Joining a model agency is an exciting step in any model’s career. After all, an agency is typically the way that you will find work.

Located in London, Manchester and Birmingham, model agencies are situated all over the UK, however, they are predominantly based in the capital with the likes of Elite London, First Model Management, IMG Models, Storm Models, Premier Model Management and Oxygen Models.

All growing into successful agencies at the top of their game, they have found some of the most successful new faces in the industry. Premier Model Management has been running since 1981 and was set up with Carole White and her brother Chris Owen. They have a strong reputation in the modelling world.

If you fancy relocating to Europe or America, Paris and New York also have a great selection of agencies to choose from.

Model Agencies Explained

A modelling agency in the UK works in much the same way as any agency all over the world. There are ones that accept a varied selection of ages and niches. Others are more specialist.

Child models should only apply to those with a specific department that caters for their age range. The process tends to be very similar for teen and child models as it is for female models just with the legal requirement of a parent or guardian present at all times.

• Firstly, you will be asked to join or successfully be accepted onto their books/register after completing their application process. A good, legal agency will never ask for a fee for this. They’ll either spot you, or they’ll see your amazing portfolio and want to snap you up!
• Secondly, the agency will help you to find work. This might be jobs in catalogues, on the catwalks or for other kinds of shoots. A UK modelling agency is most likely looking to place you for campaigns locally, but you never know! Some agencies will require you to travel out of London to Paris or New York for example.
• Thirdly, your payment will be given to you – less any commission as detailed in your contract and minus the cost of any portfolio that has been produced for you.

How It Works

An agency has models on its books that it thinks will best represent their clients. If they have lots of commercial brands such as ASOS approaching them, that will be their look. High fashion brands might be looking for the ‘traditional’ model aesthetic, and so they can choose from the books to find someone to match their requirements for a particular assignment. Other agencies might represent a varied selection including petite, plus size, glamour or other ‘niche’ kinds of models.

Many agencies work with Mediaslide model agency software to help them manage their model database. It allows for them to organise bookings, manage information about clients and trips and share with their colleagues in a secure environment. Therefore, if you’re on their books you will be taken care of through this system.

Approaching a Model Agency

It’s time to be realistic – most agencies only accept new faces via their application process or walk in sessions. Simply sending an email is not the way to approach an agency and only a select few are scouted randomly like Kate Moss. If you prefer face to face communication, make sure that you look at the times to avoid missing the allocated slot.

Arrive looking presentable and chic with natural makeup. A pair of well fitting jeans, a tee, boots and jacket will do the job. Natural foundation, a flick of mascara and a touch of lip gloss is all the makeup you need. Female models that apply too much will distract the agent as they won’t be able to see the real you.

Be Professional

When approaching any model agency as a new face to the industry, it’s imperative that you are professional, just as you would be at any other job. Ensure that your communication is well-written and informed, and that you are really putting yourself across in the best light. Don’t write in ‘text speak’, and make sure there are no spelling errors.

Answer all the agent questions confidently and professionally. The agent questions will most likely be easy to answer and won’t last long. It’s important to have an amazing portfolio at the ready to show exactly what you can do. UK Models can help you with this.

Most models are not sought out or ‘spotted’ like Kate Moss was. At 14 she was scouted by Storm Model Management, at JFK Airport in New York. Since she has graced countless magazine covers, runways and bill boards. There are many similar stories to this, however put in the hard work as your chance my pass you by if you wait to be spotted.

If the big agencies have a certain look in mind, you won’t be able to sway them. It’s a looks-based industry. However, you can still apply for commercial agencies with more attainable opportunities.

Signing to a Model Agency UK

Make sure that the agency you choose (or who chooses you) is actually right for you and that they’re likely to be able to get you work. Read through the contract CAREFULLY to ensure you’ll not be getting ripped off, or that there are no terms or expectations that you’d be uncomfortable with. All trustworthy agencies will ensure that personal details are kept safe under data protection.

To keep up to date with the agency news. They most likely will have a notice board with the latest goings on, a section on their website or will regularly post to social media. By reading agency news, it is a great way to find opportunities, understand what is happening at the organisation and in the fashion industry.

It’s a big step to actually have someone represent you, and you need to trust that they’ll find you work. However, you must also be proactive and ensure to maintain your side of things. There’s only so much a model agency can do; the rest is on your shoulders.

Have you signed with an agency? Congrats! Perhaps you have some advice to offer?