5 Tips to Successfully Apply for a Modeling Agency

A common scenario modeling agents and agency representatives encounter when accepting applications from aspiring models is that most people they see don’t have a clue on how to submit a good application.

The truth is that poorly submitted applications only make the task of assessing skills and looks harder for the people in charge of making the call of signing up models. In fact, the problem is so bad that many talent agents from big-name agencies disclose that out of every 200 applications they receive, only 5 are chosen to sign up with them.

Here are 10 tips to increase your chances of being accepted by a model agency while making their job of examining your application easier.

1. Know the ins and outs of the modeling industry

Before you even think of signing up at a modeling agency, it’s important that you first know what you’re getting yourself into. Aside from knowing how to project different looks and walking the catwalk, you have to know how the industry works, how talent agencies work, and what’s expected from you when you’re a signed talent.

Remember that modeling is a tough job—glamorous perhaps, but tough to a point wherein not everyone has what it takes to succeed.

2. Short and simple is the way to do it

As tempting as it is to make your application flowery, the better to catch the attention of model agents, don’t do it. The only information agencies want is your name, age, height, body stats, contact details, and experience, if any. More importantly, they’ll want good headshots of yourself.

Heartless as it sounds, agencies don’t care much for your hobbies, high school grades, and other details irrelevant to the job of modeling.

3. Clear photos are best.

Your obscure, faraway shots may look good to you, but model agencies more than anything want clear, close-up shots that show what you look like. Professional-grade photos aren’t needed, but that doesn’t mean you should unflattering images of yourself either. Put your best foot forward by submitting great photos of yourself that highlight your figure and facial features. And please, don’t send group photos with a note saying you’re the third person on the right.

4. Be yourself

Modeling agencies want original models with new, fresh and unique looks of their own. As great as it may seem to send an application of with photos of yourself ‘inspired’ by Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum or Johnny Depp, you’re better off veering away from copying their looks.  Agencies want new faces, not clones.

5. Research, research and research

Before you send your application to a modeling agency, you owe it to yourself to know as much as possible about that agency first. Find out about their track record, which models they’ve handled before, their policies, minimum requirements and more. You want to know what you’re getting yourself into.