How to Get a Modeling Agent: 6 Tips

A modeling agent is a person employed with a modeling agency or talent agency who represents fashion, runway, and commercial models to help them find modeling jobs. Agents scout for new talent and oversee model submissions for different modeling gigs listed by fashion industry professionals and casting directors.

While a model’s manager helps new models build their modeling careers by providing direct feedback, a modeling agent’s primary responsibility is to connect models with paid work, such as through casting calls.

“When I started out as a model, there wasn’t a blueprint that laid out a specific order of steps to take or rules to follow in order to be successful in the modeling industry. But I was lucky enough to build strong relationships with designers, photographers, and other models who all helped guide and protect me on my journey.” — Naomi Campbell

A good agent can help you get started in modeling and build your work into a professional career. The benefits of a modeling agent include the following:

• Access to casting calls: Modeling agents have access to work opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about as a beginner. Producers of fashion shows, professional photographers looking for models for photo shoots, and fashion industry professionals looking for runway models all seek models through top modeling agencies. Though you may be able to find modeling work through self-submissions on casting websites, most successful models need a professional agent to make progress in their field.
• Avoiding scams: “There’s lots of young women and young men who are being ripped off,” Naomi says. “If you ever encounter a situation where you’re asked to pay money for a training or exclusive casting, then you should definitely keep looking.” Reputable agencies provide a buffer between you and unprofessional entities looking to take advantage of you.
  
• Contract negotiation and finalization: “You don’t want to sign yourself away,” Naomi says. Professional modeling agents can legally negotiate and draw up contracts for modeling jobs on your behalf. They can get you the best possible fee for your work and ensure your agreement follows standard protocol and employment laws.
• High-quality work: As you build your modeling career, you’ll want the best agent you can find to land the biggest modeling jobs available. The best modeling agencies represent celebrities and supermodels, with access to the highest opportunities in top modeling locales like Los Angeles, New York City, and Milan.

“There’s . . . the misconception of when you start modeling, you have to pay tons of money to a photographer, rent a studio. That’s not true. . . . If the model agent likes what they see and they would like to pursue you . . . then they will guide you, [they will] call a reputable photographer that they know, and they will set up the test. The test is mutual between the photographer, the agent, and the model.” — Naomi Campbell

Follow these steps to find a modeling agent and begin your modeling career:

1. 1. Build your social media presence. “In terms of social media, it’s put a lot of people in the limelight we wouldn’t have in any other way,” Naomi says. “[Online,] everyone can be a model. Everyone can take pictures. Everyone can pose. Everyone has the right to show their walks. Everyone can be what they want to be. It’s helped a lot of people.” Creating profiles on social media platforms and using modeling-related hashtags for your work can help build your professional brand and provide a place for model scouts to find you. It can also offer a way to network with industry professionals and connect with other models and influencers breaking into the industry.
2. 2. Do your research. “When you’re looking for an agent, the biggest thing you want to make sure of is that they are legitimate,” Naomi says. “Study their website or portfolio to see what models they have on their roster and learn how they book their models. You can also try to get feedback from other models and receive referrals from them on agents they’ve had positive experiences with.”
3. 3. Make your modeling portfolio. A modeling portfolio contains photographs that show your look to prospective modeling agents and clients. You should think about the type of modeling you wish to pursue. You might have separate portfolios for print modeling, runway modeling, fitness modeling, and size modeling for fashion designers, or choose to design a portfolio that reflects your versatility.
4. 4. Pursue your passions. Before becoming a model, Naomi went to theater school, where she did ballet, jazz, and tap and discovered a love of movement. The skills you learn from other pursuits—whether dancing, acting, or getting behind the camera as a photographer—can enrich your life and help you become a better model.
5. 5. Reach out to potential agents. Most reputable modeling agencies have websites with submission instructions. While some may have an online submission portal, others may list agents you can contact directly via email.
6. 6. Visit an open call. Some modeling agencies hold open-call auditions to scout for new faces. You can check agency websites or for opportunities in your city.

Discovered at the age of fifteen, Naomi Campbell—then an aspiring dancer—had a lot to learn about modeling. Through her adaptability, improvisation skills, and love of movement, Naomi has successfully navigated the fashion industry for decades—all while staying true to herself. With the MasterClass Annual Membership, discover one of the original supermodel’s tips for how to pose, perfect your runway walk, build confidence, and deal with adversity.