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

[tayloryepp]

Question. I'm going to New York in the middle of February around Fashion Week. Is this a bad time to see agencies as it will be kind of hectic?

 

[BetteT]

Probably a bad time to see agencies .. they might even cancel their normal scheduled open calls during fashion week ... tbecause they just get too busy to see hopefuls. I'd call ahead with your schedule and see if they are holding open calls or not.

 

[cologne_rocks]

Yes, many bookers leave to Europe when NY is done and during pre-season days there's total chaos going on there.

 

[tayloryepp]

So then when is the best time to go? Because I'm planning a trip but I really don't know the best time to go.

 

[ModelMommy]

So then when is the best time to go? Because I'm planning a trip but I really don't know the best time to go.

During show season or around the winter holidays are probably the only really bad times to go. Submit yourself to the top ten agencies and perhaps you'll have appointments rather than hitting numerous open calls! Models.com has a listing of the top ten agencies and their websites so check them out and see how they take submissions and go for it!!

 

[leeniebean]

Tips from former president of FORD MODEL MANAGEMENT, Joey Hunter:
http://www.youtube.com/user/modelwirenetwork

 

[ruffledleather]

I think that Q is a fairly good agency, not top ten but they still know what they are doing. They have Cordula Reyer who does very well and their guys division does excellent. Also, they were on Americas Next Top Model!

thank you

 

[DoubleFix]

Hey guys! I'm new to tfs and was wondering if you guys can help me out.
I'm currently a senior in high school and plan on attending college in NYC this coming fall. I am already doing local modeling and would love to get with an agency in NYC. Is it common for models to be enrolled in college while working and are agencies ok with working around a school schedule?

I know a few models who go back and forth from my hometown and NYC and they told me that the best bet is to go with a smaller agency than the big ones (but my agency in my hometown wants to go for the very top, I don't think they understand my schooling). So I've been doing my research on places like models.com but can't find much information on the smaller agencies, only the top 10. I'm looking at smaller names I found like MC2, Red, Q, Basic, Empire, Fenton Moon, APM etc. Does anyone have anymore information on what type of agency I should be looking at in my situation?

 

[BetteT]

I don't know about agencies in NY other than the top ones ... since I don't live or work there.

But I can address school ... it is a problem. You have to be available when there are casting calls and go sees ... or you won't get any work. They happen during the business day almost exclusively. The clients will not stay late for you or work on weekends just so you can get there. They will just hire from the models whocan show up on thier schedule. In addition, you have to go to a lot of casting calls just to get one gig ... so it's not something that you can choose selectively ... you need to show up at every one possible.

And then ... when you do get a gig ... you must show up ... and it's likely to be a full day (8 to 10 hours) at the minimum and sometimes it's several days. And there are fittings, which might happen on another day.

You will work, only if shcool takes second priority. So .. you will need to find a way to make up the missed classes, etc. or go to night school ...

 

[theBlueRider]

Hey guys! I'm new to tfs and was wondering if you guys can help me out.
I'm currently a senior in high school and plan on attending college in NYC this coming fall. I am already doing local modeling and would love to get with an agency in NYC. Is it common for models to be enrolled in college while working and are agencies ok with working around a school schedule?

I know a few models who go back and forth from my hometown and NYC and they told me that the best bet is to go with a smaller agency than the big ones (but my agency in my hometown wants to go for the very top, I don't think they understand my schooling). So I've been doing my research on places like models.com but can't find much information on the smaller agencies, only the top 10. I'm looking at smaller names I found like MC2, Red, Q, Basic, Empire, Fenton Moon, APM etc. Does anyone have anymore information on what type of agency I should be looking at in my situation?

What type of modeling goals are you trying to pursue?
It is possible to go to school and model at the same time as I know many models who do so. BetteT is right--You need to realize if school is a number one priority, then you would have to set aside your goals of pursuing a full-blown blue chip fashion career (because it requires a lot of traveling).
But it is possible for you to develop a fashion career while in school. Many of the top agencies will consider working around your schedule until you're ready/out of school for a full time career.
Assuming you already have somewhat of a book, an agency will probably focus on getting you testing and getting you some editorials (and maybe travel over summer--many girls do this)
Again, the more credits you are taking, the more difficult it will be for this to happen.

As far as which agencies to go with--try to aim for the Top 10. Ford, Marilyn, Elite, Wilhelmina, NYMM etc all have girls who are in school (whether its high school and out of town or taking classes). For your situation, I would actually say a big agency that has a clear development division like Wilhelmina will be best. Those small agencies you mentioned vary in quality. MC2 has a few girls in school and their models make a lot of money (head booker used to be star booker at Wilhelmina). If you really want a good small agency, Muse, VNY could be an option as well as Q although their girls tend to be a little older/retired. I would avoid agencies like Basic and Fenton Moon as I've only heard horror stories from models and clients mostly based on the fact that they're very small company/inexperienced bookers. Those other smaller agencies won't be able to be proactive in your situation and beginner career as much as bigger agencies with strong client relationships.

 

[tayloryepp]

I'm planning on trying to get signed in early June.

Now my question is, I currently have braces, but I should get them off before I go. I have the option of keeping my gap in the front of my teeth or closing it?

Will the gap improve my chances? Or should I just close it and have a perfect smile?

 

[cologne_rocks]

Don't worry so much - In general, the gap doesn't improve your chances but doesn't reduce them either if it's not that big. Some commercial clients might not be too fond of it while it can be an advantage in editorial print. I'd say don't get rid of it, it's just part of your appeal.

The most important criteria are those you can't really change so easily: An appropriate bone structure, propotions (not weight related, I mean relationship between neck and shoulders, between torso and leg length...) & height of course. That's something you either have or don't have.

 

[stardust2401]

Hi, any info on talentmanagement.com? TY

 

[MissMandalay]

Does anyone know the stance model agencies have on taking on new girls with tattoos? I'm talking about tattoos on the arms.

Not for me (too old too short ) but for a family friend. I would think that it would be a major no-no but want to know if anyone can offer an expert opinion?

Thanks

 

[BetteT]

Generally they don't like them if they are readily visable. It costs clients money to have makeup artists spend extra time concealing them and keeping them concealed during the entire shoot ... so most clients will select a "clean" model most of the time. Therefore, agencies don't want to deal with that issue.

Exceptions might be made if it's tiny and fairly inconspicous. Or ... ir the model has a face as great as Kate Moss and no one else will suffice ... one in a million.

There are "alternative" models and tatoos are looked upon as a plus, a lot of the time. But these models generally don't do fashion... it's most likely other types of businesses who will use these models for ads: bike shops, clubs, tatoo parlors and that sort of thing. It's a much smaller part of the modeling world, without the opportunity to make it big. A lot if is done via the internet ... there are sites like Suicide Girls ... not really an agency.


She needs to be aware that sometimes "alternative modeling" leads into a somewhat unprofessional world, where "models" are used for less savory types of work. So, if she does that ... a word of caution.

 

[simple_elegance]

AHA! I finally found this thread. I knew I had seen it somewhere before, but it kept evading me for some reason...
Anyway, I made a separate thread for this, but I'll post it again here. I have an interview with an agency in Atlanta called the HOP Models and Talent Agency. I've always wanted to model, but have been rather nervous to take that first step. I figure trying out for a smaller agency would give me an idea on if I have potential or not...Thing is, I'm not quite sure if this place is legit. They also have a location in Chicago, so if anyone from there or Atlanta has heard of it or has had experience with HOP Models, I could really use their opinions. This is their website: http://www.hopmodels.com/index.php. The website makes it look promising, but again, I'd rather not waste my time if they're a scam that asks for money right off the bat. I figured if I'd get any solid answers about this place, TFS would be the right forum to ask. So please and thank you for any info and/or advice you can give me!

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[Miss-V]

i would actually tell anyone that if you want to be a model ask a model about their experience!! call a booker and ask to talk to someone about modelling its always great to see the real deal before you sign!

 

[Birgit]

Is summer a nice time visiting agencies? And also, if you don't fulfill the agency's requirements, but still sees some girls with your stats on their site, is applying photos worth a go?

 

[cologne_rocks]

Do you want to apply somewhere in Norway? Then I'd say you could apply at local (mother)agencies when ever you want.
Devations in measurements are okay unless it's drastic (- (+) 5 cm is okay I'd say)

 

[Birgit]

Do you want to apply somewhere in Norway? Then I'd say you could apply at local (mother)agencies when ever you want.
Devations in measurements are okay unless it's drastic (- (+) 5 cm is okay I'd say)

No, I was thinking about Paris. That I could travel to Paris for a couple of days during the summer holidays.