Becoming a Model: promoting yourself through agencies

If you plan to promote yourself locally put together a professional portfolio and keep contacting model agencies & photographers who may need your services. Be sure to ask questions when contacting agencies. The most important question being: "Do you charge any upfront fees?"

Even if you don't have all the physical requirements for the New York City top model agencies, don't give up hope! There are other options for you. Bob Pardue (at http://www.bobpardue.com/) is one of the best people on the Net that feel both the demand and supply and deliver the goods!

Even though this gentleman's advice relates basically to US-based prospective models, the very approach is well worth your attention.

Let's take a look at Hollywood as an example ..

Hollywood has thousands of actors / actresses working on movie sets all over the world but has very few superstars.

Not Julia Roberts? We can't all be a Julia Roberts or Russell Crowe. The same goes for modeling.

There are models who don't have all the features of Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks but they are happily working in the modeling industry.

Granted, these models are not making the same money as Cindy or Tyra but hey, are you in modeling just for the money? If so, I would suggest choosing a different profession you really enjoy!!

If you feel that you would be better suited for a local market, I have a list of local modeling agencies by state for you to contact.

Please check out these agencies and talk to their references.

Better still, talk to some working models who've been around for a while and maybe they can recommend a good agency for you. I will be discussing modeling scams in a different chapter so beware!!

Keep checking my Bob Pardue Photography site at http://www.bobpardue.com/ because he will be adding more articles about portfolios and agencies in the future.


Model Agency Scams

There are a lot of fantastic agencies in most states, if you know what you are looking for.


Below are some pitfalls and things to watch out for.

Steer clear of agencies who ask for large sums of money for so called "training" unless you feel that you just want that particular experience. There are plenty of legitimate agencies out there. You may want to try checking modeling agencies for local markets ...

Or,,, If you feel you qualify to reach the New York markets, you can find this agency information at New York Modeling and Talent Agency Listings

I don't have detailed information or endorse any of these agencies so you just have to pick and choose until you find the answers you are looking for.

Below are two articles you should read before venturing out on your own or going to that interview where you were singled out in the mall.

If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams - Taken from the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm


Don't just read, learn it by heart!


Don't Let Them Flatter You!

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says,

"You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. "

Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.



It's All an Act

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts.

What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Man, woman, or child -- it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing -- your money -- and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.

Here is some advice taken from consumer advocates, former (modeling) customers and ex-agency employees for avoiding modeling scams:

1. Avoid paying fees in advance. Legitimate agencies make their money from commissions.

2. If you're asked to pay for extra composite cards, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and state consumer officials.

3. If you are asked to sign a contract, take it home first. If they refuse, walk away.

4. Ask for reference lists of clients and ask what kinds of jobs the agency books.


Be sure to ask questions when contacting agencies. The most important question being: "Do you charge any upfront fees?"