HELP! What exactly is a kit fee?
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Oct 13, 2011
Niki D.
Like all unknown-upstart-freelance folks, I'm willing to take darn near any jobs just to beef up the portfolio and I'm totally fine with working for very little since I'm still gaining experience. This particular job can only pay me a "kit fee" but I'm unsure of exactly what that should be. I take it it's supposed to cover the cost of materials. But am I supposed to come up with the figure or do I expect them to determine what they can give me? Like I said, I'm a "starving artist" so I'm willing to work for peanuts lol. I guess I've never heard the term "kit fee" before.
Oct 13, 2011
Niki D.
Gotcha. Do you have an idea of what would be a reasonable amount? Or do I have to do the math the day of the job? Because they haven't given me a direction, I think I'm winging it when I get there.
Oct 13, 2011
Steff J.
It really depends on a lot of different factors. How many models, what event it's for (if it's just a test shoot for just experience, obviously not), what types of products you're using, if you're applying lashes, if you airbrush, what makeup artists charge around your region, etc. Or you can just leave that out altogether and include into your costs for any paid gig and not have clients feel like it's "extra."
Oct 13, 2011
Jamie D.
Try to add up all your costs for makeup and sanitization products used, especially disposables. A standard kit fee would be $25-$50, but kit fees are not standard in photo shoots, only in film, unless it is an amateur shoot. I know it's really tempting to work for nothing or very little, but you really have to think about how much it costs to work: gas, sanitization product, makeup, disposables, the paper towels and soap you use on your brushes after the shoot, the time spent preparing and cleaning your kit, etc. It basically means that you are paying to work if you work for free or very little. If you learn to stand your ground now about what it costs to hire you, then people won't be surprised later when your portfolio is built. Stick to your guns and remember that you have valuable skills. Many people will try to turn this into your hobby. It's not your hobby, it's your job and you deserve to make money doing your job.
Oct 14, 2011
Niki D.
Thank you so much Steff and Jamie, I appreciate the advice so much :o) <3 <3
Oct 14, 2011
Ashley G.
I agree so much with Jamie.... so many people forget to figure in the actual cost of doing TF work, and unless it's something that I feel is very beneficial to me and my port, well, I'm not going to lose money to be a part of a TF shoot. I was at the Make Up Forever Pro Roadshow this weekend and one of the things they talked about was using TF shoots for yourself, as in, You contacting a photog, and offering TF work for a shot that you NEED in your port...if you're doing it for free anyway, why not take control instead of taking all the direction from someone else. But back on to the kit fee subject, it does really vary on the situation as stated above. One of the MUA in my area charges a $100 kit fee. I have stated on my modelmayhem a fee of $20 simply bc with 1 or 2 faces i'm not using much product, and as i stated already, i'm very selective with TF. Also, what has happened in my area is there are so many people doing TF they know they can get what they want for free from SOMEONE out there, and all the people doing stuff for cheap or free really hurts the people that are trying to make a living. Sorry for rambling but I hope i shared some insightful info :)
Oct 14, 2011
Niki D.
Definitely :o) thank you Ashley!