Invoices and contracts are the cornerstone of your modelling career: two crucial elements to getting paid. As dull as they may be, legally binding documents are your only tools to protect yourself from late payments (or no payment at all), misuse of your images, and unsafe situations on set. So, however eager you may be to start working, you need to learn how to read - and understand - legal paperwork.

This article covers the different types of modelling contracts and what you need to check before signing an agreement. You'll also learn about invoices, why they're important, and how to spot red flags.

Types of contracts will differ depending on your status. So it helps to understand the different "legal" types of fashion models.

A common misconception is that an agency-represented model is like an employee because they're bound by a contract. But they don't get any of the benefits a regular employee (on the PAYE system in the UK) acquires, like pension, medical coverage, a stable and steady salary, and sick pay.

As a model, whether you're with an agency or on your own, you're considered a sole trader: the sole owner of your business. Your business offers a service (modelling) to clients (agencies and brands). All self-employed models need to:

So technically, all models are considered freelance models in the UK.

Soon, we'll publish an ebook that covers the entire process for you: how to register as a sole trader, file your taxes, track your expenses, value your work, and build financial security. Sign up to our mailing list to know when it's out.

So the real difference between models lies in their relationship with clients. Agency-represented models are tied by a contract with an agency, usually between 1 and 3 years and get jobs found for them.

On the other hand, independent models aren't tied to any agency or client - they're their own bosses and need to find their own clients. So they can work with whomever they want, whenever they want, as long as their finances permit. But this means they must generate their contracts and invoices without an agency's help - unless they're with a platform like Contact, which does part of the administrative work for you.

Non-exclusive modelling agreement: this contract allows models to find work on their own without paying an agency commission. You can work for multiple clients and sign with other non-exclusive agencies. If the agency you'd like to sign with can't advance any funds (to build your portfolio and pay for test shoots and comp cards), it's safer to seek non-exclusive contracts first.

Exclusive modelling contract: The contract binds you to one agency and prevents you from signing to any other agency or working with external clients. This agency has complete management over your bookings and career during the length of the contract. Make sure you sign with a reputable agency when taking the exclusive track.

One-time contract: This is an agreement that is valid for one specific opportunity. You fulfil the contract upon finishing the job and getting paid. This is the typical contract used by independent models. 

Mother agency: This contract enables your mother agency to get a commission even on the jobs you get from another agency.

Always thoroughly research an agency before signing a contract. In a large market like London, Paris or New York, a reputable modelling agency should have the funds to support your career, offer training and quickly get you jobs. They should advance any funds for you to build your portfolio, such as test shoots and comp cards shoots, then deduct these costs from your first paycheck.

In a medium or small-sized market, the agency may be able to offer career guidance and direct you to reputable photographers for test shoots, but they may not be able to advance funds. You might need to pay upfront for these items, but we don't recommend this, so you need to check if you can trust that the agency will be able to provide you with work so you can support these costs.

⚠️ A model agency can charge a model a fee for finding a booking, but to apply this fee, they must include in the contract the following terms:

💡 What is a modelling agency's power attorney? You'll find a power attorney clause in exclusive and mother agency contracts. This clause grants modelling agencies power over a model's finances and career. As attorney-in-fact, the agency can accept payments on behalf of the model, deposit checks, and deduct expenses. The agency can also book jobs, negotiate the model's pay rate, and allow third parties to use the model's images. (wwd.com)

As mentioned above, thoroughly research an agency or potential client before agreeing to a mutual contract. When researching a company or agency, try searching online for the modelling agency's name with words like "scam," "review," or "complaint" to see if anything comes up.

We can't repeat it enough but read the fine print. And re-read the contract before you sign, whether to join an agency, consent to a non-exclusive agreement or do a one-day job for a client. Pay particular attention to these common contract red flags in the modelling industry:

If you're freelancing on your own terms or a client has generated a contract for a one-time job, you need to pay attention to the following:

You need invoices to get paid. It's a time-stamped document that lists the services you performed for a client, how much the client owes you, when you should get paid, and any penalties for late payments.

Invoices will also help you determine your taxable income.

If you're an agency-represented model or a freelance model getting work through platforms like Contact, you'll get invoices - also known as your paycheck - generated for you. Your agent/the platform will also generally chase payment for you. However, if you're getting work on your own, or doing influencer work, you'll most likely need to create invoices yourself.

⚠️ If your invoice was generated by your agency, check that it says: 

We recommend you set up an invoicing system and use the same invoice template. This will help you save time when filling out and sending invoices for future clients, and stay organised. You can use this template or this free tool to generate invoices.

You should create an online drive to store and organise your invoices. You could categorise them by year/month to easily find your invoices when filing your taxes.

Similarly, for agency-represented models, store your paychecks safely and organise them by month or client to avoid losing them.

While contracts may seem daunting, taking the time to understand the fine print can protect your career and help you safely grow as a freelance model. And don't forget: you can always sign up for a tool like Contact if you'd prefer having a team helping you with your career. They'll handle the administrative stuff for you - like generating contracts and invoices, chasing payment and negotiating fees - at no cost. Or, sign up to our newsletter to get monthly tips on how to manage your career like a boss.