Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: My child received a W-2 for a modeling job he did and the total wages he is being taxed for is prior to the agency directly taking their cut out. My question is whether he should be taxed for the full amount before they took their cut or the amount after they took their cut. He was only paid the amount after his taxes were already removed and after the agency then removed their cut. Howdy, Anonymous! As my post that you commented on states, I'm not a CPA and not giving legal advice as such, but after speaking with a talent agent who does have experience dealing with W2s and underage talent, this is the information I can share with you for informational purposes: The info on the W2 you received is correct. They will always tax the full/gross amount before anyone takes their cut. This is because the funds for the original amount paid out contains the agency's cut. And since the funds are being distributed by the client and not the agency, the full amount is what

Eric Wrote: Hi Dania, We are gearing up to set our daughter on her path to working as a model. She is 15 and the French only want models 16 and older. (She will start in Paris) Her birthday is in July so we have a few months to get her ready. The first question is: are the do’s and dont’s for snapshots the same as in 2015? Thank you :) Eric Hi, Eric! What an exciting time for your daughter, I love that you've got some time to prep her before making the big jump into the Paris modeling market. To answer your question, yes, the requirements for dos and don't of snapshots is essentially still the same even all these years later. As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Agencies still need to see what potential models look like in their most natural state. My biggest piece of advice -- if you haven't done so already -- is to make a shortlist of the Paris agencies you're interested in submitting your daughter to and visiting each agency's

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'

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

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!

Katt O’Flaherty  Wrote: Hi dania! I know this post is kinda old and I’m commenting years later so you might not see this but IF you do that’s amazing. I recently got an email from EMG models to meet with them and she said she wanted to build my portfolio. She then scheduled me a shoot to build my portfolio next week with a whole team of MUAs and a photographer. There were no prices discussed and nothing brought up about paying. They didn’t offer me a contract YET, but want to help me build my portfolio first. I’m not sure if you ever heard of this situation? I don’t know whether to be happy that they want to help me and I don’t know if that means that they possibly really like me and possibly WILL offer me a contract once I do build my portfolio? If you could give me some comments and opinions that would be amazing! Much love xoxo Katt Hi there, Katt! It doesn't matter how old my posts are, I'm always available to respond to questions/comments as they get posted so thanks for t