Amateur Models -

This is the most important section of this article. The modeling industry is rife with scams targeting amateurs. You must protect yourself.

You will be rejected. Frequently. You might sit in a casting room for three hours, only to be told "thanks, but no thanks." Amateur Models

This is normal. Modeling is subjective. One client wants an "edgy" look, another wants "girl-next-door." You cannot control their preference; you can only control your preparation and your attitude. This is the most important section of this article

The beauty of being an amateur is that you set your rates. You are not bound by union minimums. Here is the current market rate guide for amateur models in the US (2024-2025): You will be rejected

| Type of Gig | Hourly Rate | Day Rate (8 hrs) | Usage Fee | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Social Media UGC | $50 - $150 | N/A (per vid) | Often included | | E-commerce (local brand) | $75 - $200 | $400 - $1,200 | +$250 | | Stock Photo shoot | $25 - $75 | $200 - $600 | Buyout only | | Fit modeling (large brand) | $150 - $300 | $1,000 - $2,500 | +$500/day | | Art / Life drawing | $20 - $40 | N/A | N/A |

Pro Tip: Never sell your "buyout" rights cheap. If a brand wants to use your face on a billboard for 3 years, they need to pay you thousands, not hundreds.