Modeling Expenses and Start up Costs for New Models

Modeling Expenses and Start up Costs for New ModelsModeling Expenses and Start up Costs for New ModelsOne of the areas that can create the fruchtwein confusion for new models is the area of fees, expenses, and departure-up costs. There is a lot of hype and misinformation, particularly online and in modeling forums, surrounding modeling expenses and what a model should and shouldnt pay for, which can bewilder a new model to the point of giving up and never pursuing their dream. Dont let that happen to you. When you first start out on your journey to become a model, there are two very simple things youll need. Basic Snapshots Have a friend take some basic digital snapshots of you wearing simple clothing and very little makeup. Get Exposure Modeling Agents and Scouts You need to get your snapshots seen by as many agents and scouts as possible to get signed to a modeling agency. You can print out your photos and mail them to all the agencies (but this would be the slowest and mos t costly way) you can email them to all the agencies (not always the most effective way) or you can post your photos on model scouting websites where you know the agents and scouts are actively searching for models. Thats it Pretty simple and affordable. Once an Agency Wants to Sign You Now that an agency has expressed an interest in representing you, you will likely be told that you need to hire a photographer, makeup artists, and stylists, make prints of your photos, create composite cards, post your photos on the agency website and so on. Some may even tell you that you need modeling classes to improve your skills. It is the time where you need to take a breath and figure out the best path for you. Many new models have heard if you have to pay anything its a scam or if an agency likes me they will pay for everything. It is not always the case, and its never as cut and dry as people would like to think. Please dont give up on yourself or an agency when the topic of expenses co mes up. You need to think about whats best for your career and what they are asking you to do. A few things to keep in mind are What is the reputation of the agency? Is the agency known for developing new models and getting them bookings? Do they have connections to larger agencies in bigger modeling markets? What is their plan for how to market you?If you need new photos, ask the agency for a list of different photographers they would recommend. If they insist that you use their in-house photographer, this should be a warning sign that they probably earn mora selling photo shoots than getting you bookings.An agency should not earn income from your photo shoots. Is the agency part of a modeling school? Modeling classes can be beneficial to some modelsbut are never a requirement for you to get signed to an agency.Are you in a large market like New York, Los Angeles, Milan, Paris or a smaller local market? Most models do not start at the top in big New York or Paris agencies, rather t hey learn the business, develop their look, and build their books in the smaller market agencies. While a big agency in New York may offer to advance your expenses, agencies in smaller markets dont have the resources to finance new models. If you have the opportunity to work with an agency in a smaller market dont pass it up, they can be a valuable asset to your career. Agencies May Advance Expenses but Never Finance When you are signed to an agency, you are considered an independent contractor. You are not an employee of the agency, but rather your services as a model are contracted by the agency. Essentially, you are a sole proprietor of your own business. Therefore, all the expenses incurred will be your responsibility. Having said that, there are instances where an agency may be willing to advance some of these expenses to get you started. Once you start booking jobs, the agency will deduct what is owed to them from your account. Even after you start working and booking lo ts of jobs you, just like all the other supermodels, will have ongoing expenses such as new photo shoots, prints for your book, couriers, agency website fees, agency commissions, travel expenses, long-distance telephone charges, etc. But, its likely these will be small expenses in regards to the income you will earn, plus your business expenses will be tax deductible. Every Model and Every Agency Is Different When it comes to modeling start-up fees and expenses, its important to keep in mind that every model and every agency is different. If you asked 100 successful models how they got started, youd likely get 100 different stories. Some may have had certain advantages, but most of them probably did not, and they worked very hard to get where they are.