Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: What is the average pay of a model?

ANSWER: There's no one average pay rate for fashion models.  How much a model was being paid for any particular job would depend on several different factors - the market the model was working in, (A runway show in Miami might pay less that a runway show in Milan) the level of the model, (a model who is 'the face of the moment' or a 'supermodel' would command a higher rate than a more novice, lesser known model) and the type of job it is.  While a cover of a major fashion magazine might only pay a few hundred dollars, a perfume print ad could pay thousands.  Generally, lingerie and undergarments pay more, as you're exposing more.  Becoming a spokesmodel for a particular product (such as a cosmetics line, or a clothing brand) can pay easily hundreds of thousands of dollars, with top models earning even more.  Ultimately, how much a model earns is in part because of their look, how photogenic they are, how easy it is to work with them, and the strength of their agent and/or booker to pitch them to the right clients.
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am 1 month away from being 18 yrs. old, 6'0 3/4ft tall and pretty slim. Where would you suggest that I go to become a model? Is it better to apply online or in person?

Answer
If you have the time and resources, you may want to grab a friend and go to as many open calls in New York City as you can.  You can mail in your information to agencies you are interested in, but the open calls are much faster - and you will most likely have to move there if they are interested in you.  Speaking from personal bias, I would always recommend an exciting trip to Manhattan in the Spring, for any reason.  LA may be the acting capitol of the US, but NYC is definitely where you'd want to go for fashion modeling.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty