complete, the more photos you’ll have to add to your portfolio. Try to add at least a few of your best shots every time you complete a gig. This will give you more material to showcase to future employers and will make it easier for your agent to get you more gigs.
Become a Hand Model Today
Now that you know how to become a hand model, you’re ready to start a new career. Although it might not be the kind of modeling you’d do if you wanted to become Miss Universe, being a hand model can still be a lucrative career and a fun way to earn some cash.
Remember, the key to becoming a hand model is to have great hands. That means making sure they’re well organized, slender, and that you can easily position them in a variety of ways.
So, it’s time to get out there and put your hands to good work. I’m confident you’ve got all the keys to launching a successful new career!