Can You Make It As A Model Without An Agency?

The modelling industry is one that is tough and competitive. Yet, when you finally make it, it is extremely rewarding and certainly a job to be proud of. It’s making it in this business that is the difficult part. When looking on the Internet or talking to people you will see that one of the primary pieces of advice you will always be given is to join a good modelling agency. But, is this really an essential? Can you make it in the modelling industry without signing up with an agency?

The truth is… it is highly unlikely! A modelling agency is one of the most important components for any successful model and there are several reasons why. However, when it comes to starting out as a model, you need exposure! You need your first big break. You need people to see your photographs and want to be interested in booking you for a campaign. Where are you going to gain this exposure if you are not signed with a quality fashion modelling agency? You will find it virtually impossible. However, the best modelling agencies already have hundreds of viewers and plenty of interest in their company. You will be able to take advantage of this by being on their books.

This is especially the case in the present day and age whereby there are so many different ways to market and brand. You will no longer merely benefit from being on the company’s website or in their books. But you will also benefit from the effects of social media and such like. If an agency is on Twitter or Facebook they will be able to use such channels in order to advertise your photographs and the work you have done. Moreover, Pinterest and Instagram are two particularly interesting channels, as they are female dominated and image orientated. The agency does not even have to be on these platforms for you to take advantage. If you are signed to a well-known agency you can hashtag them or pin them whenever you are posting social media messages in order to link to the company and increase your exposure.

You should also consider the fact that when it comes to specific jobs there are some companies and casting directors that will not waste their time with open auditions and such like. Instead, they will go to an agency they have a connection with or an agency they know excels in a specific area of modelling. They will liaise with them in order to determine the right models for the job. Therefore, by signing to a modelling agency you are going excess to exclusive job opportunities that you otherwise would not.

In addition to this, modelling agencies know what works and what does not. They have plenty of experience in the industry with plenty of years to back them up. Not only do they know how to attract the best clients and jobs, but they can help you with advertising yourself and making yourself more attractive to those booking models. They will give you their expert guidance when it comes to everything from getting your portfolio right to conducting yourself properly when you go to a casting. It is things like this that can make or break you in an industry. They will give you all the tools you need to be the best model you can be and to advertise yourself to full effect. Sometimes modelling agencies even have the capability to get feedback regarding interviews and castings. This means that they may be able to find out why you did not get a job and thus they will advise you on where to progress for the next job you go for. After all, you will never find a model that is accepted for every job she goes for.

Now you know all you need to about the many benefits that are associated with using a modelling agency in order to advertise yourself to full effect and ensure you have the best chance of making it in this fierce and competitive industry. However, you will only reap the rewards of all of these advantages if you actually choose the agency with extreme care and attention to detail. Keeping that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the things you should be looking out for.

First and foremost, you should definitely assess the agency’s website. You should see how they actually advertise their models. Are there lots of photographs of every model? Is there plenty of information on the model’s profile and the work they have done? Are there various ways to search for different models? These are some of the questions you need to be asking yourself when you are looking through the website. In addition to this, you need to make sure the profiles of the models are updated on a regular basis. There is no time to remain stagnant in this tough and fast paced industry.

Aside from this, it is also vital to assess the experience and the reputation of the agency. How long have they been in the industry? This is important. You want to be safe in the knowledge that the agency has had plenty of time to perfect their craft and build up their contacts. If an agency is new, how can you expect them to get the best jobs? How can you expect clients to go to the said agency whenever they need a new model? There are going to go to a more experienced and reputable company instead. You should also make the effort to read the reviews that have been left by models that have been represented by the agency before. What have they had to say? Were they happy with the service they received? Do they think the agency did enough to get them bookings? Would they recommend the modelling agency to anyone else?

The price of the agency is also important. Most agencies charged based on what you earn. Therefore, if the agency finds you a job you will have to pay them a certain percentage of what you have earned. This is a great payment structure, as it drives results from the agency in question. You should never have to pay considerable sums of money up front in order to join an agency, that is for certain. Thus, this is something you need to be incredibly mindful of.  You also need to find an agency that supports your goals. They should not encourage you to focus 100% on modelling and forget other aspirations. Online courses, such as those at the Aston University Online site, make it easier than ever before to study and model too.

Now you have the full picture regarding the many benefits that are associated with using a modelling agency in order to advertise effectively. You will be missing out on a massive opportunity if you do not sign up with a quality agency. To find the best agency for you, use the tips that have been provided in this post and you cannot go wrong. Look for an agency with experience, a good reputation and an agency that advertises their models in a way that you would like to be advertised. This is extremely important. There is no point signing up with an agency if it is not an effective or successful one. You may as well not be with one at all if that is the case.