Even a handful of modeling jobs can mean big money. Whether its a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, working models generate a pretty decent income. However, getting paid as a model has its own process that you may want to be familiar with.
If you're freelancing your skills, you may either be paid directly after the shoot or a few days/weeks later (I highly recommend getting payment after the shoot). Make sure to have an invoice (it's really easy to create your own on your computer),a Model Release Form or some other form of paperwork that lists the amount you are to be paid for your work. Never negotiate pay through a verbal agreement--ALWAYS GET IT IN WRITING!!!
When you're working with an agency, payment takes a few weeks to come through. So don't get your hopes up of getting your cut within the next day or two. There is a very involved--and oftentimes, very slow--process of paperwork that needs to be completed when it's time to pay up.
First, the client needs to send the paperwork to the agent, who makes sure everything checks out. The agent then sends the paperwork back to the client with the total amount due. That's when the people in the accounting department do their job of making sure that all of the payment info is accurate and calculate what percentage is going to the agent and what percentage is going to the model.
This process can take a few weeks to a month or two. Normally, there is a part of the Model Release or other contract signed that states that payment for a job can take upwards to 90 days...that's a pretty long time to wait for a check, so if you're a model, don't go out and splurge on a new wardrobe just yet.
Be realistic and be patient. If you get enough jobs, be comforted by the fact that you'll always have a check to look forward to!
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