Answering a Reader Question #870

Anonymous Wrote:

 Hey.. I live in New York but I am currently working 9 to 5, 5 days a week.. Is it possible for me to start modelling 

Hey, Anonymous!

It is possible to model while holding down a full-time 9-5 job BUT it will be a juggling act that could get crazy at times. I only recommend pursuing modeling for "9-5ers" if you have a job that is flexible and that will allow you to miss work randomly--if your goal is to get agency representation.

Notifications for castings and bookings can happen as last minute as 24-48 hour's notice and if you keep telling your agency that you can't make it because of your job, then they're less likely to submit you or may not want to represent you further because you can't make the necessary commitment to them.

That's not to say that models can't make the two work because they can but it can be stressful at times and will cause you to have to choose between one or the other at certain points (i.e. taking a big modeling job but getting in trouble at work because of it or vice-versa).

It's important to let your agent know that you have a 9-5 job and be prepared to persuade them as to why they can rely on your to be available when they need you to be, despite the commitment you need to make to your full-time job.

However, if you choose the option of freelancing (finding modeling work on your own), then that will be a better compromise because you can then choose how much you want to book modeling work and can choose weekend gigs so that it doesn't interfere with your job during the week. So that could be an alternative worth looking into if you feel the agency route would be too much to handle.

Hope that helps and best of luck!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more