Could You Be a Model?

Modeling may seem like a very glamorous and easy job for many young women. The perception is that models get paid a good amount of money to pose for some pictures. In actuality, models have to do much more than just show up for a photo shoot, and breaking into the business is extremely challenging and competitive.

There was a period in my life where I attempted to be a professional model. I was already out of college in and working in the marketing field, so I was skeptical about most of the modeling opportunities I saw advertised on the radio, in magazines and online. I definitely did my homework and had quite a few interesting encounters. As a marketing and advertising professional, I have worked with modeling agencies to select and hire models for product promotions. In the modeling business, I would be referred to as "the client"-- the person who makes the final decision on whether or not a model gets booked for a job. Having been on both the modeling end and the client end, I've had a good deal of first hand experience with the industry.

How To Tell If An Agency Is Legitimate
For every legitimate modeling agency, there are several others who take advantage of young aspiring models and their doting parents for their own financial gain. Just because there is some sort of application process or audition to be accepted into a so-called agency or modeling school, doesn't mean that the business is a true agency that can book you a paid modeling job. Often, auditions and application processes are used to give aspiring models the impression that they do have potential, but just need a little "coaching". These auditions give the agency the impression of being exclusive, when they typically accept a very high percentage of applicants.

A legitimate agency will not require any upfront payment. The agency will simply require that you attend an open call and then determine if they want to represent you. You'll need to bring photos to the open call, but they do not have to be professional. The agency gets paid by the client, not the model, when they secure you a paying modeling opportunity. These commissions a legitimate agency's primary source of revenue.

Many agencies offer "classes" or "training" for a large sum of money before they agree to represent you. Only if you graduate these programs and will they consider representing you. However, there is no guarantee at the time of the investment that you or your child will graduate the training program and be represented by the agency. I've spoken with several of the top agencies in the U.S. and they all agree that no training is required to model professionally. Any training is given at the time of the actual modeling gig. These experts all agree that training programs for models are essentially a way for sub-par agencies to make money and offer no real value to the aspiring model. John Casablancas is one example of such a "school", as well as Barbazon.

The Top Modeling Agencies in the U.S.
To follow is a list of some of the most reputable agencies in the United States. In order to be represented by one of these companies, you simply need to attend an open call and be selected. Other organizations might tell you that they can help you become represented by one of these agencies if you pay them or go through their training. But once again, you should steer clear of these organizations, as no training is required. Either you have the "look" they are seeking, or you don't. And this can change by the season, so don't be discouraged if you aren't selected the first time you attend an open call. There isn't much you can do to increase your chances of being selected by one of these agencies: Wilhelmina, Elite, Next, Marilyn, Trump, Ford, DNA and IMG.

The term "open call" is also used by scamming agencies. You might attend the open call and be selected, but then they will require that you pay a certain amount of money for training and/or photos.

In 2002, I participated in "Model Search America". Model Search America is an organization that holds large conventions several times per year throughout the United States. Model Search America is a seemingly legitimate business that gives aspiring models the opportunity to walk the runway in front of the top modeling agencies and casting directors from around the country. I paid approximately $500 to attend this convention, figuring that if I "had what it took" I would be discovered there, then that would be the start of my modeling career. If not, then I would cut my losses and not seek out further opportunities. Model Search America has partnerships with various photographers and recommends that models get professional photos taken to show to the agents. I paid an exorbitant amount of money for these photos, and I found the photographer to be just average. And I now realize that I probably didn't need the professional photos at all. If the agencies thought I had potential, they would have seen it when I walked down the runway.

Over 1,000 aspiring models, both male and female, attended the Model Search America convention to walk the runway in the hopes of being discovered. Only a handful received "callbacks" by the agencies to meet with them for further consideration. I was actually called back by a casting director in New York, who told me he would send me on auditions for television commercials. However, there was a requirement of living in New York, and I didn't want to abandon my marketing career and hometown for this opportunity. In order to make a real career out of modeling, you need to live in one of the top modeling markets, such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Chicago.

Standard Criteria
The top agencies are extremely selective and will only accept female models in the height range of 5'9 - 5'11, although sometimes a 5'8 or 6'0 model will be selected. Modeling is not about being pretty, it's about having a particular "look". In the modeling business, clients request models of a certain ethnicity, with a certain hair color, breast size, etc. I've gone through the selection process myself, and it's critical that the agency have a wide range of "looks" to choose from. I spoke with a model from Ford who said that she felt very competitive with the other blondes in the agency, but was more friendly with the brunettes. She said that when it comes to booking jobs, she is always up against the other models who have a similar look to her.

A Model's Life
Before you start pursuing a modeling career, you should be aware that most models (even the ones represented by the top firms) cannot make a living on their modeling salary. It's true that they could be paid over $1,000 a day for one job. However, no agency guarantees a certain amount of work or money. The models who I spoke with from one of the top agencies either had other part time jobs, or they were supported by their parents.

Additionally, the photo shoots aren't as simple as posing for a camera. One model was shooting an add for a faucet company and had to stand half naked in a cold shower for several hours while they shot photos of her in the shower from various angles, in various poses, and with various lighting arrangements. Personally, I would rather sit in the comfort of my office for a day's work.

Being model is not as glamorous as it seems-- the work can be challenging and there is no guarantee of steady income, even if you are represented by one of the top agencies. As you think about starting your modeling career, be sure to take all of these factors into consideration so that you know exactly what you are getting into, without wasting time or money.