How Brands Pay:
Which brings us to how exactly you can earn a paycheck in the upper echelons of Pinterest. Both pinners said that brands often approach them offering to pay, well, nothing in exchange for pinning. Which is not OK. “There are brands who would like to see multiple pins happen and to me that’s a form of advertisement,” Martinez said. “It’s always better to approach the pinner with [an offer].” Arends agreed, saying that if she decides to take on a recurring pinning gig for a product or brand, “I’ll work out an agreement. Just because my reach has gotten so far, it’s worth the investment for them.”

What’s still unclear is how much a pin is “worth.” Payment is usually in either cold hard cash or trade. Martinez said she wasn’t paid for her Calypso gig, but the trip to St. Barth’s and a lot of free clothes—which she loves and pins frequently—was worth it for her. And while it totally depends on the project or promotion, Arends said she’s seen anywhere between $80 to $200 offered for a series of pins.

UPDATE: In a follow up email with Arends, she wanted to clarify that what makes Pinterest such a “powerful” platform for creatives like her is that potential clients can see your design work. She has picked up many freelance clients through Pinterest referrals, and currently makes more income through this route than by endorsing brands or pinning products.

Enter the agents…