MODEL, DEMONSTRATOR, AND PRODUCT PROMOTER

The job of a model is to convince people to buy things: clothes, makeup, jewelry, shoes, food, and many other types of products. Fashion models are photographed for ads in magazines, newspapers, or billboards. Many models appear in clothing catalogs. Others are filmed for television commercials. Some do live modeling, walking the runways at fashion shows or in department stores. The top models are known around the world and may have their own clothing line or fitness videos.

Some models specialize in one type of work. For instance, some model only specific parts of their body. Hand models, for example, advertise rings or nail polish. Some work as models for artists or sculptors.

Models can work all over the world and usually do not work for just one company. Their jobs usually last from a few hours to a few days. Most models do not have a regular schedule. They may work ten days in a row, but then have the next two weeks off. Sometimes their jobs are glamorous, like modeling at a fashion show in Milan, Italy, or posing for a swimsuit calendar in Hawaii. Other times they must stand in the cold while the photographer waits for the sun to come out from behind a cloud. They must be patient while stylists fix their hair and makeup.

Product promoters or demonstrators try to interest people in buying a certain product. To do that they go to stores, state fairs, car shows, and many other places to show their product and tell the public about it. Sometimes product promoters and demonstrators give out free samples or gifts to customers. Sometimes they even wear costumes or sign boards in public to advertise new products. Product promoters and demonstrators work for department stores, market research firms, or the company that makes the product that they are promoting.

As with models, product promoters and demonstrators usually do not have regular schedules. They may work nights and weekends at state fairs or trade shows all over the country. While they are working, they may be on duty for many hours and may have to stand or talk for long periods of time. However, the chance to travel and the opportunity to meet lots of people make it worthwhile to many people who become product promoters or demonstrators.