Questions & Answers The Modeling Advice.com web site is full information
on modeling. But, after three years of answering emails, there are some questions that
keep coming up. The following are some of those questions.
How do I get started in Modeling?
What are the height and size requirements for a high fashion model?
Are there jobs for models who specialize in just parts of the body?
How much do models make?
Can a modeling agency tell just from a snap shot if I have what it takes to be a
model?
Are modeling conventions and searches a good place to start a modeling career or
are they a total rip-off?
Why is everyone giving different advice on modeling?
What do you know about Emodels now Options Talent now Trans Continental
Talent now Wilhelmina Scouting Network?
How do I get started in Modeling?
Getting Started
There is no single path to follow for getting started. Different models have found success
through different routes. If you want to become a doctor, for example, there is a set
course of schooling, experience, and testing to follow. But for a career in modeling, there
is no clear path. Some of the ways that I know models have gotten started in the past are
listed below. Although it is by no means an exhaustive list, it might help you launch your
career in modeling.
Front Door - Go to the Source
The bulk of the work in modeling is booked through modeling agencies. So, literally, go
to the front door of the modeling agency. This is the number one way for a wannabe
model to start. You will have to do some research. First, find out where the modeling
agency door is, whether locally or in some big city. Second, determine that it is not a
scam agency. The Modeling Advice site has links to a list of modeling agencies and
information on how to check out an agency (The Agency). You can also approach a
modeling agency through their open call, by scheduling an interview, or by submitting a
cover letter and photographs. Give them a call or email them and ask how they want new
talent to contact them. There is no reason to try another way of getting started until
Know Someone
Some models get started because they have an in. You hear stories of someone who has a
friend who models and goes to a photo shoot with them and is then "discovered" by the
photographer. Or maybe someone has an aunt who modeled or runs an agency and helped
him or her get started. Others might work in a related field and one day finds them
working not beside the camera but in front of it. In smaller markets child models are most
often used because they are an art director's, buyer's, or photographer's child. Knowing
someone in the business can help you get started in a modeling career.
The Fates
Modeling agencies are constantly looking for new talent. This is especially true in fashion
modeling. This segment of modeling is composed mostly of young models. By the time a
model is 30, his or her career is over. There is always a need to find the next generation
of models. Modeling agency personnel (owner, booker), photographers, art directors, and
of course the "model scouts" are the ones who are out there looking. Some agencies are
large enough to employ an individual whose sole job is to look for that next generation of
new talent or to fill the new needs of a client. Unfortunately, rip-off organizations, web
space salespeople, and scoundrels often use the term "model scout", so you should be
suspicious of those calling themselves model scouts. But there are many stories of models
being discovered at the mall, on the beach, or in some other public place. If you hope to
start your career in modeling by waiting for the fates to smile on you, you must plan on
spending a lot of time hanging in out in public places.
Hard work
Some models do work their way into modeling (I have also heard models say that
modeling is hard work and all models work their way into the business). These models
track down test shoots and put together their comp cards and portfolios. They study and
practice being a model by working on their expressions, posing, runway walking, hair
styling, makeup, working in front of a camera, and learning how the business works.
These models may work freelance or have nonexclusive contracts with a number of
modeling agencies. In smaller regional markets, where agencies do not have the resources
to develop new talent, an agency might not work with a model until they have developed
their skills and marketing materials. If you enjoy the process of modeling and doing good
work, then all of the time and expense that go into this process can be its own reward. If
you plan to earn a living at modeling, i.e. as a career, you should be sure you meet the
basic physical and aptitude requirements for the type of model you want to become
before you invest your time and money into the process. If you want to be a high fashion
model but do not have the size or look requirements, no amount of hard work will make
you a career model.
Try to Buy Success
There is a whole industry built around this approach to getting started in modeling. Very
few career models, however, actually succeed through this avenue. This area includes
many of the modeling schools, modeling camps, model searches, internet listing services,
modeling contests, modeling conventions, and pageants. This is not to say that these
activities can't be interesting, educational, and fun. But most of these organizations will
take on and take money from almost anyone who wants to be a model. This leads to a
very low percentage of career models that actually come from these activities. Most of
these organizations survive by playing on one's dreams, ignorance, and pocket book and
not by finding and developing top modeling talent. But in spite of this, sometimes
someone does make it and this is what these organizations feature in their sales pitches
and videos.
What are the height and size requirements for a high fashion model?
This is the burning question. The general guidelines for women are height 5'9" to 6',
around size 6, 34B-24-34, and 14-21 years of age (more details). For men the guidelines
are height around 6' (a couple of inches over or under), size 40R. Are there exceptions to
this? You bet. Is it fair? No. Are there petite sizes and plus sizes? Yes. Do commercial,
glamour, acting, or smaller markets care anything about these sizes? Not much. Only if
you want to work high fashion in the major markets like New York are these numbers
important.
Are there jobs for models who specialize in just parts of the body?
Yes. It has been my experience that models that have photogenic faces and bodies do not
necessarily have photogenic hands and feet. Hand models, for example, are difficult to
find and frequently a photographer uses one model for the face while another model's
hands may be reaching into the picture. Of course the photographer makes it look like
one person, but in fact there are two. Jewelry photographers look for good hands, a nice
neck, and photogenic ears. As with hands, good ears are hard to find, as they must have
the right shape, with smooth skin, and pierced for only one earring, not five. Paying jobs
for modeling jewelry, however, seldom come along. Body-parts models follow career
paths similar to regular models. If you are interested in this type of modeling, be sure to
read through the Modeling Advice section of this site.
How much do models make?
You hear about the fabulous big money that supermodels make, but only a handful of
models in the world ever achieve this kind of income, which can be in the millions. Most
models earn far less, assuming they get any work at all. Modeling fees for markets
outside of New York, as a general rule will be in the same range as a photographer's fees.
For example, in Portland, Oregon, when I last checked, modeling agencies fees were
$150 an hour. As you move to larger markets fees for photographers and models go up
(one agency in New York was asking $250 per hour). While you may not have the
income of an elite supermodel, you can make a good living if you can find steady work.
And that is a big "if".
Can a modeling agency tell just from a snap shot if I have what it takes to be a model?
First the YES part. Reviewing snapshots of potential models is a normal screening
practice used by modeling agencies. You send them a couple of snapshots of yourself,
usually a head-and-shoulder shot and a full-length body shot in a bathing suit or tight
clothes. Some say they can tell from these snapshots whether you have what it takes for
modeling.
You should send good, clear, properly exposed, properly composed photographs in which
you are properly positioned. They can use these photos as a screening tool. This means
that if there is an opening for someone with your look, the agency will be interested in
meeting with you in person to see if, in fact, you look like your picture. This does not
necessarily mean that you have or do not have what it takes to be a model. It just gets you
an interview and maybe on to a test shoot.
Now the NO part. Most would-be models send bad pictures, or they may look great but
they don't meet the agency's needs at that moment, or the agent guessed wrong. Modeling
agencies say, "Don't spend money on getting photos taken; a Polaroid by your friend is
just fine." But when they talk about sending in a simple snapshot, what they are really
looking for is at least an advanced amateur level of photography or a would-be
professional photographer level. Having taught photography for a number of years, I
know that most beginners have problems with exposure, focus, and composition, let
alone knowing how to position models for their best look. You may not want to trust your
career to your best friend's ability as a photographer unless they meet the advanced
amateur criteria.
You should try sending your photos to several modeling agencies to see if they are
interested in you. One agency may be full of blue-eyed blondes while another may have
none and be in need of one. It can be as simple as being in the right place at the right
time. For example, one agency or photographer may tell a would-be model that he or she
doesn't have what it takes; that wannabe model then goes to another agency and becomes
a star model. I remember photographing a young 14-year-old whom I thought just didn't
have the classic beauty look and told her I doubted if she would accomplish much in this
field. Fortunately, she did not listen to me. She started working out, kept up her modeling
and beauty work, switched over to the pageant side of things, and became Miss Oregon.
The initial snapshot, interview, and test shot are just screening processes to find those
who would have an easier time in modeling. A special few may still find some measure
of success in modeling by hard work and developing special talents. They may not
become superstars but they can find enjoyment and financial rewards pursuing a
modeling career.
Are modeling conventions and searches a good place to start a modeling career or are
they a total rip-off?
I have never personally been to one of these events (nor are any of them asking me to
come and check them out) and I have not seen any 60 Minutes type of journalistic
investigation on them. I have looked over their web sites and I have seen endless
chatrooms that call these events the biggest rip-offs out there. I don't know of any top
models that have come out of conventions and searches, although I do know of one TV
actress discovered at IMTA. What I do know is that for the money some of these
organizations charge, you could fly to New York, stay for week, and do open calls at
every top agency in the city. Personally, I don't feel that they are a very good investment.
There are better ways to get discovered.
One young model hopeful, Cheryl, emailed me and told me of her experience with Model
Search America (click here to read her letter).
Here is a string of postings from the Modeling Advice bulletin board (before its
unfortunate demise) of a mother-and-daughter's experiences with model searches (click
here to read).
Another model convention/search organization you may want to check out is ProScout.
Modelnews.com has posted some comments about ProScout for you to consider.
The International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) puts on a big
convention/search twice a year in New York or Los Angeles. IMTA takes a different
approach by working through modeling schools to recruit for its events. In reviewing
their material and their members' sites, I see this more as a modeling pageant. With
pageants being on the outs, IMTA is filling some of the void in the market. They are also
one of the most expensive.
Mille Lewis International Model and Talent Search is another model search company.
They operate in the South.
Many of the top New York modeling agencies handle their own searches and model
contests. Check out their individual web sites for details.
Why is everyone giving different advice on modeling?
Remember the story of the three blind men describing an elephant? One man felt the
trunk, another felt the tail, and the third felt the leg. Each had a different description of
what the elephant was like. The modeling industry is the same way. The modeling
industry is big and has many specialty areas. What I have experienced is quite different
from what fashion photographer Richard Avedon has experienced. And what he has
experienced is quite different from what glamour photographer Jeff Dumes has. And
what we all have experienced is quite different from what the modeling agencies are
going to tell you.
Another thing that leads to different views on the industry is that we are all small
business people, each one running his/her own business in as many unique ways, and
hopefully better than the competition. This leads to a lot of different ideas about how
things work and how things should be done. It can also lead to confusion and presents
opportunities for con artists. Since there is no set way to become a model, it leaves the
door open for the "expert" to "guarantee" to make you a top model for only a small, non-
refundable fee. Watch out and try to educate yourself on the many areas of the modeling
industry.
What do you know about Emodels now Options Talent now Trans Continental Talent
now Wilhelmina Scouting Network now who knows?
I can't keep up with this group. They keep changing their name and their antics. Emodels
merged with Options Talent that merged again to be become Trans Continental
Entertainment Group, Inc., and then changed its name to Trans Continental Talent, Inc.
Then it moved into an agreement with Wilhelmina to form Wilhelmina Scouting
Network. More changes have occurred since this last. According to news reports they
plan on continuing to do business as usual. I have seen some postings where they are
calling themselves Transcontinental Talent.
The following information is what I have found on this changing organization:
Options Talent, Inc. part of Options Talent Group is a publicly traded company. All SEC
fillings are available to the public. The following is taken from Options Talent Groups
Form 10-QSB filed April 30, 2002:
"Options Talent, Inc. (formerly eModel, Inc., hereafter "OTI"), was incorporated in
Delaware on August 22, 2000 under the name eModel, Inc.com. OTI maintains a website
as a portal for the entertainment industry. Through a significant scouting organization
and an international franchise network, OTI enrolls clients into a sophisticated database
for a fee, and provides them increased exposure to registered agencies and other industry
professionals seeking cost effective access to various talent using the Internet. OTI also
markets interactive events to its database of clients and prospective clients to showcase
various talents to relevant industry professionals. OTI intends to market additional
products, advertising, and other services to this emerging networked database of enrolled
talent, registered agencies, and other industry professionals.
OTI generates revenues from enrollment and maintenance fees paid by clients posting
profile information on the Company's website (model revenue), through the sale of
franchises to franchisees (franchise revenue), to developers through the sale of specific
territorial marketing rights (developer revenue), through the sale of interactive events to
clients seeking to showcase their talents before relevant industry professionals (event
revenue), and until January 2001 through amounts paid by field talent scouts for the
right to recruit clients (scout revenue). Model enrollment revenues are recognized upon
sale, as substantially all of the services necessary to post client profile information on the
website is completed as part of the sales process, and there exist no uncertainties
surrounding collection as historically all such sales have been made for cash or as credit
card charges. Initial and renewal franchise fees are fully recognized when received, as
there are no significant commitments or obligations on the part of the Company to
perform future services other than the initial territory designation and to maintain the
website. Event revenues and associated event costs are recognized when the event occurs.
Advance collections and costs are deferred accordingly and estimated revenue and cost
accruals may be required from time to time.
Franchise operations expenses include the direct and indirect costs of personnel
associated with franchise marketing, training and support, and operation of remote
corporate offices. Sales and marketing cost include the direct and indirect costs of
personnel associated with model enrollment and maintenance revenues, including
assisting franchisees in the sales process where necessary. Scout expenses include
amounts paid to independent contractors for enrollment referrals. Technical operations
expenses include the direct and indirect costs of personnel responsible for the design,
implementation, and support of the Company's database and website. General and
administrative expenses include direct and indirect costs of personnel engaged in
corporate executive management, administration, finance, legal, and human resources,
depreciation expense and corporate headquarters facility charges."
For more information on Options Talent do a search on Google.com for related sites and
news reports.
For all aspects of modeling try to learn as much as possible before investing your time or
money.
If you are looking for online paid hosting of your model portfolio there are hundreds of
sites offering this service. Do a search at Google.com to find them. Two of the oldest
paid sites are Models.com and Model Network.com. For free internet model listing sites
check out the Free Model Listing page.
Modeling Agencies Links
List of Modeling Agencies
The following are links to sites with directories of modeling agencies. Although I cannot
guarantee the accuracy of the list (because agencies come and go so fast), it gives you a
place to start. I have found the local yellow pages are the most accurate source, but they
include current scam agencies along with legitimate ones. Keep this in mind: just because
an agency is on one of these lists, it does not guarantee that it is a legitimate agency
(more on Scams). You still need to do your own research before dealing with any agency
(info about agencies).
Model Network - This site has a nice list of modeling agencies and the most extensive list
of modeling agency websites I've seen.
Top Ten New York Fashion Modeling Agencies - This list is from the Model.com web
site and it is always fun to see which agencies they have selected. The models with these
agencies are the highest paid in the business and that makes these the most desirable
agencies.
Modeling Agencies Web Sites
There are many modeling agencies on the web. Many have model searches or explain
how to apply to their agencies on their websites. For many of these agencies, all I have to
go on is the information on their websites. Do your own research before dealing with any
of them. They may or may not be legitimate.
New York City
Affinity Model Agency
Blackwood / Steele, Inc.
*Includes: Nexus Models - commercial Print,
*Rugby - Male Physique Models,
*Real Kids - Child Models
Boss Models
DNA Model Management
Ford Models, Inc.
ID Model Management
IMG Model
MC2 Model Management
Major Model Management
Marilyn Management
Next Model management
New York Model Management
Qmodels
Wilhelmina
Women Model Management
Parts Models
Boston
Model Club Inc. - Boston, MA
California
L.A. Models - Los Angeles
Modeling Agencies & Modeling Schools in Portland, Oregon
This list was last updated in 2007.
1. Cusick's Talent Agency/Q6
800 East Burnside Street, Studio 2
Portland, OR 97214
503-274-8555
About as legit as we get
2. Ryan Artists
239 NW 13th, Suite 215
Portland, OR
503-274-1005
About as legit as we get
3. Sports Unlimited Inc.
1991 NW Upshur Suite B
Portland, OR
503-227-3449
Sports Modeling Agency
Also, Rick has a list of Northwest agencies on his site at Northwestmodels.com
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Models Guild
1809 7th Ave. Suite 608
Seattle, WA 98101
206-622-1406
Tiffany Talent
114 Alaskan Way S. #501
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 264-TIFF (8433)
The Kim Brooke Group
2044 Eastlake Ave. East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-329-1111
Heffner Management
1601 5th Avenue, Suite 1802
Seattle, WA 98101
206-622-2211
TCM Models & Talent
2200 6th Ave. Suite 530
Seattle, WA 98121
206-728-4826
Washington
Bell Modeling & Talent Agency
Bellevue, WA
425-649-4324
Big Fish NW Talent
Spokane, WA
877-424-4347
Dramatic Artist Agency
50-16th Ave.
Kirkland, WA
425-827-4147
Emerald City Model & Talent
144 Railroad Ave #107
Edmonds, WA 98020
LUX Talent
Tacoma, WA
253-573-0634
Canada
VMH Models - Vancouver, BC
Japan
Art C Models - Tokyo
Books for Models
Here I have gathered a list books that I think will be useful for up and
coming models. These books link to Amazon.com for purchase. Some are
out of print but are available used. Also, check your local library for these
books.
Books with reviews
Books about Modeling
Books about Makeup
Books About Modeling
The books listed here link to Amazon.com where you can find more
reviews and can purchase the book. You may also want to check with your
school or local library to see what they have.
I strive to locate books on makeup, fashion, the fashion industry, being in
business for yourself, and other topics that I think might be useful for up
and coming models.
The Modeling Handbook
by Eve Metheson
192 pages
Published 1999
This book is for those wanting to know how the high fashion modeling
business works. The author draws her information for this book from
experience with her daughter who was a high fashion model in Europe and
the US, and from conducting hundreds of interviews with key individuals
in the fashion and modeling business. All of this background she distills
down into an info loaded, all too brief paper back.
This is not a how-to model book (no "how to put on make-up" in this
book) but a book that explains how the high fashion model industry works
and how to make your way in this exclusive world. The author looks at
what it takes to be a high fashion model, how to become a model, industry
terms, how to be successful, the business (what happens after you get an
agency), legal matters, specialty modeling, and agency instructions to
models. She has extensive chapters on modeling in major markets in the
US and overseas and explains the relationship between US mother
agencies and European agencies. She also has chapters full of advice and
quotes from top individuals in the modeling industry to new up and
coming models. The weakest point of the book is that it is too brief. The
author distills down into a paragraph a subject that I would drown on for
many pages. This book is loaded with information so read it carefully.
If you are looking for information about commercial, glamour or smaller
market modeling, this is not the book for you. If you want a short intense
seminar on the real business of high fashion modeling, you will find this
book invaluable.
Model : The Complete Guide for Men and Women
by Marie Anderson Boyd
Published 1998
176 pages
I liked the book and I think it would be useful for anyone starting in
modeling. The author has worked in and now runs her own modeling
agency in Chicago. I like her point of view as being someone outside of
the New York scene. I find the information is more relevant to how
modeling works in most of the USA.
The book has topics on how to get an agency, how to work with an
agency, how to put together a composite, info on promotion materials, and
test shooting. She covers the business side of modeling with topics like
getting organized, your wardrobe, your modeling bag, handling your
finances, record keeping, taxes, agents' fees, and what it means to be self-
employed. The book also has the usual rehash of body upkeep, skin care,
makeup, hair care, exercise, and nutrition. Also the book has a run through
of types of modeling and which big cities in the world have which types of
modeling. There are several unique and excellent sections in the book.
Some of these sections are how to put together and arrange a portfolio,
model etiquette (I loved the part on how to behave in a photographer's
studio) and a section going over all of the other jobs involved in the
industry (agents, bookers, photographers, photographers' assistance,
makeup artist, hair stylist, and more). She even takes a rare stand in favor
of modeling schools and conventions. This book has a great deal of
valuable insider information.
Again, I think this is an excellent book for someone starting out in
modeling and I highly recommend it. Certainly it has more information
than I could put on this web site and the book is written by someone who
knows how the business works.
How to Become a Successful Commercial Model
By Aaron Marcus
Self Published, 5th edition 2008
96 pages
If your desire is to be a high fashion supermodel or to be on the fashion
runways of Paris this book is not for you. This book covers how to be a
commercial model and actor (I am not a real doctor but I play one on TV
commercials). Mr. Marcus, a working commercial model & actor, shares
his many years of experience in this brief but loaded-with-practical-
information book. The overall book leaves you with a basic idea of what
character modeling (the fundamental of commercial modeling) and
working as a freelance model is all about. You come to understand that
commercial modeling requires acting talent and hard work (not just
another tall, thin and pretty face model) in order to succeed. This book has
practical information on commercial modeling that can be found nowhere
else. Some topics that are covered in the book are: what is commercial
modeling, how to get photos, how to put together a composite, finding
good agents, how to get work and a great deal about the professional
workings of commercial modeling.
This book is like a special seminar on commercial modeling and for
someone interested in this special part of the modeling business. This is
the only book on the market about this subject.
The Professional Model's Handbook
By Linda A. Balhorn
Published 1990
493 pages
Wow, this is one complete book on modeling. It covers the full range of
subjects from types of modeling, creating your look, posing, makeup, hair
styling, wardrobe, modeling agencies, business of modeling, self-
promotion, modeling markets and more. This is the college level book on
modeling. It was published in 1990 so it lacks some of the technology
changes that have taken place in the last ten years (nothing about the
Internet). But other than that this book is a wealth of information. This
book has a prominent place on my book shelf and has become dogeared
through use. It is the book I reference when a question on modeling arises
or when I need to explore a new aspect of modeling. The price is a little
steep but for the amount of info you get it is a good value. If I had a model
in my studio that knew half of what is in this book, I would be a very
happy shooter.
Model : The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women
By Michael Gross
Published 1996
611 pages
This is not a "how to" book. If you want a gossipy look at the history of
modeling, here it is. It focuses on the scandals as much as the actual
history of the modeling business. What bothered me most in this book is
that it has absolute gems of wisdom tucked in with the soap opera. If you
are not experienced in the modeling business you won't know what is gold
and what is trash. But if you like scandal mixed in with your history and
want to find out how some of the top models and modeling agencies got
started, you might find this book "a good read". But don't believe it when
the book talks about photographers sitting around doing nothing, they
would be out of business if they did.
The Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling
By Natasha Esch/C.L. Walker
Published 1996
190 pages
This is definitely the modeling world according to Wilhelmina. If you
know nothing about top level fashion modeling you may find this book
useful and interesting. This is not a "how to" model book but more of a
light survey book on how the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency works. If you
are not in top tier New York Fashion this book does not tell you much. At
this level of modeling you learn modeling on the job and it is sink or
swim. On modeling make-up the book says, "As a model, you will, in
time, learn all the secrets from the professional make-up artists with whom
you work" (big help). On how to do runway modeling - hire a runway
modeling coach. I did find the interviews with various professionals in the
fashion field interesting. But for me this book is going to the book reseller
store.
Helpful Book
Here is the current crop of modeling how to books I have not had a chance
to read yet and other useful books on makeup, fashion, the fashion
industry, being in business for yourself, and other topics. All of these
books link to Amazon.com where you can find more reviews and can
purchase the book. Yes, I do make a buck if you purchase from this link to
Amazon. I am not completely without capitalistic tendencies. You may
also want to check with your school or local library to see what they have.
How to Be a Model Books
Modelmania: The Working Model's The Modeling Life : The One (And
Manual Only)...
Model Mystique Unraveled : How to The Modeling Handbook: The
Get... Complete...
Is Modeling for You? : The Handbook
and...
Your Modeling Career
Modeling: One Parent Started Her
Children Opportunities in Modeling Careers...
A Model's Primer Miami Modeling Agency Directory
Models and Supermodels : Have You
How to Succeed As a Male Model
Got...
Model and Talent: International
Directory of Model & Talent Agencies
& Schools (Model and Talent)
Modeling Resources
To assist you with your modeling career, I continuously look for resources that are useful
to models and would-be models. The Modeling Books section lists books related to
modeling and has reviews of some of the current books available. The Comp Card
Printing section has information on preparing and producing comp cards and sources for
printing. The Portfolio Cases section has information you will find useful when
considering what to put your pictures and tear sheets in, as well as links to sources of
portfolio cases.
Linda's Travel Tips. If you are off to find an agent in New York or ready for the
runway shows overseas here are some travel tips from a veteran tour director and world
traveler.
Holdon Log
This website has logbooks, tracking software, and record keeping information for models
and performers.
Scams, Rip Offs and Bad Business
There is a whole industry that has developed to take advantage of those who would like
to become models. They are far removed from the world of actual professional modeling.
This modeling scam and rip-off industry makes its money by alluding to or promising
great careers in modeling, but first you have to pay them up front. Of course your
modeling career never comes about and your money is long gone. These enterprises prey
upon your hopes and dreams of becoming a star and they are betting on your lack of
knowledge about how the modeling industry really works. This leach industry seems to
be getting bigger everyday.
These enterprises fall into three categories: the scam, the rip-off, and those that just run
bad businesses. All will take your money and give little or nothing in return.
The scam operation conducts fraudulent and illegal activities. This type of enterprise has
no intention of delivering on what it promises. They make big promises and guarantees
and usually ask for a substantial sum of money up front, and then they vanish in the
night.
The rip-off is a big category, and it's not illegal. Companies operating rip-off schemes
make vague promises or they tout one or two models (out of thousands whose money
they've taken) that actually succeeded in a career. They will work with anyone who pays
money up front, and they tell everyone they have some type of talent, whether or not they
really do. The rip-off companies can include modeling agencies that charge up front for
signing fees and photo shoots, or that require you take their class before they will work
with you. Also in this category are some of the modeling conventions, searches, and
competitions. Many virtual modeling sites are springing up all over the web. New rip-off
enterprises are starting up every day.
The bad business category includes enterprises that are trying to conduct a legitimate
business, but just don't know what they are doing. They do not have the essential
knowledge of the industry they need or they may be poorly located. These businesses
might include someone who sets up a modeling agency in a too-small market area, or a
photographer offering to shoot professional modeling portfolios but does not have the
skill level to carry it off, or it might be a modeling school that should really be called a
finishing school (offering classes in image enhancement, or using outdated teaching
materials). I think these businesses mean well but they still cost money for classes or
photos that are ultimately useless.
If your goal is to become a professional model, remember that all of the scams, rip-offs,
and bad businesses that promise to take you to that goal are, in fact, barriers to it. Watch
for the warning signs.
Warning Signs
Warning signs of a scam, or a less than legitimate, or a poorly run agency. If you find any
of these warning signs, it does not necessarily mean the business is a scam operation but
be sure to ask a lot of questions, and be sure the business gives good answers. Always
check references! New York City is the exception to many of these warning signs.
1) Newspaper classified ads or display ads looking for any kind of model or talent (other
than nude glamour modeling, i.e. models for the adult entertainment industry). Reputable
modeling agencies receive plenty of would-be model inquiries so they don't need to
advertise for models. If they are short of talent they will send their scouts out to public
places to look for potential talent.
2) Pictures of famous New York supermodels on the walls of their offices, or these
models' comp cards on a wall rack. Top New York fashion models do not need a
modeling agency in small town USA.
3) Up-front fees. These could be signing fees, new account fees, evaluation fees, etc. If an
agency has to charge money at the front end it means that there is not enough money at
the back end. It also means that the agency probably does not have enough modeling
work to be able to survive on commissions, and therefore, not enough work for a model
to survive on either.
4) "We are interested in you but you need to test shoot with our photographer and it's
going to cost you." Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that
you may go to on your own. Many will have a place by the front door for photographers'
business cards that you can take on your way out. You should be free to go to any
photographer you choose. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer,
watch out. A twist on this theme is when the agency provides the photo session at no
charge, then charges you a high fee (example, $700) for a "professional" makeup artist.
You will need photos at some point but you should be free to shop around and find your
own photographer and makeup artist.
5) "We are interested in you but you need to go through our classes first and it is going to
cost you." Again money at the front end means not enough modeling work at the back
end. A combination school/modeling agency has a conflict of interest. For example, SAG
(Screen Actors Guild) member agencies cannot offer both.
6) "We guarantee you work." Modeling agencies are not employers. They represent you
and try to get work for you. Most of the time they don't know for sure what type of job
will come in or what 'look' may be needed, thus there is no way a legitimate agency can
guarantee you work. The best they can do is to give you an idea of their track record on
placements. But remember that past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
7) "As it says in our ad in the local newspaper we guarantee you work, just like the
famous models on our walls, just as soon as you go through our modeling classes, shoot
with our photographer, and pay our agency fees." RUN, do not walk, to the nearest exit.
A Modeling Scam
One scam operation targeted a small town in Oregon. A Los Angeles company looking
for models for TV commercials ran ads in the local newspaper. Applicants were told to
send in some personal information and a couple of snapshots. After that the company
would contact the applicants and let them know whether or not they had the look that was
needed. Then the would-be models were signed up for a commercial that paid big bucks
and told that a test shoot was needed before shooting the actual commercial. Contracts,
airline vouchers, and lots of official looking paperwork were sent to the would-be
models. The company would pay all the expenses except for the makeup artist, for which
they required $500 up front. Having a contract in hand and not understanding how the
modeling industry worked, the small-town would-be models sent in their $500. Once the
checks were cashed, the scam company vanished. The commercial, contracts, airline
vouchers, and guarantees were all bogus. It is easy to con someone who is not educated
about the industry. As the song says, "The lure of easy money has a very strong appeal."
Classic Rip-off
Modeling Advice received the following letter telling a story that is not uncommon. It
shows what can happen when you are not prepared for the shysters that are out there. It
began with a newspaper ad, a request for payment on photos, and a promise of immediate
work (after only the barest of interviews and without photo testing). The operation is not
illegal, just a rip-off. The sender agreed to let me share it with others. She writes:
Hello. I read your section on modeling scams. I know this e-mail may be long, but please
hear me out. I really need your advice on this one. I feel really stupid now. I went to a
modeling/talent agency so that I could get my singing career started. I found this agency
in the newspaper (one thing you wrote about). I didn't even go there for modeling I went
there for the agent to listen to a demo tape I had done. He told me he could not do much
for me in that field, but asked if I would consider modeling or doing commercials, etc. He
told me I would have to take pictures and gave me a chart to look at. Three pictures cost
$475. I had taken a friend with me who advised me to do it, because through this I could
always meet people and start my singing career. There were many other people in the
office - for example, teenagers and babies. He asked me how I would feel about doing a
fashion show this weekend and also said he got called for a video. Now, anyone who has
met me knows that I am a bit shy and have low self-esteem, so why would you want me
for this job? He even told my friend that I had to break out of that and be more
aggressive.
Of course it was after I paid him that these questions ran through my head. I had never
done anything so stupid and rash in my whole life. I think it was the rush of thinking I
might finally go out there and sing. He didn't tell me that I needed to change anything
about myself, which I personally thought was odd. He had the secretary come in and take
one of the photos I brought in to FedEx it to the people making the video. Personally I
think it was all a big act. He also said it was good that I lived in a particular area. He
took pictures of me (I don't even know if there was film in the camera) and said I could
come back in another day to take the other pictures. I was going back today, but got stuck
on the highway and did not make it on time. I called and said I would be there in 10
minutes and the secretary told me that I would have to reschedule because the agent was
going to a meeting, so I rescheduled for Thursday. When I had called to cancel the initial
appointment she jumped down my throat saying that they are a professional agency and
that she didn't think I was serious about this. But this time she most easily rescheduled,
after they got my money. The contract he gave me said that they would get 10% of what I
make. I paid with a credit card and called the company and froze my account, but it will
probably go through anyway. I'm not sure if they are for real or not, because I just did
this on Saturday, 4/1/00. I probably won't be able to do anything about it now, but I still
want people to know about this and to be more aware. What can I do as far as that goes?
Maybe you can let the people know since you have a web site. What can I do to protect
myself as far as this matter goes? I was also thinking about the fact that if he is not
legitimate and he does have pictures of me would he use them for other purposes? I also
called the Better Business Bureau and they said that this company has been around since
1993 and they have had 14 complaints in the last 36 months and they had responded to
all of these complaints. Please e-mail me and let me know how much of a scam this
sounds like if it is. I appreciate your time. Thank you.
Modeling Searches and Conventions
There is information on the subject in the FAQ section of the site.
Other Site with Info on Scams
Modelnews.com provides a scam watch page for reporting modeling scams.
Modeling Scams - this site contains assorted information about scams, rip offs, and bad
business practices.
BadBusinessBureau.com/Rip-off Report.com - you can see what folks are reporting about
different businesses. It includes reports on modeling agencies and modeling schools.
Please be aware that some of the material on these sites is from legitimate news
organizations and does have a degree of credibility. You should also be aware that much
of the material is either from unidentified (therefore questionable) sources, or from folks
who are just blowing off steam or simply giving their opinion. To be an informed
consumer you should research both sides of an issue.