Is becoming a model your dream? Do you want to become a fashion model or a commercial model? If you are looking to break into modeling then getting signed up by a modeling agency can be the first step to making your dreams come true.
There are unique niches within the fashion industry. While many think of glamorous fashion models who catwalk the runways of Milan and Paris, nearly every city has a few commercial modeling agencies. Nearly anyone can be a successful model.
The secret lies in understanding what your skills and opportunities are and marketing them to the right agency. As a model, you'll want to market yourself appropriately to the right sort of agencies. Here's a handy guide to finding the top modeling agencies, from famous modeling agencies in Los Angeles to NYC to Toronto.
This article will help you understand how to find the best modeling agencies for your needs. Models need quality representation to get the most out of their careers, no matter your level of experience in the industry. The best modeling agencies mentor their models and help them get placed in as many jobs as possible. Former models or industry insiders usually run these agencies.
Perhaps more importantly, good modeling agencies mentor and coach you to help you get more gigs. Their task is to market you and find your work. The agencies client list should give you a bit of a heads-up as to what sort of next project you will be doing for them. The biggest modeling agencies in New York and Los Angeles scout these agencies all the time.
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Modeling agencies are always looking for fresh talent. There are two basic ways to be discovered. In today's social media-centric world, Instagram is being used by more and more talent scouts.
Building Your Professional Portfolio
As you’re working on building your professional modeling portfolio, you’ll learn quickly that there’s more to building your career than getting your photos taken. You have to work on consistently finding opportunities to get your face in front of the right people.
How do you create a beautiful, professional modeling portfolio online? You don’t need any coding knowledge or technical expertise for creating your online modeling portfolio on Pixpa and need not spend a whole lot of money either! Creating a modeling portfolio on Pixpa is easy, accessible and most of all affordable. Check out some of these beautiful examples of fashion portfolios built on Pixpa to see what you can achieve!
Here are some of the best male model poses and some equally amazing model poses for women to help you jazz up your modeling portfolio. You can sign up for a full-featured, 15-day free trial now and start building your modeling portfolio online.
Your digital portfolio should have more than just a photo gallery. No WiFi? No problem! Dead device? Models need to be like scouts-always prepared. You’ll also want to bring your composite card that reflects your current stats and measurements, and includes a link to your portfolio.
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Remember that as a model, you are marketing yourself. Therefore, you need to exude professionalism, especially online. You can use Instagram and social media to your advantage. It doesn't have to be all work-related, but make sure your online presence communicates the real you. If you have worked with production companies or advertising agencies on projects, do add them to your model portfolio.
Making a Strong First Impression
Nowadays, you don’t have to drag yourself from agency to agency handing out comp cards anymore. Before cold-calling any agency, be it in person or digitally, be sure that they are, in fact, accepting cold calls. If they aren’t, it’s better to wait until they are open to submissions than to give yourself a bad reputation by submitting anyway.
Include the name of your contact, a reason or two why you would like to join the roster of this specific agency, and why you’d be an asset to them. You don’t want to appear like you don’t follow instructions well. Attach a PDF of your composite card.
You’ll want to ensure that it responds properly to all possible devices. Include your contact information and link to your digital portfolio in your sign-off. Your sign-off is another chance to shine. Congratulate them on a recent event or campaign score.
If you are doing an in-person cold-call, dress simply but stylishly - don’t wear any distracting patterns and wear silhouettes that flatter your body but aren’t flashy. You want to make an amazing first impression. Remember, this meeting, as brief as it will be, can be the launchpad for the next step in your career.
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Face: No dramatic looks. Keep it simple.
Attire: Simple is better. A good combo for any gender is dark-wash denim, a crisp button-down, a casual blazer or jacket, minimal jewelry, and a dressier shoe. Have an elegant tote bag with you and stash some heels in there.
Before you start your cold calls, you’ll want to have a sharp composite card with great shots of you, your measurements, statistics, contact information, and a link to your full digital portfolio. This is referred to as a cold-call. Cold-calling is when you contact an agency you have no previous relationship with.
Researching and Approaching Agencies
If you want to get where you want then you will have to put in your own effort and do some research. If you have already done your research and are knowledgeable about where to look, who to go to and what to do, you are also less likely to be misled or scammed by fake talent scouts or fraudsters.
Almost all commercial modeling agencies accept online submissions from models. This is a great opportunity to put yourself out there directly without having to go through a middle man or waiting to be discovered by accident. You'll be expected to have a few photographs and maybe a portfolio. You need to put some thought into setting them up.
Many smaller agencies have open calls throughout the week. Follow their instructions carefully. Bring the recommended photographs and paperwork, be professional, and be courteous.
Most agencies want to see the "natural" you. They want snapshots with natural poses and little or no makeup. Many agencies spell out the sort of photographs they're looking for and their current needs in terms of models.
Here are some key questions to ask when considering an agency:
- What kind of models are they signing? Some modeling agencies are more generalized, while others specialize in one type of talent.
- What percentage do they earn? Most modeling agencies take the standard 20% to 30%. Find out what your fees to the agency covers.
- Is this modeling agency near you? If you’re willing to travel, agencies are usually willing to represent out of town talent.
- Are you only allowed to attend jobs that are approved by your agent? For example, look into whether you can participate in TFP (trade for print) collaborations, or volunteer for unpaid gigs to gain more experience?
- What is the contract like? Before signing, bring it to a lawyer to have them explain the jargon to you. Make sure the contract is in your best interests.
- What are your termination clauses? While you may be excited to just get your foot in the door-always have an exit strategy if things don’t work out.
Refer to the list below and/or find a modeling agency near you.
Avoiding Scams and Unethical Agencies
You likely don’t need us to tell you of the horror stories of models getting taken advantage of by unethical agencies. There are so many ways to learn about the industry now from review sites, forums, and social media.
Unfortunately, in the process of marketing yourself to agencies, you may be approached by nefarious individuals claiming to be talent scouts. If a talent scout approaches you, always double check their credentials and check with the agency with which they work. As always, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
The agencies know this is a problem, and there is never any harm in checking up on who you are working with. If you are in doubt about someone’s credentials, always check with an official representative of the agency to find out the truth. It is also helpful to be aware of how different agencies scout for their models and what the process actually looks like.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- They ask that you use a specific photographer for your portfolio shots. Yes, you definitely should have a portfolio before approaching an agency but the choice should be yours. Expensive and mandatory photograph packages are a big red flag.
- Are they pressuring you about a limited-time opportunity? If the agency says their offer expires soon and is pressuring you to sign, take that as a hint to walk away. If they are truly interested in contracting you, they will allow you time to go over said contract with your lawyer.
- If they’re charging you start-up fees, promising large salaries or guaranteeing you work, watch out. Agencies get paid when you do. They take a commission off of your pay. And, as far as your salary and work opportunities go, nothing is set in stone.
- Check their rep. Google the name of the agency with “scam” and see what comes up. Ask for references.
List of Modeling Agencies
Below is a list of modeling agencies to get you started:
| Agency Name | Location | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Model and artistic talent |
| Q Management | Los Angeles, CA | Boutique agency with global ambitions |
| LA Models | Los Angeles, CA | One of the most powerful agencies in the world |
| Two Management (2M) | Los Angeles, CA | International reach, offices in Copenhagen and Toronto |
| State | New York & Los Angeles | Diverse roster |
| Nous Model Management | Los Angeles, CA | Focuses on female models for print and fashion |
| Boom! Models and Talent | Los Angeles, CA | Models, actors, lifestyle models, musicians, and pets |
| Look Model Agency | Los Angeles, CA | Attention to detail and superior service |
| The Blackwell Files | Los Angeles, CA | "Real people" models for commercial clients |
| Marla Dell Talent | Los Angeles, CA | SAG-AFTRA franchised agency for models, actors, and kids |
| Scout Model and Talent Agency | Los Angeles & San Francisco | - |
| JE Model Management | Los Angeles, CA | Fashion, lifestyle models, theatrical and film actors |
| Stars Management | West Coast | Models, athletes, and influencers |
| RAE Model and Talent Agency | San Francisco Bay Area | Models, dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area |
| NYLO Model and Talent Agency | - | Models from four to 65+ years, SAG-AFTRA franchised |
| Donna Baldwin Agency | - | Models, actors, voice and stylist talent |
| Eden Talent Agency | Colorado | Models for the Colorado area, men, women, kids, and families |
| John Casablancas Agency | Multiple locations | Signed by major agencies, worked for AT&T to Warner Brothers |
| Caroline Gleason Models | - | Fashion, fitness, and influencers |
| Posche Models International | Miami & New York | Offices in Miami and New York, along with a long list of cities worldwide |
| The Green Agency | Miami Beach | English and Spanish language models, actors, and voice over artists |
| FRONT Management | - | Women fashion, men, children, talent, and celebrities |
| BMG Models | Multiple locations | Fashion, commercial, and lifestyle models, male and female as well as children |
| Stewart Talent | Atlanta, New York, & Los Angeles | Models, comedians, actors, directors, and musicians |
| Lily’s Talent Agency | - | Models, actors, artists, and voice-over specialists |
| 10 MGMT | - | Men’s and women’s fashion and lifestyle models, influencers, and creative artists |
| Shirley Hamilton Talent | - | Men, women, kids and teens, and non-binary gender models |
| BMG Models | Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and New York | Top modeling agency |
| The Rock Agency | Chicago | Models, influencers, artists and actors |
| Ford Models | North America & worldwide | Influential agency, represented by major fashion houses and publications |
| Next Models NYC | New York, LA, Miami, Paris, London, and Milan | International agency, clients include GQ, Vogue, and Calvin Klien |
| Elite Model Management | - | Claims to have created the Supermodel |
| IMG Models | International | International company with offices around the world |
| Wilhelmina Models | LA, Miami, Chicago, and London | - |
| Red Model | - | Holds open calls every Wednesday |
| M Model Management | - | Specializes in surfer, skater, and rock musician styles of models |
| Women Management | - | Promoting 'nontraditional beauty' |
| ModelScouts.com | - | Establishing itself as a fashion leader |
| Marilyn Agency | New York | Has represented Claudia Schiffer, Bar Rafaeli, and Adam Lundquist |
| Carolina Talent | - | Represents actors, professional models, and animals |
| Evolution Talent Agency | Charlotte and Atlanta | Actor and model talent |
| Directions USA | - | Families and product/food designers |
| Marilyn’s | Southeast | Models and TV/film talent |
| CD Models and Talent (CDMT) | - | Mentoring newcomers, placed in local and international campaigns |
| TouT Models and Talent | Carolinas | Serves the Low Country of the Carolinas |
| The Brown Agency | Austin and Dallas | Formerly Wilhelmina Austin, open calls every Wednesday |
| Foreman Management | Austin | Husband and wife team, former model and fashion photographer |
| Mazza Models | - | Founded by fashion photographer Devin Mazza |
| Callidus Agency | Austin and Dallas | Full-service talent and modeling agency |
| Tribe Talent Management | - | Creating nurturing relationships with talent |
| The Campbell Agency | - | - |
| Wallflower Management | - | Career development for models |
| Dragonfly Agency | Dallas and Los Angeles | - |
| First Models | Southwest | Fashion and commercial modeling |
| Entourage Agency | Texas and California | All ages, diverse backgrounds, bilingual talent |
| Condra Artista | - | Diverse range of talent |
| Heffner Management | Pacific Northwest | Open calls daily at their Seattle office |
| Seattle Models Guild (SMG) | Seattle | Honest approach and fair representation |
| TCM Models and Talent | Seattle | Run by former professional model Terri C. Morgan |
| The Brock Agency | Hickory | Reps male and female adults, children as well as families |
| Professionally Pretty | Winter Park, Florida | Represents models, actors, & artists world-wide |
| Bellah Modeling Agency | - | Discovering what makes you special, and developing your one-of-a-kind “star” quality |
| Wilson | - | Small, exclusive model scouting and management company specializing in discovery, development, and direction |
Social media platforms like Instagram have made being discovered easier than ever. Models have been discovered while attending a popular music festival and ended up getting regular work as a result. Even if you can’t attend these events, you can still get in on the action. Follow the event hashtags that are trending and post accordingly. Just make sure to research them and make sure they are all that they say they are.
