The journey to becoming a signed model can feel complex, but it is an achievable goal with the right preparation. Many aspiring models have the drive but may not understand the specific steps agencies expect. This guide details the practical measures required to navigate the process and present yourself professionally.
Determine Your Modeling Niche
Before you begin creating materials or contacting agencies, it is beneficial to understand the various sectors within the modeling world. The industry is segmented into different niches, each with distinct requirements. Identifying where you fit will help you target the right agencies and tailor your submission to their needs.
Fashion modeling, often divided into runway and editorial work, is perhaps the most well-known category. This area has specific height and measurement standards for both male and female models. Commercial modeling is much broader, focusing on advertising for a wide range of products and services in print and on television, celebrating a diversity of looks and body types.
Other specialized categories offer opportunities for a variety of appearances. Plus-size or curve modeling has become a significant part of the industry, representing body diversity. Petite modeling caters to those below the standard height requirements for high fashion. Fitness modeling requires an athletic build, while parts modeling focuses on specific features like hands or feet.
Prepare Your Essential Materials
Once you have a sense of your potential niche, prepare the materials that agencies require for evaluation. Contrary to a common misconception, expensive professional photoshoots are not necessary. Agencies often prefer to see a more natural and unstyled version of you first.
Digitals (Polaroids)
The primary images you will need are called “digitals” or “Polaroids.” These are simple, unedited snapshots intended to show your natural appearance. They should be taken in good, natural light against a plain, uncluttered background.
For these photos, you should wear simple, form-fitting clothing, such as a black t-shirt and skinny jeans or a swimsuit. Hair should be pulled back from your face, and you should wear no makeup. Agencies need to see specific shots:
- A headshot where you are not smiling
- A headshot where you are smiling naturally
- A full-length photo from the front
- Profile shots from both the right and left sides
- A full-length shot from the back
Your Measurements
Accurate measurements are another required component of your submission package. Agencies use this data to determine if you meet the criteria for their clients and the type of work they specialize in. The numbers you provide must be precise, so use a soft measuring tape and have a friend assist you if possible.
For female models, the standard measurements required are:
- Your height
- Bust (measured around the fullest part)
- Waist (measured at the narrowest point)
- Hips (measured around the widest part)
For male models, agencies will require your height, chest (measured around the fullest part), and waist. Providing exact figures is a sign of professionalism and ensures you are being considered for the right opportunities.
Contact Information
While seemingly simple, your contact information needs to be professional and reliable. Create a straightforward email address, ideally a variation of your name, that is easy to read and remember. Your phone number should be one where you can be reached consistently, ensuring you don’t miss a potential callback from an interested agent.
Find and Research Legitimate Agencies
With your materials ready, your focus can shift to finding agencies that are a good fit. The research phase is about identifying reputable companies and learning how to spot potential scams. A targeted approach, focusing on agencies that align with your look, will be more effective than submitting randomly.
Online databases are a valuable resource for finding legitimate agencies. Websites like models.com are industry-standard directories that list established agencies and the models they represent. Social media, particularly Instagram, can also be a useful tool, as you can see which agencies photographers and other models work with. A professional agency will have a well-maintained website that lists their submission guidelines.
It is important to be vigilant about scams. Reputable agencies will never ask for money upfront. If an agency demands a fee for taking your photos, requires you to pay for classes, or charges a “website fee” to be represented, it is a red flag. Legitimate agencies make money by taking a commission (typically 15-20%) from the modeling jobs they book for you, so be wary of any organization that guarantees representation.
Submit Your Application
After shortlisting potential agencies, submit your application. Agencies have clear and specific guidelines for submissions, and following their instructions precisely shows your professionalism. The two most common methods are online submission portals or in-person open calls.
Most agencies today prefer online submissions through a dedicated form on their website. This process will require you to enter your contact information, accurate measurements, and upload your digitals. Fill out the form completely and double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
Some agencies still hold “open calls,” which are scheduled times when anyone can be seen in person without an appointment. Information about open calls can be found on the agency’s website or social media. If you attend one, wear simple, form-fitting clothes and minimal makeup, similar to your digitals. Bring physical copies of your digitals and have your measurements written down, as the interaction may be brief.
Navigate the Follow-Up Process
Once your application has been sent, the final phase is waiting for a response and managing your expectations. It is common not to hear back from every agency you submit to. Agents review hundreds of submissions, and their decisions are based on current roster needs.
If an agency is interested, they will contact you to schedule a “callback” or a “go-see.” This is a request for an in-person meeting or a video call where they can get to know you better. Prepare for this meeting by being ready to talk about yourself and your interest in modeling.
Treat the meeting as a professional interview. Dress neatly, arrive on time, and be polite and engaging. It is also a chance for you to ask questions about the agency, such as how they work with new models and the types of clients they have. This shows you are serious about your career and helps you determine if the agency is the right partner for you.