Modeling Rates?

[Seanna {Madam}]

Now this is going to be a tough question but, as I've been sick for the beginning of this New Year I've had a lot of time to lay around and ponder this. I couldn't come to a good solid conclusion. I know that all models will probably be charging differently based on their experience but, what seems like a fair rate for different jobs once you've established yourself? I ask because I have this offer and am stumped on what to charge... I've been asked to be on a CD Cover (for a small, just starting out band). I'm not sure if I want to do it and if I did what in the world would I charge for this? I'm sure that if I had a agency doing all of this for me it would be a lot easier but I am hesitant to sign on with one until I see just how far I can promote myself! Any advice would be nice!


xoxo
Seanna!

[Brittany]

Ooohhh.. That's exciting!! I went round and round with my rates as well.. It's hard!!

Pretty much what the cd cover would be is called a "buy out." You will sell your face / image to their cd cover for a one-lump sum. You certainly don't want to be cheap. No matter if the band takes off or not, your face will be on x-amount of cd covers for however long they are producing that album with that cover.

I can tell you as advice from an agency I once met with, Mitchell's Salon and Spa hires models for their billboards, guest cards, etc. Their images are printed, they get TONS of exposure, and get anywhere from $800-$1000. However, they agency puts a time limit as to when they need to replace that image. That salon is only allowed to use the image for up to 6 months.

My point..? Don't be afraid to ask for a big sum of money. If they really want you, they'll pay it! There are too many companies who don't appreciate models and underpay them. Don't be afraid to ask them what their idea is either, and maybe haggle with them! Even if they are just starting out... All they're concerned about is getting that album out. They're not concerned about your image -- so you have to be :)

Good luck!!! Let us know how it goes!! I hope I helped..! :D

[Miss Missy Photography]

I know some models that only charge for nudes..I guess it would be up to what you thought you were getting out of the deal, if it was worth trading..

[Filmmonkey]

The answers you're going to get on this are going to be all over the place, from free to thousands of dollars.
Basically, you have to determine what it's worth to you and throw the guide books out the window.
If you're established as a pro model, give them your rate, your lists of do's and don'ts, and walk away.

If you're building a portfolio ask a lot of questions. Who is taking pictures and what does their portfolio look like. Make sure you have a contract that limits the use of your image to cd covers and maybe related adverts. Find out exactly what's involved with the shoot, when, where etc. and then figure out what works for you.

I think the minimum, short of wanting to help some one out (tread lightly), is at least $100. You're probably looking at two hours of your time, incl an hour for muah. So you've made $50 an hour. That's okay, there's nothing wrong with a hundred bucks for two hours of work. Are you supplying your own wardrobe? Then an extra $20 for cleaning. Own makeup? Another $20. And note, these are bare minimum, but start by asking for more and factor in any drive time etc.

Yes all models deserve a lot more. If it's a business using your image to sell stuff, then you should get more. But the first question is how much do you make from modeling on a regular basis. If it's less than a hundered a week, this isn't a bad place to start.

If it's a new bands first cd the laws of the jungle dictate that nothing is really going to happen with it. So don't factor in the "exposure" it will get you. Chances are the only people that see it will be related to the band and won't be looking to hire the awesome pinup model on the cover.

You're not going to hurt yourself by charging the wrong amount. You're welcome to charge a different amount each time depending on the job, etc. So don't worry about charging the "wrong" amount. Figure out how much you want in the end that would make you happy.

There is a chance they were hoping you'd do it for free. You canstill do that if you really like the band, want to help out other artists, etc. But get something for it, and at the very least make sure it doesn't cost you anything, including meals, gas etc. Maybe they've got a great photographer that would help your port, or they are willing to buy some cool outfit for the shoot that you get to keep etc...

[Soda Shop Sue]

everyone sets different prices....
it's crazy, the Doller($$$) figure people put to things... people think they know how much things are worth... which is true... but as the buyer, are you willing to pay that price...

i notice this alot with modeling... when i'm the photographer, some models want me to pay them LARGE money for me to shoot them.... I'd personally rather not, and find somebody willing to PAY ME to take there photo....

with Cars too, sometimes you see a car for sale with and outragous price, I wouldnt buy it for that much, so i dont...
or like, we have our hotrod forsale, it is $12,000.00... PEOPLE see the price, and say, "BARRETT JACKSON... YOU COULD GET SO MUCH MORE, it is worth alot more,"
ME "WHO CARES.... its my price... if it is a deal too good to be true ... BUY IT!!!"

Set your own price and stick to it...!!!
people will pay if they like your cute face!

xoxo Soda Shop Sue

[Seanna {Madam}]

This has all been very helpful! I e-mailed the fella about the CD asking for some more detailed info so I can try to come up with a fair amount. He offered to pay from the start but I have no idea what amount he was thinking. Regardless, once I get more details about what I would be doing I think I will come up with a fair price and if he can't do it I won't!

[Cassie Wanda]

It's always hard to come up with a sum, when you have no idea of their budget!

Seanna (a.k.a. Dixie Diamond!) said:

This has all been very helpful! I e-mailed the fella about the CD asking for some more detailed info so I can try to come up with a fair amount. He offered to pay from the start but I have no idea what amount he was thinking. Regardless, once I get more details about what I would be doing I think I will come up with a fair price and if he can't do it I won't!