SEARCHING, RESEARCHING & SHORTLISTING AGENCIES

Finding the right agency is like finding the right mentor, guide and professional partner all in one. 

“It is not about getting signed—it is about getting supported.”

START WITH A CLEAR GOAL

Before you even begin looking for agencies, ask yourself:

• What kind of modelling do I want to pursue? ( Fashion, Commercial, Runway, Editorial, Social, E-commerce, Beauty, etc. )
• Am I open to traveling or relocating?
• Do I want to work in my city, other cities, internationally?
• How serious am I about this career?

This clarity helps you filter and focus.

RESEARCH LIKE A PRO

Use all the tools you have—Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, fashion shows, magazines, model portfolios & friends—to learn about agencies. Look for:

• Established presence: How long have they been around?
• Quality of talent: Who are the models they represent? What kind of work are they doing? 
• Work portfolio: What kind of clients and campaigns do they book for & work with their models?
• Reputation: Any red flags or consistent negative feedback?

Pro Tip: Google  “ (Agency Name ) reviews” or “( Agency Name ) model experience” or “( Agency Name ) scam” to uncover deeper insights.

SHORTLIST WITH INTENT

Create a shortlist of agencies that:

• Match your goals and potential
• Are known for ethical practices and model support
• Represent models like you (or are missing someone like you)
• Are based in or have a solid presence in cities where most of the modelling work happens

Checklist: Your Agency Shortlist Criteria

COMPARING & IDENTIFYING THE BEST FIT AGENCY

Not every agency is right for every model. Once you have created a shortlist of potential agencies, it is time to compare, analyse and identify the one(s) that truly align with your goals, values and style.

Here’s a guide to help you find the best match:

UNDERSTAND THEIR SPECIALISATION

• Do they focus on editorial fashion, e-commerce, commercial ads or influencer management? Look at their social pages and their model’s pages as well. 
• Are they known for discovering new faces or working with experienced models? Make a list of faces that they have discovered and continue to work with. 
• Does their portfolio reflect the type of work you want to do? This is vital and is often the best way to select an agency. 

Check their:

• Instagram and website portfolios
• Recent client work
• List of brands they’ve worked with

Look at who they represent. Could you see yourself fitting in with their talent pool—or standing out in a good way?

LOOK FOR ALIGNMENT IN VALUES

• Do they treat models with respect? 
• Are they vocal about model’s rights, safety, inclusivity, diversity and mental well-being?
• Do they support sustainability, women empowerment or any other causes you care about?

It is okay to care about values. You are building a long-term career—not a one-time job.

READ REVIEWS & ASK AROUND

• Search online for feedback, especially on Reddit, modelling forums and Instagram comment sections.
• Speak to current or former models (if possible) about their experiences. You may not get an honest feedback unless you know the model or create a good rapport. 
• Ask questions like:
  • Have they put any effort into making you a better model? 
  • Did they support you during challenging & testing times? Have they helped you and guided you when you weren’t getting any work? 
  • How is the communication? Do they honour their words? 
  • Are they transparent about payments and commissions? Do they pay on time? 

COMPARE TERMS & COMMISSIONS

• What commission do they take (usually 20–40%)? An established and large agency will usually charge more. The relatively new and regional ones may charge less. 
• Are there hidden charges like registration fees, mandatory photoshoots or portfolios?
• Do they guarantee jobs and make unrealistic promises? Anyone who makes such promises, should be avoided. 

Be cautious of any agency that demands upfront payments without a clear deliverable or track record. Most of the good agencies will not try to make money out of you except possibly for a Portfolio Shoot if you don’t have any good images. 

ANALYSE THEIR CONTRACTS ( OR LACK OF ONE )

• Are their agreements clear, fair and legally sound? 
• Do they allow you to work freelance on the side or are you locked in?
• Can you exit the contract if things don’t work out? 

If they don’t offer a written agreement—walk away.

Trust Your Gut

After all the research, take a moment to reflect:

• Did the agency seem genuine during your interactions?
• Did they try to understand you as a person—or just see you as a product?
• Did they make you feel safe, seen and heard?
• Do you see that they will be able to coach, guide and support you towards your modelling goals? 

Your instincts matter. Modelling is a human-first career. You should feel respected from the first conversation.

Model’s Agency Comparison Checklist