Model statement in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

A model usually does not see the client's payment: the money goes to the agency, which passes it on after commission and expenses. The statement is the only document that shows what the model really earned.

It should list every job separately with date, client and amount, the commission percentage, every cost (flights, apartment, pocket money, cards, tests) and the balance. A single line reading "expenses" tells you nothing.

You should receive a statement after every trip to an agency abroad, even if there were no jobs, and check it against your own notes.

In practice

After two months in Milan a model receives his statement: four jobs worth €5,400, 20% commission, an apartment for eight weeks, pocket money, flights, cards and a test. The balance is €1,680. He checks the jobs against his notes and finds a half-day job missing. The booker checks, and the account is corrected.

What to watch for

Ask for a statement in writing after every trip.
Keep your own notes: jobs, hours, pocket money.
Ask for copies of invoices for the larger costs.

Related terms

Money and rightsAdvanceAn advance is money or costs the agency pays for the model up front and later deducts from their earnings.Money and rightsPocket moneyPocket money is the weekly sum paid out for food and small costs abroad; it is an advance on the model's earnings and is deducted later.Money and rightsModel apartmentA model apartment is housing rented by an agency in which several of its models live abroad; the rent is deducted from each of their earnings.Money and rightsAgency debtA negative balance arises when advanced costs exceed earnings after commission; the model then owes the agency.Agencies and representationAgency commissionCommission is the share of a fee the agency keeps for finding and handling the job; typically around 20%.Money and rightsModel voucherA voucher is a short form the client signs at the end of a job, confirming how many hours the model worked and on what terms.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01How much of a fee does a model keep?

The fee minus commission, tax and advanced expenses. On a short trip the costs can take most of it.

02What if the agency will not show a statement?

Ask in writing and set a date. If it still does not come, treat it as a serious red flag.

Model statement