Here are some important guidelines to follow in order to find the right modeling agency for you. Everyone’s different; there might be an agency that someone loves, but you don’t like it for whatever reason. And that’s perfectly ok.
I know several models who are signed to the same agencies and some models love their agency and others are desperately trying to find a new one. What works for one model might not work for you.
Photo by: Tariq Johnson
5 tips to help you find the right modeling agency.
Don’t focus on how ‘big’ the agency is
Yes, every model wants to be signed to the biggest agency out there, but you shouldn’t be limiting yourself to these agencies. There are countless small agencies that can 1. book you really good jobs 2. help you grow as a model 3. get you signed to a bigger agency.
Smaller agencies are great because they don’t have hundreds of models that they’re focusing on. This will allow them to pay more attention to you, submit you for more jobs and give you direct feedback on what your portfolio needs to make you a more competitive model.
I’ve known plenty of models who’ve been signed to the biggest agencies and they often end-up cutting their contracts short, because these agencies are only focusing on their ‘bigger’ models and don’t pay attention to them.
I’m signed to Willow Model Management which is a mother agency and I’ve received countless modeling jobs through them. They’re always submitting me for jobs and sending me casting videos to do!
A mother agency is usually the first agency you sign with and they’ll help you navigate the modeling industry and help you build your modeling portfolio.
Ask around
Don’t be afraid to ask other models about their agencies. So many people ask me about my agency and I also ask other models about their agencies. It’s a completely normal thing to ask!
If you don’t know any models in person, just find some on Instagram and send them a dm. I always answer any questions in my dm’s about modeling!
Some questions you can ask:
- How did you get signed to your agency?
- Do you get a lot of work through them?
- Do you like your agent(s)?
- Are they easy to talk to?
- Are they nice?
- Do they give you attention or do they focus on their more experienced models?
- How long have you been signed?
Those are a few questions you can ask. I wouldn’t recommend spamming someone with a ton of questions; start by asking 1 or 2.
Open calls
Open calls are a great way to find an agency that you like. Going to an open call will let you see how close the agency is to your home and let you see the vibes that the agency is giving off.
Open calls also give you the opportunity to meet some of the agents in person and see if you genuinely like them. Make sure you ask the agents any questions you have about the agency! First impressions are everything.
If the agency tells you that they’re not looking for a model with your look (this is usually what they say instead of directly telling you ‘No’), try to not be offended! This is an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask them what you can work on and what it is about you that made them say no.
Do your research
Whether you go to an open call or are submitting pictures online, make sure you do your research!
Most agencies have an ‘about’ page and they tell you their goals and what kind of modeling they focus on. This is your chance to see if your goals align with theirs.
It’s important to do your research on more than one agency. You can look at the top agencies’ websites and then start looking at smaller agencies websites as well to see if you’d fit their style.
You can also look at other models’ portfolios and start getting inspiration for your future test shoots.
Agents
One of the most important things to focus on when finding the right modeling agency are the agents! You can be signed to one of the top modeling agencies, but if you don’t like your agents, you’ll be trying to find another agency ASAP.
Your agents are the ones submitting you for jobs and sending you auditions and casting videos. If you think your agent is rude, unprofessional or doesn’t pay attention to you, you won’t be a happy model.
But this goes both ways. If you’re unprofessional and always cancel shoots or are rude to photographers/directors, your agents will stop submitting you for jobs, because you’re making them look bad! They might even drop you from the agency.
Wrap-up
Finding the right modeling agency for you is a really important step in your modeling career. The wrong agency can keep you signed in a contract for years and just waste your time.
These are some great guidelines and tips to follow if you’re on the hunt for a modeling agency.
*Feel free to leave any comments or questions down below so I can answer them for you!*
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