Boy, what a discussion this simple question caused...some very valid and interesting takes on the concept.
A "draw against future earnings" or a "draw agains potential earnings" is just that....a firm may give you $500 per week as a "guarntee" - you keep it no matter what. But if you make $10,000 for yourself after 10 weeks, you have $5,000 coming to you (unless, of course, they hold that for future potential losses).
Your "paycheck" would show $10,000 gross, minus taxes, minus the DRAW you already took. This is not a big deal...just a way to give people some living money from their earnings. This is a salesman's method of compensation. If you "sold" a $200K house, and had $12,000 coming (if it closed escrow), then your boss may give you a "draw" of $5,000 or so with the understanding if it fell out of escrow, that you would not get any more until you closed another deal.
IMHO, you're better off making the money, taking the money, keeping the money, without all the games....but, to each his or her own...
Don