What Is A Freelance Model?

 

A freelance model is self-employed and considered an independent contractor. Since you are not represented by an agency, you are solely responsible for your success or failure. You manage your own bookings, promotion, business administration, taxes, health, personal safety, etc... Some freelance models, novice and experienced, prefer to hire a competent manager to help guide and shape their careers although I do not recommend this for most new models. However, I do recommend working with a good tax accountant and learning about investing and sound money management which will be useful throughout your modeling career and life.

It's often difficult being taken seriously as a freelance model, therefore, it's VERY IMPORTANT that you strictly adhere to the highest personal and professional standards. Whether you're at a photo shoot or promotional event, shopping for groceries or hanging out at the mall, you are a walking advertisement for your modeling. You never know who you might meet. It could be a local photographer or a major commercial client. For that reason you should have business cards with you at all times that have the web address for your portfolio, and you should look your best whether you're wearing baggy sweats or dressed for a night out on the town.

 

In the past a physical portfolio was required for all female models and needed to be updated regularly at great expense and effort. Nowadays, freelance models only need to post a resume and a few quality images at a reputable social networking or modeling website. Your profile should always provide potential clients with accurate information about your measurements, physical characteristics, accomplishments, and experience. Your images should be minimally retouched and draw attention to your strengths while hiding or diminishing your weaknesses. At Model Headquarters we can help you create and choose the best images.

Effective networking is crucial to your success as a freelance model. When you post your portfolio and resume online make sure you only accept friend requests from photographers, models, makeup artists and others in the modeling industry that have an impressive portfolio and resume. If your friend list is full of amateurs this will reflect poorly on you. You should also keep your personal profile separate from your modeling profile. Potential clients don't want to see images of you half naked playing beer pong or chugging a bottle of tequila with a bunch of drunk frat boys. Of course, as a model I'm sure you're not engaging in these activities!

 

Special note about cosmetic surgery: I personally do not recommend cosmetic surgery for aspiring models or anyone else for that matter. In my opinion, natural is always better. Generally speaking, cosmetic surgery is just a poor substitute for proper diet, discipline, hard work and natural beauty. Instead of following a strict diet and exercise program, many aspiring models choose cosmetic surgery rarely considering the long term consequences. Of course, my opinion is in the minority. Cosmetic surgery is very common among freelance models and even many mainstream models. This trend is also due to changing societal values.  

 

Why not just sign with an agency?

 

Getting signed by an agency is a long shot for most aspiring female models unless you meet very specific (and rare) height and weight requirements. You must also have the right look or be at the right place at the right time. Furthermore, most female models begin their careers in their early teens.

In my opinion, a freelance model, particularly online, has more realistic opportunities for steady income. You also have more control over your career. As a freelance model you make your own schedule and choose what kind of modeling you're comfortable with. That being said, you also assume all the risks and responsibilities.

 

 

What type of modeling jobs are available?

 

In the past, most opportunities for freelance models were for glamour photo shoots such as bikini, lingerie, tasteful nudes, and also fitness modeling. Nowadays, many successful models can generate steady income while working promotional events and trade shows. Sometimes they choose to do this exclusively rarely stepping in front of a camera. If you're really ambitious you can also create a modeling website and market your own product line (posters, calendars, post cards, etc).

 

 

What about adult modeling?

 

Explicit hardcore is not recommended although the generally high pay and steady work seduce many aspiring freelance models. Don't confuse explicit hardcore with tasteful nudes. If conducted by a professional competent photographer, a tasteful nude photo shoot can be a very positive and rewarding experience. Let your values be your guide and not the financial pay off.

 

Something else to consider: The majority of modeling requires nudity or various states of undress either in front of the camera or behind the scenes. If that makes you uncomfortable you should consider another career.

 

 

How much money can I make?

 

As a freelance model you determine your rates unless it's a commercial assignment. What do you think your time is worth based on the assignment? What are other female models charging for similar assignments? Is there travel involved? Will you need to stay at a hotel? Will you receive free high quality photos for your portfolio or website (a significant value)? If so, how many and in what format (8x10 prints, photo CD, etc)?  Can you use the images for profit (posters, calendars, post cards, etc) or promotion only (portfolio or free websites)? Can you apply your own make-up professionally?

These are the questions you need to ask yourself and the photographer or client to determine your modeling fee. Keep your business costs low and learn to do your own make-up professionally so you can pass on the savings to your clients. This will increase your bookings and your reputation as well as ALWAYS being on time and prepared.

 

 

TIP: Do not set and post your modeling fee. It should be negotiable. Ask potential clients to email you specific details about the photo shoot or event then determine your modeling fee based on that information and other factors that are mentioned here. 

 

 

How many assignments will I get each month?

 

Again, that depends on you. How aggressively are you promoting yourself? Are you eating healthy and staying in shape? Are your modeling fees reasonable? Are you managing your business properly or are you treating your modeling as a hobby? Are you free to travel and accept assignments in select areas or would you prefer to stay home and only accept local assignments (college students)?  Do what works best for your situation.

That's basically it. Just remember, today the definition of a female model is very subjective and there are many good modeling resources such as the ones listed on this website. Spend some time learning everything about the modeling business, eat healthy and exercise, adhere to the highest standards personally and professionally and work hard to achieve your goals. If you follow this simple advice I believe you can succeed as a freelance model. Good luck and have fun!