So You Want to Become a Model? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[cologne_rocks]

Links would be very helpful! Thank you so much!

I'm sorry for getting back to you so late. But well, here we go.

So, my top recommendation goes by far to Mode Models, they've offices and even scouts in nearly all Canadian cities and are easy to work with - fast placements, great relationship to their models and nevertheless the most succesful agency network based in Canada (Motheragency of Julia Dunstall, Meghan Collison, Heather Marks, Simon Nessman and many others Canadian supermodels)
Model Models http://www.modemodels.com/

One agency which is pretty cool as well is Liz Bell Agency. Liz Bell has currently some girls placed abroad (such as Amy Groves who's got a great start via Elite New York or Janice who's off to Paris via Ford Europe). She's leading the agency with a friend, both former models as far as i know.
Liz Bell Agency http://www.lizbellagency.com/

Dulcedo Model Management is based in Montral and rather a new boutique agency with an exciting line up and diverse of boards from commercial to plus sized and editorial models. Maybe not the agency which has been totally in the spotlights during the past seasons, but they know how to place and develop girls, would advice you to give it a shot there if the other agencies mentioned in this post refuse.
Dulcedo Model Management http://www.dulcedo.ca/


The Toronto based agent Chantale Nadeau is also very succesfully working and has nevertheless produced well-known models such as Amanda Laine and Addison Gill who was exclusive to Calvin Klein one year ago. I'm not in touch with Chantale, but her work is highly appreciated by people who count.
Chantale Nadeau Placement http://www.chantalenadeau.com/



I'm not sure where you are based, but try your luck at all agencies mentioned above, they do also work with models who live quite far away from their subsidiaries, if you need more info, feel free to ask.

 

[cologne_rocks]

I'm an African-American eighteen year old girl, about an inch more than the most standard of model heights, and despite low self esteem and discouragement in my younger years, I've always wanted to be a model. Not only that, but nowadays I've been getting 'are you a model? well you should be!' more than ever. However, I know that both my age and my height are kind of hindering, but do I still have a shot? The earliest time I can get to an open call is late August, early September. And even then--do I wear heels? Do I bring pictures/Polaroids? I have none of those. :/ Thanks for the help in advance!

Where are you located?

Well, the taller you are the better it is unless you break the 185cm limit. Being a bit too tall is no problem, in fact, even better than being a half inch too small (providing that measurements are okay as well). Most agencies do never write the real height of a model which is slightly too tall on the show cards or online portfolios. Remember Frida Gustavsson and Karlie Kloss are about 185cm and working like mad :-)

As for the open calls - A good substitute to heels are those "Jesus sandals", no idea how they're exactly called I'm not into fashion. Otherwise you could try those heavy leather boots which a lot of models wear on they way to their castings. But anyway, take some high heels with you and keep them in your bag, just in case.

A serious agency doesn't want you unconditionally to take pictures with you to the open calls. Bring actually nothing with you except yourself and maybe some high heels to put on if they want you to walk.

 

[Paws]

I'm sorry for getting back to you so late. But well, here we go.

The Toronto based agent Chantale Nadeau is also very succesfully working and has nevertheless produced well-known models such as Amanda Laine and Addison Gill who was exclusive to Calvin Klein one year ago. I'm not in touch with Chantale, but her work is highly appreciated by people who count.
Chantale Nadeau Placement http://www.chantalenadeau.com/

Great post and lots of good information.
Not to nik pik but Amanda Laine was discovered by Elmer Olsen

 

[cologne_rocks]

Thanks for that info it's sometimes hard to differ which agencies discovered all the girls, but now where you mentioned Elmer Olsen, it's also worth to put a link to that agency here - if I'm not mistaken again, they also discovered Bonja (former CK exclusive) Cici Ali, Karl Lagerfeld's runway favorite Kori Richardson as well as Kate Somers whom Casting Director Michelle Lee has a crush on for many seasons now, then Tara Gill (a JPG and McQueen favorite) and last but not least old-school beauty Amanda Laine as corrected by Paws above

http://www.elmerolsenmodels.com/

 

[Paws]

I would say all right about Elmer except for Kate Somers. I believe she started with Ford and just joined Elmer a couple of months ago.

For any other information about agencies I would have to defer to cologne_rocks,
as I really only know about Elmer's models.

 

[Paws]

^All that is off-topic...........
better get back to the good information

 

[SoBlonde]

Hey everyone! I think this is the right thread for this, but if not, my apologies.

I recently visited ITS Management (a talent and modeling agency in my hometown of Lancaster, PA) and they expressed interest in representing me. The catch is a $75 seminar that discusses "the mystery out of getting the perfect headshots or comp cards, proper representation, how to get a legitimate agent, what a casting director looks for in an actor, how and when to join unions, and differences between contracts." I feel that these topics are very basic and that I don't need a $75 4 hour seminar that spews out information I'm 99.9% sure I already know. Aside from that, I don't see anything particularly wrong with the agency. My other qualm is that in about a month, I'll be going back to school in Philly so I don't know how that will affect my representation, but I don't know if it will because they work up and down the east coast. I sent them an e-mail about that and am waiting to hear back. I've also been thinking that it would be a good idea to just wait until I'm back in Philadelphia and to send my information to agencies there. I've been hardcore racking my brain about this and I would appreciate any kind of advice. Thanks!

 

[BetteT]

Scam Alert!!

You are smart to ask. Your protective instincts are good.

It's proably not a real modeling agency if they are charging you for classes about anything. It could be a "modeling school" or a small time business that likes to make money from aspiring models. Why would they ask you to take a class about getting a legit agent, anyway ... if they are a legit agent? A legit agent will advise and counsel you on what you need to know as part of helping you when you do go on casting calls.

Yeah ... it's important stuff to know if you are interested, but you can find most of that elsewhere anyway. This information is from a former commercial modeling agent and he knows his stuff .... http://newmodels.com/

A legit agency will not ask you to spend anything with them. But they will direct you to several good fashion photographers tfor test shoots. PHotographers that they know will get the best out of you in the pics ... will be able to produce the kind of picutures the agency will need to promote you. The photographer should never be "in house" ... and agency does not have photographers, printers, or classes. All agencies should do is send their models out to prospective clients and collect money if they model actually gets hired ... they get a commission from the model (and the client, too).

The only things you pay an agency for are their marketing expenses when they are promoting you ... costs of mailing and messengers when they are sending out your portfolio to clients. Of course, should they agree to advance you any money for any purpose (test photo shoots, housing, travel, etc.) you will have to reimburse them sooner or later, according to your written contract. All of this should only reimburse them to cover expenses incurred on your behalf .... it's not intended to be how they make their profit.

If they are legit and they think you have potential, they won't insist that you take this class. If they don't want you unless you give them money for this seminar/class ... just pass and look for another agency.

 

[SoBlonde]

Bette,

Thanks so much for the reply! Yeah, I thought it was really sketchy that the description of the seminar is about finding a legitimate agent when they're supposed to be the legitimate agency with legitimate agents.

newmodels.com is one of my favorite resources. I found it way back when when models.com still had their forums.

Thanks again for the info. It was really helpful; I appreciate it!

 

[ruffledleather]

^ SoBlonde, you should try wilhelmina in PA
http://www.wilhelminaphiladelphia.com/

 

[Lite_Brite]

I got 'scouted' by Muse Models in Portland. Supposedly they discovered Darla Baker and Kerry Degman (with whom I went to HS actually). Does anyone have any experience with this agency? I think they may be part of Mode Models. I don't really intend to follow up, but I thought I'd ask.

 

[fritmayo]

All of this should only reimburse them to cover expenses incurred on your behalf .... it's not intended to be how they make their profit.

that sound a very politically correct answer, but it is not exactly the reality.
All agencies in the world (including the most prestigious ones) overcharge all expenses advanced to the model, set card, book, appartement, all is charged more to the model that the actual price the agency pay.
And this count for a part not that small in the agency incomes.

 

[BetteT]

Hmmm ... .that's the first time I heard that. But, then, it's probably not something they would publicize if that's the case.

 

[ruffledleather]

what is the significance of models having agencies in different countries? and is it better?

 

[BetteT]

As I understand it ... and someone who knows more can confirm or refute this ... is that agencies don't have client contacts world wide ... at least a majority of them. So, if they want you to work in Milan, for example, you will be connected to an agency there ... and your original agency will become your "mother agency" and will get a small portion of the commission. The advantage is primarily to develop your book and to gain experience. Without an agency in Milan ... your agency probably could not get you any work there.


It all depends on the contract your sign with your agency too. If you are in an "exclusive" contract, you may not work with any other agencies ... unless they arrange it for you.

But, if you are not exclusive, you might want to find a few good agencies in other cities. Of course ... you'd probably have to get yourself there ... they won't pay to bring you there to work ... so it just depends on how much you travel on your own, too.

Well, if you are a highly paid and sought after model ... clients will pay to have you travel to them or wherever the shoot is ... but for the newer models who are not well known, not too likely.

 

[ruffledleather]

thanks alot for the info BetteT

 

[iRyan]

Okay so here's the deal. I'm 16, 5'11" (still growing), ****Edited **** No weight talk please. [i'm allowed to post my age and height, right?]. I've been told I could be a model so many times now that I'm beginning to actually consider it, but I always thought ***Edited*** . But now looking at the latest mens shows in Milan and New York, the male models on the catwalk have the exact same look as I do body and face wise. Which makes me think maybe I really CAN model.

Only problem is, I'm going to be moving to San Diego which is so far from New York. So I was thinking about trying in LA, but I'm worried that the market there is too commercial for me there. Whats the most high fashion mens agency in LA? And if I were to be signed in LA, would I still be able to be sent abroad or to New York occasionally for work, without actually being located there?

Before this was all just a "dream" but I've become so persauded by the people around me to try it that I am actually now seriously considering it.

 

[iRyan]

Sorry if posting height and age is not allowed, I was going to edit my post just incase it wasn't but it's too late now.

And to add what I was saying in my post above, is there even a market in LA for male models that aren't commercial and ***Edtied*** ? Or would it be possible to be based in LA, but still fly out to NY or London if I like booked a big job? My main concern is that my look is much more suited to the London or NY market, but LA is the only thing that would work for me now as i'm still in high school and LA is very close.

Basically, what i'm looking for is an agency in LA that would sign someone who had more of ****Edited*** punkish look as opposed to a **Edited**Sean O'Pry type, and that has connections to other agencies in London, New York, and Milan. Is that even possible?

 

[Bamhutt]

Only problem is, I'm going to be moving to San Diego which is so far from New York. So I was thinking about trying in LA, but I'm worried that the market there is too commercial for me there. Whats the most high fashion mens agency in LA? And if I were to be signed in LA, would I still be able to be sent abroad or to New York occasionally for work, without actually being located there?

If you sign with an agency in LA, this agency will probably become your 'mother agency'. I wouldn't worry about the commercial market in LA as a good agency will organise tests and give you a good start. If they think you will work well in the more high fashion markets e.g New York... they will organise agency placements in these cities. The New York agency may want to meet you and send you on some castings, this would probably fit around your school commitments. I guess if you are booked for the occassional job, you would have to fly there when needed.

And to add what I was saying in my post above, is there even a market in LA for male models that aren't commercial ***Edtied*** ? Or would it be possible to be based in LA, but still fly out to NY or London if I like booked a big job? My main concern is that my look is much more suited to the London or NY market, but LA is the only thing that would work for me now as i'm still in high school and LA is very close.

Basically, what i'm looking for is an agency in LA that would sign someone who had more of a ***Edited*** punkish look as opposed to a ***Edtied** Sean O'Pry type, and that has connections to other agencies in London, New York, and Milan. Is that even possible?

High fashion models come from all sorts of places, they aren't born in NY, Paris, London or Milan, most of them have a 'mother agency' who organises international agencies for them. If your still in school and modelling is something on the side, LA should be fine. When you finish school, they could organise a trip to send you to NY or London. One step at a time though, you need a mother agent first

I'm not an expert on LA, I've only heard about Photogenics... there's probably countless others.

 

[BetteT]

One of the less commercial agencies in L.A. is Click ... some of their guys look pretty editorial to me. And we have offices of Ford and Wilhelmina here, too ... which have both types of models. They all have offices in NY and other places too ... so you'd already be connected, if they wanted to rep you.


Regarding mentioning your stats:

We'll allow some talk about height, but we prefer that you not discuss any personal stats at all. And absolutely no talk about your weight and/or body type ... per the rules for the entire forum. As you can see ... you didn't need to talk about it at all to get some concrete answers.