What Is A Model Contract

We sit down with Angie, a freelance model, to talk about what a model contract really does and why so many models learn the hard lessons first. We share agency red flags, how freelance contracts set clear expectations, and why AI misuse makes image rights and consent non-negotiable now. 
• Angie’s path from a Mexico City modeling course to agency castings 
• Red flags like rushed signing, blocked second opinions, and “investment” fees 
• Why refusing exclusivity can protect your options 
• How networking drives bookings more than hype 
• Transitioning to freelance modeling in El Paso through workshops and meetups 
• What to put in a freelance model contract: payment, deliverables, usage rights, boundaries 
• AI deepfakes and unauthorized image use as a new industry risk 
• How to send a contract confidently and negotiate without dropping your standards 
• Safety basics: trust your gut, bring someone, leave if boundaries slip 

Angie’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/angelie.ad?igsh=MWViY3hrZWdqdjU4dw==

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Transcript

Welcome And The Model Contract Question

SPEAKER_02 0:07

Hi, and welcome back to That's the V. Today I am with a very special guest. Her name is Angie. She's a freelance model. And today's topic is what is a model contract? So, Angie, welcome to the pod. Thank you. I'm very excited to be here. I'm so excited to have you here and just have a space where we both can really dive into your modeling experience, but not just modeling itself, but the actual contracts and what it's like for a freelance model to draft one up and make it work. So uh I just want to go ahead and let you introduce yourself and talk about how you really got started in the modeling industry.

How Angie Entered The Modeling Industry

SPEAKER_00 0:55

Okay, of course. Um, well, I started modeling, I would say at the end of the pandemic. There was a modeling course um in Mexico City, which is where I lived. And I thought, you know what, and I want to break out of my shell. This is something that I've been super interested in for years now, why not? And honestly, it was an amazing experience. It was uh done by a boutique uh modeling agency there, okay, where they showed, you know, obviously the basics on how to pose, how to act professionally as a model, but also, you know, self-love, how to take care of yourself, um, what colors work best for you. It's so important.

SPEAKER_02 1:34

I feel like that's so nice to have from an agency, not just uh for them to represent you, but also have these tools for you to really like get to know what the modeling world is. So yeah. So I'm so glad to hear that you have like that background as well.

SPEAKER_00 1:51

Yeah, no, it was a great experience. I feel like that really changed my perception of what it takes to be a model and also um, I guess the industry overall.

SPEAKER_01 2:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 2:02

Um, and then after that, uh, I left with a really good experience. Um, obviously very naive, wanting to go big.

SPEAKER_01 2:10

So we all do.

SPEAKER_02 2:12

It all seems so cool until until you learn everything. Oh my god, the hard way.

SPEAKER_00 2:17

Yeah. But um then I I looked up um, you know, bigger agencies that were in Mexico City.

Agency Red Flags And Sketchy Reviews

SPEAKER_00 2:25

And um, you know, I would say I did casting for two. The first one, it just left me with a very icky experience where they looked at me like if I was a cattle, like um just like looking me down, which I know is their job, but they could also do it in a more humane way, I would say.

SPEAKER_02 2:43

Yeah, no, for sure. I feel like a lot of agencies or even just in general, people have this perception of the fashion industry being like so judgy and icky, like you're saying. Uh, but I it doesn't have to be that way. Like I've also encountered so many great experiences and and people in the industry that have taught me that you know it's not, it does not have to be like so judgmental 100%. Like, I don't know why it was such a thing in the 90s to be like, no, I'm sorry, darling. Like, bye, like, yeah, excuse you. I'm like, you don't have to talk to us like that.

SPEAKER_00 3:28

Exactly. Oh my god, yeah. Anyway, and um, the second one I did, um, you know, they looked great on Instagram. They were in a very prestigious location in Mexico City, and like, you know what, you know, it has some green flags, let's check it out. And um, so I took my friend, now husband, with me, who's very well acquainted with laws and whatnot, so he can review the contract and whatnot. Um, and I definitely went into the agency that day with rose-colored glasses. I did not see all the red flags presented to me.

SPEAKER_01 4:02

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 4:03

The first one being that they would not let me um, I guess, ask for a second opinion on the contract. Oh, wow. Like I was in a little room.

SPEAKER_02 4:12

Yeah. Um, I wasn't able to take my phone out. Oh my gosh, that's really sketchy. And especially like in Mexico. Also, I feel like having just that perception of how things can be sadly but and then what happened?

SPEAKER_00 4:29

Um, so they had left a little bit, so I uh got my phone out really quick and took a picture and sent it to him. But honestly, everything was so quick, and I was just very naive. I'm like, yes. Um, the second red flag, which looking back, you know, it's a huge red flag, is that they asked me to do um an investment.

SPEAKER_02 4:47

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_00 4:48

So that's the the keyword. Yeah, exactly. I don't remember how much it was, but I remember at the time it was like all of my savings. I'm like, I'm gonna be big, it's okay. Yeah, it's worth it. It's worth it. And um and the third one was that I did some uh Polaroids with them and I did um some bikini shots with them, and to this day I still haven't received those pictures. Oh my gosh. So it left him with a really icky feeling like I don't know what they're doing with my pictures, they never responded back to me. I was with them for maybe two to three years, and I got maybe four jobs. Okay. So I did not get any of my investment back. So I, you know, like you mentioned, that was an experience of what not to um tolerate from an agency anymore.

No Investments And No Exclusivity

SPEAKER_00 5:37

Yeah, um, so um, you know, when I moved locations, uh I went to a boutique agency and you know, I looked into it and it seemed it seemed like a good idea, and uh I think it was a good idea, but one thing I knew I was not gonna do was sign exclusivity. Yes. And also um no investments. Okay, if I saw that, I'd be I would, you know, I I told them flat out, like, I'm not gonna pay that. I already had that experience with the previous agency, I don't feel comfortable doing that.

SPEAKER_02 6:08

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 6:09

And I think it's gotten to a point where if you know your craft, if you know the work that you do, um, elevators will respect that and will want to invest in you as well.

SPEAKER_02 6:19

Yeah, it definitely. And I feel like that's also when you're a starting model, and I've heard it so many times, the perception of like having an agency and having a contract is not necessarily like having in a so-called, like you say, investment into it, uh, especially if the agency is supposed to be there to represent you at the end of the day. That's what a modeling agency is supposed to do. And, you know, um, I've have heard of agencies that will actually like give you these classes and give you, you know, whatever tools you need to book the jobs, even if it if that's like a change of image in regards to like cutting your hair. Um, or even like I've have like friends who have shaved their eyebrows for a job, but they were okay with it because they they knew upfront, like we want to book you, but we need you to look this way. And I think it's just important to hear that and know that, like, okay, I'm willing to do this change, but I will be like a booked and busy model. Um and at the end of the day, the agency is supposed to cover all these costs because it's like you you are the product of the business.

SPEAKER_01 7:44

Exactly.

SPEAKER_02 7:44

Uh, rather than you doing like an investment where like it may or may not benefit you and you may or may not get jobs. It's it's also like very, I feel like in the gray area where um like agencies or I'm gonna say agencies, so-called agencies, um want to uh like have their models, but they have to like forcefully pay for classes type of thing, or or like for polar Polaroids or whatever type of photo shoot, rather than they're supposed to take charge of that and really have that uh make that happen for the model. A hundred percent. So um also like when with your experience going into like being in Mexico City, which I feel like it's already like such a bigger city, fashion-driven compared to you know, other cities like in Texas or um wherever other place. Um how did you feel like your transition going from there and having these experiences and then moving and finding another agency?

SPEAKER_00 9:06

Well,

Networking Beats Agency Hype

SPEAKER_00 9:07

I it's definitely uh an interesting experience because um with that agency in Mexico City, as I mentioned, I only got maybe two or three jobs. Um, but once I started to get those jobs, it was mainly the networking that helped me.

SPEAKER_01 9:21

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 9:22

I had designers who were actually looking for me individually in um instead of the agency um or um stylists who were trying to book me. Um I think I would say my experience in Mexico City was a very positive one thanks to the networks that I had made. Okay, rather than the agency.

SPEAKER_02 9:43

Okay. And see, that I feel like that's also super important. Like having at the end of the day, it's networking. And I made a post recently about like 10 things I've learned in the modeling industry in like a decade. And one of them, it's it's that like the networking side of things is as important, if not more, than your portfolio in having like an agency.

SPEAKER_00 10:09

Yeah, yeah, 100%. And that's something I definitely learned to appreciate here in El Paso. Um, because I would say I started in 2022, um, but I really didn't get booked, or if I did, it was maybe once a year um and through a um, I guess uh a non-pay job, which I was, you know, I am still very grateful for those offers um to get that experience. But I would say I really started to develop more as a model here in El Paso, thanks to networking. And I would say I first started to dip my toes in with a workshop by Alyssa. Okay, that's where I met Aaron and a lot of amazing other models, and kind of that's where I started to bounce back, like, okay, okay, the modeling industry is pretty big here in El Paso. Interesting.

SPEAKER_02 11:01

It's so interesting how big it is, like, especially because uh, I mean, in El Paso is not known as a fashion-driven city, but there is a fashion community that's just growing, and I see it. And and even when I host model workshops, I see the interest and and people who want to just learn more and see what it's all about and yeah, and just I mean, grow not just here, but in other cities.

SPEAKER_00 11:28

And I would say like you don't even have to be uh a model to take those workshops. I feel like those workshops still as an individual.

SPEAKER_01 11:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:38

But you know, me as a model who took those workshops, especially yours, um, I feel it really helped with my formation of I guess establishing myself here in El Paso, knowing what my craft is, what I like, what I don't like. Okay. Um just yeah, it was so it was a wonderful surprise to see that here in El Paso. Yeah. Uh as well with the um, I guess the model meetup events. Yes.

SPEAKER_02 12:06

Those have been amazing networking. So for you coming from Mexico City, um, and then like moving to El Paso, you you were here before, right? Before going to Mexico City. And did you think after Mexico you were gonna continue modeling here, or did you think it was something that you kind of like lived over there and then you didn't know if you were gonna continue with it? How how did you like this make the decision that you wanted to keep doing it? Um, not knowing how the industry was here in El Paso?

SPEAKER_00 12:45

Yeah, that's a good question. Um, definitely when I was still in Mexico City, you know, with a plan to move back here, I looked up, you know, what kind of scene there was here, and I really just saw pageants, which pageants are amazing. I have complete respect for them, but that's not my cup of tea. Um, so I was definitely a bit disheartened to hear that or to see that. Um, and you know, I think if you know somebody, then that somebody will present a whole world of options and opportunities for you. Yeah. So it wasn't until um I started to meet new people. I'm like, oh, okay, this is totally doable here. And it's actually a huge thing here.

SPEAKER_02 13:26

Yeah, especially, I mean, like in any city, there's businesses, and you know, businesses need to market themselves, and they cannot just market their products, they need models. So I feel like there's definitely and should be a market for models in every city, but I I just don't think it's as well known or protected in smaller cities such as El Paso, compared to New York, where everybody knows. Like if you're booking a model, you're paying the model, or you know, you're really making it worth their time. Um just like making it fair at the end of the day. Uh, so you came to El Paso, didn't have an agency anymore. Uh, and then did you decide to just be a freelance model or sign or look for an agency actually?

Going Freelance In El Paso

SPEAKER_00 14:24

I would say um the decision to become a freelance model was something I took recently.

SPEAKER_02 14:30

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 14:30

So I would say maybe last year, where I noticed um, you know, through these events, I started to meet a lot of interesting and wonderful people who are very talented. And I'm like, well, I can, you know, since I'm not um exclusive, I can definitely work with them and see where it goes. And that does changed my modeling career um for the better, I would say. Um meeting these new people and then them presenting me to the other friends or other photographers, other designers. Um, that's how I've been able to sustain this dream of mine to become a model.

SPEAKER_02 15:05

Okay. And

What A Freelance Model Contract Covers

SPEAKER_02 15:07

um, well, now being a freelance model, going into the main topic of this episode, um, I feel like it's so unheard of for a freelance model to have a contract for themselves to even bring to businesses or photographers or whatever the job may be. Um, and I know recently we discussed freelance contracts and how you and another model, Erin, uh kind of drafted your own because you know it does get tiring kind of having like experiences where you maybe discuss something and it didn't come through in regards to like payment, or even if it's a collaboration of like the photos you're getting, things like that. So, how did you decide to create your own freelance contract and you know, just like walk us through the steps of making that happen and also your experience using your freelance model contract?

SPEAKER_00 16:13

Yeah, of course. So I would say it definitely came from a combination of having this disappointment of experiences in which I would put a lot of love, a lot of effort into making sure it came out um the way you know the designer wanted, the stylist, the makeup artist. Everybody put their part, so I wanted to put my part in 100% as they did. And to know that, for example, I would never get the pictures back or I would never get my payment or XYZ. Yeah, it just made me feel really disheartened. Um kind of making me lean more towards should I really even continue this?

SPEAKER_02 16:52

Yeah. Um worth it even.

SPEAKER_00 16:55

Yeah, exactly. So it was a combination of that and also my husband being like, no, there has to be, there has to be a way for, you know, just a way for you can legally protect yourself.

SPEAKER_01 17:08

Yeah, yeah, for sure.

SPEAKER_00 17:10

But yeah, so after talking with um other models such as yourself, Aaron, uh, we came to the realization, like, yeah, you know, we definitely do need to start protecting ourselves more because I feel like for years, and as you mentioned, since the 90s, models have were just seen as like expendable, or they can just be walked over, like they're just um coat hangers, yeah, yeah, kind of thing, like like mannequins at the end of the day.

SPEAKER_02 17:38

And I feel like as social media grows, uh, we also like grow with it, and in a way, I do feel like it has empowered us to have more of a voice and more of a just uh like be our own person outside of the characters we're playing as the models. Uh, because I feel like I mean, even when I started, I just remember being very much like kind of like a sardine type of thing, which is so scary for like a model starting at such an early age, like in my case, like 15, 16, and then just seeing how it has evolved now and being able to be like, you know what, no, like I don't want to wear that. And I feel like as models, we all have this perception of like, well, you have to be this like white canvas, and they can do whatever they want with you. But and to like a certain extent, I will say, yes, you are becoming like uh the vision of the artist, of the designer, the stylist, whatever it is. But it doesn't mean that you can't have a voice to say that, you know what, like this particular garment doesn't make me comfortable or whatever the case is. Yeah. Uh, which is such a shame. I feel like in the industry, I've also heard stories where like saying something might get back to like the agency or agent where like, oh, she was like complaining or being difficult while we were just like trying to to make ourselves be safe and comfortable or whatnot. Um so I feel like it would for me, it's been such a crazy experience after so many years, like seeing you girls uh like get more into the modeling industry, but also like having these tools to to like to like back you up and just have a contract for yourself. I feel like even me after all these years that that I've been doing all these things, I've like I've had contracts from like businesses type of thing, but never as myself, which is crazy. I feel like I'm like, why didn't I do this before? Um, but in your experience, uh so you really wanted to just have something to back you up. And how how did you make it happen?

SPEAKER_00 20:18

Well, I would say, you know, I was nervous with the idea of the contract, so I didn't want to seem like, oh, that she's a difficult model. Yeah. Again, but like that, I feel like thought.

SPEAKER_02 20:31

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 20:32

And um not only that, I would say I'm glad to have found modeling, I would say as an adult, because I feel like it's really important for young girls starting out for them to be able to put boundaries to say what they're comfortable with, what they're not comfortable with. Um that's something I you know I would say would be now at my age, I have truly found, but back then, you know, I was like, okay, well, whatever the photographer wants, whatever the designer wants. So finding that backbone, finding the ability to say no has been really important. And

AI Deepfakes And Image Rights

SPEAKER_00 21:09

with that, um I would say a good transition to to the contract is uh, you know, I had an experience in which I was doing a runway.

SPEAKER_02 21:21

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 21:22

And they had put like a digital screen on the runway when the models would go out. So when we were doing rehearsals and I would look back at the at the screen, all of a sudden there was a video of me dancing in and moving in one of the garments I had um casted with.

SPEAKER_02 21:42

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 21:42

So it wasn't even my face. You're like, it wasn't me. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 21:46

You're like, I didn't do that.

SPEAKER_00 21:48

Yeah. I'm trying to remember, did I take a picture of that? But no.

SPEAKER_02 21:51

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 21:52

They had um made an AI image of me or video of me without my consent. And that was I would say the drop that overflowed the cup because I'm like, I I if this happens to me in this scenario, I can't imagine another scenario.

SPEAKER_02 22:10

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 22:10

Like a collab in which they could use my image for um a hundred different campaigns or something inappropriate. So that was something that was like, okay, you know what? I really have to put this in writing to make sure that I'm protected. And if anybody crosses my boundaries, I have a document that shows that hey, they signed it, they were okay with not using my image in that way.

SPEAKER_02 22:32

Like legally, you are protected at the end of the day. That is so scary. And I feel like this is also why I wanted to bring you in because of that experience you had and talk about like the AI in the modeling industry. It's even um today I saw I'm gonna get like really political. Okay, uh I think it's the state of Minnesota, if I stand corrected, uh is trying to sue Elon Musk because of various circumstances, and they're not the only state nor the only family or person. And this is, I mean, outside of modeling, but I feel like it falls into modeling because the reason of them trying to sue him, or more so like the companies he stands for, it's um the usage of AI in like pornographic, just different things. I mean, I I didn't like dive too deep to it, but I know I follow a page called Dia Prada, I highly recommend it, and they just kind of like keep lots of like fashion uh news, but also like political. And I mean, going back to the modeling, I just can't imagine how many images are being used and like not being banned in just like a negative way. Like, um, because I I know, like, for example, X, uh, which used to be Twitter, they still allow like free pornographic just things, just like images, videos, whatever. Everything else is like YouTube is protected, you can't see anything else, Instagram too. It's very much like, no. Um, they'll like ban, ban it, take it off. But on X, it's not like it's it's just crazy to me. Like, uh, and like mainly on what they're trying to see is with the usage of like children's faces, which is even more horrific. But like modeling side of things, it's also the fact of people being able to use it in a like negative way, like that, but also for the consumer use of just the brands and making money off of it without your consent, which is such a scary thing. Um, also, as I feel like not just as a freelance model, but a model in general. I don't know how many agencies out there actually have something on their contract where it's like how limiting it is for AI to be used because I also think it's it's such a new thing. Um that it's like your story is like so creepy, I can't imagine, because it's like, oh my gosh, like I that's me, but not really me.

SPEAKER_00 25:37

Yeah, it's it's it was certainly disheartening. And I would say now that we've been thrusted into this world of AI, it's definitely been helpful. Um, but also scary because you don't know how far it's gonna go. Yeah. And in the sense of um fashion, I know guests, uh, for example, I think Levi's as well have also started to use AI models. And uh it's very disheartening. And it's it's sad. Um and I know in places like New York, for example, there are protections for the model. Yes. Um for particularly that. Uh, I know this one situation in which this model had, you know, similar to what I had done. Um they had taken a casting picture of her, and um I think she took some um catalog pictures of the items. Okay, um, and the I the pictures that were released were um like editorial pictures of her in positions she didn't model in. Wow, and in the clothes that she had casted with. So completely different different without her permission. I think she also was interested in suing them. Yeah, like that was something that really stuck out to me and and just made me really say, Hey, you know, even with everything going on, I should still be able to take control of my image, yes, um, my work, 100% presented.

SPEAKER_02 27:08

Yeah, exactly. Uh especially in how you say, like, now you know who or like what you want to model for. And like also as a freelance model, I think what one of the biggest benefits, it's like you get to choose what you want to do. There's no agent or agency trying to like control your schedule or um like the brands, uh, things like that you get casted for. So even more so, I feel like it's having that full control of okay, well, I want to still do these castings, but make sure that they're not gonna use my image.

SPEAKER_01 27:50

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 27:50

Um, and I I also feel like some businesses or companies, agencies, whatever they are, um, I feel like they also think it's such a I want to say like not as intense a thing. Like I feel like they think it's like, oh well, it's just like a little fun little video. I'm using like the models, it's totally okay, but but at the end of the day, they're using someone's image. Exactly. You didn't uh like say yes to or anything like that, or I mean have consent for it at the end of the day. Yeah. Uh so for you that was like the drop that spilled. Oh yeah. And and you decided to like write your contract and like where how did you start that?

Non-Negotiables Payment Usage Deliverables

SPEAKER_02 28:49

Like how did you do like your research online? Is it something that maybe like again using AI helped out or something like that? So I feel like AI at the end of the day is a tool, but like in anything, it could be like something for good or or for bad, sadly.

SPEAKER_00 29:09

Yeah. Um, I would say it was definitely a combination. Uh, first I had written down what were my non-negotiables. So, for example, the AI usage, um, any pictures of me that depict any um partial nudity or just pictures that I'm not comfortable with showing. Um payment if it's expected. Um what yeah, the services that are expected. So if it's a collaboration with the uh photographer, what the photographer can expect from me, and what I can expect from him. If it's a boutique, um what the boutique can expect from me, what can I expect from her. Yeah. Um, also investigating what laws are um in place to help me, and if not what I would like to help me, and just have that in writing. Um, I would say I've had the fortune of using that contract twice now. Okay, yes. Um the first time it was was really nervous, I would say, because it was the first time I had ever sent something like that. Um, so even pressing the send button was like, oh yeah, like they're gonna say no.

SPEAKER_02 30:18

Yeah. But you know, at the end of the day, if someone really wants to work with you, they will respect that.

SPEAKER_00 30:24

Oh yeah. So anyway, your story. Yeah, no, and exactly what you mentioned. This photographer I had worked with, um, he had reached out to me saying he was really interested in working with me, and you know, I I investigated his work. He seemed very reputable. Um, and I sent him the contract, and there were some things he wasn't okay with, uh, which I had understood. Um, for example, he didn't want to put a definitive number of pictures he wanted he was gonna return to me, or a definitive um turnaround time because he said no, I you know, I have different things going on, but I'm I am interested in getting those pictures back to you. Very respectful. Okay. And I think what I really learned from that experience was that you know, if I'm expecting something, it's a hundred percent okay to be open and to listen to what the photographer or what the boutique or what you know the person you're giving the contract to is saying. Um, as long as it doesn't go against your non-negotiables. Yeah, for sure. It was a very positive experience um using that contract and you know, having um this individual be like, okay, I understand where you're coming from. This is the first time I've you know ever received a contract like this from a model. Well, I would say he was really taken aback. Um but I really appreciate that he was all for it as well.

SPEAKER_02 31:45

Yeah, because at the end of the day, it's just a it's just a protection. It's a protection, and you know, it's a two-way street too. Like I feel like it's important to clarify that you know what, like I'm expecting these things from you as much as you're expecting certain things from me. Exactly. In regards to like garments I'm bringing, if garments are being brought, or like if I have to do a certain type of hair and makeup, like I'm not gonna show up just as a mess and like okay, let's shoot away, kind of thing. So I feel like at the end of the day, it's it's very much like you're both investing in something, uh, especially if it's a collaboration. Yeah. Um, and you mentioned you've used your contract twice.

Sending It And Negotiating Terms

SPEAKER_02 32:31

Yes. Was the second time a paid gig? Or it was. Okay, so how was that experience?

SPEAKER_00 32:37

I was I would say similar to the first one, I was like shaking, sending the like, are you okay with this?

SPEAKER_01 32:43

Here's uh here's my contract.

SPEAKER_00 32:45

Um and it was um it was up for a boutique. Okay. And the the owner was very receptive to it, very open. Um, you know, later on I during the or after the shoot, I was speaking with her and she had understood why. Um, you know, I had started to use the contract, and you know, it's because you never really know where your pictures are gonna go or how they're gonna use them. Yeah, exactly. So I would say the reception of the contract so far has been quite well. Okay. It's nice to know that if people want to work with you, they will respect your boundaries. Exactly.

SPEAKER_02 33:28

Um, and I feel like it's just knowing your worth as a model. Um, I really love this episode because it's just like it's so such an important thing because I feel like a lot of younger models especially want to say yes to everything, and there's no protection, and you don't really know what to expect, but you're there for the experience, you're there to grow, and and sometimes the experience is not a great experience. Exactly. So it's just like knowing your worth and knowing that people who want to work with you will respect that and your contracts, and and I love that you are using it and that you've gotten like a positive feedback uh through that as well. Um and I feel like it's just making that consciousness awareness. I feel like I always say that in in the episodes, but it's just like like it's okay to to also know that if someone denies you because of that, that's probably a red flag. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 34:33

That's something I had a little bit of trouble, I guess, not understanding, but digesting. Because I'm like, no, it's because it's a great opportunity, the pictures are gonna be amazing. And it was definitely my husband who's always been in my corner rooting for me and also protecting for me. Yeah, I get that.

SPEAKER_02 34:49

I feel like they see us as like, or they see the reality of the world. Because I feel like also as like models who want to just keep doing what we love and the fashion, and sometimes it's like even like my boyfriend's always like, Well, is it paid? And I'm like, Well you look, this is what I'm gonna do it for. Um, I feel like it's always supposed to be like a win-win situation. Exactly. Um, like if if I ever say no to a job that's not paid, um, it's usually, I mean, that could be a big reason, but it's also maybe I already have that experience. Like, why am I gonna do something that's not gonna be like worth my time or anything like that? But if it's a collaboration and I know that it's gonna benefit me in the way of like I'm gonna meet or be put in a room networking with the right people to get me to an even better job or whatever the case is, I think it's like seeing it that way and and having a contract to back you up. Oh yeah, I I love that so much. I love that you're doing that, and and I hope people listen to this and they're like, you know what, I I should have a contract.

SPEAKER_00 36:10

Yeah, because um, like it's what I've been talking with Aaron and with you as well. It's you know, it's maybe be nerve-wracking to be like, oh, she's a difficult one, but you know, at the end of the day, you are in control of your image. Yeah, and I feel like that's incredibly important in this day and age. And you know, if the opportunity was meant for you, then it was meant for you. Um, I would say you should leave an opportunity not feeling icky. Yes, like you should leave feeling wow, I'm so proud of the work that we did. I can trust the photographer, I can trust the boutique owner or XYZ, and we did an amazing job.

SPEAKER_02 36:48

Yeah. And I think even the other way around, where showing up to the job or the collab should also feel exciting rather than like like, I don't know, like you get that feeling of like in your gut of like, am I supposed to be here or not? Uh, but I feel like it's always important to if you feel like not sure of something, always have someone come with you. Yeah. And if they're not okay with it, red flag. Like you you should not be in a place where where they're not allowing you to to bring someone, especially if it's a collaboration.

SPEAKER_01 37:25

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 37:26

If it's a pay job, I feel like it's different, but it's it should be like out in the open. You're not like gonna be in an alley somewhere. Yeah, no, 100%. Being dramatic, but it has happened. It has crazy.

SPEAKER_00 37:38

No, I would definitely say um, you know, something that I've been trying to live by recently is do situations in which you're uncomfortable in the sense that you know, getting out of your comfort zone, but also trusting your gut if you're in an in a icky situation. Yeah. So like try to, you know, yeah, just go out of your comfort zone, do things that you know wouldn't normally, I would say modeling has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. Yes.

SPEAKER_02 38:02

Um but also definitely in an icky situation in which um you just don't feel like something, yeah, like something's off, some things doesn't seem and I feel like it's totally like fine also to get to a job and decide in that moment, like, you know what, this is like not something I want to do. Like as like fearful that can be. Yeah, I feel even to like disappoint that like business or whatever the case is. But if you know you're putting yourself in a situation where they're not doing something right, I feel like it's okay to stand up for yourself and just get yourself out of that position.

SPEAKER_00 38:49

Exactly. Yeah, having those boundaries respected. Um, the moment you feel like those boundaries aren't being respected, just get out of there. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 38:57

And I feel like that's why having a contract is so important because you can even have like, you know what, here it says this, yeah. Uh, and you're not like making it, it's not like safe, or you're not providing something that I requested, exactly whatever. You have something to back you up. Yes, 100%.

Safety Tips And Final Takeaways

SPEAKER_02 39:15

Thank you so much for sharing your stories and just like also diving into your experiences, um, anything you know, in that you've been through that can really help another model out. Is there anything else you would like to share before we close the episode?

SPEAKER_00 39:34

Um, I would say we went over a lot of really important subjects today. Um, I would say as a model starting out, or if you're already an experienced model, just make sure you put those boundaries. Um, you don't take any BS from anyone. Um and I think at the end of the day, what's most important as a model is that you're comfortable with the work that you're doing, you feel safe, yes, um, and you're excited to collaborate with people who are respecting your work, respecting your time, yes, and which you know you're gonna create great things out of it. Definitely make it worth your while.

SPEAKER_02 40:13

Exactly. And your time, which is all right. Your time and your your work ethic at the end of the day. Yes. Well, anyway, then thank you so much again, Angie. Of course, and that's the V. Um, I really hope this was super insightful and just you know, like making ourselves aware of the jobs we can get with protection and having a contract to back us up. Yes. So once again, thank you so much. Thank you. And we'll see you in the next episode.

Follow And Sponsor Shoutouts

SPEAKER_02 40:50

Bye. Thank you for tuning in. Make sure to follow at EdStudy Podcast on all platforms for more fashion content. And a big thank you to our sponsor, Jack Premier Advertising Agency. If you're looking to get on platforms like Hulu or Netflix, check out the link in the description.