Let's talk about modeling agencies for a minute.
If you're new to the world of modeling then chances are you probably have no idea what a modeling agency actually is and even less of an idea of why they are so important for you.
If that's you - you're in the right place.
Let's take a deep dive into everything modeling agents!
Okay, so, first things first, what even is a modeling agency?
A modeling agency is a company that represents models. Think of them like your little model management squad. They have contacts throughout
the fashion world (like brands, designers, and other companies who might want models) that they connect their models with.
It is a modeling agency's job to get work for the models that they represent.
A mother modeling agency is kind of like the stepping stone between a model who's starting out and a modeling agency who gets the work. It
is the mother modeling agency's job to have relationships with multiple top-tier model agencies and usually they are there to scout fresh
talent and provide them with training so they are ready for the big wide world of modeling when they get signed.
A mother modeling agency also often brings the benefit of being able to negotiate multiple modeling contracts for a model whereas if a
model goes straight to a modeling agency themselves and gets signed they may not be able to then sign with anyone else at the same time
(for example in a different location).
Basically, a mother modeling agency is your ultimate teammate when you are starting out as a model.
Okay so if a modeling agency organizes the work for the models - how do they get paid?
A modeling agency takes a commission from the model when the model does a job. Usually this is between 10% and 20% of the total earnings.
This percentage is usually taken out before the model receives their pay check.
For example if a model gets paid $1000 for a job, the agency might take 20% of this as their commission ($200) leaving the model with
$800.
Always do your research - see if you can stalk the Instagram of the agency you're thinking about reaching out to and have a look at
the brands that they've worked with in the past. If they've got models working often then this is usually a good sign!
Another thing to be aware of is agency fees. If an agent charges you a 'signing fee' when you are offered a contract then be aware
that they may not be as reputable as you might hope!
Although you should never pay an agent when you're offered a contract, there are certain circumstances in which it is okay (and even a good
idea) to pay an agency.
Once such circumstance is when you are being offered training. For example, at CGM we offer heaps of different modeling training -
including our Online Model Search 4-week course. This is something that you should feel comfortable paying for as you are being offered an
opportunity to learn new skills and get yourself some awesome opportunities. Regardless of whether you end up with a contract at the end of
it, you will be walking away with new skills.
At the end of our 4-week course there is a casting where a panel of CGM agents are there scouting for new faces. At this stage if someone is
offered a modeling contract with Country Girl Management then there are absolutely no fees because we do not charge our models ANY fees to
sign a contract with us.
As a rule of thumb you should feel OKAY to pay for training and NOT OKAY to pay for a contract! How can I get signed by a modeling agency?
If you're wanting to get signed by a legit modeling agency then we would recommend trying to find yourself a mother modeling agency in your
area. This is going to be one of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door.
If you didn't already know, we are actually a mother modeling agency at CGM. We are linked with some of the top agencies worldwide! We have
absolutely no requirements for our 4-week Online Model Search and at the end you're guaranteed to be invited to meet with our casting
agents for your shot at securing a modeling contract!
Keen to get started? Thought so - Apply here Is it time you got started on your modeling dreams?
And how is that different to a mother modeling agency?
Want to check out our signed
models?
And what about mother agencies - how do they get paid?
Mother modeling agencies take a percentage from the commission taken by the modeling agency. This means that the model actually doesn't pay
for the mother agency - the modeling agency they're signed with does!
For example, if a model gets paid $1000 for a job. The modeling agency might take 20% of this ($200) and the mother agency might take 10%
of the agent's cut ($20). This would leave the model with $800 for this job (regardless of whether she had a mother agency or not)!
Alright, so I think I might want to try and get signed by a modeling agency - how do I know who's
legit?
Is there ever a time that it's okay to pay an agency?
Places are limited in our next
Online Model Search
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How to get noticed by an agency
So, you want to get signed with a modelling agency but have NO IDEA how to get noticed? Let us give you our insider tips to getting noticed and signed ASAP! Read More…
