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How hard is it to get signed to an agency?
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I’m Chicago based and I’ve applied to tons and not heard back from any for days. Any tips on how to start? I’m brand new.
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it’s pretty hard. the industry just isn’t for everyone. you might have a face, but it just doesn’t magically fall into your lap like for nepo babies. you have to keep applying after rejection, apply 3 months in between if you don’t hear anything. don’t follow up cuz that’s just annoying, if they wanted you they would’ve said something
My modeling agency asked for money. Is it worth it?
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So... i understand that with modeling, agencies shouldn’t really ask for money right away. Well... I’m a little confused with mine. They insist that they’re an agency. Not a school. It’s a smaller agency and I know that they do book work for some models. I actually see their models in things around the city. I guess my thing is that they said I’d need $450 for a one time fee for 5 portfolio pictures they’ll use on their website and then another $350 if I want to do development classes... Is this worth doing just to say I have an agency? With a lot of the bigger agencies, they seem to look for people who have experience doing something. Oftentimes, previous representation can get you places... is this worth doing to attempt to get local work? Or the backing of an agency to eventually go elsewhere?
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Hi, I used to be a signed model. This is not the behavior of a modeling agency. I didn't pay a dime for my portfolio pics. No legit agency asks you for money upfront. The way they make money is taking a percentage of your earnings, like any agent does. That's their incentive to get you work.
Good modeling sites
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What are some good sites or agencies to apply to? Any you know forsure are scams? I figured it would be good to see a list of agencies recommended by models themselves and seeing their personal experiences with them.
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Hi! I am a model agent from Paris with 10 years of experience, I have worked with all the top agencies in the world. Below is the list of the agencies I have personally worked with and trust. If you need a comment on any particular agency or if you need agencies in other countries, feel free to message me.
THE US
- DNA Models
- Elite New York & Elite Los Angeles
- Ford New York
- Women New York & Supreme Management & Women360 New York
- IMG New York & Los Angeles
- Identity
- The Lions
- Marilyn Agency
- Muse Management
- New York Models Management
- Los Angeles Model Management
- NEXT New York & NEXT Los Angeles & NEXT Miami
- Photogenics Los Angeles
- Freedom Los Angeles
- The Society Management
- Wilhelmina New York
- Fusion Models
- Heroes Model Management
FRANCE
- Women Management & Supreme & Women360
- Ford Paris
- Elite Paris
- Premium
- OUI Management
- 16 & 16MEN
- Bananas Models
- IMG Paris
- Karin Models
- New Madison
- NEXT Paris
- Viva Paris
- Rockmen
- The Claw
- Marilyn
- Mademoiselle
ITALY
- Monster Management
- D Management Group
- Women Milan
- NEXT Milan
- Brave
- Fabbrica
- IMG Milan
- Select Model Management
- Why Not Model Management
- Elite Milan
- Wave Management
- Special Models
THE UK
- IMG London
- Kult London
- Models1
- MiLK Management
- M+P Management
- Nevs
- Established Models
- Premier Model Management
- Select Model Management
- Storm Management
- The Squad
- The Hive
- Elite London
- Viva London
- NEXT London
- TESS Management
- Wilhelmina London
- SUPA Model Management
Applying for Modeling agency
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(First of all I will say English isn’t my native language so it doesn’t be perfect)
Hello, so my question is what if I am from Europe country and I am applied for e. g. agency based in Milan or Paris, but you are not from those countries, but you got accepted. What’s happening next? Do I need to pay by myself ticket to go to some of those countries to get signed or?
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Hi. Like said in many other subreds; Find a motheragent in your country, if you’re close to the capital I’d try one there. You can find Most trustworthy agencies on models.com They will try to get you an agency in Milan and Paris and develop your career.
If a modeling agency follows me, are they interested or is it for another reason?
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Onspire Models, a mother agency followed me in TikTok but idk if they’re interested because they also follow 2000 other people
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From what I’ve noticed if they’re a legit agency it’s mostly to curate their following (models designers photographers etc). Unless they have one of their scouts reach out to you I wouldn’t think too much about it to be honest. If they’re a questionable agency with little to no rep it’s most likely to use you as a “front” to scam people by using your photos for their website and stuff like that to reel people into paying for a Shit quality service. Be careful do thorough research on all agencies don’t just assume because they have a big following and website they’re legit I’ve made this mistake twice haha .
PSA: You do not have to wait for an agency to pursue modeling. If you want to model, you can absolutely do it, signed or not!
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A lot of posts on here are people asking if they have what it takes to be a model or trying to get signed. I want everyone to know that getting signed with an agency is NOT the end-all be-all for modeling. In fact, if you're not having much luck getting signed, you can start freelance modeling and see if you like it, build a portfolio, and either apply to agencies later or try to get scouted. A lot of scouting happens over Instagram these days, so a good portfolio will help you just as much as your look will.
How to start freelance modeling:
- Make an Instagram and Model Mayhem just for your modeling stuff. I recommend making your handle professional by including part of your real name or a name you want to go by.
- On MM you can search by area to find photographers who do TFP. On Instagram, you can search hashtags to find photographers in your area. Find some people whose work you like and send them a DM asking to shoot. Reach out to lots of people because some of them will probably turn you down. You can also follow signed models and see who they are shooting trade with (you can usually tell if it's a trade or for fun gig because the photo credits won't have a whole team listed) and you can reach out to those photographers to test shoot you.
- Side note: when you shoot with new people, always get references. Message a few other models who have posted photos by that photographer and see what they thought of the experience. Be smart. If a photographer bans escorts, do not work with them.
- In the meantime, start practicing poses in the mirror (and makeup if you're going for a femme look) and start saving pose inspiration for genres that you want to do. When you start shooting with photographers to build your portfolio, knowing how to move your body will be a big plus.
- Try and shoot different looks and different genres. Make sure your portfolio/page does not have the same 5 poses or the same expression over and over again.
- Once you have some experience and a good portfolio, you'll be in a place to start charging. This will also depend on your area, your look, and the demand for models. When you are freelance modeling, you won't get as many paying gigs. But, it can help you eventually get signed.
- If you find that you really like modeling and still want to get signed, having a following, a ready-made portfolio, and some posing skills will give you a big step up when you apply for agencies.
TL;DR: getting signed is not your only chance to be a model. I highly recommend doing some freelance modeling for a bit because you can see if you actually like all the things that modeling entails. Having some experience will also give you a step up when you apply to agencies.
If anyone is based on Colorado, send me a DM and I can recommend some great photographers to help you build your portfolio!
Source: I've been a freelance model for 5 years. I know a lot of other freelance models and a lot of signed models. But please feel free to add things!
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There are a couple of things that I'd add.
Join local Facebook model photography groups for your area. They are a great way to see who is active in your community and to find people looking to shoot. Facebook also has reference and review groups that can help keep you from bad experiences.
Look for and attend group shoots. They are a great way to meet a lot of photographers, models, and MUAs. You can find them in the FB groups that I just mentioned or sometimes on meetup.com. Once you've been active for a while, you may get invites to group shoots that are not publicly announced.
I think that the biggest reason that freelance helps gets you signed with agencies is that it shows that you understand that modeling can be hard and that you are dedicated. That said, show up for every shoot that you book on time, ready to shoot. You will develop a reputation and you want that reputation to be as somebody who acts professionally.
What every curious/aspiring/new model needs to know:
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I went from bullied to a current 4x cover model in the industry with 10+ years of experience, instructor-certified with the industry top modeling school of the last 70 years (Barbizon), and modeling mentor/instructor of the industry's first all inclusive model confidence school for the public. Here are a couple answers to FAQs that are seen a lot in this feed.
- Question - (some version of) Can I be a model?
- Answer - Without even seeing a picture I can say without a doubt YES, love. There are MANY types of modeling, only about 10% are measurement specific, and many are looking for "relatable looks". There's commercial, lifestyle, movie extras, curve ("plus"), brand or parts modeling, art, fitness, boudoir, alternative, character, fit modeling for brands and many more in addition to fashion. Learn about each, recognize which type sparks interest, research technique/talent, practice, and put yourself out there! The industry is also going in an inclusive direction so the fact that you're asking this says there's a great chance now's the time you can make the biggest impact in the industry. The below answer explains more:
- Question - (some version of) Do I need an agency?
- Answer - NOPE!! Truly all you need is self-love and confidence. If you see the industry as looking for certain looks, you'll wonder if you have it, let others determine your value for you, and be lead to feel "not good enough" and build insecurities from the INEVITABLE 9/10 No's you'll experience in the industry and in life. When you realize it's about loving and owning your individual uniqueness and expressing your personality/brand to the max you'll see that the more your look stands out from what's typically published and you ROCK that confidence... THAT'S "the next big thing". As an added bonus it attracts your tribe and with a following of about 30k (could be less, depending on your "brand"), brands will want to work with you. Also, I've landed 55+ editorial pages, 4 covers, several runway shows, brand campaigns, major motion pictures, career modeling on national tv, and more.. almost entirely without an agency. Trust me.. you've got this, bb!
- Question - (some version of) Do I need training to get signed?
- Answer - NOPE!! In fact, many agencies like to train their models themselves. Just research "modeling digitals".. that's all you'll need to submit to agencies. The specific outfit and poses varies slightly by agency so you'll want to follow the steps in the Question below and see what pictures they want you to submit and then have a friend take those pics for you.
- Question - (some version of) How do I submit to agencies?
- Answer - Depending on exclusivity of contract terms you can be represented by different agencies as long as they're in different markets (cities). I wouldn't recommend blindly applying to all agencies etc unless you're a glutton for No's. Start looking at models.com for reputable agencies and find ones in your desired market/s. Look through their signed models to see if they're looking for your general demographics (age/build) and see which ones are lacking your specific color combo/style. Submit to ones where your unique puzzle piece fits in.
Continued in comment below...
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- Question - (some version of) Why haven't I haven't heard back from the agency I submitted to?
- Answer - As personal as it seems, instead of seeing it as "I'm not good enough", understand it's nothing personal. They probably have a model with a similar look and wouldn't be able to get you enough work or don't have enough clients currently requesting a certain look, in which case submit back in 2-3 months. Think of it as being a unique clothes hanger (modeling clothes), knocking on various "boutiques" doors (agencies) to see if this is the boutique for you. Please don't let it diminish your confidence with every "No" or you'll never make it to your door intact. Keep confidently knocking, love.. you'll get there! And in the meantime, explore what all you can do on your own. Truly agencies only add more opportunities, the work you have to do signed/unsigned is virtually the same.
There's SO MUCH more but that should be enough to get you started! I can't stress enough the importance of having unapologetic self-love and confidence in successfully getting into modeling and truly through life in general regardless of your beautifully unique passions. If you find yourself in need of help getting there, seeking more insight/support, how to navigate the industry solo/signed, how to achieve your life/personal goals... I've got you covered. Find me (and more info!) at www.modelcityzen.com for free consultations. Best of luck with everything... you'll get there as long as you keep believing and knowing you can!
I want to start a modeling agency
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Anyone have a good place to start? Resources? Want to partner up? Can help with law/contract department? Can help with development?
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FYI, in a pitch like this, you might want to at least briefly explain what you bring to the table in terms of experience, skills, contacts, capital, customers, etc., so that folks can decide if there is potential in this opportunity.
I had an interview with a big modeling agency today and am confused
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So earlier today I had a zoom meeting with the entire team of a top tier modeling agency. Overall, the meeting seemed to have gone perfectly. The conversation flowed very smoothly, they where impressed by all of my answers, answered all of my questions very thoroughly, and even seemed as if they where trying to convince me to sign with them. I was very humble and graceful the whole time and we had really good laughs and conversation! The way they where talking the whole interview was as if they had already decided to sign me as well. They told me not to get anymore tattoos, told me what they wanted to do with my hair, told me what sort of castings they want to send me to, how to handle their clients, etc. However, the thing is is that they never presented me with a contract. From most of the research I’ve done it seems that during the meet the whole team type interviews they normally give the model the contract at that time. Although, there was a time limit on the zoom call (it was a 50 min countdown) and we got so lost in conversation that we realized that we only had 1 minute left on the call. So we had to rush a goodbye and I didn’t get a chance to ask for next steps or anything. I guess I’m wondering if any of you have been through this process and if this still means that I have a shot? Or is it because they didn’t present a contract to me that means they don’t want to sign me?
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Congratulations
Write a mail to your contact expressing how it was a pleasure to meet them, how you would love to work together with them and what the next step would be after this.
What does it take to actually get signed?
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I’ve been submitting photos for over a year now (started late 2019) and in each “round” of sending in pics, I get about 2-3 agencies that bite back. Either by asking for an interview, or more pics, or more info (like my height which is 5’8, or my location).
This tells me that based on my initial submissions they liked my look (at least that’s what I think, lemme know if I’m wrong). But after I send them these items, I always get rejected. It makes me wonder if this industry is even meant for me? I feel like I’m constantly in a “close but no cigar situation.
If I were sending pics for a long time and never hearing anything back whatsoever, then maybe it would be easier for me to “give this up”, but because I do hear something back every time I try again...idk what to do. Or what I’m doing that I barely miss the mark.
TLDR: I feel like I’m so close, yet it still seems so far 😭
Top Comment:
In my limited experience, agencies are looking for more than a pretty face. The last thing an agency wants is to send a model out for an assignment and have the model not show up, show up not ready to work, show up and be difficult to work with, or worst show up intoxicated.
So, they are looking for clues that you are professional and dedicated to modeling. Make sure that your social media does not have pictures of drug or excessive alcohol usage. Make sure it is reasonably professional.
What does your work history look like? Have you had stable employment? Good reasons for leaving jobs? How agreeable and professional are you in the interviews?
Have you demonstrated some knowledge of the industry? Have you modeled, even if for a charity event fashion show? Do you have performance experience if you're looking at commercial? Do you have a portfolio that shows that you can work with photographers in a studio?
If you've worked with local photographers, do you have a reputation for being reliable? Agencies do talk to photographers.
Disclaimer: I'm an art photographer, not an agency photographer. So, all of my knowledge is second hand. I have, however, worked with hundreds of models, some agency signed and some who went on to sign with an agency after working with me. I also have colleagues who do a lot of work with agencies and I sit and talk shop with them.