by Bob Pardue

There are thousands of agencies in the US alone not to mention foreign countries. So, where do you start?

This first depends upon your look and physical charateristics. If you meet the physical requirements discussed in Chapter One, then I would suggest that you start at the top of the modeling market and work your way down.

The Major Modeling Markets

Most of the major modeling agencies are based in large cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles. You can sometimes find branches of these model reps in other medium to large cities throughout the USA.

Below, you'll find links to more information on some of the top model agencies in the country and you may want to contact several of them. Just click on the link and read about each one ...

IMG

DNA

Women / Supreme

1 Management

Marilyn

Ford

Next

Elite

Trump

Vision

Major

NY Models

MC2

Wilhelmina

Any of these agencies will be able to let you know if you are modeling material but don't just accept the first "No" you hear.

A couple of examples:

Elvis Presley was turned down and told that he would never make it as a singer.

A music group was turned down by a record company because "groups using guitars were on their way out". This group was The Beatles!!

Tyra Banks was turned down by 4 out of 5 agencies and barely squeaked through the fifth door. Also turned down at one time or another were Cindy Crawford and most of the other superstars.

But, they all had one thing in common, dedication and persistence. They didn't take the first no as an insult. If you are turned down by an agency, go on to the next, and the next. Remember, it's always too soon to quit!

The biggest question I can think to ask is; "How committed are you to doing the really tough work involved to become a model?"

It's a very competitive world and only those willing to put in the hours of practice and the other time it takes to make contact after contact with model agencies will be able to work in the modeling industry.

Local Model Agencies

If you don't have the physical requirements as mentioned above or if you are more interested in pursuing modeling in your local area, don't give up. There's still hope to work as a model in a local agency.

Here are a few tips if you plan to promote yourself locally...

If you plan to promote yourself locally put together a professional portfolio and keep contacting model agencies & photographers who may need your services.

1. Set goals for what you want and keep at it.

2. Steer clear of agencies who ask for large sums of money for so-called "training" unless you feel that you just want that particular experience. There are plenty of legitimate agencies out there. You may want to try checking this page for local model agency listings in your state.

I don't have detailed information or endorse any of these agencies so you just have to pick and choose until you find the answers you are looking for.

3. Advice from consumer advocates, former (modeling) customers and ex-agency employees for avoiding modeling scams:

Avoid paying fees in advance. Legitimate agencies make their money from commissions. If you're asked to pay for extra composite cards, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and state consumer officials.

If you are asked to sign a contract, take it home first. If they refuse, walk away.

Ask for reference lists of clients and ask what kinds of jobs the agency books.

4. Talk to other working models whenever possible. They can give you valuable insight and maybe steer you to a good agency or clients.

5. Always take someone with you when going to interviews or photo shoots. - SAFETY FIRST! I can't stress this enough!

The ideas listed above are just the beginning in your modeling career! Take your time to learn everything you can about modeling before "jumping in" and you'll have an easier time than those who don't.