Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

...According to a recent study done by The Model Alliance, an outfit that agitates for higher wages, estimates that the average regularly-employed model makes $27,000 a year. Part-timers and men make less.

...Even if an agency expresses interest in a model, it isn't 100% guaranteed they'll get signed. When agencies choose who to bring onto their rosters, it's not just one person making a decision--it's usually more. When a person from an agency states they're "interested" in a model that has submitted to them for possible representation, the process doesn't end there. The agency staff member that expressed initial interest has to take the model's photos, info and other materials to their higher-ups and discuss things in greater detail. This could mean having a panel of the agency's decision makers talking about a model's chances at being successful with their agency, pros and cons, etc. The final decision could be up to one head honcho, such as the agency's President, Owner, CEO, etc. or it may require a vote from a handful of agency staff. So if you've gotten initial interest from an agency but are wondering why it's takin...

...if you're sending your agency submission via regular mail, it is recommended to include a brief, 1 page, typed cover letter with your materials. Even if the agency website doesn't ask for it, do it anyway. It's a formality and is a professional courtesy--not to mention it helps agencies know who you are, instead of trying to piece it together through random snapshots. The cover letter shouldn't be longer than 1 page and should be super simple: - Introduce yourself - Tell them you're interested in seeking agency representation (you can mention what type of modeling you want to do, as well as if you have any experience. Even if you are inexperienced, it's okay to put that in your letter) - List very briefly what your skills/strengths are and why you think you'd be a good fit for their agency - Don't forget to include contact info This cover letter should be formatted to look just like one you'd send when applying to a traditional job. Fre...

...Applying to agencies in other states or other countries is completely acceptable BUT if you get invited for an interview, the agency will NOT cover your expenses related to airfare, hotel/lodgings and transportation. That means you better start saving up your pennies and be prepared to pay a lot of money if you're submitting to agencies that are far away from where you live.

...That signing to a "talent" agency as a model doesn't mean you also have to do acting. Models sign with talent agencies all the time and the agent won't force you into acting work if you don't want to do it or have no interest in that field.

...Gisele Bundchen does her own eye makeup for shoots? Because her eyes are sensitive and she doesn't feel comfortable with a makeup artist being that close to her eyes, she applies her own liner and mascara.

...models with agency representation sometimes have to wait a long time to get paid for a modeling assignment? It can sometimes take up to as long as 90 days to see a check! Why is this? It's mainly because of the payroll process. The agency has to invoice the client for the work/services performed by the model and then it is up to the client to get things together to send out the check. The sooner the client completes payroll, the sooner the model (and agency) get to see payment. The slightest interruption/delay means the longer it'll take to see the money. To avoid this becoming an issue, modeling contracts typically have a clause that states that by signing the document, the model understands and is okay with knowing that receiving payment could take anywhere from 30-90 days.

...that if you're in high school and have to miss classes because of a modeling related event (go-see/casting, photoshoot), it is recognized as an excused absence? This means it won't be a negative mark on your record. As long as your parents follow the guidelines set by your school and keep your teachers notified of upcoming absences, students won't have to worry about suffering consequences.

...in almost every photoshoot I've done, I've stuck my tongue out at the photographer while he/she was taking my picture? It's true! The same goes for acting/video shoots (I'll make a goofy face while the crew is busy checking the shot, adjusting the framing, etc.) . I'm a total goofball on set and love to make others laugh. Life's too short to be so serious all the time!

...that high fashion and editorial models, especially in other countries outside the USA, make very little money--even for walking in big shows? Because of the high taxes in places like France, the modeling agencies sometimes take as much as 70% in commission from each job a model books! Even more surprising (although I have been trying to tell people this for years), it that the print and catalog models make the most money ! (BTW: This is obviously not the case for supermodels but here I'm solely referencing the average, everyday working model) Don't believe me? Check out the last page of this forum topic, where actual working, agency represented, international fashion models talk about their experiences and lack of pay for their efforts: How much can a model expect to get paid, on average?

...out of all the models actively working in the industry around the world, only about 1% make it to "supermodel" status? Crazy!

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen plays classical music during her photoshoots? It's true! Music is a great element for any shoot. If you don't already, make a mix CD of songs that help you get in the mood for posing.

...to make the Victoria's Secret models' backsides look bigger in photos (for those not naturally blessed with "junk in the trunk"), the underwear they model is one size smaller? Doing this makes the fabric cut into the skin in such a way that it "appears" as if they have more of a butt. In many cases, the bras worn are also one size smaller to emphasize their cleavage, even if they already have a large bust.

...shooting on a cloudy/overcast day is much better than shooting on a sunny day? The reason for this is because direct sunlight creates harsh shadows and glare, whereas an overcast day keeps the lighting uniform and is much more flattering on a model, male or female.