How to become A Hand Model

Though rarely gaining the recognition that many regular models take for granted, Hand Models enjoy an equally challenging and rewarding career that brings into play two of their most valuable assets - strong and photogenic hands.

• Body-Part Model
• Parts Model

What do Hand Models do?

A Hand Model would typically need to:

• Have their hands get pictured for commercial and promotional purposes
• Model for advertisements or fashion items for magazines or editorials
• Take part in video and photo shoots of ad campaigns; display jewellery such as rings, bracelets and watches, skin care products, and nail polishes
• Perform close-up actions for advertisements; caress skin, apply lotion, unwrap a gift, open a can, or clean up a mess
• Take up less common editorial work and pose for a seris of photographs to be published in a magazine
• Hand double; stand in on television and movie sets for celebrities whose hands may not look as beautiful in a close-up shot
• Indulge in a healthy diet, get adequate sleep at night and take requisite vitamins or supplements
• Ensure their hands remain free of any blemishes such as scars, tattoos, bruises, scratches, stains, visible veins, and wrinkles
• Moisturise their hands at least 30 to 40 times during the day; wear cotton gloves to bed; wear gloves for tasks such as gardening and chopping vegetables
• Make sure of an even skin tone and well-maintained cuticles; avoid building up the hand muscles
• Have long, neat, and well-kept crescent-shaped finger nails; go for regular manicures, exfoliations, and professional peelings, especially before a shoot

A Hand Model’s work environment may include a wide variety of locations, indoor and outdoor. Travel to different locations is an essential part of an assignment.

Hand Models have to maintain a flexible work schedule because the work hours can be long and unconventional.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Hand Models can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at modelling agencies.

Hand Models are generally employed by:

• Modelling Agencies
• Top Commercial Brands

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Modeling and Talent Association, are crucial for Hand Models interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physically demanding photo shoots where one has to hold their hand still for long periods while appearing casual and relaxed
• Onset of cramps or fatigue before completion of the perfect shot such as pouring a glass of water, tying a knot, or applying lotion
• Likelihood of missing out on social life due to the need to constantly practice hand hygiene and maintenance
• High possibility of losing an assignment or jeopardising one’s career due to negligence and consequent bruises, burns, marks or scratches
• The need to moisturise one’s hands frequently and keep oneself hydrated
• Unstable source of income
• Intense competition

Every prospective Hand Model begins their training with an objective evaluation of their hands, finger structure, and quality of skin and nails to confirm that they fit the essential parameters. A competent model agent or scout can help you figure out if your hands are exceptional enough to fetch lucrative editorial, advertising, and catalogue assignments time and again.

Once you cross that key hurdle, it’s time to diligently study samples of print and television advertisements, editorial shoots, and video clips featuring hand models to assess how the models hold or display various products so you can practice imitating the different poses.

Pictures taken from different angles while you practice using your fingers to express strength, joy, or love can help you understand how your hands appear through a camera lens. 

Now would be the best time to also practise skills that are often required during photo or video shoots: pouring beer from a draft, sliding glasses of beer across the table, and prepping (slicing, dicing and chopping) foodstuff.

Begin building an impressive portfolio that includes professional photos displaying your hands handling a range of products in various positions so prospective agencies and clients realise your potential. A headshot will help them recognise you during meetings. The platform that you choose for your portfolio website should be able to showcase your hands in a striking and effective fashion. 

Do your homework on modelling agencies so you can zero in on the legitimate ones that have a good reputation in the industry. Contact a local consumer affairs organisation for in-depth information. Create a composite card that comprises the best photographs from your portfolio along with your body measurements.

Explore casting websites to find unique opportunities that suit your qualifications, and may help you establish yourself and build a portfolio that appeals to professional agencies. Use the time it takes to get an assignment to practice your skills, develop your craft, and pull out all the stops in the pursuit of feasible projects.

Skills that will contribute to your success as a Hand Model include the ability to hold your hands still for extended periods, to hold them still while holding various objects of differing weights, to keep your hands poised and relaxed in various poses, and to follow directions.

Read about the profession and interview, job shadow or work with experienced Hand Models and other professionals who may be able to open doors in this fiercely competitive niche field.

Hand Models do not need formal academic qualifications, not even a high school diploma per se. However, it would help to gain fluency in English, a popular foreign language, and business studies while in high school so you can communicate easily and have a successful career.

Certification in sign language and motor skill learning from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

Hand Models bag more lucrative assignments on a regular basis as they gain fame and exposure through leading magazines, print advertising campaigns, tv and movie commercials, or runway shows. You can become a model agent and help the next generation navigate their way through this challenging career.

It is next to impossible to sustain a full-time career as a Hand Model, although they tend to get more work than other body-part models because hands feature in a number of advertising campaigns. You will need to procure other modelling assignments or take up alternative jobs to be able to pay the bills.

Individuals with symmetrical, long, and graceful hands, narrow and slender fingers and the patience and stamina to hold poses for as long as is required have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Hand Model build personal skills and proficiency through the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

Continue to expend time and energy on your portfolio, composite card, and hands, so they remain stunning and attractive to agencies and clients. Take up yoga and regular exercises to keep your hands and fingers strong and flexible.

Make sure your work ethic is infused with a strong dose of patience and discipline. Your modelling agency may take time to book jobs for you. Make the most of such opportunities to practice your skills, build your portfolio and get additional exposure through casting websites. Network for alternate modelling openings in case of inconsistent job offers in hand modelling. 

Make it clear that you are open to new opportunities to gain valuable experience from interesting offers.

Capitalise On Your Hands

Although a few freelancers attempt to market themselves to potential clients and apply directly for modelling assignments, most Hand Models apply to reputed modelling agencies and get in touch with them using whatever method is preferred by the latter.

You can email your portfolio and composite card or carry them to open casting calls, direct meetings with agents, and client auditions. 

An agency that wishes to work with you will represent and promote you to clients in return for a portion of your earnings. However, it is not uncommon to find a client willing to book models without an agent. It is on you to research the job posting thoroughly before submitting your portfolio.

After you sign up with an agency, you will have a short meeting with many prospective clients, a “go-see,” to discuss potential jobs and photo shoots. You get to introduce yourself, the client gets an opportunity to assess your portfolio, experience and exposure, and the agency gets to figure out if you are an asset to their business.

Safeguard Your Moneymakers

You cannot take enough care of your hands - your primary source of income - as a Hand Model. Always carry lotion or coconut/olive oil with you, so your hands look their best at all times. 

You may want to avoid wearing jewellery on your hands and wrists and using metal cutlery outside of your work, to avert stains and marks. Coloured nail polish, which can stain the nails, is also a definite no-no. In addition to using gloves for chores such as washing dishes, use a fragrance-free, PH-balanced soap to wash your hands.

A Day At A Shoot

However easy it may sound and look, hand modelling is a serious profession that requires the model to keep their hands stationary for hours at end while suggesting a relaxed look. You may have to contort the rest of your body into uncomfortable positions to make sure the camera captures only your hands and remain patient until the photographer can capture a perfect shot.

Hand-In-Glove

Feminine hands with shorter nails and nude/no polish are “mom hands” that best suit images centred around cooking, cleaning, and presenting household items. Longer nails are the norm for “fashion hands” that model jewellery and glamorous goods. Since kids cannot always be trusted to sit still under hot lights for a long time, models with smaller hands come in handy for holding children’s toys.

Thumbs-Up Or -Down?

It seems weird, but your thumbs will be subject to close inspection when you apply to a modelling agency or attend a “go-see.” If they aren’t as elegant and beautiful as your other fingers, you might as well kiss a successful career as a Hand Model goodbye.

The Current Scenario

An increase in online and e-commerce retail sales encourages businesses to up their digital advertising and marketing budgets, leading to a consequent demand for models.

However, keep in mind that less expensive digital and social media options enable companies to promote their products and brands directly to consumers and may moderate the employment of Hand Models.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing 

Freelancing Hand Models have more flexible work schedules. Still, the number of assignments they complete in a month can vary substantially and cause financial insecurity when work dries up. If you are called in for last-minute work and need to pay your way to a distant location, that adds to the financial stress.

Need to repair a broken nail? Use glue to set the nail in place and a tea bag to bind to the two pieces back together. Top with a layer of polish.

A successful Hand Model who is patient and disciplined takes their career into their own visually pleasing hands and lives life, hands down.

 And don’t forget, a hand model’s daily mantra is: moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!