Top 6 Gigs between the Gigs

A few decent paying jobs for the non-starving artist are out there. While waiting for a paid crew or cast gig, the bills still need to be paid. Actors, Actresses, Make up artists, Wardrobe, Set Designers, Camera crew or more, search or promote themselves for their next role to perform. These six jobs can help you get by til you land that well paying creative production project.I've had the privilege to work or book the following people modeled below. 

1. Waiting tables, Bartending, Delivery Driver 

Lenda Hand Yu
Actress-Media/Event Coordinator/Producer

tolendahand

Pros:  

Staff Can Swap or Trade Hours.

High turnover rate managers are used to.

Cash tips or a set rate for large parties.

Cons: 

Can be dirty, subservient feeling.
Late hours or early hours.

Unpredictable income. 

2.  Substitute Teacher or Tutor

Kirsten Long

Actress - The Dancing Nanny 

bellydrama@yahoo.com

Pros: 

Choose to work.
Depending on age, easy to entertain.
Close by locations. 

Cons:

Too many abscences, gets you off the list. 
Pay varies State to State.
Upredictable behavior of students. 

3.  Temporary Job Agencies

Pros:  

Work in industries you choose. 

Pass or Take an Assignment.

Variety of places and Network. 

Cons:
Tests: security clearances, criminal, credit check, etc.
Time consuming interview. 
Wage varies depending on job. 

4.  Art Model

Pros:  

Life drawing studios or college class, Unrecognizable sketch. 

Practice Model poses and stances.
High hourly rate for up to four hours. 

Cons:

May ask for nudity. 

Hidden cameras. 

Mixed maturity levels and crowds. 

5.  Fitness instructor/trainer or certified care giver

Jonathan Booker
Actor - Fitness Instructor
jbookementertainment

Pros: 

Can sub or freelance at gyms, dance studios, or private.
Large amounts of locations. 

High hourly rate of pay. 

Cons:

Annual licensing updates: State, First Aid, CPR, or more.
Students' reviews can penalize your position.
Inconsistent time schedules, may be sporadic.

Chezale
Actress/Model - Fitness Dance Instructor

Chezale Presents 

6. Brand Ambassador Model

Annie Medina
Actress/Model - Asst. Casting Director
Movie Work Now 

Pros: 

High Social Exposure at Expos.

Sales percent and or set hourly rate. 

Possible Recurring Client Model Gig.

Cons:

Low security if crowd gets bigger.

May require uniform or certain uncomfortable attire.
Study the product or give a presentation.

With any position, employers may screen test you and not necessarily the screen test audition kind. Some apply scrutinizing background checks, referrals, references, skills, and more. Requirements vary including the wardrobe attire you wear. Employers and clients can be flexible or intolerant of your other creative work choices. 

The benefits of working in the public, is to get your reputation spreading in your professional community. Live like you are a star already, because you never know who knows who in this industry. Who might be looking for exactly what you offer.  Keep polishing that part of your craft.  

Author, Lenda Yu Brewer, has worked in the Media Industry since the 1990's.  She is available for assignment considerations. A list of services can be found on the website:  www.tolendahand.com