How to Choose a Model agency

Unfortunately, nothing is that easy in modeling industry and before you sign with a modeling agency, you better invest some time into careful selection and analysis. With so many scams out there, it pays off well to scrutinize you future employers as thoroughly, as they pick models for their jobs.

So, before you sign with a model management, get to know the world you're plunging into.

Essentially: Agencies are divided according to their specialization into modeling agencies, who scout out and hire fashion models and have an extensive roster of faces; talent agencies, whose work principles resemble recruiting agencies and which are, in fact, mediators; specialization agencies, which only perform certain types of modeling assignment.

Territorially: There are local agencies, which only operate within the city or country of their location and agencies which have offices in cities across the world.

There are major agencies, whose models work for leading designers, pose for catalogs and magazine covers, and whose clientele includes leading companies and trademarks; average agencies that have their fixed clientele and may have top-models in their rosters; small agencies that don't get many job assignments and whose cast is constantly changing. Such agencies have little or no chance of attracting a serious client.

Analyse modeling agencies in your area, find out which one has its models taking part in designer showcases, posing for ads and magazine covers more frequently than others (magazines usually indicate the name of a model and an agency). Large and professional agencies often have websites, which list their clients, their rules and requirements , picture galleries and casting calls. Choose several agencies and make an interview appointment.

During your first visit, take a close look at the agency's office, its atmosphere and surroundings, and the way you are treated during an interview. Ask if you can take a look at the agency's portfolio, ask about the agency's clients and the kind of assignments it carried out for them. Then, investigate the correctness of the information you received by talking to the agency's models (if possible) or, if you were showed magazine covers or spreads, make sure the corresponding issues of these magazines really have those pictures. Use internet forums and discussions to find out all you can about the agency you talked to.

Once you've decided who you want to sign with, make another interview appointment to discuss details of your future cooperation. Usually, an agency will offer you a contract - it may be a basic contract, a probation period contract, or a one-time contract for a certain job.