Then and now, modelling agencies serve as the go-between for models and the clients they would like to work with. The agencies represent the models to the clients, seeking to secure the most lucrative contracts for the models. While all this remains true in today’s world, agencies go about finding and representing models in a very different way than they did before the technology age.
In days of old, modelling agencies would ‘pick up’ or scout young fresh modelling talent and do some development work to help them get their careers started. This would include getting them in shape physically and talent wise, getting official photoshoots done, and then shopping them to potential quite. Today, the roles are a little different.
In today’s social media and Internet age, most modelling agencies opt to work with models who already have a presence. Most agencies are not doing the sort of development work that was expected in the past. Instead, the select talent to work with based on existing portfolios on official websites and social media sites. From there, the agency or agent will have a clear idea of the kind of talent they will be working with.
In other words, agencies today expect models to already be bringing something to the table by way of a following on social media, small projects under their belt, and professionalism and excellence as represented in their brand and portfolio. As such, models who are hoping to be successful in the industry and have an agent represent them should ensure that they begin to think carefully about their brand and develop a portfolio that is visible online. From there, a modelling agency is more likely to take them more seriously. Once they have started to build a successful brand/product, the next step for the model is to seek out a relevant modelling agency to help further their growing career.
How to Find the Right Modelling Agency for Your Modelling Career
Fashion modelling is a vast industry with many mini-sectors within which models can work. Runway modelling, for example, although very popular, is not the only kind of modelling that models can opt for. Additionally, country and locale play a role in the kind of modelling that a model may be able to get into. For example, in Paris, France, fashion and runway modelling is dominant while cities like California, USA and Sydney, Australia will provide more options for other kinds of modelling – like foot or hand modelling.
Given that there are many sectors within fashion modelling, it is hardly surprising that there are modelling agencies that specialise in finding work for clients within special niches. As such, models should seek out those agencies that work primarily in those industries that they are interested in modelling in, and take it from there.
