edu LIBRARY

Greetings, ambitious models! In your career thus far I hope you’re having fun and working hard. The question I pose to you today is…are you working smart? Are you using all the resources available to achieve the kind of success you know you’re capable of? The good news is you shouldn’t be trying to make it all on your own! The greatest, most important relationship a model will have is with their agent. A good agent is essential. But where do you start? What do you look for? After weeding out some less than reputable modeling agencies over the years I have a few tips…

Model: Valerie Wyndham; Photographer: Lee South

Beware of scams. I abhor any and all “conventions” related to modeling. Contests are also very tricky. Most make impossible promises and spout grandiose ideas of becoming a “star” overnight just by joining their ranks. Do not fall into this trap. Trust your instincts. Hard work and perseverance make a successful model—not scam artists in a hotel ballroom they’ve rented out to prey on naive stage mothers and their starry-eyed kids. It’s really a shame that people are still attending these sort of events. As with every great scam, it all comes down to money. An agency should not require ANY money upfront just to sign up. The only exception is if you are in need of new head shots, comp cards, or other materials. A good agency will suggest this and work with you to make it happen at a price that’s fair (perhaps not cheap, but certainly not outrageous). They will want you to put your best self forward and be prepared with the proper materials on castings.

Be certain the agency you sign with is catered to your style of modeling. Know your look. Know your range. Know your body type. Some high profile agencies cater only to high fashion and runway models. If your look is more commercial and you’d rather start on promo or catalog work, agencies like Elite Model Management and Ford Models may not be the best place to start. Inquire about what genre of modeling they get the most work for. Be realistic in discerning whether or not you can see yourself fitting in at the sort of castings they offer.

Ask around. I have found this to be the most powerful way to weed out the good agencies from the bad. Treat every model you meet on a shoot as a potential new friend that will offer helpful advice about whom they’ve had good and bad experiences working with. It really makes it easier to figure out which agencies have a good reputation. For example, if you’ve heard nothing but horror stories about an agency, it may be best to approach with caution. Conversely, if all the professional, polished models you meet at castings seem to have the same agency in common, there is a reason for that! Also know that it is common to have all the best agencies in your city receive the same castings. If a job is reputable and worthwhile, I’ll usually be asked to submit for it by several agencies.

Play the field. I do not recommend signing exclusively with one agent. Perhaps someone who has huge campaigns to worry about could benefit from this. However, your average working model looking to build a portfolio on steady work will tell you it’s best to have a small handful of agencies you can count on. Rather than sign with one agency who may leave you sitting on the shelf between jobs, I’d recommend staying loyal to agencies that have treated you with the same professionalism you’ve shown them. (e.g., good communication, frequent job submissions, firm details once booked, etc.)

Model: Valerie Wyndham; Photographer: Lee South

Cement a good standing with the company. When you finally find the right agency, let them know they can rely on you 100%. Accept castings with alacrity and do your very best every time you’re booked. You are a representation of the agency. They have not only invested time and money in you, but they’ve trusted you with their reputation. It’s up to you to be punctual, prepared, and as professional as possible when you accept the opportunities they give you.

Be ready to accept low-paying jobs and help out in a pinch. Becoming a frequently used model at an agency sometimes means accepting jobs with a low rate (especially if you’re new) or helping out in an emergency. I’ve gotten frantic calls from my agency when a girl suddenly cancels. If it’s in any way possible for me to drop what I’m doing and step in to help, I do it. Not only is this a good deed, but it tells your agency that you’re a team player. You don’t want their good name soiled because of one model’s unprofessionalism. See it as a chance to come to their rescue, show up to the job, and absolutely shine! It will get back to them that you’ve not only saved the day but exceeded expectations. You’ve now shown you can be trusted in a sticky situation and they won’t forget that when submitting you for other projects.

Be at the top of their list. It’s true that agencies “play favorites” with models. Some unfortunately do so with friends of theirs. Unfair? Maybe. But most I’ve found “play favorites” for a reason. Every agency has a core group of girls (or boys) that they deem as their “elite set.” These models have proven time and time again that they can not only book jobs, but perform well on each one. Make it your goal as a model to always be at the very top of your agency’s list! When a job comes along that you’re the right fit for, they will know you can handle it.

My closing statement is one I feel the strongest about. At the end of the day you have to find an agent that believes in YOU. If you’re doing everything right your agent will be on your side, always have you in mind, and genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s as simple as that. A beautiful partnership is one that benefits both agent and model. Be the kind of model you would want to work with and the rest will fall into place.

Best of luck!