How to Apply to a Modeling Agency — the Right Way
Maybe you are planning to apply at a model agency and are worried about not hearing back, or you did apply already but haven’t received a response.
I don’t want to write about looks and measurements. I want to give you a more objective explanation for why you didn’t get positive feedback yet. It is valid for Germany but also applies to the big fashion capitals, such as Milan, Paris, and New York City.
Aside from proposing models to clients, arranging travels to other countries, and scheduling their daily life, agents spend a substantial chunk of their time scouting. Even though larger agencies have their scouting departments and employ people just to discover the next exciting new face, in the end, everyone will have to look at the applicants.
Consider that agencies will receive hundreds of submissions every day, and only a very small fraction will have the potential to get a contract. No agent will have the time, and after 15:00, the patience to open every picture individually via a Google Drive link downloades. Also, the chances are small that questions like “How can I apply” or “Are you looking for models” will be answered.
You need to make sure that you represent yourself in the best way possible and in the easiest way possible for the scout to evaluate your potential. As the saying goes:
There is no second chance for a first impression.
Apply Via the Agency’s Website
Many agencies have their own application form on their websites. There, you can also find all information required by this specific agency. Often, examples are given of how polaroids (digitals) should look. You don’t need a professional camera for this, but please, put some effort into taking them. Don’t wear make-up and never “Facetune” your pictures (or at least rename the file so that it‘s not too obvious).
Apply via Email
If you already have experience as a model and you want to show your future agent your previous work too, then using email could be the right channel for you. Agencies often have a dedicated email for that purpose.
It might sound trivial, but make sure that you write a subject line. You can include your name and a 3-word descriptor. Don’t write the message that you would include in the body oft he email into the subject line. Yes, we receive such submissions daily.
In the body, write a few words to introduce yourself and then list your name, age, IG handle, the city you are based in, your measurements, and if you have any other agency already.
You can embed one or two pictures into the body of the email, but make sure you resize them. Attach some digitals to the email, as well. Always remember:
You will be judged by your weakest picture.
If you have a portfolio, then you can add a download link (we love wetransfer.com), or a link to an agency that already represents you.
Apply via Instagram
Before writing or tagging the agency you want to join.
Make your profile public!
At FAZE, we try to review all submissions that come in via Instagram, and it is very convenient to have a first glance. But using the inbox can get messy from time to time, or your DM might not land in the primary mailbox, so be patient and consider applying on the website.
Conclusion
These are the three major channels you can use to apply to a model agency. Just be aware that another human sitting on the other end will judge you by the first impressions you provide. Remember: How you present yourself is not only about your look but also how you present yourself. It tells the agent a lot about how future collaboration will look. So, lead the agent to believe that it will be pleasant to work with you.
