We typically think of a "model" as someone who is tall and thin with a blindingly beautiful face. They have no pores... the skin was airbrushed on at birth. The body is equally perfect —free of the defects sustained by mere mortals.

But look at ads in any consumer magazine or TV and we encounter the Maytag repairman and Col. Sanders. Even the Marlboro guys aren't precisely "beautiful." But they do have a few things in common: They have a memorable personality. They're funny or interesting, and they're fun to watch.

There are three main types of people cast for commercials and ads: Models (known as the beautiful people), real people, and character models.

The first category would include people like Gisele Bundchen or Karolina Kurkova. The second category are "real people." They may be ten pounds beyond perfect, their nose may have a little character, or they may be 40 or 60 years old, however they are way too interesting to be considered ordinary. Real people can credibly pull off the role of a dapper CEO, master criminal, or the insane grandmother.

The last category, character models or actors, is everyone else: Danny DeVito, Steve Buscemi, and the Wendy's "Where's the Beef" lady from the mid-1980's. There are agencies specifically devoted to representing character models. Ugly Models in London (website) is such an example. They represent models from every walk of life –from the bizarre to the untraditionally beautiful. Incidentally, the actor featured on this page, Imaan Hadchili is represented by Ugly Models.

So the issue is not whether you are as handsome as Brad Pitt. The real issue is finding your niche in an industry which needs an insane variety of talent. And cultivating your skills as an actor or model.

Do you enjoy working as a model? If you love what you do and you work hard at your craft, you'll get assignments, and succeed! Ready to jump in? The first thing you'll need is a headshot to show casting directors and art directors to get work. Call us at 865-522-6853 or email us to set-up an appointment.