Hello Everyone! This week I interviewed Olivia who has made over $1,000 in one day as a parts model! Read on to find out exactly how she did it!
Hi Olivia! What made you get started in this unique side hustle?
I began parts modeling in college because it was complimentary to my classes and fairly flexible to schedule (it’s also just fun)!
What exactly is a parts model?
A parts model is cast for specific parts of the body such as hands, legs, feet, etc., and is photographed holding, wearing or interacting with a product.
Can you give a run down of how you find & pitch brands to work with?
I did not have a portfolio when I first started! I had a friend who was working for a large shoe company and did my first shoot with him! Samples are typically made in certain sizes— 6 and 9— and I wear a nine so was able to step in when he was in a casting bind. I don’t work with an agent but know many people who do!
Do you work with the same brands or are you constantly looking for new ones?
I typically work with one brand! It is a parent company for several others, so I will occasionally shoot for different brands under the company umbrella. I have done one-off jobs for other brands, but don’t seek them out.
Congratulations on making $1k/day! That’s amazing! Can you share how long it took you to get to this point and what your best strategies were?
Thank you! I started at MUCH less than that, somewhere around $200. I worked with many producers there and they were great advocates for me, raising my rate in small increments over time. I also got to keep a lot of shoes. The real kicker came after I had been working with them for a year or two: they sent me a release form that had their default e-comm rate of $1K— I happened to be with a lawyer friend and asked what I should do, as I knew that wasn’t my typical rate. I got in touch with the producer and said that the contract looked good, and I would be happy to sign for the rate listed, but wanted to double check before I submitted it. He said good catch, that he’d look into it, and then confirmed that they could pay the $1K, which has been my standard ever since. Read the fine print!
What is a typical day of modeling like?
Sometimes we shoot in a studio, either at their offices or in a larger studio building with multiple areas for a larger shoot. Breakfast is typically provided. Depending on how much of my person will show, I’ll do hair and makeup first and then get changed into the first outfit they’ve chosen for me. Sometimes we get the photo right away, sometimes it takes a few more tries. We like to have multiple options for each product, and shoot anywhere from 10-30 pieces each time. We break for lunch, which is either catered, ordered or, if there’s few enough people, we’ll go out. If we’re shooting outside, everything is pretty much the same but we’re hauling product around to different locations in the city. Sometimes they will cast another model or two, sometimes it’s just me!
How do you prepare for a day of modeling?
I get a mani-pedi the night before (which I am reimbursed for), and shave and moisturize my legs. If there’s a bruise or anything like that they will cover it with makeup or retouch it out. I try in general to wear comfortable shoes that don’t give me blisters, pinch my toes, etc.
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