Careers · 6 min read · Updated July 2026
Managing money as a new model
Modelling income is irregular, often self-employed, and full of small print. Understanding how the money works — before you sign — protects you from the most common (and costly) mistakes.
How you get paid
Agencies work on commission — they take an agreed percentage of what you earn when you work, rather than charging you upfront. You are usually engaged as self-employed, which means the money that lands in your account is not all yours to keep: a portion is owed in tax.
Some agencies offer advances against future earnings. Treat these carefully — an advance is a debt, and stacking them up can leave you owing your agency money.
Budgeting and tax
Because income is irregular and self-employed, the safest habit is to set aside a portion of every payment for tax straight away, and to keep clear records of what you earn and spend on work. Tax rules and rates vary by country, so check your local requirements — and once you’re earning regularly, a qualified accountant usually pays for themselves.
Money traps to avoid
The biggest early mistake is paying upfront. A reputable agency never charges you to be signed, and you never pay to walk a show. Be wary of “mandatory” expensive test shoots, registration or portfolio fees, and any pressure to spend money to get work — these are classic scam markers. Read every contract before signing, and get advice on anything you don’t understand.
Sources: Model (person) — Wikipedia · Facts summarised in our own words; text under CC BY-SA where sourced from Wikipedia.