Boutique actor and model agency

Clients such as advertising agencies, production companies, photographers and brands pay the talent's fee. You take an agreed commission from that fee.

A percentage commission on each paid job your talent books. Income depends on how many jobs your roster wins, so it usually starts slowly and builds as relationships grow.

• Networking and cold outreach
• Negotiating and contracts
• Good eye for talent and a professional manner
• Organised, with a calendar full of auditions and bookings

• Check with your state or territory whether any licence or registration applies to agents who find work for others
• Check rules on what fees you can charge talent; charging upfront fees can look like a scam and may be restricted
• If you represent under-18s, check working with children check and child employment rules in your state
• Have a lawyer review your contracts, and consider public liability and professional indemnity insurance
• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home
• Income is irregular and you may wait months before commission arrives

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your website, insurance, legal review of contracts and how you promote your roster. Running from home keeps premises costs out of the picture.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the size of your roster, the jobs you land and the commission you agree. Income is irregular, and commission can take months to arrive.

Check with your state or territory whether any licence or registration applies to agents, and what fees you can charge talent. If you represent under-18s, check working with children and child employment rules. Also have a lawyer review contracts and consider insurance.