Top 2 Ways To Sign With A Modeling Agency

By Angela Daun

One of the major decisions an aspiring model must make is whether to freelance or sign with a management agency. Typically, signing with an agency is the best way to go for models. Management agencies will navigate through calls, jobs and pay, which can be an invaluable service to someone new to the industry.

There are typically two ways to sign with an agency. The first is the dry call; a model sends their comp card to agencies in hopes of sparking interest.

The second is to attend an open call held by an agency. This is when aspiring models can come to the agency and get a chance to be seen by agents and find out if the agency is interested in signing them.

For a dry call, you need a comp card to send to the agency, which will act as a business card. This is an essential marketing tool for models. A comp card features the most up-to-date and best pictures that are in a model's portfolio. A model can either talk to a photographer or create a comp card on their own using a graphic software program. There are a growing number of companies on the internet that you can send images to in order for printing. The price for this service can vary greatly based on both photo and card stock quality.

Some of the benefits of signing with an agency are that they will help in getting comp cards put together, booking test shoots, training, and layout portfolios. Agencies also have booking departments that handle cold calls, advertising, and finding jobs. They also manage confirming dates with clients and collecting pay on behalf of the model.

A new model should watch out for the many scams that are out there. One scam occurs when an agency leads the hopeful model to believe that they have work ready for her to book in order to sell classes and photo shoots. New models can be susceptible to many other scams as well, such as agencies trying to pressure them into signing long-term contracts and high commission percentages. A reliable agency usually earns between 10 and 20% of the pay for a booking, anything more than this and a model should be on the lookout for other red flags.

There are many opportunities in the modeling industry for everyday people. Commercial modeling agencies book and represent models from all walks of life, be it men or women of any height, size, age or appearance. They can find work in catalogues, ad campaigns and commercials - anywhere a company wants to hire models that represent the average consumer.

So, whether a model is just starting out or has been freelancing, there are many things he or she needs to be aware of when looking for and signing on with a model management agency. One of the best things a new model can do is be on the lookout for an open call with an agency, which will often be on the agency website or a local newspaper. All models should also keep a positive attitude, as it can be hard work finding the right management. A positive attitude is what will make or break you when pursuing anything in life!

Angela Daun has appeared in Maxim, Cosmo, Ugly Betty & more. She's been the face of major cosmetics campaigns, appeared in hit movies & TV shows, and travelled the world walking the runway.