How it works
Advertising for jewellery, watches, nail polish, hand cream or phones needs beautiful, well-kept hands, while shoes and hosiery need legs and feet. Clients are not after a whole look but a perfect part.
A hand model protects their hands like a tool: gloves, cream, no cuts or burns, nails always neat. On set patience matters: a hand may have to stay still at the same angle for a long time.
A parts model can be someone who does not suit fashion work by height or age. It is a separate segment of the market, often with its own agency board.
In practice
A watch advert needs a man's hands. A model with long fingers, smooth skin and neat nails is chosen. On set he holds his wrist still at the same angle for an hour while the make-up artist touches up the skin every few minutes. His face never appears, but the fee is that of a full campaign.
What to watch for
- Protect your hands: gloves for housework and gardening.
- Show the part from several angles in your portfolio.
- Keep nails natural and short unless the client asks otherwise.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01Can you be only a hand model?
Yes, especially in large markets with a lot of jewellery and cosmetics advertising.
02Does a parts model need height?
No. Only the shape, skin and condition of that part matter.