How to Become a Modeling Agent

Decide what kind of models you want to represent. There are child models, young models, runway, print, parts, plus size and even specialty models. Choose your focus or leave it open to all types. This is up to your preference and what you think you can handle. Before you begin this venture you should be sure you have adequate funding to get started correctly. You will need around $1,000 plus the cost of your office space and time for lost wages until your clients start booking jobs. Remember you don't get paid until they do, so it's a matter of how good you are as an agent just as much as it is about the quality of models you sign.

Come up with a name for your agency and set up a bank account. Have professional business cards made that you will be able to hand out to models, photographers, casting directors and other industry types. Hire a Web designer to create a website for your agency. Your website should follow the same color scheme as your logo and business cards; this helps forge a brand.

Subscribe to the Breakdown Services. The Breakdown Services is the listing service that sends out the daily breakdowns of what positions for which directors are casting. They include print work, commercials, film, television music videos and even some runway work. As an agent you will want your models to work in as many different avenues of entertainment as possible as commercials pay really well, and the right music video can make a model an overnight sensation. As a modeling agent you get 15 percent for print and runway work and 10 percent for all on camera work. Thus the more your clients make the more you make.

Put postings online and in trade magazines stating that you are seeking models. List the specifics of what you are looking for; also include a mailing address for headshots/resumes and zed cards (cards featuring a composite of various shots) to be sent. Or list a date and location for an open casting call. Either hold your casting call or call in models you're interested in based on the photos. Select your client base. Have them all sign a contract and determine whether or not they need new photos.

Submit your models to all the positions for which they are appropriate. Call and set up their go-sees and auditions. Bring your models in for monthly evaluations and go over their stats (callbacks, bookings) and evaluate their appearance and career goals. This will keep your models motivated and make them more successful. Get to know more photographers and casting directors on a personal relationship level so they will be more apt to call your clients in.