Modeling & Model Finance Glossary
Plain-English definitions of every term working models need to know — vouchers, day rates, exclusivity, buyouts, agency commission, and more. Built for working models.
Agency Commission
The percentage an agency keeps from each job before paying the model. Typically 20% in most markets, but can range from 10% to 25%, and the model often pays a separate service charge or markup on top.
Day Rate
The standard fee for one day of modeling work, typically 8–10 hours including breaks. Day rates vary widely by job type — runway, editorial, e-commerce, fitting and commercial each have separate norms.
Exclusivity Clause
A contract term restricting a model from working with competing brands, products or agencies for a defined period. Exclusivity should be paid extra above the base day rate.
Mother Agency
The agency that originally signed and developed a model. The mother agency typically takes a smaller percentage of every job for the model's whole career, even when other agencies book the work in different markets.
Voucher
A signed form a model submits after each job, recording the agreed rate, hours and any expenses. The voucher is what the agency uses to invoice the client and eventually pay the model. No voucher, no payment.
Glossary v1 launched May 2026 — more terms shipping fortnightly. Researched by Bec.
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