The economy is challenging now, and the recent pandemic has made things even worse for most people. If you are looking for a way to earn extra cash and attend to your want list, this article is for you. It shows you how to make money from modeling. You don’t have to invest many hours every week before you can earn a mediocre salary or minimum wage. Modeling opportunities may be an excellent option for you.
Know how to earn money from modeling and take full responsibility for your earning. Not sure you have what it takes? Think again because there are different modeling aspects you can delve into to make money – without necessarily needing even to show your face.
Can You Make Money From Modeling?
Absolutely! Models earn money every day in every major city across the U.S and every part of the world. While Los Angeles, New York, and Miami present the best, high-paying opportunities to models, you can find decent-paying jobs in small cities throughout the country. A model, on average, earns about $150 per hour. They make about $75 an hour for print modeling and about $300 per day at trade shows.
However, you should know that models don’t get to keep all the money earned. A percentage of it goes to the agency that facilitates the contract.
How to Get Started With Earning from Modeling
Get yourself prepared for jobs that creating a professional portfolio for yourself. Hire a professional photographer to take good pictures you can make into a portfolio and send to agencies. The photographer will also make composite photo cards for you, so it’s recommended you choose a photographer experienced in the modeling industry.
Now craft a well-written resume and cover letter. Get to know which modeling agencies are in your area and check if they will be interested in getting you on board. That means you will need to know their specificities and determine if you meet them. Once you find some you think will accept you, send them your resume, cover letter, and composite card.
Different Ways to Make Money from Modeling
You don’t have to be super skinny with long legs to be a model; modeling now comes in a variety of forms. If you think you are not called to be on the run-way to the catwalk, no problem. You can look inward to find that unique talent you can model with. Here are some modeling forms that can help you earn a good income.
#1: Plus size modeling
For some years now, plus-size modeling has continued to gain significant popularity among people. And with the present demand for real-looking women, the plus-size modeling market doesn’t seem to be going down any time soon.
To earn money from plus size modeling, you will still need to have a highly desirable height – between 5’7’’ and 5’9’’. Dress size is preferably 12 or 14. But some agencies require larger sizes than 14. However, to make money from this industry, being large isn’t enough. You will need to be in shape and Rubenesque rather than flabby. A great face, hair, and confident attitude are also important.
#2: Character modeling
Do you think you have a unique feature – one that makes people stop and look in the street? Then you are a good candidate for character modeling. Anyone of any size, height, race, or age can get this on. But you will need to have that unique feature. This could be being extremely tall or short, especially chubby, having lots of piercings or tattoos, having a quirky-looking face, and many more. A reputable agency in the character modeling industry is Ugly Models London. Check their portfolio to see what kind of things you can bring to the table in this unique modeling industry.
#3: Catalogue modeling
This post about how to make money from modeling will not be complete without mentioning catalogue modeling. It is not only popular but also in high demand everywhere in the world. These are the models you see on virtually all media outlets. Their shoots make it to different fashion magazines, lifestyle magazines, catalogues, and various online retail outlets.
This modeling industry favors models that are tall. But some agencies also require short models. For fashion models, you will need to have balanced facial features, good height, and size. For catalogues, mature and plus-size models are more preferable. Some big-name agencies in the catalogue modeling industry are Models1, IMG Models, Select Model Management, and Premier Model Management.
#4: Mature modeling
Who says the silver-haired cannot make money as a model because of their age? Even in your 80s, you can still make money from modeling. There is recently increased demand for older models for print and broadcast media as the country ages. So if you think you have what it takes to be a mature model, use the Association of Model Agents website to find a good job for yourself. However, as with fashion models, you must have a model face and a certain height to thrive.
#5: Pregnant modeling
You must have seen those maternity wear and parenting magazines show off some models with bumps. They need them too. If you are an expectant mom and looking to make money as a model from the different stages of your pregnancy, this is the opportunity you have been looking for.
You only need to have a model face, be pregnancy-proud, and have a good figure. Pre-natal moms and babies can also be used for parenting magazines.
How to Make Money from Modeling without Showing Your Face
#6: Hair modeling
There are different ways you can still make money as modeling without having to show your face. One of them is hair modeling. Salon brans and hairstylists need hair models to train their staff. But to thrive in the industry, you need to have healthy hair and in its natural state.
#7: Hand and foot modeling
You can also make money by only showing your hand and foot. The general requirement here is that you have blemish-free skin and, sometimes, nail beds. However, the requirement varies from one agency to another. A good place to look is Hired Hands. Different parts of your body like the hand, foot, lips, and eyes can help you earn some extra cash. They just need to be good-looking and well-maintained. A small paper cut on your finger can stop you from making money from hand and foot modeling until it’s healed.
#8: Pet modeling
Still looking for a way to make money from modeling without showing your face? Let your pet be the model. Any pet can model; so far the pet is in good condition. There is no specific look for animals, but your pet must be a happy type and be ready to travel with you while getting along with everyone. There are a few pet agencies out there that might be interested in your little furry friend. One of them is Pet London Models.
Final Note
Your body or face is not the only thing to pay attention to when looking to make money from modeling. Your attitude is also very important. You need to be the happy type and be easy to work with.
Also, be careful of scams. The industry is full of scam agencies that are only willing to use you without paying. So, conduct a background check on any agency you intend to work with before going with them.