Becoming a model takes more than just good looks and the will to succeed. In order to get steady work and make a living, you will need representation by a modeling agency. Modeling agencies connect models with jobs and help to hone your skills. Finding a modeling agency that is reputable, legitimate and wants to offer you a contract is the real challenge. You don’t want to wind up in the web of a con artist who only wants to take your money for classes, marketing materials and photo shoots.
Start with the Yellow Pages
Reputable modeling agencies want to be found, so you can usually get several listings from your Yellow Pages. It is usually good to start out locally so that you can meet with a representative for the modeling agency and make sure that you aren’t being taken for a ride. While most of the top modeling agencies are found in New York, you can find smaller firms that are more willing to sign new talent in just about every major metropolitan area.
Compile Several Listings
You don’t want to start with one modeling agency and hope it works out. You’re much better off talking to several and going with the one that offers you the best contract. In addition to searching through the Yellow Pages, you can also look online at websites like ModelingAdvice.com or look through your local print media. I wouldn’t, however, advise you to call modeling agencies that advertise on free classifieds boards because legitimate agencies don’t need to do that kind of advertising to find new prospects.
Check the BBB
Your next step should be typing BBB.org into your web browser and checking on the reports for each of the modeling agencies you’ve selected. If one of them is a scam or isn’t legitimate, chances are you’ll find out about it at the Better Business Bureau. If you find that the agency has no information on file or has an unsatisfactory record, go ahead and cross it off your list. Even if the complaints aren’t legitimate, you don’t want to take the chance of being scammed.
Call for Information
Once you’ve narrowed down your list with the BBB, give each modeling agency a call. Find out how they screen new talent and what you can do to score an interview. Some will ask that you mail clips to their office while others might have an open call night where they meet with several prospective models at a time. If you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to get a one-on-one interview, though this is rare for undiscovered talent.
Read Contracts Carefully
A legitimate modeling agency will allow you to take their contract home with you and read it yourself or have it examined by a lawyer. If you are asked to sign it immediately, you’ll probably want to head out the door and never look back. It’s important that you don’t sign away your rights or bind yourself to a permanent agreement that costs you money, time and effort. If you don’t understand the wording of the contract, your best bet is to call an attorney for guidance.
Meet Photographers
If looking directly for modeling agencies doesn’t pan out, you can always shoot for the middle man: Photographers. Student photographers, for example, are always looking for models to pose at low cost and even experienced photographers can help you break into the business. You have to be careful that you don’t wind up paying the photographer royalties on your work, but it might be your best bet for getting signed.
