How to Find a Modeling Agency

One of the best ways to become a successful model is to get a modeling agent. There are tons of them out there but if you're new to the industry, you may not be too sure of where to start.

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Pen and Paper to Make a List

Instructions

1. 

   Use the Internet. These days the World Wide Web has made it easier than ever to locate modeling agencies and because of the advancements in technology, just about every agency has an official website.

2. Start local. Many new models want to go straight to the top by looking into agencies such as Elite, Ford and Wilhelmina. However, unless you're willing to relocate to New York or another major modeling market, you're going to want to start your search closer to home. All models should be local to their agencies--at least within a 2 hour's drive. Being too far away will make you unreliable for last minute castings and gigs. Oftentimes castings are made within a 24 hour period and are not always planned way in advance.

3. Do your Internet search for a modeling agency according to the name of your city or state. If you live in small town, then you may not have a local modeling agency. This may discourage your efforts but if there is an agency that is within an hour and a half or a two hour's drive from where you live, then you would still be an ideal candidate.

4. 

   Make a list. Keep track of the names of the agencies that you come across online as well as their website URLs. Make notes of which ones you meet the requirements for and which ones you do not qualify for. This will prevent submitting yourself to the same agencies more than once.

5. 

   Once you get your web results, stick to the first page. The further back you go, the less relevant the content and websites will be. Check out the official websites of the agencies that your online search turns up. If the website is under construction or doesn't work, cross it off your list. For modeling agencies that do not have their own website but instead have basic information listed such as an address and phone number, give them a call and ask if they hold open castings so that you can come by and check them out. However, it is usually best to stick to agencies that have a decent and running website.

6. Look into the small agencies as well as the big ones. Many newbies snub their noses at small agencies and think that the only way to be successful is by signing with a larger agency. That is not true. Sometimes bigger is not always better. Small "boutique" agencies are great for a new model's career and gives them a one-on-one working relationship with the agent as opposed to being one in a face of hundreds of models on a roster. There are many small agencies that work with large clients and get their models plenty of work. As long as they can progress your career and build your portfolio, that is what matters. You can always switch to a larger modeling agency later on or have your local agent act as your "mother agency" to secure you representation in other markets and even internationally.

7. After you've got a good list together of agencies in your area put together, start making plans to send in your photos and other necessary information. Or make a note if any of them hold open casting calls and attend those in lieu or snail mailing or emailing your images.

Tips & Warnings

• There is nothing wrong with sending in your photos to the big agencies but unless you've got a strong look they can't turn down, the chances of getting their attention is very slim. Some people make the mistake of ignoring the smaller agencies but they are a great way to start your career. Signing with a small agency still puts you way ahead of the competition and if you do well, you always have the option of switching to a larger agency.

• Do as much research as you can about an agency, big or small. Make sure they are not trying to charge any upfront fees or sell you modeling classes. Legit agencies almost always state somewhere on their website that they do not charge fees.

• Make sure you meet the requirements. If you are 5'4" do not submit your photos to fashion agencies--regardless of your look, if you do not meet the requirements, they will not consider you. Instead stick to categories for modeling that an agency can actually get work for you in.

• By law agencies will not deal with underage models unless they have a parent or guardian present so if you are an underage aspiring model do not lie and submit your images without parental consent. If the agency is interested in you but your parents are not, it will be a waste of the agency's time and will reflect badly on you.

• Avoid providing personal information online, including any financial information and your social security number. The main types of info an agency website will ask (if you are submitting an online form with pictures) is your full name, DOB, phone number, email address and mailing address. Avoid any sites that require you to send money.