Modeling agencies - How and where to find them

Contrary to what most girls and young women believe, it takes a ton of hard work to get started as a fashion, promotional or even a hand model. Taking this fact into consideration, here is a realistic approach to become a model and get listed with one of the numerous modeling agencies waiting for your contact.

For those who are looking to jump into the world of entertainment, finding modeling agencies can be more overwhelming than their first photo shoot. There are a vast number of well-known agents who are legitimate and claim to be "the top talent agency available".

Planning your career

When you begin your search, there are several pieces of information that you will want to have in your possession to give you a slight advantage in narrowing your choice to the right modeling agency for your tastes and talent level.

The tenacity in which you perform your research is directly related to the open call or interview because the right agent can literally make or break your career. So, do it right the first time - you may not get a second!

The darkside of modeling agencies - What to watch for

From the industry of entertainment there emerges some perfectly legitimate agency companies right along with the scam artists and everything in between. Part of your search will be to make sure you are not signing up with someone who is not legit. So, we go right back to doing your research.

Spotting the "good guys" - and the others

Here are a couple of ways to spot a new modeling agent or someone just looking to take your money.

1. Take a look at their portfolio of pictures - Simply viewing the work they have done should suffice. If they have no work to show, they are as new as you are.

2. Requests for large deposits, for "training" - If the modeling agency promises you the moon and then proceeds to ask for a large deposit for pics or conventions, then consider it a red flag. It is not always a scam but proceed very carefully.

Don't make a final decision until you have read the entire contract (along with the small print) and possibly have taken it to an attorney to look over. Why? Because, once your money is paid and the papers signed, it is most likely gone!

Finding a model agency

Sifting through the long list of modeling agencies in your area can be as easy as picking up a fashion magazine, or any magazine and finding the companies that represent the female models you see in the advertisements. This is a sure-fire way to tell if the company is for real.

Categorize your search results

Once you have begun to put together a listing of preferred female modeling agencies, you will want to filter them into categories.

If you are new to modeling, you will need to see those that cater to new talent. If you are an American woman, obviously one that works with U.S. females would be best. If you are African-American - well, you get the picture.

Where to start

You may not want to seek the very top list of agencies if you are a brand new model, but you will want to know who they are. Find out what types of talent they are seeking.

If there is an open call and you feel you can match the looks of their top female models, attend even if you do not have all of the experience necessary.

Finalizing your decision

There are many different ways to find the best modeling agencies and for making contact. Those who are legit will be able to easily give you a list of ads that have featured their models. Find one who is willing to work with your talent level and help you to grow those abilities.

Once you are a bit more experienced as a model, you will begin to see more job opportunities open up. There is no substitute for study and practice in this profession. Just as with any other career. In the world of female modeling agencies, the more experience you have, the better.

So, now you know just a little more than you did a moment ago about finding and choosing modeling agencies. But, don't stop your education here. Do as much reading as possible, put your plan together and get a really good agent to represent you in the field you love!