Forums > General Industry > No reputable agency charges to represent models?

Model

Natalie G

Posts: 60

Kansas City, Kansas, US

I see over, and over that no reputable agency charges models to represent them. I have not been to every agency in Kansas City, but have been to many of them.
     A recurring theme is that I need to pay 200-250 dollars to have a page on their website. When I explain that I am modeling to EARN money, not spend it, I told the agency can not represent me with out this tool!
     If anyone knows of a Kansas City agency that does not charge to represent, let me know!
     [email protected]

May 31 06 07:32 pm Link

Photographer

Mikel Featherston

Posts: 11103

San Diego, California, US

May 31 06 07:46 pm Link

Model

Amanda Padilla

Posts: 1772

New York, New York, US

ur 5'4 ... a good one wont sign a model 5'4 unless there magnificent smile

May 31 06 07:49 pm Link

Photographer

Mikel Featherston

Posts: 11103

San Diego, California, US

Amanda Padilla wrote:
ur 5'4 ... a good one wont sign a model 5'4 unless there magnificent smile

Fortunately, command of the English language is no longer a requirement?

May 31 06 07:51 pm Link

Model

Josie Nutter

Posts: 5865

Seattle, Washington, US

Unfortunately, the other poster here is right.  Even if there is one in Kansas City (there might be someone who deals with the local newspapers/malls/etc, I guess), your chances at 5'4" are probably pretty slim.

I'm 5'2" myself.  I'm keeping the dayjob. wink



More info:

Search word "short":

Too short
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=38736

Short Models....
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=29355

Success and Short Models
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=29769

how do short models go about getting signed?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=26220

Short Models?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=19935

About Models being too short sad
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=17963


Search word "petite":

Petite Models... What do you think of 'em?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=33108

Y Can't petite models have the same priviliges
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=31167

Is there really a petite market?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=23546


Search word "height":

Does a model's height really matter to you?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=25835

height
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=23212

Gripe about height issues
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=14888

height...arrrgh!
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=12345

Does height really matter?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=9672

Height
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=8511

What's height got to do with it?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=3764

height requirement in modeling Industry
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=5920

May 31 06 08:04 pm Link

Model

DawnElizabeth

Posts: 3907

Madison, Mississippi, US

Josie Nutter wrote:
Unfortunately, the other poster here is right.  Even if there is one in Kansas City (there might be someone who deals with the local newspapers/malls/etc, I guess), your chances at 5'4" are probably pretty slim.

I'm 5'2" myself.  I'm keeping the dayjob. wink



More info:

Search word "short":

Too short
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=38736

Short Models....
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=29355

Success and Short Models
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=29769

how do short models go about getting signed?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=26220

Short Models?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=19935

About Models being too short sad
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=17963


Search word "petite":

Petite Models... What do you think of 'em?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=33108

Y Can't petite models have the same priviliges
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=31167

Is there really a petite market?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=23546


Search word "height":

Does a model's height really matter to you?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=25835

height
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=23212

Gripe about height issues
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=14888

height...arrrgh!
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=12345

Does height really matter?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=9672

Height
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=8511

What's height got to do with it?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=3764

height requirement in modeling Industry
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=5920

I'm with her.

May 31 06 08:05 pm Link

Wardrobe Stylist

stylist man

Posts: 34382

New York, New York, US

If any are missing try this thread.

list of short model threads & discussions
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=49441

May 31 06 08:10 pm Link

Photographer

Jim Ball

Posts: 17632

Frontenac, Kansas, US

Natalie,

$250.00 will buy you your own domain name (something like www.nataliegmodel.com) and pay for a really good domain host for quite a while. To heck with so-called talent agencies in KC.  Promote yourself!  I know from reading MWM&P forum that you are probably going to be at the KC Expo this weekend.  Talk to Karen and some of the other models while you are there.

I regret that I can't be there.  I'd love to work with you.

Jim B.

May 31 06 08:38 pm Link

Photographer

Emeritus

Posts: 22000

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Jim Ball wrote:
you are probably going to be at the KC Expo this weekend.

1.  She won't find any good agencies at that "expo" either -  just opportunities for more TFP and some people who want to sell her things.  It's not a way into mainstream modeling.

2.  People who have responded above about height are right as far as modeling goes.  However, "talent" agencies are less sensitive to height than "model" agencies are - and most of the "model agencies" in KC are really talent agencies which also book some models.

3.  Whoever said that legitimate agencies never charge a fee for representation was misinformed.  It happens all the time.  The best agencies in NYC all charge to be on their website.  Modelwire is not free - it's not even cheap.

Rather than being overly concerned about the fact that you have to pay some money to be a professional model (you will), it's better to be concerned about whether, having paid that money, it will really open doors for you.  Select the ways you choose to spend your time and money wisely, and not on the basis of sound bites.

Jun 01 06 12:11 am Link

Model

ANNABELLA

Posts: 1642

Atlanta, Georgia, US

I read every single thread on "heights" and I'm even more confused then before! sad

Here's a question and I won't care if its dumb or not. When someone writes "high fashion" is that the same as just "fasion?"

What is the height/age requirement to get into doing editorial work? Does that go with fashion modeling. I've seen editorials where the models did not look waify. Even cormercial-wise so are they strict on that kind of modeling too?

Jun 01 06 08:54 am Link

Photographer

American Glamour

Posts: 38813

Detroit, Michigan, US

AJ Bella wrote:
Here's a question and I won't care if its dumb or not. When someone writes "high fashion" is that the same as just "fasion?"

High Fashion is where you have been toking a bit of herb and actually think the outfit the designer gave you is kewl.  Fashion is where you look good on the catwalk or at least the critics think so (and who knows, reading some of the reviews, the may have been tooting a bit themselves).

Seriouisly, in large markets, agencies that work with editorial/fashion models have pretty much the same requirements.

Your question isn't at all stupid though.  Depending on what the subject of the editorial is, a model need not necessarily be tall.  The issue is whether there are agencies that represent short editorial models.  The answer is that editorial is typically one of the lowest paying parts of modeling.  While the requirements for talent are sometimes more lax in smaller markets, I can't think of many, if any agencies that specialize in reqpresenting short editorial models.

It is a tough world out there.  Agencies that represent commercial models are a bit less stringent on height than fashion agencies, but the hard truth is the shorter you get the less agency opportunities you will have.

Jun 01 06 09:32 am Link

Model

ANNABELLA

Posts: 1642

Atlanta, Georgia, US

thanx Alan that really cleared it up for me. So let's say here I am working on my book to geer towards cormercial agencies. Is it fine that maybe one pic of me in my book looks like a shot from an editorial just so they see I can maybe do those to or is that a no-no and I should just keep all my shots strictly cormercial.

Jun 01 06 09:38 am Link

Photographer

udor

Posts: 25255

New York, New York, US

AJ Bella wrote:
Here's a question and I won't care if its dumb or not. When someone writes "high fashion" is that the same as just "fasion?"

Alan from Aavian Prod wrote:
High Fashion is where you have been toking a bit of herb and actually think the outfit the designer gave you is kewl.

Hmmm... thanks... I always thought "High Fashion" aka "Haute Couture" is called high because the models are tall... or high.... or... big_smile

Jun 01 06 09:38 am Link

Photographer

Ivan Aps

Posts: 4996

Miami, Florida, US

Agree with TX.  And to make it more understandable from a different stand-point....

A model I worked with this past weekend was talking about something she found out at her agency (also a local agency).  On their compcard display wall, there is a distinct different between the cards on the right and those on the left, when she asked them about this, they responded, "The cards on the left, including yours, are for our "working" models.  The ones on the right are for the people registered as models with us."

How does that explain the paying for presence on their web?  Simple, the models that have clients calling to book them on a regular basis probably get listed on the companies website and maybe for free.  The models who do not, must pay for that right.  Don't forget, your local agency might have thousands of registered models.  Not all of them book with clients and there is no way they have enough web site space for all of them nor do they have the budget for the billed web-designer time to create a page for every one of them.

And how this is different than going out and getting your own site is that clients who already use that agency may also tend to look at their site to see which models are registered with them, what types of images they are capable of and may even contact the agency about booking a model they saw via the agency's site.  That is the marketable difference.

Jun 01 06 09:39 am Link

Photographer

Chili

Posts: 5146

Brooklyn, New York, US

try print agencies or agencies that specialize in petites, or have a seperate print division

http://www.bellaagency.com/aboutus.cfm
http://www.gillaroos.com/index.htm

i dont know much about these two above, i only know of them

Jun 01 06 09:45 am Link

Model

ANNABELLA

Posts: 1642

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Apfel Photography wrote:
How does that explain the paying for presence on their web?  Simple, the models that have clients calling to book them on a regular basis probably get listed on the companies website and maybe for free.  The models who do not, must pay for that right.  Don't forget, your local agency might have thousands of registered models.  Not all of them book with clients

So if a model isn't regulary getting booked for jobs will an agency eventually drop her? Where does most of the work come from when a model is signed to an agency. Automatic Bookings or going to castings and basically having to work on getting booked herself?

I just read a recent article that said a lot of agencies will start putting actual polaroids on their site as well as a model professional pics. Interesting on how polaroids are so important nowadays.

Jun 01 06 09:52 am Link

Photographer

American Glamour

Posts: 38813

Detroit, Michigan, US

AJ Bella wrote:
thanx Alan that really cleared it up for me. So let's say here I am working on my book to geer towards cormercial agencies. Is it fine that maybe one pic of me in my book looks like a shot from an editorial just so they see I can maybe do those to or is that a no-no and I should just keep all my shots strictly cormercial.

Of course it is fine.

You know what, books are very subjective things.  If you ask 30 people on the forums what should be in a book you will get 40 different answers.

To me, a book is an expression of your look and your range.  In my humble, but totally questionable opinion, a book needs a good headshot so they know what you look like and a good body shot.  For a commercial book, that is often a commercial swimsuit shot, but it could even be a kewl outfit or sports wear.  The point is to show them what you look like.

From there it is about range.  Ideally, your book will be filled with tearsheets, but since most new models don't have them, you want to show your range.  Obviously you need some commercial and lifestyle images.  There is nothing wrong with a bit of fashion or editorial as well.  A commercial book probably shouldn't be too sexy.  It isn't at all uncommon for a NYC fashion model to have a topless fashion shot or an art figure shot in her book.

I personally like to see models stay away from too much artsy-fartsy images.  Some of them are spectacular, but your book is to show of your look, not the photographer's work.  So an oblique angle or some bizarre make-up is fine, just don't let it dominate your book simply because you like the shots.  Don't let your personna get lost in the art.  Keep it simple but keep the quality of the photography good.

Finally, never forget that a book is rarely the reason a model gets signed or not signed.  If you walk into a fashion agency, they often have a vision for you and may well start from scratch.  Commercial agents in many cases prefer that you already have a book, but if you walked in with the look that knocked them off their feet, I doubt they would send you away merely because your book needed work.

Clearly if you are a commercial model you should put together the best one you can.  Just don't become obsessed with it to the point that you don't pursue modeling.  Making a book and looking for work or representation can co-exist.

I hope that answers your question and good luck to you.

Now let's get back to the OP.   We shouldn't be hijacking the thread.

Jun 01 06 10:49 am Link

Photographer

Jim Ball

Posts: 17632

Frontenac, Kansas, US

TXPhotog wrote:

1.  She won't find any good agencies at that "expo" either -  just opportunities for more TFP and some people who want to sell her things.  It's not a way into mainstream modeling.

2.  People who have responded above about height are right as far as modeling goes.  However, "talent" agencies are less sensitive to height than "model" agencies are - and most of the "model agencies" in KC are really talent agencies which also book some models.

I do not suggest she look for agencies at the expo, but instead talk to more experienced models and seek their advice on agencies in general or even whether or not my idea of her promoting herself via her own website has any merit.  I know some models have their own websites, and at least a couple of them are going to be in KC at that Expo.  I'm just suggesting another source of information.

Jun 01 06 12:26 pm Link

Photographer

J O H N A L L A N

Posts: 12221

Los Angeles, California, US

AJ Bella wrote:
... I just read a recent article that said a lot of agencies will start putting actual polaroids on their site as well as a model professional pics. Interesting on how polaroids are so important nowadays.

They are definately doing this. I wish more models on sites like MM would do this also (you'll already see them on some of the profiles here of agency level models).
Models, we want to see what you REALLY look like... smile

John

Jun 01 06 12:33 pm Link