How Petite Models Get Signed to Top Agencies
When you see petite models signed with renowned fashion agencies like IMG, Next, Ford, etc, often those models have mother agents who have placed them with those agencies. Petite models with these agencies typically have a lot of experience and have been developed extensively by their mother agents to build a portfolio that is competitive for these agencies’ clients. In addition, many of them have a substantial social media presence.
While it’s not impossible, realistically the average beginner petite model will not get signed with the IMGs of the modeling industry via the agency submission page or via agency open casting.
Here is a list of agencies that will sign petite models directly, without a mother agent. These agencies are not “better” or “worse” than fashion agencies, they simply service a different segment of the modeling market.
Some of these are mother agencies, some of them are booking agencies that offer mother agency contracts, some of them are booking agencies that operate non-exclusively.
All of these agencies listed below make money by booking their models jobs. To my knowledge, they don’t engage in scammy practices, like selling modeling classes or pushing in-house photoshoots on models.
There might be more agencies in these markets that sign petite models, but I have not added them for the following reasons:
- I don’t know their reputation well enough to know if they are good/ethical.
- I can’t confirm if they sign petite models directly, or primarily through mother agents.
- If they sign petite models primarily through mother agents, they are unlikely to sign petite models who aren’t repped by mother agents.
Petite Modeling Agencies in New York
WeSpeak Models – This agency claims they take less than industry standard commission from models. They are very transparent, and seem like they would be a phenomenal agency to start your career with.
Bella Agency – offers non-exclusive contracts
Vie Agency – offers non-exclusive contracts
Stewart Talent NY – offers non-exclusive contracts. They are a very well renowned acting agency, and their commercial print divisions operate in NY/Chicago.
Agencies for Petite Models Chicago
Best Petite Modeling Agencies in LA
Bella Agency LA – Does not charge website fees
Vie Agency – offers non-exclusive contracts. They are starting expansion to LA as of 2026.
How to Know if an Agency Accepts Petite Models:
- The agency has a “Lifestyle” or “Commercial” board.
- The agency has many models (more than 3) 5’6 and under.
- The agency is a talent agency that books commercial print work.
- The agency “About” section specifically highlights inclusivity of height.
How to Find the Best Agency For You
If you get interest from an agency, make sure you do your due diligence. A legitimate agency will sign you because you fill a gap on their board and can meet client demand. Nonetheless, reach out to other models on their board with similar physical features as yours to see how their experience is with the agency.
For example, I’m a petite asian model, I will reach out to other asian and/or petite models on the board to see how their experience is with the agency. Are they booking frequently? Do they like their experience with the agency? This is also how I have made some of my best friends in the modeling industry–by first reaching out to them for advice, then meeting them in-person at castings and/or extending an invitation to connect in person.
How to Apply to Agencies
To ensure your model application is competitive, you should apply with the highest quality digitals you can take. Here is my ultimate guide to taking high quality digitals to get signed. You don’t need a professional photographer to take these–in fact many agencies prefer if you take simple digitals on your iPhone.
While digitals are the most important part of your application, you’ll also want to make sure your Instagram is public. Strong digitals are one way to get your foot in the door, and beyond that, agents will review your social media to get a sense of who you are, what interests you partake in, and how you would represent the agency. In your application, include your measurements as requested, and add any special skills and talents you have. All of these details will make your application stand out.
What Happens after Your Model Submission
Once you get interest from an agency, they will promptly ask you for an in person or Zoom interview. Any time I have gotten interest from a submission, an invitation has always arrived the day after I submitted my application. Don’t fret! I also have a comprehensive guide on what to expect in an agency interview. 😉
If you’ve gotten an interview, you have high chances of getting a contract offer. If this is your first contract, read this article where I’ve listed what I typically look out for, and how I negotiate my modeling contracts. From web fees, to comp cards, to termination clauses, this has everything you need to know.
As you prepare to sign your contract, check out this article to know how your first 6 months partnership with your agency should look like. This includes enough test shoots to start building your portfolio, your first few castings, and maybe even your first booking!
Key Takeaways
As you start your modeling journey, be aware of what types of jobs you can book as a petite model. This will inform your search and show you have done your research when you meet with agencies.
Good luck!
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