Ryan Serhant Tells Us All About Being a Hand Model

As many of you Million Dollar Listing New York watchers know, I was a hand model before diving into real estate. Before I tell you what the most important takeaways were from this odd modeling experience, let me tell you how I got into hand modeling in the first place. (I know. It’s so random.)

When I first moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting, I participated in many stock-photo shoots to pay my rent, which explains why my head pops up on random textbook sales sites and milk cartons to this day. As all actors do, I had to take a professional head shot so I had something to pass out during auditions.

I chose a head shot with my left hand casually resting on my face. I had no idea at the time that I apparently have a uniquely beautiful and slender pair of hands. My photo printer “discovered” this and sent my head shot to AT&T. I was booked for one of their print mobile ad campaigns, and things took off from there.

I never thought my hands would become famous before, you know, me, but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity. If there are any aspiring hand models out there (or you’d just like to hear about some of my funny, ridiculous, and entertaining experiences), here are a few things you learn as a hand model:

1. Something as trivial as a hangnail is a legitimate reason to have a panic attack. (Bad cuticles and you are cut.)

2. Not all hands are created equal. (Sorry I’m not sorry…)

3. Buy stock in Lubriderm. Best stuff ever.

4. Do not refer to the job as a hand job. (This is VERY important, especially when your mother calls you after a long day of work and asks you how your day went.)

Regardless of all the absurdity surrounding my hand modeling career, the gig helped get me to where I am today. I’m sure some of you have had strange jobs too, so leave a comment below and let me know!

Ryan Serhant is our resident guide to guys. In addition to living and dating in NYC, he’s a cast member of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York (catch the premiere on April 2 at 9 P.M. ET!) and a broker at Nestseekers. View all of Ryan’s posts.