Some advice for would be models

The internet is great for many things, unfortunately there are a number of scams, and a lot of false information about modelling on various websites. Read the information below, it should give you a starting point. You can also contact ALBA for more advice.

This guide has been written from a UK perspective, however most of this advice is equally valid internationally (except for sizes & and locations). If you want advice of a New York agent try newmodels.com.

Get with an agency

The first thing to realise is that if you are serious about a career in modelling you need a good agency. A good real world agency will market you as a model and help you with a lot of your business matters. However, they will also be brutally honest: an agency will only take on those models who they think will get work. If you have received rejections from many agencies then it's probably time to look for a different career.

Size matters

As a rough guide, for fashion work girls should be aged 15-21, be at least 5'7" tall and size 8-10* with clear skin and THAT look. Guys should be 6' tall and can be a bit older. Exceptions do happen but they are VERY rare. (* UK sizes)

Location-Location-Location

You should also be near the work, and for UK models that means London, or at least willing to relocate. There are some agencies in other UK cities but the amount of work available is limited, with promotions type work being more common.

The first steps

Call a number of agencies, there are links to some here or for contact the Association of Model Agents 020 7584 6466. Ask what their requirements are for new faces. The general rule will be to either send in a selection of good clear snap shots and your measurements (don't lie about your stats, you will be measured) or to pop in during an open call where would be models can turn up at the agency and be seen.

You don't need professional pictures at this stage - clear snap shots or polaroids taken with no make-up on are best.

Do remember that different agencies will favour different 'looks' so you may find that although one agency turns you down, another may snap you up right away. But if you find you keep getting rejected then perhaps modelling is not for you.

Testing/Portfolios

Models need portfolios. To get started the agency will take a set of polaroids, plain and simple. These are then photocopied and become your first comp card. You will then need to test. Shoots are arranged with photographers approved by the agency as a means of building your portfolio. You will often be expected to pay towards the cost of testing. This may only be the cost of the prints or there could be a small additional fee. Your portfolio(book) will be built up slowly, generally one or two prints from each shoot, tear sheets from published work when available.

Avoiding scams

There are unfortunately a number of scams waiting to part would be models from their money. Spotting them, while easy for those with experience is not so simple to describe.

A few pointers:

Beware of agencies advertising for models especially in local papers or on the internet. The demand is such that the good ones don't need to as they will already have plenty of potential models applying directly, or they prefer to scout themselves. When major agencies do launch model searches it will be on a much bigger scale, and usually in conjunction with a national magazine.

No height or size restrictions - Any agency who claims to have no restrictions on height or size is not working in fashion. Be very cautious of anyone who tells you that anyone can be a model.

Ask for a list of clients - this should be backed up with examples of the work that agency booked models for. Beware of scam agencies who cover their walls with magazine covers featuring well known models who they have no connection with. Good agencies are always keen to boast about their clients - its a measure of the success of both them and their models. Beware of any agency that is not open about their clients.

Registration or Scouting fees / Modelling Schools / Classes - don't pay, just go somewhere else. Likewise avoid companies who claim not to be agencies but offer a scouting networks or service.

Portfolios & Comp cards. A tricky one to describe because you may be asked to pay (legitimately) towards these items. Some agencies will advance these costs against future earnings but this is not always the case.

Warning signs would be "one payment, your whole portfolio provided" often with very poor quality work, or where all the pictures are taken by the same photographer. Also avoid any situation where the 'agency' makes spending money (for anything) a condition of joining.

TFP / TFCD

Not actually a scam but usually a waste of time. Be very critical about the quality of pictures as most offers are not of a style or standard that will actually benefit a would be model in the fashion world. Also consider where they may end up being used. Unless you have a signed contract you will not be able to stop the pictures being published and they could even damage your career.

TFP/TFCD can have it's uses though. It can be a viable way to work with a photographer who would normally only shoot you if you are paying them. By signing a model release to allow stock library sales they may waive their normal fee. In return you are not charged for the shoot and a limited selection of images/prints. If you are with an agency or are in anyway uncertain of the workings of image libraries you should seek advice before agreeing to such a shoot on these terms.

Portfolio pictures should look like they have been pulled straight out of a quality fashion magazine. Check out some of the work elsewhere on this website for examples of the quality required.