The Commercial Look gets lost in translation the most because the word commercial gets used in a variety of ways.

Some people think commercial means commercial artist. Or main stream.

In the headshot/dance world the word is meaning almost exactly how it sounds. Commercial. Like a TV commercial.

Commercial does not mean younger. It does not mean Disney. And it does not mean commercial artist. Although none of those explanations are technically wrong, it may mean all of those things, but not necessarily any of those things individually.

Let’s break that down:

Your commercial shot should be the most vague version of you. You don’t want to sell yourself as anything super specific. Reason being is because you want to fit in really any type of box that you can.

You should look like you could play a bunch of different ages or roles or fit for multiple brands for commercials. You don’t want your clothes to be the focal point or to accidentally put you in a box, which is why agents will recommend and bright plain T-shirt and jeans.

When casting sees your photo they shouldn’t question it. They shouldn’t say “but how old are they? They look older than their age that is listed”. Or any questions of the like. You want to stand out and look authentic, but not be so bold that your photo type casts you. It’s the most boring shot for most dancers but it’s the one that has the potential to make you beautiful money.

You want to avoid showing a lot of skin. This can take away from the focal point being your face. You should be fresher faced. And easy. Your hair should also be easy and not overly done. Also keep in mind your age. Most people who are young don’t want to look much younger than they are. I get it. But it would be a shame if that crop top in your photo is the reason why you aren’t getting called on the old navy back to school commercial audition. It may read too sexy. Let your face do the talking. But also don’t feel like you have to wear the mandatory t shirt and jeans.

Look at my site for some inspo. But keep your goals in mind. Try to be you. If you stay true to you sometimes that’s the magic you need for your shot. And when in doubt, a plain T-shirt and jeans will absolutely work.

It’s seems like everyone is wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans. Which could possibly end up looking redundant to casting. Also as the climate of the world changes, Unique individuals are the new commercial look. If you don’t consider yourself commercial because of your hair color, tattoos, piercings, etc. times are changing!

WATCH COMMERCIALS. Do you see dancers? Really look at what they are wearing. They are normal people. They are actual humans. They have style. They have tattoos, they have shaved heads even if they are women. They have facial hair, they are real.

Try to keep it real and really you. As much as you can. And if you consider yourself to be super extra, dumb it down a bit. Show the you you really are with a dash of compromise of what a plain commercial shot should be.

Disney means Disney. Commercial doesn’t mean Disney. Your commercial shot can absolutely work for your Disney submissions. But the commercial shot can do so much more than just book you on young Disney channel type shows.

KEEP SCROLLING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IF YOU ARE CURIOUS A ABOUT WHAT THE COMMERCIAL HEADSHOT COULD BE BOOKING YOU.

THERE YOU WILL FIND A LIST OF BRANDS THAT USE DANCERS IN THEIR COMMERCIALS. CHECK THAT OUT!

It absolutely can be. But it doesn't have to be.

If your agent is specifically asking you for a Disney look it means they see you fit commercially in jobs that feel young. From Tv shows to younger artists and younger fan based movies.

CLICK HERE TO LOOK AT MORE “DISNEY” SHOTS ON MY SITE FOR INSPO.

Think mixing prints and patterns, layers, pop of colors, etc!

Being 25+ is a magical age right now.

Long gone are the days where once you hit 25 you should havE commercial shots that are themed young mom.

Being 25 and older means you just opened up a world of auditions that you couldn’t get when you were 24. Those commercial are alcohol commercials. Legally, you must be at least 25 to be in or hold a beverage in an alcohol ad. Alcohol ads LOVE dancers.

If you are over 25 but still can read senior in high school or young 20’s, the world is your oyster! If you’re under 25 you have something fun to look forward to when you hit 25.

Most Clients think they are either “young” or “young mom” but there is a lot of in between roles. Let’s talk about that.

For this vibe, plain body suits under jeans can really be magic. Mostly because it shows body without being too sexy, but just enough body shape to give the idea of sexy. Think girl at a sports bar watching the big game a-la Budweiser, Corona, white claw. To rooftop-summer vibes in Panama a-la Bacardi.

Think first time homeowner (Lowe’s) first date vibes (match.com) young entrepreneurs (Squarespace, go daddy, tech companies, etc) Going out on the town (Buick) and Summer festivals (mcdonald, secret, etc)

If you’re proud of your arms tank tops can work. If you don’t love your arms T-shirts or long sleeves will do the trick. If you are wearing a cropped T-shirt, counter balance that with high waisted jeans. A pop of skin is okay. Just mild down the hotness.

Try to avoid sports or active wear. Silky or droopy fabrics. Tank Tops that show bra straps. Tiny crop tops that look like they could be bathing suit tops. Oversized T-shirts. See-through tops. And please no Sports Bras for the commercial shot.

One thing I ask my clients when they are trying on their commercial options is "if you had an audition directly after our shoot today for, let's say, Old Navy, what outfit would you feel best throwing on out of the options you brought today that would work for this audition?" It's usually the most basic option you brought.

A good way to incorporate some personal style is to bring staples in your wardrobe that can be used for layering. Do you have a denim jacket or vintage jacket that isn’t too heavy but a cute piece you love to add when you’re going out?

Bring it. This can help with adding some personal style to your look and also play it safe by knowing if you take it off the outfit is still plain and vague!

SHOULD I WEAR A FLORESCENT COLORED SHIRT TO BE SUPER BRIGHT?

NO! STAY AWAY FROM FLUORESCENT COLORS!

These highlighter colors will blow themselves out, leaving shadows of that color in your hair, and also throw off your skin tone. Don’t try to out bright everyone by wearing highlighter yellow. A jeweled/gem tone is gonna be so much more vibrant.

This rings true for pastels as well. But not as detrimental to your shot. They will read lighter than they seem, if it’s a pastel pink it might read like a dingy white. Same with a light lilac, light mint. If you’re doubting your color choice, please bring a few backups if you can! But again, take a look at what works via my website:)

CLICK HERE FOR EXAMPLES OF THE CLASSIC COMMERCIAL SHOT ON MY SITE.