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The Truth About Modeling Expenses

Expenses is one area that seems to create the most confusion and misunderstandings between new models and agencies.

Modeling agencies often hear new models say "Well,
if you liked me you would pay for everything". Unfortunately, the hype surrounding modeling agencies paying for expenses is grossly exaggerated and often wishful thinking on the part of new models who don't understand how the modeling industry really works.

We understand that models have been told "don't pay an agency to represent you" - that is true. But that is much different from investing in your own basic start-up costs that don't involve the agency, such as photo shoots, composite cards, etc. These are services you need from outside sources such as photographers, stylists, printers, etc.

Agencies that were willing to finance the careers of new models were much more prevalent in the 1980's (the Supermodel era) than they are today. Modeling agencies soon learned that financing the careers of
new models was more costly than profitable.

As a fashion model you are an independent contractor, not an employee of the agency. In addition to basic start-up costs, professional models are required to cover all of their own promotional expenses such as composite cards, agency books, head sheets, websites, couriers, etc. These promotional expenses can run anywhere from $200 - $600 per year to post photos on the agency website, $1,500 - $2,500 per year for composite cards, in addition to couriers, postage, working visa's, legal and accounting fees. Professional models understand that this is simply the cost of doing business and it is standard in the industry for the model to cover these promotional expenses.
 
Agencies in smaller markets simply do not have the resources to finance new models. However, the agencies in smaller markets are very important to a new model's career. Most models do not start at the top in big New York or Paris agencies; rather they learn the business, develop their look and build their books in the smaller market agencies. Don't expect modeling agencies to finance your career. Remember that agents are just that - they are AGENTS. They are not bankers or magicians.

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