How Much Can an AVERAGE Model Expect to Get Paid? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[BetteT]

Yep.

This point is the most important thing that most people don't know about being a model:

A model is essentially self employed and the agency is actually working for her (by mutual agreement, because the agency must beleive that they can make money from her work, too). They take a commission from every job they book for her.

They do not invest in the model .. .the model must invest in herself. The money it takes to market herself, is her responsibility. So she pays for portfolio photos, comp/zed cards and any expenses the agency incurs while they are marketing her to prospective clients. This will include postage, shipping her book out, messenger services and sometimes even long distance calls are all billed to her account. If she's making money, they just take it out of her checks ... in addition to their commission. If she's not making money ... she owes the agency. Agencies almost never pick up the cost ... the model does.

Now ... you are correct when you say not to "pay money" to an agency. What that is referring to is not marketing expenses, after she is signed. It refers to paying to "agency" up front for pictures, web sites, classes ... etc. Most of the time those sort of things are little more than scams preying on thousands of "wannabe" models and are a red flag that tells you that the "agency" probably is not legit. She will still need these things, but she doesn't pay the agency directly in almost all cases.

 

[xmodel citizen]

I've heard of one commercial girl in a large, urban city outside of NYC that makes in the 6 figure range every year based on ad campaigns and catalogues (she does A LOT of them). I've heard that commercial girls can make a lot of money if they get steady jobs. Maybe even more than a well-known girl in NYC and Paris who does a lot of editorials.

A girl I know is a model for major agencies in Europe and the $1,500 a day thing is right. She made like 1000 euros for shooting an ad campaign for a London designer's website.

 

[happycanadian]

well -- according to Forbes latest list, Gisele made $33 MILLION this year and $30 MILLION last year. they calculate the star's earnings May-May, i believe, so that means that since May, 2005, Gisele has made over $60 MILLION. that is an absolutely absurd amount of money. she made more than the rest of the top 5 combined, so obviously Gisele is a wild exception. nonetheless, that's a crapload of money. more than ANY of the original supers would dream of making. in fact, Gisele probably earned more in the past 2 years than Linda or Christy have earned in the entirety of their's.

 

[Rochas]

Yep.

This point is the most important thing that most people don't know about being a model:

A model is essentially self employed and the agency is actually working for her (by mutual agreement, because the agency must beleive that they can make money from her work, too). They take a commission from every job they book for her.

This is correct. However, in Paris, agencies work a bit differently. When you work in Paris, you are employed under the agency and working for them.

 

[iximisspiggyixi]

I've heard of one commercial girl in a large, urban city outside of NYC that makes in the 6 figure range every year based on ad campaigns and catalogues (she does A LOT of them). I've heard that commercial girls can make a lot of money if they get steady jobs. Maybe even more than a well-known girl in NYC and Paris who does a lot of editorials.

Totally correct - commercial girls make really good money. WAY more than high-fashion girls usually.

They do not invest in the model .. .the model must invest in herself. The money it takes to market herself, is her responsibility. So she pays for portfolio photos, comp/zed cards and any expenses the agency incurs while they are marketing her to prospective clients. This will include postage, shipping her book out, messenger services and sometimes even long distance calls are all billed to her account. If she's making money, they just take it out of her checks ... in addition to their commission. If she's not making money ... she owes the agency. Agencies almost never pick up the cost ... the model does.

I have to say, that is not exactly true. The agency I'm working at often advances the models, or just truly helps them out. We just bought a girl $600 dollar Chanel shoes because in the end it will be beneficial for her to wear those at castings, it will look good, and she'll book more jobs that way. I mean technically you're right, but there are exceptions.

 

[BetteT]

This is correct. However, in Paris, agencies work a bit differently. When you work in Paris, you are employed under the agency and working for them.

Interesting ... I didn't know that. So this opens up questions .... How does that work? Are models on salary, then? Or just paid hourly, like a part time employee .... a standard rate, no matter what the client is paying? If the client pays more then the agency just keeps the difference? And I wonder if the agencies provide benefits, take care of income taxes (if any) etc. ... none of which is provided in the States when you are self employed.



iximisspiggyixi ... yes ... there are exceptions to every rule. Look at Kate Moss ... perfect example.

 

[Rochas]

^No, models aren't on salary and the agencies don't take care of taxes. Taxes are all up to the model or the model's accountant to take care of. The agencies in France work in virtually the same way as the states except the models are technically employed under the agency.

 

[style_star]

Yep.

This point is the most important thing that most people don't know about being a model:

A model is essentially self employed and the agency is actually working for her (by mutual agreement, because the agency must beleive that they can make money from her work, too). They take a commission from every job they book for her.

They do not invest in the model .. .the model must invest in herself. The money it takes to market herself, is her responsibility. So she pays for portfolio photos, comp/zed cards and any expenses the agency incurs while they are marketing her to prospective clients. This will include postage, shipping her book out, messenger services and sometimes even long distance calls are all billed to her account. If she's making money, they just take it out of her checks ... in addition to their commission. If she's not making money ... she owes the agency. Agencies almost never pick up the cost ... the model does.

Now ... you are correct when you say not to "pay money" to an agency. What that is referring to is not marketing expenses, after she is signed. It refers to paying to "agency" up front for pictures, web sites, classes ... etc. Most of the time those sort of things are little more than scams preying on thousands of "wannabe" models and are a red flag that tells you that the "agency" probably is not legit. She will still need these things, but she doesn't pay the agency directly in almost all cases.

What about paying for a test shoot before you are signed? I heard of agencies making potential models do that before finally signing them.

 

[Rochas]

Misspiggy..since you work at an agency, can you tell me what the typical pay would be for a commercial model for certain jobs vs. a high fashion model?

 

[BetteT]

^No, models aren't on salary and the agencies don't take care of taxes. Taxes are all up to the model or the model's accountant to take care of. The agencies in France work in virtually the same way as the states except the models are technically employed under the agency.

OK ... thanks for sharing this.

 

[BetteT]

What about paying for a test shoot before you are signed? I heard of agencies making potential models do that before finally signing them.

Sometimes that is true ... they want to see how they look on camera, how photogenic they are. But you don't pay the agency for a test ... you pay the photographer directly.

And if it's a good agency, they might have a few photographers that they like who will do it for free. A good agency will have a lot of beginning fashion photographers wanting to test models for their own portfolios ... so it can be a win-win for everybody, if the agency can arrange that.

 

[tristan]

This really depends on what kind of girl you are. If you are an image girl then free tests are quick to come by. If you're a money girl, usually a paid test is what you'll require to get a quick start. Some agencies will advance this, and some won't.

 

[model_mom]

chicagotribune.com >> Living Woman News
So you want to be a model

Once largely glamorous, modeling work in Chicago has grown more diverse in the last few decades

By Judy Marcus
Special to the Tribune
Published June 13, 2007

Inside Elite Model Management on Chicago's Near North Side, makeup artist Rachael Perrin dusts a smidgen of blush onto Stephanie Schwartz's flawless face.

"Oh, my God!" says Schwartz, a 17-year-old high school student from Naperville. "I'm so excited!






Schwartz recently signed with Elite, one of Chicago's premier modeling agencies; on this day she's being primped for her first "test shoot," a photo session designed to jump-start her career as a fashion model.

With her fresh-faced good looks and long, lean frame, Schwartz seems a shoe-in. But here's the reality: There's not as much fashion photo work in Chicago as there used to be.

Instead, Chicago-area models often make their livings doing less-than-glamorous shoots that can nevertheless be lucrative. Clients may include uniform catalogs and companies that advertise goods such as beer and diapers.

Models get booked mainly through Elite and Ford Models Chicago, the two top Chicago modeling agencies, but some commercial photographers also rely on a handful of other local agencies, including Shirley Hamilton, which has been in business since 1962.

Companies such as Active Endeavors, Jockey and Claire's Accessories, shoot their advertising in Chicago using local female models. Some local publications, including Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Tribune (both owned by Tribune Co.) and Chicago Social Brides magazine, use fashion models.

But there was a time when fashion photo assignments were more plentiful.

"In the mid- to late 1970s, fashion photography really blossomed," says Fred Stein, a longtime Chicago commercial photographer.

Back then, the city was home to catalog giants such as Sears, Roebuck and Co., Montgomery Ward and Spiegel, companies that frequently booked models for photo shoots. Local retailers such as Marshall Field's, Carson Pirie Scott, Wieboldt's, Chas. A. Stevens, Lytton's and Evans kept models busy.

"There was a lot of synergy," says Stein, who worked regularly with models for department store clients and catalog companies in the 1980s.

Today, many of the retail businesses and catalog houses have gone out of business, been sold or moved out of town. That means Chicago modeling agencies have had to adjust accordingly.

"As talent agents, we've had to go after other clients outside of the area," says Jan Berendsen, vice president of Elite in Chicago.

Translation: If you're a working model in Chicago, you may have to travel. Models trek to Milwaukee to do shoots for Kohl's and Bon-Ton Stores Inc. (which owns Carson's), and to Madison, Wis., for shopbop.com, a Web-based clothing retailer owned by Amazon.com. They go to Minneapolis for Target and Dallas for J.C. Penney. It's also not uncommon for models to travel abroad -- to France, Italy and Singapore, for example -- in pursuit of a paycheck, Berendsen says.

Jobs can pay well

That check can be hefty. For photo shoots, models earn about $175 to $200 an hour, with the agency getting a 20 percent commission, Berendsen says. They also may receive bonuses for appearing in specific advertisements. Elite has 30 to 40 Chicago-area female models who "make a good living" modeling. Some Chicago models take home six-figure incomes, Berendsen says.

Another source of modeling work in Chicago is runway events. They include formal and informal modeling for department stores such as Macy's, Carson's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Susan Glick, vice president of women's apparel for Merchandise Mart Inc., produces about a dozen fashion trade shows a year for the Mart and for other clients.

Tracey Tarantino, an independent fashion show producer and president of Zzazz Productions in Oak Brook, presents about 30 fashion events a season, using 12 or more models per show. Her clients have included Escada, Max Mara and Northwest Community Hospital.

Then there's Gen Art, a national, non-profit arts and entertainment organization that showcases emerging talent, including fashion designers. Gen Art Chicago produces five major fashion shows a year, says Amanda Nosal, Chicago's Gen Art director.

Chicago's fashion calendar has grown busier since last year, when Chicago hired a fashion director, Melissa Turner. Among the new programming: a fashion photo exhibit, a jewelry designers show and a shopping tour.


continue >>

 

[model_mom]

Once largely glamorous, modeling work in Chicago has grown more diverse in the last few decades

By Judy Marcus
Special to the Tribune
Published June 13, 2007

<< previous

Fall event creates work

Also upcoming is the city's third annual Fashion Focus, a weeklong event in October that will highlight the work of about 100 local designers. The event will provide work for 80 to 90 female models. Turner's office also plans to create a fashion Web site, chicagofashionre source.com, scheduled to launch in late August.

When it comes to what kind of look is popular for Chicago modeling jobs, it's fairly conservative, says fashion stylist Patric Chauvez. Most models here are "very pretty, with not overly strong features," he says.

Lily Liu, president of Lily's Talent Agency Inc. in the West Loop, agrees that Chicago agents are hungry for conventionally pretty "girl-next-door-types, like Christie Brinkley."

On the other hand, runway models can have "more of a unique look that might be frightening to an advertiser," Nosal says. Glick says she looks for models who represent a "global picture. We are looking for lots of diversity on the runway."

Back at Elite, makeup artist Perrin applies finishing touches -- mascara and a dab of lip gloss -- to Schwartz's face. Whether Schwartz hits it big remains to be seen.

"The girl who gets the job is the one who has energy and the right attitude," Berendsen says.

- - -

What you need to know

Guidelines

- Female fashion models in Chicago must be at least 13. Girls 17 and younger should be at least 5 feet 6 inches tall and must have parental consent. Women age 18 and older should be at least 5 feet 8 inches.

- Legitimate modeling agencies do not charge upfront fees.

- Enrolling in acting and/or dance classes may help you feel more comfortable in front of a camera and could help you obtain work in commercials and films.

- If you don't have the physical attributes to become a professional model, consider signing up with Real Talent Inc. in Chicago, which uses people to appear primarily in print ads for clients such as State Farm Insurance, Harris Bank and Abbott Laboratories. Pay rates may vary, but models are usually paid $250-$360 for a two- to eight-hour day.

For more information

Elite Model Management: 58 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-943-3226; elitechicago.com.

Ford Models Chicago: 1017 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 2C, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-243-9400; ford models.com.

Lily's Talent Agency: 1017 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 4F, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-601-2345; lilysta lent.com.

Shirley Hamilton Inc.: 333 E. Ontario St. Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-787-4700; shirleyhamil ton.com.

Real Talent Inc.: 1759 N. Humboldt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647; 866-549-1200; realtalentinc.com.

-- J.M.

Sources: Elite Model Management, Real Talent Inc., photographer John Welzenbach

 

[miss_pepa]

so...someone like Gemma Ward isn't gettin paid much yet? i thought she'd be gettin heaps...everyone in perth is so jealous! maybe not any more...

No Gemma would be getting plenty of money...
Ive heard that the biggest amounts of money models get is from campaigns. And gemma has certainly had many of those.

 

[alxxxfast]

fashion is not p*rno but the money are almost the same

How many days a year do they shoot?

Oh, and, $1500?? This isn't p*rn*gr*phy, is it?

for p*rno it's half (or less) than that for an entire work day ... unless you are a star but with adult industry it's easier to work almost any day! and a superstar like jenna jameson can earn as much as 15M$ a year (she is a producer, director, there is her website etc ... , not only filming or modelling), so the two worlds fashion and p*rno are not that different at the top and at the low level for their payment ... and both are hard works

 

[BetteT]

$1500 a day is pretty common for basic commercial and catalog work for experienced models from the top agencies in the US. But no ... the work does not come every day or even every week and there are lots and lots of casting calls when you don't get the gig. So it's $1500 when you actually do work, less about 20% back to your agency in commission.

And yes. ... big campaigns for a designer or a cosmetics company is probably the top of the heap ... every model wants that. And that pays phenominally well ... I beleive that the models get residuals (payment for every time the ad or commercial is run) ... so it can provide a very nice income while the campaign is running. But probably less that 1 in 1000 models get that opportunity. Just like acting ... there's a lot of good talent out there but only a very few lucky ones make it.

Some models don't make enough to even support themselves ... actually, most don't. Many are merely doing it to help pay school expenses or in addition to a real job.

It's tough and very competitive ... and the career is over by the time you are 25 in 99% of the cases. But it's a wild ride, if you can catch the golden ring.

 

[ShesElectric]

How much does it cost to book a model?

...for a photo shoot. Referring to the Coco Rocha's and Doutzen's of today. Let's talk money people, what's the running cost?

 

[ialmrnt5]

Hmm... something leaked a while ago where it said Daria Werbowy (closest thing to a supermodel we have today) made like over 10,000$ an hour for photoshoots, because they were comparing her to Linda & that comment she made.

 

[ibimus]

I suppose it would depend on the model. People like Daria, Lily, and Natalia are going to cost a LOT more than the little print model from New York who hasn't yet gotten her "big break". I think part of it also depends on her agency, since big agencies will likely charge more for everything than the smaller ones.