What to Expect when Meeting with Modeling Agencies

[Clementine]

So, I've heard about sending pictures into an agency so many times, I feel like I know all about it But what actually happens when you go in to meet with them when (if) they call you back? Say it's a big agency... will they just talk with you, or will they take pictures and see your walk and take your measurements? And do they ask a lot of girls back?
Sorry if this seems like a silly question, but i have no idea what to expect And I haven't found anything about this particular topic...

 

[evexa]

Basically, if they have called you in after seeing your pics they will do the following:

Check your height and measurements
take polaroids
make you sit around why they chat to the other bookers about you
look at you from funny angles and call people in to stare

 

[tristan]

depends...Elite Toronto, Stylus, Next and Elmer Olsen in Toronto all sat down and chatted with me, and then measured me, but never made me walk for them. While others just poo poohed me away. Q models in ny was nice and chatted but the rest kinda just saw me, measured and smiled(some didn't even do that) and spoke a few words to me.

 

[yourbestfriend]

the making you sit and have ppl stare at you from different angles seems the worst part of it

 

[Clementine]

Ahh... it does seem kind of scary, especially being stared at :0
Thanks anyway

 

[saturnine]

When I went to see Models1 in the UK I wrote my name, age and height on a piece of paper, and waited until one of the bookers could meet me.

I then walked in and a girl chatted to me for a few minutes about being from Australia, and then finally said they didn't sign girls who were 5'7", but gave me a list of other agencies I could visit.

I looked at other model's comp cards at their website and they do actually have shorter girls, so I figured they just didn't like my look, but either way, the girl I spoke to was very friendly.

Anyway, all the best Clementine, if this is what you decide to do!

 

[PinUpGirl]

When aspiring models walk in on our open calls we just ask them their age and height, measure them if neccesary, take a look at their holidaypictures and in 9 out of 10 cases politely tell them we won't be able to do anything for them
When we recieve pictures by mail or email and we decide to invite the person in question to seem him/her 'in real life' we sit them down, have a chat, take a good look make some polaroids, do all the measuring, take their contactdetails, do a brief explaination about doing first test, building a book etc, ask if there are any questions and let them know we will get in touch the next day to tell them if we want to work with them.

It's difficult though because sometimes you invite someone because the pictures look promising and when the person walks in you see it's not modelmaterial at all and you feel sorry for making the person come all the way to the agency. We always try to make some time for cases like that too, after all we invites that person all the way up, but it feels a waste of your & the persons time.

Most aspiring models are kind and polite, but some people are very rude when you tell them you wont take them on, or become very persistent It's no problem to ask why you are rejected, but it is very difficult to explain sometimes because it is much more a 'feel' thing than a rational decision

Oh, and about the height thing. Most agency indeed have girls and guys on their boards that are shorter than their offcial height-recuirements. But it is always very difficult to get those people to work and those models really are exeptions!

 

[Garuda]

Thanks for the information pinupgirl

I am going to send some pictures to a couple of agencies... I am about 5'7 5'8 and I am still growing... Hopefully they like my look

ben benieuwd

 

[Morgs]

Im 5'12 is its not easy for a guy to become a model then ?

 

[iperlchen]

Hee weer een Dutchie Could you perhaps post some pictures?

PinUpGirl, may I ask what agency you're working at?

 

[Terrima183]

When I got called back, I got to meet a few bookers and models and look at the whole ageny book. Not too many people came to stare which was nice. (I always feel awkward) They took polaroids and sent me out the next morning.

 

[lucky]

I would love to be a model but I don't take rejection well. Especially if I was constantly being told to lose weight.

 

[Clementine]

Thank you saturnine and pinupgirl!
Terrima I think I'm meeting with your agency, so I'm glad to know it's not too scary

 

[CoreySuprStr]

I've wanted to know the same thing for a while. Is it better to send pictures in or to just walk into an agency without anything? I'm going to NYC this summer and i was wondering what would be a better idea. Will I need to go through the process and make a book before or after I see them? Can anyone recommend a good/ncie agency for guys, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[evexa]

I've wanted to know the same thing for a while. Is it better to send pictures in or to just walk into an agency without anything? I'm going to NYC this summer and i was wondering what would be a better idea. Will I need to go through the process and make a book before or after I see them? Can anyone recommend a good/ncie agency for guys, I would greatly appreciate it!

I'd say just walk in, and bring good polaroids.
How tall are you? If you tell me that, your age and your weight I can advise you as to a good agency to visit.

 

[Bellissima]

I've wanted to know the same thing for a while. Is it better to send pictures in or to just walk into an agency without anything? I'm going to NYC this summer and i was wondering what would be a better idea. Will I need to go through the process and make a book before or after I see them? Can anyone recommend a good/ncie agency for guys, I would greatly appreciate it!

Have fun on the going to NYC thing. I sooooooo LOVED the city when I visited.
*One agency that in my opinion is really good for guys is Wilhelmina. Theres not a lot of people in a good mood there (plus they share the floor with the Marilyn agency) so its mostly hectic.......but if you catch them on a good day its great.
*You should also look into visiting IMG. They are (most of the time) very particular about the look they want, but if you get sign there you will have so much made for you. They will develop an assement plan for you, and figure out what they best way to give you exposure.
* Also a boys agency which i just ADORE is Re;Quest. The owners name is Noel and she is SUCH a kick-***, wonderful, and sweet woman (and all the bookers actually pay attention to you when you talk).
*Also Ford mught be one that you could visit, but I think more-or-less go for the commerical types.
From my knowledge I would recommend the listed agencies.......I wish you good luck, and I cannot wait myself until I return to NYC

 

[Bellissima]

When I got called back, I got to meet a few bookers and models and look at the whole ageny book. Not too many people came to stare which was nice. (I always feel awkward) They took polaroids and sent me out the next morning.

Women/Supreme is so kick-***.
I love the whole mood of the space(espcially the red).
The receptionist is nice, the peoples are sweet and the dogs are to die for .......I think I'm getting an attachment to them

 

[CoreySuprStr]

I'd say just walk in, and bring good polaroids.
How tall are you? If you tell me that, your age and your weight I can advise you as to a good agency to visit.

I'm 17, 6`2", 160lbs. I've been to NYC before but they were very brief visits. I love it so much. I'ts a completely different world than down here in GA. Thanks for ya'lls help evexa and bellissima

 

[evexa]

I'm 17, 6`2", 160lbs. I've been to NYC before but they were very brief visits. I love it so much. I'ts a completely different world than down here in GA. Thanks for ya'lls help evexa and bellissima

Ahhh you are male! DUH me!!
Try Boss models as well as those mentioned by bellissima.
And good luck!

 

[evexa]

Women/Supreme is so kick-***.
I love the whole mood of the space(espcially the red).
The receptionist is nice, the peoples are sweet and the dogs are to die for .......I think I'm getting an attachment to them

Do you have pics? I want to see