The Economics of Everyday Things: Episode 77 – Hand Models

Hosted by Zachary Crockett | Released January 20, 2025

Introduction: The World of Hand Modeling

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett delves into the niche yet lucrative profession of hand modeling. While often overlooked, hand models play a pivotal role in advertising, bringing products to life through meticulously crafted visuals. The episode unpacks the intricacies of this specialized field, exploring the demands, rewards, and economic implications of being a hand model.

Ellen Sarat: From Traditional Modeling to Hand Modeling

Ellen Sarat, a seasoned professional with a 30-year career in traditional modeling, serves as the episode's central figure. Throughout her career, Sarat graced billboards, print ads, and national TV commercials for major brands like Coca-Cola, American Express, Avon, and Clorox. Despite her extensive experience, Sarat found her true calling in hand modeling.

Ellen Sarat [01:31]: "During her 30 year career in modeling, Ellen Sarat was everywhere. She was on billboards, in print ads, and in national TV commercials for brands like Coca Cola, American Express, Avon and Clorox."

Sarat recounts her transition from full-body modeling to focusing exclusively on her hands, a decision driven by the growing demand for specialized body part modeling in advertising.

Ellen Sarat [05:41]: "I grew up dancing, but dance jobs generally are part time, so it was also waitressing and catering and doing all those sorts of things. She looked me over and she said to me, you can be a foot model."

The Role and Importance of Hand Models in Advertising

Hand models are integral to various advertising mediums, often showcased in recipes, jewelry ads, nail polish commercials, and more. Their work ensures that products are presented in the most appealing manner possible, emphasizing aesthetics and functionality.

Ellen Sarat [02:16]: "If you start paying attention, you see hands everywhere. You see hands on a lot of recipes, a lot of print ads for jewelry or nail polishes, commercials for food where the hands are in and out serving things."

Zachary Crockett [03:16]: "If you look at enough ads, you'll notice that many of them feature isolated body parts. A makeup brand might show off its eyeliner with a close up of a pair of eyes... These faceless jobs are called parts modeling."

Parts Models Agency and Industry Insights

Dani Corwin, Managing Director of Parts Models, provides an insider perspective on the industry. Established in 1986, Parts Models represents approximately 200 models, catering to diverse client needs ranging from hands and legs to specific facial features.

Dani Corwin [04:31]: "We're talking about hands, legs, feet, facial features, lips or eyes... it's a very, very, very important part of the modeling industry."

Corwin explains the diverse demands within parts modeling, highlighting the nuances between "fashion hands" and "commercial hands."

Dani Corwin [07:34]: "There are what we would term more fashion hands or more commercial hands... The average viewer can look at that hand and relate to that hand."

Requirements and Skills for Aspiring Hand Models

Becoming a hand model necessitates more than just aesthetically pleasing hands. Models must maintain flawless skin, healthy nails, and exhibit the ability to showcase products adeptly during shoots. The profession requires rigorous maintenance routines and lifestyle adjustments to ensure hands remain impeccable at all times.

Ellen Sarat [07:04]: "You have to have beautiful skin tone. The fingers have to look beautiful in comparison to the base part of your hand... They have to be strong, they have to grow, well, poreless, veinless, hairless."

Additionally, hand models must master specific poses and techniques to effectively highlight the products they are endorsing.

Zachary Crockett [09:03]: "In the hand modeling world, there are certain recurring poses that models have to master. For starters, the sexy hand pose."

Economic Aspects: Earnings and Opportunities

Hand modeling can be financially rewarding, especially for those who secure high-profile gigs. Rates vary significantly based on the project's nature, ranging from $150 per hour for print work to upwards of $650 for video commercials under union rates.

Ellen Sarat [16:10]: "Different jobs, you can get paid radically differently... from like $250 or $350 for big advertising campaigns."

Furthermore, working in video can amplify earnings due to multiple uses of the same footage, allowing models to receive repeated payments for a single day's work.

Ellen Sarat [17:17]: "You could be doing the same shot that they're going to use in six different commercials and suddenly you're getting six times your day rate just for one day."

Importantly, unlike traditional models, hand models are not typically bound by exclusive contracts, granting them the flexibility to work with multiple brands simultaneously without conflicts of interest.

Ellen Sarat [17:52]: "I could be doing Burger King one day in McDonald's the next day."

Challenges and Lifestyle of Hand Models

Despite the potential for high earnings, hand modeling is not a stable full-time career for most. Models must constantly maintain their hands' appearance, often wearing gloves and exercising extreme caution to prevent injuries that could jeopardize their careers.

Ellen Sarat [15:05]: "I wear gloves all the time... My hands look 20, 25. These are hands that have never been in the sun since I was in my young 20s."

The profession demands a vigilant lifestyle, with models taking measures to protect their hands from everyday hazards.

Ellen Sarat [15:36]: "I'm careful around sharp knives. I'm careful around boiling water... I'm careful around the things like wine glasses breaking."

Additionally, hand models often require insurance to safeguard against potential accidents that could occur despite their precautions.

Ellen Sarat [16:01]: "I did have Lloyd's of London for a while. It was like a million dollars or something. So, yeah, if I lost my hand, I going to be able to use that insurance."

Conclusion: The Economics Behind Hand Modeling

Hand modeling, though a niche sector within the broader modeling industry, holds significant economic value. It offers lucrative opportunities for those who excel in the field, balancing high earnings with the challenges of maintaining impeccable hand aesthetics. While most hand models supplement their income through other means, exceptional individuals like Ellen Sarat can achieve remarkable financial success.

Ellen Sarat [19:24]: "Not quite, but probably upper management. Maybe like low six figures."

As Zachary Crockett wraps up the episode, the intricate relationship between specialized talent and advertising efficacy becomes evident, highlighting how everyday professions contribute to the larger economic tapestry.

Notable Quotes:

• Ellen Sarat [05:41]: "I grew up dancing, but dance jobs generally are part time... So I booked this Dr. Scholz job and suddenly I was going from like $3 an hour as a waitress to $350 an hour as a foot model."

• Zachary Crockett [09:35]: "In the hand modeling world, there are certain recurring poses that models have to master."

• Ellen Sarat [17:34]: "Most people can't recognize hands from commercial to commercial."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of hand modeling, shedding light on its economic significance, the dedication required, and the unique challenges faced by those who specialize in this artistic niche.