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Payment Hierarchy for Modeling

I'm sure I've mentioned this topic in a post but haven't actually done an entire post devoted to the hierarchy models should strive to follow when it comes to payment for gigs so here you go!

As I always like to say, real models are those that get paid--not just take pretty pictures. This statement does not apply to or mean to discredit models (male or female) that do it as a hobby or for fun. However, there is a distinct difference between "working" models that are paid for their services and those that like to label themselves as "models" when all they really do is take pictures for free. But I digress...

The point of this post is to explain what order models should put their modeling assignments in when it comes to priority--for those that seek to make some kind of "career" that involves pursuing the industry seriously, whether it is part time or full time. Below is a list (in order of highest priority to lowest) of payment arrangements that are ideal for serious models:

#1: Money & Tearsheets: Receiving this combination totally calls for an OMG moment. To not only get PAID to model but to also get tearsheets from the actual publication that you have appeared in is the "jackpot" in modeling. Anytime you can get a combo meal of these two--take it! Even if the pay is lower, it's still money so don't turn it down...and hey, if the pay happens to be fabulous, well, all the more reason to be excited!

#2: Tearsheets: That's right...tearsheets are a priority over money. In case you're a new reader, you should check out my post, titled: "Why Tearsheets are Just as Good as Money." And just to clarify, before taking on a modeling opportunity for tearsheets, make sure they are "guaranteed" tearsheets. This means that the pictures you're taking really will be published. "Possible" tearsheets and castings stating that they are submitting the images to various publications does not guarantee that they will get published. When a client says it's guaranteed, that is a deal you want to be a part of. Additionally, having a portfolio rich in tearsheets will increase your chances of booking future gigs that pay very well so it's worth it in the long run to take advantage of tearsheet shoots.

#3: Money: Models with experience and a portfolio to back up their work are definitely worth being paid for their services. Enough said.

#4: Test Shoots/TF*: Free shoots are considered low priority since they usually play the role of building new images for a model's portfolio, as well as create pictures that can be used to submit to modeling assignments. But just because they are at the bottom of the list doesn't mean they don't still matter because they do. However, if you really want to boost the credibility of your modeling career, seeking the high priority payment arrangements listed above will help you reach your goals much faster.
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Comments

amethist lover said…
Hello, I had a question about payments...
I have a job today and am suposed to get paid 60$ an hr; the time of the actually job is 8-10
but i have to be at the place by 7, do i get paid for that hour as well?
August 29, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Amethist Lover! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #465," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
August 29, 2012 at 11:53 AM
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