I am asked this by a lot of friends and friends of friends that want to get started in the modelling world. Many people I know have been duped by rogue agencies promising people modelling work. The AMA only really lists those agencies that are very high fashion and are incredibly selective with who they take on. Do not be disheartened but these agencies requirements, I believe there is a modelling niche for every person on this planet. You just need to find yours…Maybe I will get in to this in another post one day.
1. NO REPUTABLE AGENCY IS DESPERATE FOR MORE MODELS
Do not trust an agencies web page that says, “sign up here”, “we have loads of work for models, join now” or “we are looking for new models”.
2. DO NOT PAY UP FRONT FOR PHOTOS
If you need photos to build up a modelling portfolio a good agency will either book you a TFP (Time/Trade For Print) or allow you to pay the test shoot off with your first job.
3. DO NOT PAY TO JOIN AN AGENCY
You do not need to pay to join an agency. Your agent will take somewhere between 15%-30% agency fee for each job you book.
4. WORD OF MOUTH
For piece of mind I would recommend applying only to agencies that you have been recommend to. This will give you piece of mind.
5. GO SEES
Agencies receive hundreds of photos from aspiring photos every day. It is unlikely they will take any notice to photos that you email through.
Go in and see them! No, seriously if you want to be seen then you have to go in and see them. They will give you more time and will realise that you are serious about a career in modelling.
One for luck…
6. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. I don’t mean to end on a negative note but if an agent promises you work then they are likely to be dodgy. No agency can guarantee you work but they can tell if you are right for their job briefs that they receive each day.
