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freelance or agency... ??
Just wanted some advice from you guys, ive been modelling part time for about 4 years now and although my portfolio could use some work and I still have a lot to learn, Im unsure on what would be the best move for me. Currently im working freelance on a TF or part paid basis to cover travel costs, but I dont know If I should sign with an agency to increase my chances of getting paid work. any advice? anybody been in a similar situation? thanks Missy Sep 10 13 05:55 am Link I am signed, but am allowed to work freelance (within certain limits). Overall, I have had more paid work from marketing myself as a freelance model, but agency work certainly pays better. Having said that, there are plenty of girls who sign with an agency and are never booked for a job, even when signed to top end representation, so a contract is no guarantee of work. It is also not easy to get signed - you have to meet certain criteria, and the agency has to feel they have a chance of making money from you. I am guessing from your age and stats that you aren't looking for a fashion agency, so the best advice I can give you is to go for a walk-in with whichever agencies you have your eye on, and see where things go from there. In the mean time, try studying self-marketing techniques in case the freelance market ends up looking more promising. Sep 10 13 06:24 am Link Missy_ wrote: What makes you think you have that option? Sep 10 13 06:33 am Link It will be a big challenge to sign with any successful commercial agencies with your current look and height. You may have more luck with agencies such as Ugly or Dark Arts. Since you have recently cut your hair and don't have solid photos, I would instead focus on investing in pro photographers to get high quality portfolio photos that clearly show your face and body. Great new photos the will be the key to more effective marketing on MM and social media and be the most direct path to paying work. Expanding your range of styles to include implied and nudes is a proven way for shorter models to get more paid work. Sep 10 13 07:30 am Link thank you for your replies both of you  Evie - No it would not be a fashion agency, I was looking at more of an alternative agency due to my tattoos, height and my style in general, most of my work is alternative based. The Italian Guy - thank you for that information its a very good source, I did already know the height criteria for fashion agencies and I am aware it is a harsh industry, im well aware im short and more than aware of my body modifications as for my gifted bust there isnt much I can do about that haha! but I do more than understand it not what fashion agencies look for.Sep 10 13 07:37 am Link Hi Loki Studio I will be uploading a recent picture of my new hair as soon as it has been dyed its new colour and have 2 confirmed freelance photo-shoots booked for next year which will update my portfolio as for nudes and topless personally It is something I do not do as a model and something that will not be featuring in my work, implied work I may consider but this should not hinder or further you and has nothing to do with my height  Sep 10 13 07:46 am Link I don't understand the question. I am not going to opine as to whether you can or cannot find a worthwhile agency with your look, but I will say this. If you can find an agency that you feel is legitimate and they will sign you on a non-exclusive basis, what would be the reason not to sign? If you had to sign an exclusive agreement, where you could no longer get work on your own, that is a different matter. If signing is non-exclusive, that just means it adds to your opportunities to get work. If your agency gets you bookings, that just means you get more work. If your agency turns out to not be able to, so long as you are still getting work yourself, you are no worse off having been signed. For someone that has a choice of more than one agency, deciding which one to choose is more important than deciding whether to be signed or not. Good luck to you. Sep 10 13 08:25 am Link Missy_ wrote: Look at this statement from an agency standpoint. If some designer walks in and wants nude models wearing his shoes, jewelry, hats, or whatever, and you say "No" to that, who do you think their booker will recommend to the next client? You'll be moved to the bottom of their list as being "Too demanding." Trust me, they don't want demanding models or the "I don't wannas." Who would? They won't make any money off them, and that is there primary job to dig into their client's wallets - and the easier the better. Sep 10 13 09:26 am Link Missy_ wrote: Sure it does. Sep 10 13 09:34 am Link I do understand and completely value your points, but nude and topless work is an area of approach I have not and had never thought of crossing professionally before for comfort reasons. I will certainly go and consider my options and have a good think. thank you though for your feedback much appreciated Missy x Sep 10 13 10:11 am Link IF you can get an agency and work non-exclusive why not try it? don't see why this is even a question. as for me, I've always gotten much more work doing freelance work than with any of the agencies I've been with. Sep 11 13 12:38 pm Link That Italian Guy wrote: Sep 11 13 08:59 pm Link That Italian Guy wrote: Sep 11 13 09:10 pm Link I feel like the industry has changed dramatically in the past couple of years; so an agency isn't necessarily needed to be a successful model. In fact I've had nothing but bad experiences with the agencies I've worked with in the past. I'd say just stick with freelancing. Sep 17 13 10:30 am Link |
