Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/13/2007

Question
HI I am 18 and want to become a model. I am 5'6, 120lbs, long brown hair and have bright blue eyes. I have had alot of people ask me if I have considerd becoming a model. I have actually been accepted by a modeling agency but could not fallow through due to the Expense. I would like to try again. If you Could please let me know how much the average income of a model is and anything else you might helpful, I would really appreciate it. Thank you

Answer
There is no average income, as there are different types of models, different markets, and some models have looks more in demand than others.  And of course models are paid by the job, which may last just a few hours, and not book another for days or weeks.  
If you're going for commercial print modeling, the expense of getting a composite card made also varies - could be anywhere from .50 cents a card to thousands for photographers, hair stylists/makeup artists, printing etc.  Other than that, the agency itself will only take a percentage off of the money you earn through them (usually 10-20%).  You do not need any schooling or training to become a model, and if you live somewhere where a fashion agency will consider you, you won't even need a modeling composite card, but rather a couple of snapshots for consideration.  If you're here in the US, there are quite a number of modeling agency directories available in your local library, bookstore or online, and on newsstands in NYC and L.A. that cover both fashion modeling and commercial print modeling agencies.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty