APPLYING TO MODELING AGENCIES

Modeling agencies are businesses or companies whose sole purpose is to act as model/talent managers. Different modeling agencies offer different services and opportunities to models.

A training agency is like an academy, they focus on preparing aspiring models for the market. A mother agency signs models with the main aim of developing their talent and placing them in different markets. The mother agency scouts, trains, and prepares models for the booking agencies. Booking agencies are established agencies with very good clientele in developed markets, think, Elite Model Management, or Wilhelmina Models.

HOW MODELING AGENCIES WORK

A modeling agency is a business, it, therefore, must have an income stream; so how do modeling agencies make money?

Modeling agencies strive to get work for models that are signed by them, charging a commission ranging from 10-30% (depending on the market) from the model’s payment. Why do they do this? The agency has spent time and resources to scout, train, prepare and find work for the model. This process involves a model scout, a trainer, a manager, and a booker, all of whom have to be paid for their services.

Modeling agencies will sign models who have a lot of potential of getting booked by their clients. You can be a good model, but not for a certain agency because they do not see any of their clients booking you. Rejection is part and parcel of the process, expect it and don’t take it personally.

Applying to modeling agencies needs you to do the following:

1. RESEARCH

There are numerous modeling agencies in the world and in Kenya, finding the right one will take a bit of research and consultation. Start by writing down what type of modeling you want to do and where you want to go with your modeling career. (If you do not know the types of modeling, purchase our Beginners Guide)

The next step is to search for modeling agencies near you. Most credible modeling agencies will be listed on google, from this listing, you can access their website and social media handles. Visit their website or social media handles, look at the services they offer against where you are in your career and where you want to go.

Some agencies tag their models on the photos they post, approach one or two models, and ask them about how their experience in the agency has been. This will help you narrow down the agencies you may want to work with, based on work ethic and the number of models they have already signed.

Lastly, find out the application process. Different agencies have different calendars, some agencies cast throughout the year while others in specific months. Some agencies prefer online application while others prefer to cast physically. This is purely based on the business model and or company preference. This information will always be on the website.

• 

• 

• 

• 

2. APPLY

ONLINE APPLICATION

Many agencies that are constantly scouting for fresh faces, use this method. On the menu bar, will be a “GET SCOUTED” link, which when clicked presents an application form. Go through the requirements, making sure you have the right attachments before you start filling in the form.

Following instructions and being honest is a form of self-respect. Do not lie on the application forms, especially about your height and measurements. Many agencies will ask for polaroid images, ensure you have good images. Applying to a modeling agency is like applying for a job, the requirements might be different, the professionalism should be the same. (To learn more about polaroid images, click here)

EMAIL APPLICATION

This is common with agencies that have a casting on specific months and require models to apply online prior to physical casting. Casting information is always on the agency’s website, and where an agency does not have a website it is imperative that you send an email.

Your application email should be professional. Ensure you have the subject section filled in, introduce yourself and submit your polaroid images (5 maximum). Avoid sending DM’s or WhatsApp messages unless an agency has indicated these platforms as official communication channels. Ensure to send your email within working hours. Feedback from agencies can take between 3 to 7 working days.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

PHYSICAL AUDITIONS

These are most common in Kenya. Many modeling agencies prefer this as a casting method because they get a chance to interact with the talent. Modeling is no longer just about looks, personality and work ethic play a major role nowadays. For more in-depth information about physical auditions, click here.

Velour Model Management auditions take place only once a year in January. We post audition dates and requirements in December of the previous year. To stay up to date on our activities, subscribe to our newsletter below and an email notification shall be sent to you every time we post new information.

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Leave a comment or question and we shall address it!

THANK YOU
VELOUR MODEL MANAGEMENT