So you want to be a model—or at least want to learn more about this fast-paced, glamorous career. While modeling can indeed be exciting, the truth is that making it in this field can be very challenging, too. It is important to understand that no matter how beautiful, or how handsome, you are, and no matter how hard you are willing to work, you are not guaranteed to become a big star. That being said, though, with a sincere commitment, a very strong portfolio and a little luck on your side, you just may in fact make a name for yourself and take your career very far.
All Modeling Agencies Are Not Created Equal
If you live in a big city, there will be a wealth of modeling agencies to consider. And even if you live in a smaller market, there will be some well-respected agency options for you to explore. Keep in mind that most modeling agencies are legitimate businesses that will represent your best interests. But there also are many scams as well. The key is to know what to look for when shopping for an agency, or even for multiple agencies, since if you don’t have an exclusive commitment, you may be able to sign with more than one to increase your odds of finding the best-paid modeling jobs.
Look for agencies that are well known and have been in business for a while. Be suspicious if an agency is new, or doesn’t have any track record behind it. Also ask for references and be sure to call a few of them and ask lots of questions. You should also be wary of agencies that charge you fees for their services, since this is usually a red flag that they are just looking to get their money from you directly, rather than a commission for the placements they get you.
Real agencies typically get a percentage (usually 40 percent) of the amount of money you will be paid for a job. Of this amount, 20 percent is their commission that comes off the top of your earnings, while the client usually pays an additional 20 percent for the agency’s role in bringing you together. This means that if you are paid $2,000, you will get $1,600 after the agency’s cut of $400. Then the agency will receive another $400 finder’s fee from the client, bringing their earnings to $800 for their efforts.
If the terms that an agency offers you deviate significantly from the above scenario, or seem just too good to be true or in any way suspicious, check with your local better business bureau and also do a search online to see if any complaints have been filed against this agency. Also, find out if your state requires modeling agencies to be licensed and bonded. This is an easy way to make sure that they meet the appropriate requirements.