How I Make A Living As A Full Time Model

As I continue to be extremely open about my journey as a full-time model, I am constantly faced with the question of “How much do you make?” I find that there are misconceptions about the life of a model and how we live so lavishly - It is quite the contrary. Model salaries can vary quite a bit depending on experience, industry, length of the project, location, agency and myriad other factors. Individual model incomes can fluctuate from project to project and season to season. This makes it so that I am constantly on my toes, relying on my looks and personality to pay my rent and never not working. Not to mention that the industry is a place where you could be booked for a high-paying job 1-24hrs prior to the actual shoot. This can be extremely overwhelming and may force you to open up your schedule for last-minute opportunities in case you do make a big break - I choose otherwise. This blog will serve as a step-to-step guide of how I support myself, work, and keep myself available to pursue my passion for modelling by not succumbing to the lack of reliability in income.

DISCLAIMER

I want to start off by noting that money is not EVERYTHING and if you are truly passionate about what you are doing - that is what ultimately matters. However, I make it my mission to break the glorification of the modelling industry so that young girls aiming to reach their goals will combine dreams with reality. I am living my dream. However, I do still have to pay rent, eat, and take care of myself!

Life as a Model

A model, doesn’t simply wake up, show up to a runway event and go home. I think if most people truly understand what the day in the life of a model really means, they would consider an alternative career path. Here is a glimpse of my typical day and of course it would vary for different people.

My alarm typically goes off by 6 a.m. This gives me time to squeeze in a workout in before the day begins(I will fill you in on my other work later in this blog). While I try to cut costs on trainers and workout classes, I either have to head to a gym or work out at home. Currently, I am living in Toronto, where my apartment building has a complimentary gym with all the essentials - so I use that. From time to time, I will go to a studio and promote their space as an influencer to work out and save more. Either way, I always switch up the routine with a mix thereof cardio, HIIT, yoga, pilates, barre, boxing and weight training. I have become a creature of switching up my workout routine and keeping it exciting so that my body does not become immune to my type of training and I stay excited. Switching up the routine always keeps your body in shock. After my exercise routine, I have a balanced breakfast such as protein oatmeal, a smoothie bowl or avocado toast with egg. High protein! No restriction.

The most important part of my day is planning ahead and staying on schedule because my schedule changes at a minute’s notice. I plan out my groceries, food, and when I would like to eat out. Balance is essential to me. I also pack shoes, just in case. While many designers and casting directors like you to have a certain heel size for fittings, you always need to have something that won’t break your feet for running in between appointments. This is where I ditch the heels and resort to comfort. It is also key to have the transportation(Subway in my case) system in the city down pat, whether you are taking an Uber, cab, or hopping on the bus or subway.

Today I began with a fitting for an upcoming runway show and it is essential that I be on time. My agency typically follows up with me to ensure I know the details or I will reach out to let them know how I am arriving, and if I am on time. This is where I juggle my schedule and prioritize punctuality. Next on today’s agenda, I reply to emails from international agents asking about my sizing, personality videos, and eligibility to work in their region. I do this because as a model, it is my constant goal to travel, book, and work all over the world. My mother agent( main agent) and I coordinate accordingly and having a timely response does wonders. On other days, I may be in hair and makeup for an hour, or at a shoot! During this time, I am typically checking my emails and texting back and forth with my agent, boss, and social media. During most shoots, I will run into scenarios like being requested for an audition or job. In this case, I am given a small time frame to reply, apply, and show up to audition. This is where it can become super overwhelming and the thought of missing out on an opportunity can eat you alive. So, I make it work. I show up. I commit. And I ensure that I spend my time always pushing towards my goal.

My schedule today was above chaotic, so I skipped my daily workout, opted for breath-work and took care of my health by eating nourishing meals, and keeping healthy snacks handy in case I don’t have time for a proper meal. I hydrate most of the day until about 10 PM – no one wants to hire a model with dehydration showing up on their face and soul (hello dark circles).

After a day like this, one certainly has to question - is it worth it?

For me, it is. Why you ask? because I love it. I am entering a space where I grew up thinking was unobtainable for me. As an Indian, a BIPOC, a woman... Working out almost 7 days a week, and showing up to important events, while also trying to take care of myself and mental health can be overwhelming but I choose this. I choose to enjoy taking care of myself. I choose to make it my goal to always wake up and get closer to my goals. I tell myself that if my day is filled with love, goals, and nourishment, that I am doing all that I can to build a life for myself.

What it takes - Funding my passion.

When people assume that me being a full-time model means that I ONLY model, makes me feel like I am failing to be transparent. I open up my schedule full-time to model. Modelling is my priority and this type of work trumps all since it is my most genuine passion. I come alive in front of the camera. I come alive when I am creative. However, I do more! I work 9-5 as a Digital Marketing Specialist.

Life in Digital Marketing

I quickly realized that my life as a model was not fool-proof when it came to a consistent income. I wanted to make sure that I was still building a foundation. So I looked for more work. With the pandemic, I became increasingly aware of the digital space. I started creating, engaging, and posting on my own social media. I learned the ins and outs of marketing and did so with my values of voice, inclusion, diversity, and purpose. I bridged my passion and degree in sociology to my knowledge of marketing and found contracted positions with companies wanting to grow their voice and marketing initiatives. Since moving to Toronto, I found permanent work for a great company that aligns with my values. My company is ethical, sustainable, fair-trade, and they pay attention to telling the stories of minorities, while also prioritizing diversity and inclusion. I have also been blessed to amplify their “give-back initiatives” through marketing and philanthropy. I found a middle ground.

So yes, I work as a model full-time, but I also work 9-5 on days I am not shooting, or auditioning. It is not uncommon for me to land a modelling gig on a 9-5 work day. In these cases, I take it upon myself to make up for hours, and pre-schedule. I stay locked and loaded.

Content Creation - Cutting Costs

Not only do I work 9-5, but I take my mini moments of free time to create content. I do so by supporting small businesses, BIPOC, and ethical producers in their brands. I enjoy creating, and it gives me a moment to practice my passion of being infront of and behind the camera. Here, I bridge both modelling and digital marketing. Online it says that content creation costs from a content marketing firm range between $3,000–10,000 a month for a breadth of services, but it really depends on the nature and frequency of what's being produced. This means that a lot of companies value curated content and are willing to pay for, gift, and hire content creators. I use this stream to cut costs by receiving gifted products, which I would typically have to buy, attending influencer brunches, dinners, and more. I also make it a point to only partner with brands that align with my values. For example, I would never promote fit tea, or fat burners, however, I will happily support an activewear company promoting healthy body image, or a BIPOC owned restaurant. I make sure that I know my worth and charge where applicable. I also love to authentically support small businesses. With my modelling contract, I do have some restrictions but I am okay with that since that is my MAIN focus and goal.

Investing into mutual funds

A mutual fund provides diversification through exposure to a multitude of stocks. The reason that owning shares in a mutual fund is recommended over owning a single stock is that an individual stock carries more risk than a mutual fund. ... Unsystematic risk is risk that can be diversified against. As a young individual still building her foundation, I steer clear of day trading and single stocks. I am comfortable setting aside a set amount of income to invest into my future. This stream of income is for rainy days, and I make sure that I do not get carried away.

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How I Pay Rent

I Model
I Act
I work 9-5 in Digital Marketing
I invest in mutual funds
I create content / Influencer marketing
I monetize my social media / blogs
I handle a scouting platform for models

Final Thoughts…

In conclusion, no job is too hard or too easy. It is simply a matter of what you are passionate about. If you are passionate about something, you will make it work. I am passionate about modelling so I figure out a balance and make goals that will allow me to live a life that I desire. That may mean having a side hustle, putting in extra hours and being super active on social media - But, for me, it is all worth it. So if you are really trying to navigate whether you want to model or if you are grappling with what you want to do with the rest of your life… I suggest that you find a balance between being calculated and realistic, while also striving for those dreams and goals that set your soul on fire. I wake up everyday knowing that I am actively working towards my goals that day and for me, that is enough.