Guide: Signing with A Modeling Agency and Interview Questions They Ask

Finding the right agency for you can be very hard. It is a relationship built on mutual effort into the success of your career.

Do a Google search of agencies in your city and state. When you locate a few agencies check their websites and reviews. Ask models and photographers or other industry professionals if they have any experience working with these agencies. Referrals are always the best.

Search their website and look at the models they are currently representing and the divisions they offer.

Agency Requirements

Some agencies have a height and age requirement. If you don’t fit into the age category do not feel discouraged. There are plenty of great agencies that represent models outside of the 15-25 age range. It is just a matter of finding the right fit.

Most agencies offer a submission page on their website that you can fill out, others ask you to email them your information.

Information you need to provide;

1. Measurements (chest/waist/hips)
2. Height
3. Shoe Size
4. Hair Color
5. Eye color
6. Phone Number
7. Email Address
8. City you live in
9. Sometimes they will ask for your age
10. Any previous modeling experience
11. Current representation

You don’t have to have any experience in modeling when submitting to an agency, but if you do have it always disclose it.

You can also submit to an agency even if you already are represented by someone else, as long as you have a “Non-exclusive” modeling contract. This means you can be signed with multiple agencies at once as long as they represent you in different fields of modeling. For example; Runway, Fitness, Beauty, Commercial, etc.

Submit Model Digitals

You will need to upload your digital so the agency can see what you look like. Check the agency website for any guidelines.

Sometimes they will have specific requirements for digitals but most commonly digitals should be taken in natural light against a solid light-colored backdrop. No makeup! Hair should be styled very naturally and brushed back.

You can wear a black tank top, black skinny jeans, along with a pair of strappy heels.

Sometimes agencies will ask for digitals in swimwear. If so, I recommend a plain black bikini. You want your digitals to show you in your most natural state. The agency wants to see you as a blank canvas.

Next Steps

After you have sent in your submission, they will contact you within 14 days if they are interested in moving forward.

If you do not hear back, please don’t be discouraged. There are so many agencies out there and they don’t all look for the same type of models. Keep submitting until you get a YES.

Rejections

Reasons why you might not get signed:

1. The agency already has several models with your look
2. The agency doesn’t have enough clients that require your specific look at this time
3. You don’t fit this particular agency’s criteria

An agency won’t sign you unless they are certain they can book you work.

Agency’s rosters, criteria, and the needs of the market constantly change. If you don’t hear back now wait for 6 months and resubmit.