A Rich Working Model

ASM Blogger
Mar 23, 2020
3 min read

I made the choice to rename this blog "A Rich Working Model" instead of its previous name (A Broke Working Model) because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of the tongue. Nevertheless I will be speaking about the struggles of being paid in the #modelingindustry...

Alright so boom! You wake up one day and you're a #model.

You're signed to a"good"#agency...fine....we'll give you the "best" agency. Now imagine being flown out to another state, put up in your own hotel room and picked up the next day with a car service, hair, makeup, stylist the whole nine.

....car service, hair, makeup, stylist the whole nine.

You get to your shoot and do your best to hit every pose, socialize with the crew and the other #models. Six hours later you're back at the airport flying home. You get back to your city and take public transportation to get home because your... saving money. On the way home you're #thankful that you asked for extra chips and cookies on the plane so that you can use the little cash you have for your metro card. That's life as a broke working model.

The contract you signed with this great agency clearly says it will be a #minimum of 30-90 days before you receive #payment but you're too excited to care....30 days if your lucky. There are soooo many stories I've heard of models waiting to get a f#$% check for a job they did 6 or 8 months ago!

It's completely insane and guess what, it's not the clients fault because (pssst)....they paid your agency already. Yep! So apparently the agencies hold on to our money to collect interest, (or so I've heard). So while we're struggling, going out to eat via apps like"into", they have our money chillin in their bank account.

There are soooo many stories I've heard of models waiting to get a f#$% check for a job they did 6 or 8 months ago!

Do you understand what I'm saying to you?! I just did a job in January and I won't see the money until March! Its unacceptable and honestly intolerable because models in 2020 have more options than ever. It's time to wake up (I'm talking to you agencies) we don't need you as much as you think we do. We have #selfbooking apps and access to the world just like you. Your clients can find us on their own now and we don't have to sit around and wait for your approval. Models have the power in 2020 and the years to follow and we're not going to stay quiet and kiss your ass anymore.

Okay, now that that's off my chest.... I am not against agencies. Matter of fact I love the idea of having a team. Teamwork makes the dream work and all that. Seriously, collaboration is key so lets try harder to work together. #Respect your models, be open, be honest and pay within a decent amount of time so your models can survive.

Now listen up (models)....next time you get a #contract from an agency check it thoroughly and don't be afraid to negotiate, especially if you have leverage.

Types of Leverage:

Experience
Instagram followers
Loyal clients
Being scouted

Edit your contract to receive payment by minimum of 30 days and if you need an advance make sure there will be no fees. Trust me they have fees. Be even more specific and tell them you should receive payment within 2 weeks from loyal clients or clients that you bring to them.

....don't be afraid to negotiate, especially if you have leverage.

The modeling industry is a business and you are the product. Bookers do not get paid unless they have models that are booking jobs. Make your demands clear and follow up.

If that agency or booker does not comply then move on and become a freelance model. Continue to push and submit yourself to castings on sites like #CastingNetworks and #Backstage. Collaborate with photographers, send dms to small companies and do your research to get the emails to big designers. Apply to self booking apps like UBooker and SwipeCast.

Build yourself up and if you're still interested in signing with a major agency then get a manager or mother agency that can help you find a good fit. Certain designers and clients only work with agency models so yes it's great to be signed but it's even better to know the business. Understand your contracts and do not let 90 days go by without getting paid. Know your worth know your rights and become a #RichWorkingModel.