How Are Today's Models Making Money?

[DJDRN93]

^ Thanks. That’s a helpful response.

 

[KateTheGreatest]

You'd be surprised at the current top models with plenty of covers and nothing to prove that have come here just to debunk something that is really not worth their time, or worse, that VS one that only a few hours after the show, year after year, would come here in disguise like 'who do you guys think was the cutest? [insert her name], don't you think?!' lol. I knew this from my time as a moderator and being able to see the official/agency email accounts they signed up with.

Who is this VS model, I need to know now haha

 

[Bertrando3]

[...] Back to the main question of this thread, is it awful that I think some of the not-so-huge models do some escort-ish jobs to keep afloat, too?

I have heard that too with male models from many agencies in New York who actually do these escort ''jobs'' and therefore you don't really see these muscular models doing runways or ad campaigns but you see their instagram and they always post sexy photos, have an ''onlyfan'' account and from time to time post some test shots with famed photographers... So yeah it's not just rumors, it's reality. I have also a big source in a New York agency who confirmed me that.

 

[theBlueRider]

Some Catalogue work & Upscale/Luxury store & Online Swimwear/Streetwear brands work can pay very very well also..BUT LET'S BE REAL HERE.... "Yatching" around the med & the South of France is how a lot of girls make money particularly with the growth of Instagram (If you follow these models you know who i am talking about it's so obvious lol)...I know quite a few "Higher" level models who make low to high 6 figures every summer this way ..It's a taboo subject but it's also the TRUTH...BTW when i worked in the industry i tried my best to look after & give advice the best i could to the girls i worked with ,it cost me jobs & relationships but i tried my best to move with a high level of moral integrity....Also this has been going on since the early 90s but without social media it was more discreet back in the day...

This is all true. That's why a lot of people in the industry didn't really bat an eyelash with the whole Epstein story because it was/still is pretty easy to get that whole scene or part of the industry mixed up.

But to the original poster, the reason why you may not realize that models can make a lot these days is because everything has gone digital. Print catalogs still exist but e-comm is the new catalog. There are even different tiers of e-comm. There are product shots for major department stores, boutiques as well as the individual designer websites. Then there are the digital stories used on the department store, boutique or designer website that is used on the front pages to inspire and entice customers. This is entirely separate from digital campaigns, which are ads you see popping up on the side of your screen or on Facebook and Instagram. There are also digital promotions for email campaigns. Of course, there are still advertisements shot for print, tv and billboard too.

And you have to remember that today, there is room for the edgy girls to do E-Comm. Pretty much every designer sells online today. So an edgy designer will most likely book an edgy model for the E-comm, lookbook, digital campaigns, email promotions. It used to be that the less edgy girls were only doing E-comm and catalog. Not today anymore. For example, compare online Zara with Bloomingdale's with Amazon Fashion. They are all different types of models but still E-comm/catalog.

There is huge growth in the beauty industry too with new makeup collections released almost everyday. Top models have contracts with these brands. These are the faces in the commercials and print ads. But a lot of lesser known models can shoot smaller digital advertisement and advertorials for these same brands. Most makeup brands today are releasing 40+ shades of foundation or concealer. That's 40+ models for an international digital campaign for foundation. These products sell very very well and the companies have the capital to spend it on models (especially diversity of skin tone).

Another avenue to make money is through fit modelling. This existed back in your day and it is still lucrative. An edgy editorial model can secure a contract as a fit model for a fashion house. That can be one way to make money.

So it is more like the types of modeling jobs have changed because people shop in a different way today. I hope this helps answer your question.

 

[DJDRN93]

I've noticed the glamorization of modeling in this particular forum among some really diehard (or just very young?) fans makes it hard to believe because.. how can someone in an idolized field be doing a 'normal' activity such as participating in an online forum, especially with members that signed up with the recently re-opened membership, but hopefully with time, you'll stumble upon old threads, see the high activity this site used to have and the information and potential for discussion it still has and that you can't find really in social media or any other forum for that matter, which is what makes people from all walks of life still want to register and it's not really a big deal.. eventually it makes sense if you're involved (as an enthusiast, consumer, worker or former worker) in fashion.

Just to be clear, I do not idolize models or glamorize modelling. I just didn't think this forum was that popular, so that's what I found to be strange. It seems like a dying site tbh. As far as the age thing, I don't know what you consider to be "very young," but I'm 26.

 

[Phuel]

I have heard that too with male models from many agencies in New York who actually do these escort ''jobs'' and therefore you don't really see these muscular models doing runways or ad campaigns but you see their instagram and they always post sexy photos, have an ''onlyfan'' account and from time to time post some test shots with famed photographers... So yeah it's not just rumors, it's reality. I have also a big source in a New York agency who confirmed me that.

Absolutely. Even before OnlyFans and its like/ilks, the guys would be working at gay bars and whatever they’re open to at these gay bars. You know, what they do outside their agencies is up to them and not the agencies' business (even if the agencies will openly frown upon such work). So the now-branded predators Mario/Bruce/any photographer with connections, were just seen as clients/potential opportunities.. These male models knew that they were stepping into a viper pit and anyone of them that says otherwise is not being honest. Opportunists and gold diggers come in both genders: It’s an absolutely equal-opportunist. (I know more male gold diggers than I do female ones.)

 

[FiveEasyPieces]

I remember reading years ago that a lot of high fashion models would make the bulk of their earnings during fashion week, but with each successive season the number of shows the top runway walkers participate in has dwindled. I think when I started following the industry back at the end of the last decade, the most prolific catwalk models would appear in at least 70 shows, but last season I'm pretty sure the top catwalker only booked 39 shows. A lot of the blue-chip shows that really put a model on the map don't even exist anymore: there's no Calvin Klein show; you need a mullet or Gale Weathers' bangs to walk Gucci; Balenciaga will drag anyone off the street who fits their aesthetic...

 

[VBE]

I remember reading years ago that a lot of high fashion models would make the bulk of their earnings during fashion week, but with each successive season the number of shows the top runway walkers participate in has dwindled. I think when I started following the industry back at the end of the last decade, the most prolific catwalk models would appear in at least 70 shows, but last season I'm pretty sure the top catwalker only booked 39 shows. A lot of the blue-chip shows that really put a model on the map don't even exist anymore: there's no Calvin Klein show; you need a mullet or Gale Weathers' bangs to walk Gucci; Balenciaga will drag anyone off the street who fits their aesthetic...

In my era most high fashion print models rarely touched a runaway. There was a clear separation between print and runway with print considered the higher tier. I can only think of 3 peers from my era that were popular both editorially, commercially and on the catwalk. Iman, Jerry Hall and maybe Susan Hess.

 

[Phuel]

^^^ LOL and now in 2020— the likes/ilks of dead-in-the-eyes Hailey//Bella/Paloma are considered “Supers”— all the while hawking anything/everything under the sun if the price is right, including their family/husband’s name. Not only are the standards so dirt low-- there truly are no standards anymore.

 

[Urban Stylin]

Just to be clear, I do not idolize models or glamorize modelling. I just didn't think this forum was that popular, so that's what I found to be strange. It seems like a dying site tbh. As far as the age thing, I don't know what you consider to be "very young," but I'm 26.

Its obvious that you are new on TFS. Of course its not popular because its not Instagram or Twitter, you'll find the most honest critique of collections, covers, ads and the like here and many insiders know it and drop by once in a while.

 

[FashionMuseDior]

The escorting thing has been around the corner of this industry for decades now. I remember reading somewhere about this term "yachting" and the fact that some big names used to to this (Hailey B, Emily R, Irina, allegedly of course).

 

[theBlueRider]

The escorting thing has been around the corner of this industry for decades now. I remember reading somewhere about this term "yachting" and the fact that some big names used to to this (Hailey B, Emily R, Irina, allegedly of course).

Oh it totally exists.

But why would someone like Hailey B do that because she has tons of money before ever signing with an agency? None of the nepotism girls like Bella, Gigi and Kaia need money and that's why they can do all the editorial and not worry about rates. That's actually what is interesting because they don't need to do escort work like Natalia Vodianova, Isabel Goulart, Carmella Rose for example who needed money and had agency debt.

 

[KateTheGreatest]

^Apparently Miranda Kerr also did this, after her divorce from Orlando Bloom so she had plenty of money. Maybe they're greedy, they can never have enough?

 

[velvetandsilk]

A lot of girls have problem with earn money becouse they are too young they don't have enough knowledge save and check you account in agency. Modeling agency is not charity organization and likes add stupid cost. Some agency in Paris is a very clever and models pay them taxes. Girl with experience resign with part of booker service and book cheaper flights, hotels. Agency also doesn't pay model's taxes. They have to remember about this.
Today a majority of young models start your career at Asia market. Japan and China is the most popular destination. Mother agency sometimes pay only for filght tickets but accommodation costs and pocket money cover agency in Asia. In Asia most popural form of work is contract - for 3 or more month. One month is never positive. A majority of girls comeback with debt becouse if you was on 3 month contract you should work by half of time then you have oportunity to earn money. The best work is catalogue, campaign, but every years is more and more willing to work but pay rate for hour is fall. Nowdays too much pretty girls thinks they have are prospects to be model.
The best catalog market is Spain, German, USA and every year China is become more significant.
In high fashion runway work is good payment in Italy some times in France but them taxes is high.
All agency charge commission min. 20% sometimes more if you don't understand you employment contract, they "pay" all other cost, but it is your debt and models should remember about taxes for government.
Girls with debt sometimes try repay it. In Asia they start moonlight as host in club, but some agency never accept this kind of work. They can fire you. Some girls pretend that they working, beouse they neaver earn money. Some club, hotel in Ibiza pay models for hotel room and food of course girls tear men for higher bill.

 

[VBE]

Like I said in early post, the world of modeling has changed so drastically from when I was modeling. It was very clear as to how you made money. Advertising and catalog was were the money was and everyone knew that you made the most money in the American market. You worked in Europe to get exposure not to make money because, in my day, Europe paid peanuts. I started modeling in early 1977 and I immediately started getting bookings and started making money immediately. My very first bookings were a cosmetics add for Avon and a spread in Seventeen and then I made the cover of that magazine that ran later in the year. My agency immediately made the decision to move from the teen/junior market to the more adult high fashion arena. I would first appear in American Vogue in January 1978 and would appear in almost every issue until around 1981. I never made the cover of American Vogue, but would make the cover of British Vogue six times beginning in 1978, the same year I began appearing in the editorial pages of American Vogue. I would continue to appear in British Vogue until around 83/84. The bulk of my money always came from cosmetic and fashion campaigns(I did a ton of those) and catalog. I rarely touched a runway. I also did everything from pantyhose adds to tv commercials for cars and airlines. In my day, a top model simply worked, there wasn’t this snobbery about image that seems to permeate these days. I did Vogue, Elle and Bazaar, but also Sears, JcPenney and Montgomery Wards. Girls got in the business to make money and travel, not to be chosen by a designer to walk his show. No one cared about that and I mean no one unless you were a runway girl and that was considered second tier with some exceptions. I can name the girls on one hand who were popular both editorially and on the runways. Iman, Jerry Hall, Peggy Dillard, Susan Hess, and maybe Pat Cleveland. They were seen as the exceptions, not the rule. The modeling world has changed so much. If I started today I don’t think I would have been as successful and there are very few girls today who would have worked in my era. Times are always changing.

 

[theBlueRider]

Like I said in early post, the world of modeling has changed so drastically from when I was modeling. It was very clear as to how you made money. Advertising and catalog was were the money was and everyone knew that you made the most money in the American market. You worked in Europe to get exposure not to make money because, in my day, Europe paid peanuts. I started modeling in early 1977 and I immediately started getting bookings and started making money immediately. My very first bookings were a cosmetics add for Avon and a spread in Seventeen and then I made the cover of that magazine that ran later in the year. My agency immediately made the decision to move from the teen/junior market to the more adult high fashion arena. I would first appear in American Vogue in January 1978 and would appear in almost every issue until around 1981. I never made the cover of American Vogue, but would make the cover of British Vogue six times beginning in 1978, the same year I began appearing in the editorial pages of American Vogue. I would continue to appear in British Vogue until around 83/84. The bulk of my money always came from cosmetic and fashion campaigns(I did a ton of those) and catalog. I rarely touched a runway. I also did everything from pantyhose adds to tv commercials for cars and airlines. In my day, a top model simply worked, there wasn’t this snobbery about image that seems to permeate these days. I did Vogue, Elle and Bazaar, but also Sears, JcPenney and Montgomery Wards. Girls got in the business to make money and travel, not to be chosen by a designer to walk his show. No one cared about that and I mean no one unless you were a runway girl and that was considered second tier with some exceptions. I can name the girls on one hand who were popular both editorially and on the runways. Iman, Jerry Hall, Peggy Dillard, Susan Hess, and maybe Pat Cleveland. They were seen as the exceptions, not the rule. The modeling world has changed so much. If I started today I don’t think I would have been as successful and there are very few girls today who would have worked in my era. Times are always changing.

Sounds like you had a great career that worked for you.

I think part of the problem today is that there are more people modeling than ever before. The height and physical standards aren't as strictly enforced anymore. Over the past decade or so, the American market has been leaning more into street casting or using people who are more "normal" like. On top of that, modeling is considered a very desirable career unlike years ago. And because there are more people in this pool of selection, there are more categories and division. Models are no longer expected to be a chameleon or versatile because of "branding" and that means they don't have to develop for cross over jobs and transformative appeal.

 

[mathiaskatz]

Like I said in early post, the world of modeling has changed so drastically from when I was modeling. It was very clear as to how you made money. Advertising and catalog was were the money was and everyone knew that you made the most money in the American market. You worked in Europe to get exposure not to make money because, in my day, Europe paid peanuts. I started modeling in early 1977 and I immediately started getting bookings and started making money immediately. My very first bookings were a cosmetics add for Avon and a spread in Seventeen and then I made the cover of that magazine that ran later in the year. My agency immediately made the decision to move from the teen/junior market to the more adult high fashion arena. I would first appear in American Vogue in January 1978 and would appear in almost every issue until around 1981. I never made the cover of American Vogue, but would make the cover of British Vogue six times beginning in 1978, the same year I began appearing in the editorial pages of American Vogue. I would continue to appear in British Vogue until around 83/84. The bulk of my money always came from cosmetic and fashion campaigns(I did a ton of those) and catalog. I rarely touched a runway. I also did everything from pantyhose adds to tv commercials for cars and airlines. In my day, a top model simply worked, there wasn’t this snobbery about image that seems to permeate these days. I did Vogue, Elle and Bazaar, but also Sears, JcPenney and Montgomery Wards. Girls got in the business to make money and travel, not to be chosen by a designer to walk his show. No one cared about that and I mean no one unless you were a runway girl and that was considered second tier with some exceptions. I can name the girls on one hand who were popular both editorially and on the runways. Iman, Jerry Hall, Peggy Dillard, Susan Hess, and maybe Pat Cleveland. They were seen as the exceptions, not the rule. The modeling world has changed so much. If I started today I don’t think I would have been as successful and there are very few girls today who would have worked in my era. Times are always changing.

Love reading your posts, thank you for sharing your experiences!

 

[VBE]

Sounds like you had a great career that worked for you.

I think part of the problem today is that there are more people modeling than ever before. The height and physical standards aren't as strictly enforced anymore. Over the past decade or so, the American market has been leaning more into street casting or using people who are more "normal" like. On top of that, modeling is considered a very desirable career unlike years ago. And because there are more people in this pool of selection, there are more categories and division. Models are no longer expected to be a chameleon or versatile because of "branding" and that means they don't have to develop for cross over jobs and transformative appeal.

Modeling was considered a desirable career when I started in the late 70’s. I think the big difference is most of the girls I worked with simply fell into the business by chance. It does seem that today’s crop of models are more intentional.

 

[theBlueRider]

Modeling was considered a desirable career when I started in the late 70’s. I think the big difference is most of the girls I worked with simply fell into the business by chance. It does seem that today’s crop of models are more intentional.

Yes, that is what I mean that the desirability has skyrocketed since there is more awareness of the career and the type of fruits of success. Today there are people who don't really fit any model standard but are still going for it. Things like street casting and Kate Moss and Ashley Graham have people of all types trying to get their foot in the door. Some of them do very well.

Today there are more parents who are trying to groom their children to become a model as an adult. People can get all types of plastic surgery to get noticed and make it big.

 

[rebel]

Jacob Fish / Louis Vuitton FW 2017

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