Business Information

Here is how I have my Modeling Business setup. The following is my option and should NOT be construed as legal of financial advice. Please seek the advise of your own legal and financial advisor(s).

Calendar / Appointment Book
First I keep one appointment book for ALL my commitments. Trying to keep different appointment books for different types of appointments is a nightmare. I always bring my appointment book to a gig so if the client want to book another session, I can do so right then. This saves time trying to call back the client and playing phone tag.

Mileage Log & Accounts Receivable log  (MilageARlog.xls)
Any time I am doing modeling business I log my mileage and at the some time who owes me money (Accounts Receivable). I have attached a sample of the log that I use. I keep this log in my modeling bag and update the first section when I am traveling to the gig.  The right hand side I update when payment is received. If this form is filled out correctly you will have the total amount earned, total miles commuted and hours worked for the year. This information will be very helpful when tax time arrives.   

Expense Envelope
I have regular letter envelope (approx 9.5” X 4.25”) that I label Expenses on the outside. I keep this in my glove compartment of my car. I put receipts that I get for business expenses, such things as parking receipts, or receipts for things such as masking tape that I use to mark off long poses. I keep this envelop in the glove compartment of my car. 

On the fist of January I start all new documents since state and federal taxes are biased on the calendar year.

Here is a sample of my combined Mileage log and Accounts Receivable log. 

MilageARlog.xls   

For my clients I keep a list of everyone who I work for. I get contact information such as name, phone number, address and email address. I keep this information to solicit additional work and to confirm bookings, especially if made weeks or months in advance. You can also use a section of this spreadsheet for prospects.  If you find artist that may use models log them in a separate section of the form and contact them. 

Here is a sample of my Contact List. 

ContactSample.xls 

What is in a Model's bag?

Here are some of the things I have in my modeling  bag. 

- Appointment Book - This is very important to in keeping track of all your gigs. It is important to bring it to all appointments so if  a client want to book me for a future date, they can do so right away. 

- Robe - The robe is used whenever I am not on the stand doing a pose. The robe is used during all breaks regardless of how long or short.  

- Sandals - These are used whenever I am not in a pose, just like the robe. It is very important to have sandals not only to keep my feet clean but also from keeping them in one piece. Art studios often have razor blades (used for sharpening)  and  tacks that have been left on the floor. 

- Pad & Pen - I keep a pad and pen to make notes of referrals or other important information that I may want to make a note of. The pen also comes in handy for filling out the paper work such as time cards and other forms that may be required for getting paid. 

- Business Cards - I use them for self promotion. I usually make an announcement to the group that I have business cards for anyone who uses models, or knows of people who uses models. I put them out in a accessible place for the artists to help themselves. 

- Snacks - I usually keep something in my bag to much on during a break. 

- Roll of masking tape - This is used for marking off long poses.  

- Towel - This I use to put under me as someplace clean to pose. Most studios are not the cleanest places to be so this primarily used for health considerations. It helps to get the biggest fluffiest towel you can find. It is nice to have soft comfy place to sit or lay on during long poses. 

- Sheet - I use the sheet when the towel is not large enough. 

- Wooden Pole - This pole is a prop for posing. The pole is actually an extension pole that a painter would use. It unscrews and fits nicely into my bag. 

- Timer - The timer is used to time poses. It is a cooking time that keeps track of minutes and seconds. There is no need to get a timer that keeps track of hours and minutes. This particular timer resets to the original time once it beeps and is "stopped". This is very hand when doing short one, two or five minute gesture poses, I do not have to reset the timer just push the "stop" button and then the "start" button while getting into the next pose.

- Water Bottle - I like to drink water.

Not in the picture

- Camera - I often take my camera to a gig and photograph the art work which I sometimes post on my site. 

- Rope - I carry a thick eight foot rope that has a hook at one end. I try to hook this to something and then use it to pull and tug to make interesting poses.     

Here is a great article called The Naked Truth About Figure Modeling by eRik Wollf. The article goes into history about figure modeling and has some great pointers on how to get started. 

Here is another great article call How To Be a Great Model it was written by a model by the name of Rachel

Here is a statement that I have used for new Figure Drawing artists.  

New Figure Artists

All the photographs and art work are copyrighted by the Artist and Photographer and may not be copied, downloaded  or reproduced in any way. All rights reserved.