It’s no surprise that the demand for talented and quality promotional models is rising. This upward trend has women and men across the country asking themselves if they have what it takes to become a promotional model.
To answer this question, the TSM Agency reviewed our extensive database of over 10,000 models to answer the question, What is the anatomy of a promotional model?
We often receive the question from candidates if they have the physical attributes to be considered for the job. Our comprehensive analysis compiled the data our models input when signing up with the agency.
The infographic below provides a visual representation of the physical makeup of our database, including how models compare with the general population on some key attributes.
This information is helpful for individuals who are wondering if they have what it take to enter the field promotional modeling. Those looking to staff models may find the information of interest as well.
Many feel that a model has to have certain attributes, like large breasts or a height taller than average, in order to be successful. The statistics actually contradict this notion, considering the fact that our models breast size is actually smaller than the national average.
Let’s look at our findings.
HAIR
We can’t vouch for blondes having more fun but we can tell you this, more blondes are promotional models.
• 2% of the world’s population have BLONDE hair, while 28% of promotional models have it.
• BLACK is the most common color in the world, but only 18% of promotional models have black hair.
• 1-2% of the worlds population has RED hair compared to 4% of models
• BROWN hair is the second most common hair in the world, but the most common amongst promo models with 50% representation.
GENDER
A gender gap is common amongst professions, and modeling is no exception. 94.8% of promotional models are female while 5.2% are male.
EYE COLOR
Models eye colors matched closely with the general population of the United States.
• BROWN: 48% of models versus 41% of the US population
• BLUE: 23% of models versus 32% of the US population
• GREEN: 15% of models versus 12% of the US population
• HAZEL: 14% of models versus 15% of the US population
BREAST CUP SIZE
The stereotype of busty models was shattered upon review of our data. The average American bra size has increased from 34B to 34DD in the last 20 years. We speculate much of this is due to the increase in obesity. Only 6% of models have a DD cup size.
The average promotional model breast size is a B cup at 38% of models. C cup came in second place with 32% of models having this cup size. 15% of models have a D cup and 9% have an A cup.
WEIGHT
According to Plus model magazine, twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less. The CDC lists a healthy female weight, at average height, as being between 108-144 pounds. 87% of female models weighed between 100 and 150 pounds. Well within the healthy weight range.
As for males, the healthy range was stated at 121-163 pounds. 46a% of male models were within this range with the majority falling in the overweight category. We speculate this being due to higher levels of muscle mass amongst male models as well as an above average height.
ETHNICITY
Promotional model ethnicity varied significantly from the US population with only 51% being Caucasian compared with 72% of the US population. 24% of promotional models listed their ethnicity as other. We have no way of knowing whether they are of mixed race, other races, or chose not to answer the question.
African American and Native American representation were in line with the United States Census Bureau with 12% and 1% of models, respectively. Asian models were also inline with the Census findings at 4% versus 5%. Hispanics were under represented with 8% versus 16% of total models.
AGE
61% of promotional model were between the age of 18 and 32. Models younger than 18 are not accepted or promotional work at the TSM Agency. 34% of models were between the age of 23 and 27 with another 27% falling between the ages 28 and 32. 2% of models are over the age of 43.
HEIGHT
One of the most common questions agencies receive is “am I tall enough to model?” Promotional modeling differs from high fashion jobs. The fashion industry typically requires a height over 5’8,” so your odds of getting work in this field are slim to none.
Promotional modeling is a bit more forgiving and height is not as important as experience, personality, interpersonal skills, and looks. 44% of female models were shorter than conventional modeling requirements, being under 5’5” tall. 43% of models were between 5’6” and 5’10” tall.
Male models were of average to above average height as well with 52% of them being between 5’6” and 5’10” tall. 50% were between 5’11” and 6’4” tall.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Your chances of working a promotional job increase dramatically if you live in a larger city. It makes sense, larger cities hold more trade shows and conventions and brands typically market to major markets.
The top five states where models live, in order of highest to lowest, are California, New York, Illinois, Georgia and Nevada. The top five populous states, in order of highest to lowest, are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.
The largest five cities contain 16.5% of the model population and include Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Atlanta. Surprisingly Atlanta was the fifth most populous city for models while being the 40th largest city.
Hopefully this data helps give aspiring models a better idea of what it takes to become a promotional model. If you are already a model, you can see where you fall when compared to your peers.
Were there any findings that surprised you? Let us know your thoughts!
(Click on the image to see the full-size promotional model info graphic)
To view our models click here!
