Anybody ever been a model?
Saturday, January 4, 2003 by joetheblow | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I was wondering if anybody ever did modeling before. How much does it really cost to have all those photographs and "comp cards" made and remade evry month or so.
Is a value of $1000 (USD) come close?
I'm asking because I was "scouted" be someone who thinks I have "the look"
and I never though about modeling (but if you get a job... IF... it sounds very good as far as payoff) but I thought it to be something that takes no energy and fuss so as to not distract me from my studies (and pay all these school bills)
Any suggestions?
Is a value of $1000 (USD) come close?
I'm asking because I was "scouted" be someone who thinks I have "the look"
and I never though about modeling (but if you get a job... IF... it sounds very good as far as payoff) but I thought it to be something that takes no energy and fuss so as to not distract me from my studies (and pay all these school bills)Any suggestions?
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JamMeister33
Reply #2 Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:27 PM
Reply #2 Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:27 PM
I was a model once making huge amounts of money.....but then I woke up..... 
citats
Reply #3 Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:46 PM
Reply #3 Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:46 PM
My fiance has modeled in the past... the only expense to you should be your portfolio... ( pictures of you in a large variety of poses ) You can create your portfolio with any photographer that you like but most agencies try to get you to go with them or redo your photos with them. Other then that your management will take a percentage from the jobs you do. Don't expect big pay days from runway work and unfortunately modelling can be very time consuming.
Ande
Reply #4 Sunday, January 5, 2003 12:15 AM
Reply #4 Sunday, January 5, 2003 12:15 AM
Be careful Phillip. There are many scams out there. One that comes to mind - Tell a person they have the makings, charge for a useless set of portfolio photographs and see you later alligator. Check the agency concerned very closely. But I think your intelligent enough to see through the mist.
Iben
Reply #6 Sunday, January 5, 2003 1:10 AM
Reply #6 Sunday, January 5, 2003 1:10 AM
When they want to pay you and want nothing from you but a pose.Then you might Want to model.
goodmorphing
Reply #7 Sunday, January 5, 2003 2:00 AM
Reply #7 Sunday, January 5, 2003 2:00 AM
I modeled some... since I was not in it for a career, but only at request, I didn't have a portfolio made up. It was good money though...
goodmorphing
Reply #8 Sunday, January 5, 2003 2:02 AM
Reply #8 Sunday, January 5, 2003 2:02 AM
Yes, be careful. There are huge scams out there. You should be able to make money without a lot (if any) expense.
joetheblow
Reply #9 Sunday, January 5, 2003 3:28 AM
Reply #9 Sunday, January 5, 2003 3:28 AM
I don't think it is a scam but it sounds so scam like. They put allot of pressure on you to spend 1000. I do not know if anyone heard of this company but it is called TCT. I did some research on them and everything they say is true (From Justin Timberlake to Britney Spears).
It just seems strange though to pull people off the street that you think have "the look" and expect them to put down 1 Grand for something that they wasn't even thinking about doing 3 days ago.
They also have a system (database) where the images or portfolio would be on-line and agencies can look at you (TCT is a scouting service, not a agency; as they point out all the time ) So it is in allot of ways like a search website (agencies have to be licensed and a good track record, then they get a password). I would think that they would have the agencies pay to get on the website and not the talent (models, musicians, actors). I can understand wanting someone who is serious and in many ways having your portfolio up on-line is something you should pay for, like 20 or 30 a month... but 50 to 60??! AND all at once???
I would think if they are so good at getting people jobs that they would figure out a way for the "talent" to pay in increments or have a contract stating (much like any gym of which you make a commitment to pay whether you go or not) payment that can come out of your first or second job.
It sounds good and is well developed. It is a great option for people who are models or want to be more exposed. But not for someone who just came off the street. THAT is where this becomes a scheme.
It would seem when the economy gets bad the amount of schemes arise out of the wood works to try to take money from people who can not offered to have money taken from them.
I give TCT a 6 out of 10 for coming up with a good idea, but not executing it properly.
Oh and anyone wanting to find out about businesses and if they are good or not go to www.bbb.org
It just seems strange though to pull people off the street that you think have "the look" and expect them to put down 1 Grand for something that they wasn't even thinking about doing 3 days ago.
They also have a system (database) where the images or portfolio would be on-line and agencies can look at you (TCT is a scouting service, not a agency; as they point out all the time
) So it is in allot of ways like a search website (agencies have to be licensed and a good track record, then they get a password). I would think that they would have the agencies pay to get on the website and not the talent (models, musicians, actors). I can understand wanting someone who is serious and in many ways having your portfolio up on-line is something you should pay for, like 20 or 30 a month... but 50 to 60??! AND all at once??? I would think if they are so good at getting people jobs that they would figure out a way for the "talent" to pay in increments or have a contract stating (much like any gym of which you make a commitment to pay whether you go or not) payment that can come out of your first or second job.
It sounds good and is well developed. It is a great option for people who are models or want to be more exposed. But not for someone who just came off the street. THAT is where this becomes a scheme.
It would seem when the economy gets bad the amount of schemes arise out of the wood works to try to take money from people who can not offered to have money taken from them.
I give TCT a 6 out of 10 for coming up with a good idea, but not executing it properly.
Oh and anyone wanting to find out about businesses and if they are good or not go to www.bbb.org
Jafo
Reply #11 Sunday, January 5, 2003 5:38 AM
Reply #11 Sunday, January 5, 2003 5:38 AM
Joe...it's a scam.
Modelling preys on vanity....no different from the 'call me now' chat lines preying on the lonely.
If your 'look' is so good they would be paying YOU, not the other way round.
I see 100 people and tell them they have 'the look'.
80 say 'bullshit'
20 fork out $1000
Maybe one goes somewhere 'almost' famous.
19 go nowhere.
I am 19000 bucks richer though, so I say it is a scam....
Modelling preys on vanity....no different from the 'call me now' chat lines preying on the lonely.
If your 'look' is so good they would be paying YOU, not the other way round.
I see 100 people and tell them they have 'the look'.
80 say 'bullshit'
20 fork out $1000
Maybe one goes somewhere 'almost' famous.
19 go nowhere.
I am 19000 bucks richer though, so I say it is a scam....
Delicious
Reply #12 Sunday, January 5, 2003 5:51 AM
Reply #12 Sunday, January 5, 2003 5:51 AM
You never know what any offer may lead to.
Someone asking for money is a sure red flag that should be investigated in detail.
However, You have to spend money in order to make money.
Is this an investment you want to pursue. Only you can answer that.
I would go to another agency and ask them for a second opinion on wheather the look is there or not.
Someone asking for money is a sure red flag that should be investigated in detail.
However, You have to spend money in order to make money.
Is this an investment you want to pursue. Only you can answer that.
I would go to another agency and ask them for a second opinion on wheather the look is there or not.
GageFX
Reply #13 Sunday, January 5, 2003 8:01 AM
Reply #13 Sunday, January 5, 2003 8:01 AM
Hey Joe, I know nothing of your experience and you didnt provide enough information to determine if it's a "scam".
You mention $1000 but you dont say if the person ASKED for that money or was OFFERING that money. either way, more info is needed, but if they asked for the money it is most likely a scam - but ONLY if they offered you something other than photos in return.
You also didnt say who or what the person was. An agent or scout for an agency? A photographer? What is it to THEM that you become a model?
To an agent/agency scout, your success as a model benefits them. This is the obvious person you want to be scouted by as it benefits YOU the most. The next is a photographer, but it only benefits him in that he can make some money doing test and portfolio shoots for you. Occasionally there is a "finder's fee" for him/her, but rare. ANYONE ELSE is only looking to scam you. The only person that can directly help your career is the agency rep. If they ask for money up front, they are a scam.
The photographer can help but much less so. He can do test shoots and do "book" shoots for you, but if you are to look for an agent, they would MUCH rather see 2-3 good polroids of you than a book. If you are starting out, the agency will want to "mold" you into what THEY think your image should be. A portfolio will not definitely HURT you, but it doesnt always help. If the photographer asks for money, that is only obvious. He has a business to run and a livelyhood to support. If he make ANY PROMISES about your future or earnings, he is most likely trying to scam you out of something. Maybe more money.
Anyone other than these two types of people have no bearing in your situation and they are after something else. YOU decide what that is. (Money, sex, who knows.)
Also, what area do you live in? If it isnt a major market, the potential for scaming goes up. How many people are there in TOLEDO that can help you become a successful model?
BTW, I am a photographer and I shoot fashion (both editorial and commercial) and glamour. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions. gagefxATyahooDOTcom
-GageFX
You mention $1000 but you dont say if the person ASKED for that money or was OFFERING that money. either way, more info is needed, but if they asked for the money it is most likely a scam - but ONLY if they offered you something other than photos in return.
You also didnt say who or what the person was. An agent or scout for an agency? A photographer? What is it to THEM that you become a model?
To an agent/agency scout, your success as a model benefits them. This is the obvious person you want to be scouted by as it benefits YOU the most. The next is a photographer, but it only benefits him in that he can make some money doing test and portfolio shoots for you. Occasionally there is a "finder's fee" for him/her, but rare. ANYONE ELSE is only looking to scam you. The only person that can directly help your career is the agency rep. If they ask for money up front, they are a scam.
The photographer can help but much less so. He can do test shoots and do "book" shoots for you, but if you are to look for an agent, they would MUCH rather see 2-3 good polroids of you than a book. If you are starting out, the agency will want to "mold" you into what THEY think your image should be. A portfolio will not definitely HURT you, but it doesnt always help. If the photographer asks for money, that is only obvious. He has a business to run and a livelyhood to support. If he make ANY PROMISES about your future or earnings, he is most likely trying to scam you out of something. Maybe more money.
Anyone other than these two types of people have no bearing in your situation and they are after something else. YOU decide what that is. (Money, sex, who knows.)
Also, what area do you live in? If it isnt a major market, the potential for scaming goes up. How many people are there in TOLEDO that can help you become a successful model?
BTW, I am a photographer and I shoot fashion (both editorial and commercial) and glamour. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions. gagefxATyahooDOTcom
-GageFX
wombat_1
Reply #14 Sunday, January 5, 2003 8:32 AM
Reply #14 Sunday, January 5, 2003 8:32 AM
I was a 'model' patient in hospital recently (NOT!)
Dated a few 'models' when I needed a suitable accessory (Chauvinist? Moi? Yes!)at the Duntroon Winter Ball ....
Discovered that the term 'model' is a very broad one indeed!
For every 'Elle' (Jafo knows which Elle!) there are 999 'Airheads' who are ripped off, used, disappointed and sad young women. (Or men ... sorry!)
Which 'look' do you have Joe, and more to the point, how do 'look' in a thong??????
Dated a few 'models' when I needed a suitable accessory (Chauvinist? Moi? Yes!)at the Duntroon Winter Ball ....
Discovered that the term 'model' is a very broad one indeed!
For every 'Elle' (Jafo knows which Elle!) there are 999 'Airheads' who are ripped off, used, disappointed and sad young women. (Or men ... sorry!)
Which 'look' do you have Joe, and more to the point, how do 'look' in a thong??????
JamMeister33
Reply #15 Sunday, January 5, 2003 10:05 AM
Reply #15 Sunday, January 5, 2003 10:05 AM
I'm with Jafo on this one, from everything you've said it strikes me as being a scam, period...
UBoB
Reply #16 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:02 AM
Reply #16 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:02 AM
I am a major model of a modern Major General....
(Not too many would recognize this G & S lyric. )
(Not too many would recognize this G & S lyric.
)
werewolf
Reply #17 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:38 AM
Reply #17 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:38 AM
motion, I recognize it 
werewolf models the newest in natural furs nightly
werewolf models the newest in natural furs nightly
da_zman20
Reply #18 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:44 AM
Reply #18 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:44 AM
My girlfriend is a model it costed her $1500 for modeling school... and that doesn't even guarantee anything... and top of that she spent a couple hundred on those cards with her picture...
GageFX
Reply #19 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:48 AM
Reply #19 Sunday, January 5, 2003 11:48 AM
Oh, Joe, I hadn't read the whole thread when I replied before. I got a couple hours sleep and read the rest of the thread and saw your other post. It's a scam. Wish I had read your other post sooner - would've saved me alot of typing.
-GageFX
-GageFX
joetheblow
Reply #20 Sunday, January 5, 2003 10:42 PM
Reply #20 Sunday, January 5, 2003 10:42 PM
@ Jafo - That's excatly what I will be sending to the NY attorney generals office. It is totally not fair that they are scheming teenagers and college folk who should be spending money on thier education (no one can tak that away)
@ Citizen GageFX - Me making it means nothing to them. As long as they get thier 1000 for me putting model shots of me on thier data base where I can be noticed by Modeling Agencies. Thier scheme is to tell people "why pay 2000-5000 a year on prints and reprints of pictures and compoisites when you can put your images on a database that has a powerful search engine?"
The problem with them is that they seem to be directing their service to poeple who aren't professional models in the first place. So they were never spending 2000 - 5000 a year to begin with. So 1000 dollars to a company that has no personal envolvment once you pay your 1000 other than to upkeep the database. No promise of getting a job, no insurance of refunds, and the funny part is that if you do not get a job withing that year they will let you stay on the program (what program? all they do is allow you to upload images!!) for another 2 years. Keep in mind that the database will already be there so it really isn't a penalty to them if you stay on the database another 2 years.
They say it is a scouting agency and they are not reponcible for getting jobs for you. So why am I using you? I can go somewhere else and they will get me a job because they want their 20% of the deal. TCT already has thier money.
I find it to interesting that they are asking the talent to pay them and not asking the agencies who search thier databases for the talent or want to put thier models on it.
Oh and I am in NYC. TCT is a major company. They work with MYV, VH1! and other modeling agenccies. I am not sure why they are conducting themsevles this way. Why not ask for 40 dollars a month? Why not have a contract for payment? If they are so good it should not be a problem.
I do not understand why they are doing thier business like that but I will let the Attorney General office figure that out.
@ Citizen GageFX - Me making it means nothing to them. As long as they get thier 1000 for me putting model shots of me on thier data base where I can be noticed by Modeling Agencies. Thier scheme is to tell people "why pay 2000-5000 a year on prints and reprints of pictures and compoisites when you can put your images on a database that has a powerful search engine?"
The problem with them is that they seem to be directing their service to poeple who aren't professional models in the first place. So they were never spending 2000 - 5000 a year to begin with. So 1000 dollars to a company that has no personal envolvment once you pay your 1000 other than to upkeep the database. No promise of getting a job, no insurance of refunds, and the funny part is that if you do not get a job withing that year they will let you stay on the program (what program? all they do is allow you to upload images!!) for another 2 years. Keep in mind that the database will already be there so it really isn't a penalty to them if you stay on the database another 2 years.
They say it is a scouting agency and they are not reponcible for getting jobs for you. So why am I using you? I can go somewhere else and they will get me a job because they want their 20% of the deal. TCT already has thier money.
I find it to interesting that they are asking the talent to pay them and not asking the agencies who search thier databases for the talent or want to put thier models on it.
Oh and I am in NYC. TCT is a major company. They work with MYV, VH1! and other modeling agenccies. I am not sure why they are conducting themsevles this way. Why not ask for 40 dollars a month? Why not have a contract for payment? If they are so good it should not be a problem.
I do not understand why they are doing thier business like that but I will let the Attorney General office figure that out.
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Reply #1 Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:17 PM
Needless to say, Officials never get paid...