Applying to a Modeling Agency: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you don’t know how to apply to a modeling agency, this article is for you! This guide teaches you how all the little details to add to your application to get you the BEST chance of getting signed with a modeling agency.

Step 1: Research Agencies

At the end of this step, you will have compiled your list of agencies as well as your digitals shot list. 

This is the step where you determine which agencies you might be a good fit for. If you are applying for the first time, feel free to cast a wide net; you never know who will say yes to you. The more iterations you apply, the more you learn which agencies are a good fit for you. Going forward, you can save your time on agencies that you know aren’t interested in your look.

Search up “Modeling agencies in [your city]” and “Talent agencies in [your city].” These two search terms will get you started for a initial list of agencies to apply to.

Here is a list of agencies that sign petite models directly to get you started in your research phase. 

When I first started applying to agencies, I applied to every agency in the city I was in. As I became more knowledgeable about the industry, I started only targeting agencies that I knew I would fit well into. The reality is, agencies only sign talent for which they think they can book work based on the clients they work with. As I became more familiar with each agency’s vibe, I could tell where I fit (or didn’t fit) in with their talent. 

With each agency you want to apply to, make a note of which images they request. The most common types of shots are headshot, profile shot, ¾ profile shot, mid shot, and full body. Some agencies want more unconventional shots, such as a full length side profile. 

As you compile your list of agencies, also make a comprehensive list of which types of digital images they request, so you can shoot them all at once later.

Some agencies also require a short intro video. Make sure you shoot this horizontally chest up, with very little white space at the top of your head. Your background should be a clean wall, if possible. Self-tape castings are shot horizontally, so when you submit a horizontal intro video, you show your understanding of the industry. 

If you’re a new, unrepresented model, this is also the point at which you decide whether you want to seek mother agency representation, or if you are okay with applying directly to booking agencies. Many booking agencies also operate as mother agencies, read the difference here. 

Step 2: Compile Your Materials

At the conclusion of this step, you will have your measurements, digitals, and a quick bio compiled to be ready submit to agencies. 

The first step here is to take your digitals. Do this in front of a plain wall with good lighting. If you’re outside, you and the camera should be in the shade. If you’re indoors, make sure the space you are in gets plenty of late facing you. For a complete guide on the Do’s and Don’ts of taking digitals, check out this article. Make sure you learn from my mistakes. I have done many iterations of digitals before finally realizing what actually works when taking digitals to get agents’ attention.

You’ll also have to take your measurements as well. The best way to do this is using a soft, tailor’s tape measure. 

You’ll measure your bust at the widest part, waist above your hip bone around your belly button, and hip at the widest part. Make sure you are standing up, your feet are together, and the tape measure is snug against your body.

Some agencies will also ask for an intro video, or a walking video. If this is included in the list of agencies you are applying to, film a quick video including your name, age, and where you’re based, and share a few sentences on what you like to do outside of modeling. Keep it less than 30 seconds. 

Step 3: Apply to Agencies

This is the step where you show ‘em what you’re made of! At the end of this step, you will have applied to agencies via the website portal. 

You will go on each agency website that you’re interested in, and upload your materials. Send in the digitals they request, and if they ask for your bio, keep it short and sweet. 

With each agency you apply to, make a note of which date you applied to the agency. That way, you’ll keep track of when is the appropriate time to re-apply if you choose to do so in the future (3 – 6 months).

In my experience from agency website applications, most agencies will respond back within 3 business days (more often the next business day) if they are interested in learning more about you. 

Some agencies request talent to email in your application. If so, proceed to the next step. 

Step 4: Follow Up via Email

Huge caveat for this step: Send only 1 follow up email. If you don’t receive a response, assume you are rejected.

The reason why I have this step included is because sometimes agents go through busy seasons and really don’t have time to review online submissions. Or when they do finally get to their submissions, they are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of submissions that they don’t spend as much time as they might otherwise considering each applicant. 

Furthermore, agents are always on top of their emails. Email is the primary mode through which clients contact agencies, so if you send your application to their inbox, there is a very high chance they will see it and consider your application. 

If I have applied online to an agency I think I am a great fit for, and I don’t receive a response within this 3 days, I will send a concise follow up email. I send the email assuming they haven’t seen my online application. It looks something along the lines of the following:

Digitals should be inserted in-line, so they can see the MOST IMPORTANT part of your application with ease.

Everything should be BRIEF. Agents are busy with incoming requests and confirming talent, so they won’t spend a lot of time reading scouting emails. 

DO NOT send them any downloadable links. DO NOT send Google Drive links. They will not download a stranger’s images onto their computer, and they don’t want your images cluttering their Google Drive.

Your goal should be to have them click on your Instagram profile. If they are interested in learning more about you from the email, they will schedule a call and ask about your background more in depth. But your digitals will be what catches their eye first. 

Sending a follow up email is what got me signed with my South African agency. 

Key Takeaways

In this step-by-step application guide, you learned to research agencies that you are interested in applying to. Make a list of all the digital images needed. Get your materials together before applying through the website portal. 

If there is any interest, you will often hear back within 3 business days. If you think an agency missed your application, send a follow up email like in the template shown above. If you hear nothing from that, retake your digitals in 3 – 6 months and re-apply. In the meantime, keep building your portfolio! Good luck 😊