A Modeling Career - Some Considerations When Seeking Representation With Modeling Agency Singapore

The center of a modeling career focuses on having representation by a modeling agency. There are other ways for unrepresented models to find work, but the role of a modeling agency should be understood by the model to compliment their career. The easiest comparison of a modeling agency Singapore  is to the role of a specialized employment agency. Their specialty is finding jobs for models (a.k.a. talent) and finding models for jobs (a.k.a. clients). This may sound basically easy, but it's in your best professional interest (as a model or parent) to learn the role that a modeling agency plays in this industry & how it may or may not work for your situation. Don't forget about looking at the "Big Picture" of how it affects all of the agency's models, employees, and their clients.

There are literally hundreds of reputable modeling agencies in the United States. In most states these agencies are governed by laws of their state and must be licensed as a private employment agency. Even their employees working in their agency may be required to be licensed, too. This is best for your overall personal and business protection. You should find out your state's requirements because they certainly vary from state to state. There are standards that the agency must submit to in these cases such as being bonded, business background and financial checks, and copies of forms and contracts that will be utilized by the agency. This manner of screening also assists in weeding out some of the people involved in scams and poor moral business practices that just keep changing business names to stay ahead of their shady pasts.

Another requirement for an agency needing a license is if it is in the business of working with unions like SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists). These are the industry standards for models and actors, and an agency will be franchised as such usually quite clearly. There are other associations such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), that can be a resource for seeing if there have been a lot of complaints and unsettled disputes with an agency. These sources can give you a general idea to whether or not this agency is reputable in the way it is accountable to its business practices.

Now, after that initial prerequisite to look into and/or understand, here's the next dimension to appreciate. Where is the agency? What is that city's "market"? For example, how many and what kinds of clients are in its market? Are they Fashion clients? Are they Commercial clients? The market is a reflection of the kind of work that an agency may be likely to offer its models. (Current trends for markets throughout the United States and International markets and the role your modeling agency can play in your diverse representation is also what a model needs to consider.)

A modeling agency can range from very small to very large, and even the types of models that an agency specializes in representing can be just as unique, so with that said, they know what they are looking for. People outside of this industry may think, "How hard is it to find a model?" Well, there are many ways that agencies see potential models, but they evaluate a model's potential dependent upon how much money they anticipate that model earning while at their agency. The agency knows who their clients tend to be, and how many similar models they may have, so it's a matter of supply and demand.

All modeling agencies have some form of interviewing and evaluating new models, so you can easily find out first by checking their website or calling and asking what their procedure is for accepting new models (ex. Will they be holding any "Open Calls"? Do they want you to just send a picture? etc.). There's usually a time when the agency opens its doors for anyone to come in to be considered for representation. Most agencies will specify when they hold their open calls, or where you can send some snapshots or composite cards of yourself if you live out of their area. There are many other ways that agents can see new models and talent, too, such as referrals from scouts, other models, photographers, modeling conventions, modeling schools, pageants, modeling agencies from other cities, websites, and even clients. Some scouts are actually employed by a specific agency that knows what qualifications that their agency is looking for versus an independent scout that is able to receive a finder's fee (and may even be eligible for a percentage of the model's future earnings). Not every "discovery" is compensated by money, so it depends on the relationship of their association to the agency.

A modeling agency must be very selective to whom they represent. They may see hundreds of models, but there are industry standards that the agency must meet in order to fill their client's needs. This is where your "look", height, size, gender, experience and "market" are considered. The model is part of a group of individuals that work as a team in getting the job done, but there is usually more at stake financially for a client (and agency) when it comes down to either hiring the right model or going through the process of rejecting them. Business is business. Remember, an agency takes a commission out of the model's rate for getting them the job, and they get a fee from the client, too, because they found them the model...(a.k.a. employment agency). Clients are the ones who select the model, so it's in the agent's best interest to find the right models because it's a win-win situation for everyone.

As much as agents are always looking for new talent, there will be different standards of how much one-on-one training will be offered to the models it represents. It is in an agency's best interest to make sure that their models that they are sending out on different jobs are up to par on the most basic requirements needed as a model. Agents can face a public relations nightmare (a.k.a. professional embarrassment) when one of their models represents their agency poorly. Some agencies may have a general manual that they hand out to all of their models that list their policies and standards that they want their models to follow.

It may offer more specific information, but there is a point that an agency may refer new models for photographic testing with certain photographers to further evaluate their abilities in front of a camera. Pictures are a tool that models and agencies use to market themselves, so this is part of the early process.

A model's progress is watched and changes may be suggested by the agents for the model to follow such as losing weight, firming up (losing inches), adjusting hair style or color, improving personality, improving runway walk, and working on becoming more versatile to meet different client's demands in front of the camera, on the runway, or at go-sees (interviews). Some of these things models can practice on their own in front of a mirror, but agencies may be able to ease the transition properly by having different individuals available to give models extra specialized training (usually at the model's expense).

For instance, acting classes can help improve self-expression in front of a camera, on the runway, and auditioning for commercials & film, etc. Having a runway class helps a model be critiqued in ways that a model may not be personally aware of and able to practice and improve. Models may be referred to consultants or classes where make-up artists demonstrate the many different applications of makeup used in the industry and basic skin care, while hair-stylists work in assisting new models with different looks and styling techniques.

Working with testing photographers can assist a model in their movement and help build their confidence in front of the camera, as well as add more photos to their portfolio and offer their agency more photos to choose from for their composite cards. These specialized training sessions are at the model's expense and if the agency is really interested in the model, they may be able to advance the cost of service and take it out of the model's future earnings in addition to their commission. There are other fees that modeling agencies may deduct from a model's earnings, if advanced, so be prepared to pay for most of these items:

Printing of Composite Cards (& future updated cards)
Model's Portfolio (a.k.a. your "Book")
Extra Portfolio Books (duplicates held at agency & sent to clients)
Photographic "Testing"
Cost of Magazines that include "Tear Sheets" (& multiple copies for duplicate books)
Specialized Modeling Classes (mentioned above)
Shipment/Messenger Service/Fax (if used to expedite your Book to clients, etc.)
Model's Bag & Included Specialized Items
Agency Poster or Book (a.k.a. Head Sheet) or Website profile
Rent for Model's Housing
Passport (& Travel when not paid for by Client)

It is extremely important to maintain your own ledger for documenting these expenses including the amount of commission that comes out of your earnings. You are considered a "contract employee" or "independent contractor" and you will be responsible for paying your own taxes because it is NOT deducted in your pay. The "plus" is that you may claim most of these mentioned expenses (plus more miscellaneous expenses) on your tax forms as deductions (you MUST follow your state's requirements).

A special note to be added regarding any "advanced" services provided by a modeling agency Singapore on the model's behalf is that the model should "thoroughly" understand what their contract covers and how liable they are for compensating their advances if the contract is terminated. (Surprise!)

Now, after mentioning "Advances", don't be surprised if an agency doesn't offer advances. The ones that do advance tend to be larger and located in busy modeling markets. Sometimes, they will advance the models that they feel have the greatest potential for future earnings, but not others that they are not quite as sure about. The reality is that an agency is a separate business entity than the model, but it needs both models and clients to succeed financially. This is again why agencies are so selective and tougher on their models that they choose to represent.

Agencies work very hard in promoting "most" of their models, and often they are the ones fighting on your behalf, so it can lead them to be more frustrated when models don't listen to them and don't respect their advice. Open communication is important. Many agents are former models and related industry professionals, so they can usually relate to new models, but they cannot work miracles promoting a model that doesn't even help promote themselves in a positive way! Arrogance is different from "attitude", too, so keep a confident "attitude" with your agency, but leave cockiness, arrogance, and entitlement outside of modeling.

Now, if you are doing everything that your agent has asked of you... give them a little time to market you and find out what clients are saying about you... if you aren't being called by the agency for bookings it may that the client is looking for a different look. Modeling is a business, so try to continue to conform to what clients in your market are looking for. If you just are not getting calls from your agency and you've really given them a fair amount of time and reasonable effort to do what they have requested on your behalf... try looking elsewhere to places where you have heard positive feedback from other working models. Be prepared for negative comments regarding competition between modeling agencies... it's not uncommon for a little drama. Just make sure what your contract states for legal purposes...you should know this before you even sign it.

Agencies want to deal with models that are responsible and easy to communicate well with. Agencies are fast acting businesses that require a lot of communication between its employees, models, clients, and everyone in-between. Some of the people involved with the operation of a basic modeling agency are Scouts, Bookers/ Receptionist, Experienced Bookers including Rate Negotiation, & Directors of Different Divisions.

Good luck & remember that modeling is a BUSINESS rather than just a hobby when you are with a modeling agency. You are in control of your business as a model, so be the best that you can be. If you're not with the right agency...move on. If you are not the right model for them... they will not even sign you, so it goes both ways. Sometimes, both model and agent need to put in a little more effort working together, so you can only be responsible for your end...

A.K.A. Models is a new online industry trade magazine for models, photographers, designers, stylists, agencies, MUA's, and anyone that seeks to research or contribute to the modeling industry.

Free Modeling Agency Singapore

What Are Free modeling agency Singapore?

Most of the time people think of free modeling agencies as agencies that don't charge any upfront fees or make models take required modeling courses or pay for photo shoots before they can be represented by the agency.

Having to pay for mandatory courses or photo shoots are things to watch out for. Models should never be required to take a course or shoot with a particular photographer in order to be represented. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with agencies recommending preferred photographers that they would like you to shoot with. Use your best judgement in this case. Is the agency insisting that you use their "in-house" photographer or is the photographer someone who regularly shoots models for a variety of agencies? "In-house" photographers can signal a problem, but referrals to preferred photographers generally does not.

Does An Upfront Fee Make The Agency A Scam?

No, not necessarily. Just because an agency expects you to cover your initial start-up costs or they have a reasonable fee to join does not automatically make it a scam. The key word here is "reasonable". A couple of hundred dollars or less is one thing - a few thousand is another. No new model should ever pay thousands of dollars to start a modeling career.

The other key here is "market". What market are you in? As a rule, agencies in large markets such as New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo do not charge registration, administration or joining fees. They don't have to. There is plenty of work available for their models so the agency will earn its income from the commissions they charge the models and the clients. Generally, agencies earn 20% from the models' gross earnings and another 20% from the client. So, the agency actually earns 40% on a particular job.

Agencies in smaller markets may not have this luxury. Most of the jobs in smaller markets are catalog, local television, fashion shows, trade shows, etc. The clients are usually small businesses but can, from time to time, be larger clients with bigger budgets. It can be tough for agencies in smaller markets to make ends meet by only earning commissions from bookings. That's why smaller agencies usually have a training program or offer workshops to help generate additional income. There is nothing wrong with this! Don't automatically think that the agency is set up just to rip you off. The vast majority of agents in smaller markets are hard-working, honest people who really love the business and want you to succeed.

Working in smaller markets can be the ticket for a new model to get the experience and exposure to the industry they need in order to make it in a larger market with a prestigious agency. The catalog and local magazine tearsheets you get can help you get the work Visa's required in order to work in some international countries. Remember, as a professional model you are self-employed - you are not an employee of the agency. Reasonable expenses are to be expected - just use your best judgement.

If An Agency Likes Me They Will Pay For Everything - WRONG!

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that phrase I'd have a nice condo in Hawaii. Again, this all comes back to what market you are in. Smaller markets (outside of New York, London, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo) should not be expected to finance your career.

If modeling agency Singapore in larger markets such as Elite, IMG Models, New York Models, Wilhelmina or Ford Models are interested in signing you they will generally cover the expense of your first test shots, composite cards, website fees, rent at their model's apartment and other expenses to get you started. You will be expected to pay these expenses back from the income you earn from bookings you get through the agency. As soon as you are paid from a job the agency will deduct any amount owing to them from your check. So, as you can see, even these top agencies are not "free". Depending upon the agency you will still be responsible for your debt to them even if you decide to leave the agency or stop modeling. This is something you should discuss with the agency before you take on too much debt. A responsible agency will never let your debt become too high before taking steps to correct it. Having said that, agencies in Asian markets such as Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei will cover all your expenses such as airfare, hotel, composite cards, website fees, etc. and if you are unable to earn enough to pay them back you will usually be sent home before you accumulate too much debt and you will not be expected to pay them back should your expenses exceed your earnings.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that there is really no such thing as a "free modeling agency". There are major modeling agencies that may cover some of your start-up costs that you will be expected to pay back once you start earning an income. However, the majority of agencies in the smaller markets will expect you to cover all of your initial start-up costs such as test shoots, comp cards, website fees, etc. Whether you are a supermodel like Coco Rocha, Shalom Harlow or other established models there will be expenses incurred to start your modeling career and ultimately maintain it.

Simply sign up to create your account and then upload your photos. Snapshots are just fine. It's that easy!

We welcome new models of all ages, all heights and all sizes. No experience required.

How Teenage Modeling Agency Singapore Benefits Teen Models

Every aspect of the modeling world has its advantages and disadvantages the same can be said for the teenage modeling agency Singapore . The disadvantages of using an agency are few and far between but still need to be mentioned to place the whole subject into context. Let's take a look at the disadvantages before we jump on the benefits wagon.

The disadvantages

As already mentioned the disadvantages of modelling agencies are but a few, they include;

1) Being bound by a contract. This means the model should follow the directions as it is set out by the agency and cannot go on every shoot or job they want to. The breach of a contract can result in legal action against the model.

2) Paying commission to the agency. Teenage modelling agencies make their money by charging a certain percentage of commission on all work done. The commission percentages differ from agency to agency and model to model.

3) No guarantee of modelling jobs. Even though agencies have the post possibility of getting you a modelling job they cannot guarantee it.

How do agencies benefit their models?

1) Safety. Agencies go out of their way to ensure that their models are safe, and that the shoot is not illegitimate. In the case of teen models these safety benefits needs to be doubled. Because teens are so eager to boost their careers they are often lured into situations that requires them to do nude or pornographic work. Teenage modelling agencies will ensure that teen models do not fall into these traps.

2) More exposure. Getting exposure is the only way a model will make it in this industry. An agency provides exactly that. Clients of the agencies views a lot of portfolios on model hunts and even though you might not be right for a specific job you will be remembered for a future one.

3) Better paying jobs. Because of their good reputations agencies are allowed to charge more for modelling jobs; resulting in better pay for the models. Even though this directly influences the model the agency are the one that ensures this. The agency will be required to have a backup model available should the chosen one fail or fall ill. Additional backup's costs teenage modelling agencies more, but it builds their reputations.

4) Legal cover. When you sign a contract with and agency they employ as a working person and that includes the legal cover while you work for them. This means if something goes wrong on a shoot the contract between you and the agency will protect you from any legal aspects suggested by the client.

5) Travel and treatment. The best benefit any teen can get from agency work is the travel and treatment benefits. Agencies often supply styling and beauty teams as part of the shoot. This means beautiful hair and make-up and sometimes even manicures and pedicures for the models. Overseas travel can be an additional benefit linked to teenage modelling agencies.

Plus Size Modeling Agency Singapore

Plus size modeling agency Singapore unlike a while ago when modeling was for the straight models have increased. This can be attributed to the introduction of fresh innovative plus size trends into the market. This has meant that plus size modeling agencies have to come up to do the needed work for the plus size models who have increased and agencies can no longer ignore their existence.

It is common knowledge that since Thailand started Miss Jumbo contests for the plus size models, that portion of the modeling field has been buzzing with activity.

Plus size modeling agencies help raise your modeling profile enabling you to get through to the appropriate plus size modeling competitions and professionals from the world of fashion. These agencies also link you with advertising and media that are in search of plus size talents and or fresh faces.

The plus size modeling agencies also scout for talent and make a database that is accessible to the top players in the modeling world and the world of fashion as well.They help models avoid scammers while they ensure their safety. They do this by making sure that a model will only be contacted by partners that the agency trusts and that who is accredited.

As with other forms of modeling, plus size modeling too calls for desire for success, determination and dedication too, this is because modeling now is a field that is being taken seriously than ever before and some people's lives depend on it. This means that the competition is fierce and you need a good agency that will fulfill the requirement demanded by the client for the job before the model can even think of competing against the thousands of models who have taken up the trade.

Good modeling agencies work towards finding work for the models that are curvy in all the right places. These agencies are supposed to act squarely as their employment agencies when it comes to negotiating contracts between models and potential clients. Some agents are independent while others work for agencies. Another important role that agencies play is listening to what the client needs and sort that out through potential models to come up with the ones that best suit the client's needs. This saves time and resources for companies that are interested in models.

Plus size models are however warned against just signing with agencies without doing a thorough background search about the said agencies. An easy pointer should be registration. A legitimate agency should be listed either online or on the phone book or both. Check with the business bureau for any complaints filed against the said agency before you can sign any agreement with them. If the agency wants your money upfront before negotiating your contract, run. They are not acting in your best interest.

Inside Look at Top Modeling Agency Singapore

Finding Top modeling agency Singapore.

Top modeling agencies are like well-oiled machines capable of producing the best modeling talent on a regular basis. They have big budgets, work with the best designers, and are willing to invest great sums of money in the development and grooming of models registered with them. They do it as a matter of routine simply because the returns are equally good.

The best models work for them bringing in huge commissions. Models are never short of work, and the best brands patronize the agency offering them an endless stream of high-profit assignments that only help them get better and better in time.

If you are looking to find one, be prepared to be among the best, both in terms of personality as well as capacity to handle high- profile jobs that demand professionalism of a very high order.

Good Agencies Offer Complete Packages
Reputed agencies have access to the best advertising agencies, designers, and fashion photographers. They have the capacity to find work for models in a structured manner completing the process in total. They bill the client and pay models their dues after deducting a commission.

Models do not have to worry about paperwork and can focus on schedules, presentation, and creating the right emotion for a promotion. Business transactions are often beyond the reach and capacity of young models keen on developing their career.

Top modeling agencies therefore offer complete packages literally pampering their models to give their best on an assignment without worrying about how money reaches their account.

Agencies Build On Their Reputation
Reputation is everything in the world of modeling. Agencies take years to build a reputation for themselves as a professional, caring, and honest mediator between models and potential clients. A personal approach is adopted while approaching clients.

Rapport is developed between reputed agencies and their clients making them willing customers for life. It is quite common to see assignment after assignment come to the same agency for this very reason.

Building on their reputation is a continuous process that takes place as a matter of routine. You will find promotions, competitions, and big brands linked with top modeling agencies via promotional literature and sponsorship.

Go international to find Reputed Agencies
The more established modeling agencies have offices located at every strategic location across the country. For example, some of the world's prestigious agencies like Elite has offices in USA as well as Toronto in Canada. Similarly, MGM has offices in Germany. You must be prepared to go abroad and join these agencies to become a supermodel of repute.

Established models are used to travelling from one country to another on different assignments for the same agency. However, newcomers have a distinct advantage if they opt to join a top agency, irrespective of location or country. These agencies always cater to an exclusive brand of international models.

Reputed Agencies Always Find The Best Models
The best modeling agencies have the uncanny habit of working with the best models all the time. Their reputation seemed to draw fresh talent. These models are then groomed to become international stars, but their names will always be associated with the modeling agency that developed and nurtured their talent.

Getting into top modeling agencies may not be easy. Once you get into one, your career can really surge ahead. Start your modeling career today and begin to make contacts.

How to Spot Fake Modeling Agency Singapore?

A lot of aspiring models fall victims to scams run by fake modeling agency Singapore. Therefore, models need to be very careful when selecting an agency. One of the ways that models can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams is by being aware about the kind of scams to watch out for.

Modeling agencies normally make money by earning a commission for every job that they help the models get. If you find a modeling agency that expects you to make payments even when you haven't started working, then this is probably a fake agency. If an agency starts charging you extra fees such as consultation fee, photo session fees, representation fees or any other drummed up fees, then this is not the right agency for you.

Genuine modeling agencies normally have office building and operate from Mondays to Fridays. Never will a legitimate model agent ask you to meet him/her at his home. You should also never meet the agents in hotels or any other places apart from the agency. Many young naïve models have been seriously hurt y going for such meetings. Working hours are normally between 9am and 5pm on weekday;, be very cautious if an agent asks you to meet him after hours or even during the weekends.

Ensure that you join a modeling agency that is registered. Legitimate agencies have licenses displayed on their walls. Be very wary of modeling agencies that none of you, your family or friends have ever heard of. Also avoid agencies that don't have any working models. You can check for the agencies listings and see, who they represent, if there's no one that you know of, avoid the agency.

There are modeling agencies that not only run money scams but they also run scams for sexual gratification. An agency will ask models to go for a professional photo shoot at the agency only to ask them to pose nude or semi nude. A legitimate agency will never ask you to do this; a fake agency may do this just to exploit you sexually. They may then sell or distribute these photos further exposing you. Even if you want to be a lingerie or swimsuit model, the agency will never take nude photos of you; they will look at your portfolio or invite you for a casting call.

When you submit your application to the modeling agencies, they will schedule for a meeting with you before they start getting you jobs. If an agent tells you that they have gotten you a job before meeting you then that is definitely a scam. Also, be very wary of agents who make false promises such as,"I can make you a star." or "You will be famous in no time."These are lies; no agency can honestly promise you that. Modeling is hard work and it takes time to get to the top. Anyone promising you overnight success is a liar. Most models start by earning less than $200 for their first jobs then they work their way up in the industry, built their reputation over a period of time and that's when they start earning a lot of money.

Singapore Modeling Agencies

The modeling agency Singapore play a very big and important role in every model's career. The agencies act like a link between the model and the fashion industry. There are different types of modeling agencies depending on the kind of model you want to be. There are agencies for male and female models, kids and baby's models, editorial print models, commercial models, promotional models, plus size models and many other s.

The first step you need to take when looking for a modeling agency is to identify your category. Outline your career goals and then match them to the agency. For instance, if you want to be a plus size model, look for agencies that specifically represent plus size models. If you find the wrong kind of agency, they may turn you away or try to get you to cut down weight. Get an agency that will represent you as you are.

Once you identify your category, start searching for modeling agencies in your area. You can look for agencies from referrals in case you know other models or conduct an online search.However, ensure that you select a legitimate agency. There are many fake agencies running scams so you have to be very careful. Never contact agencies that have posters in public areas or adverts in the classifieds trying to get models. There are many hopeful models in America and so if an agency has to go and look for models; probability is that, it is not legitimate. Most modeling agencies get regular walk-ins.

You can get professional photos to submit to the agencies although if you are a parent trying to sign up your kid or baby, agencies can accept snapshots. Once you have your photos ready, mail them to at least three different modeling agencies with an attachment of your resume. If you know agencies that have open casting calls, go in person; you may get quick feedback if you visit the agencies in person rather than mailing them your applications.

Once you submit your application to the modeling agencies, you will be called back for a meeting before getting signed on for any jobs. If an agent tells you that they have managed to get you a job before meeting you, be very wary of that. Probability is that, the agency is running a scam and they may ask you to pay some drummed up charges for the jobs. During the meeting, the agency will give you the terms and conditions for your representation; ensure you get all these on paper. Read your contract very carefully before signing it, if you have any enquiries about the clauses; ensure that you ask your agent for a clarification.

It's not so easy to get signed by a modeling agency, sometimes models get turned away from one agency to another. Some agents may tell you that you are too fat, too thin, too tall, and too commercial or they may find other faults to turn you away. You need to be determined and patient when looking for the modeling agencies; you will get your big break at some point.

How to Choose a Modeling Agency Singapore?

Choosing a modeling agency Singapore is one of the first steps most people take when they are starting out in the industry. Using a modeling agency is one of the easiest ways to get your name and image out there. A modeling agency will help you market yourself and help you get your career started, so it is very important that you make an informed and smart decision about the modeling agency that you choose.

Categories of Agencies

The first thing for you to think about is that modeling agencies are divided into categories. There are agencies that scout for models, talent agencies and specialized agencies.

The type of agency that you choose should be based upon what type of modeling you want to do. For example, if you are interested in just getting your name out there and taking any job that comes your way then a general agency or talent agency should be fine. However, if you have a specific look, like plus sized, or want to do a specific type of modeling, like body part modeling, then you should go with a specialized agency.

Gathering Information

Your next step is to do your research into some Singapore model agencies. Look for a few agencies that match your needs and start finding out as much information about them as you can. You want to check into their reputation and make sure that they can provide you the best possible representation.

You should visit the agencies and meet with someone that will tell you about the agency and help you to learn more about the agency and their services. Check out the models they current represent and ask about the types of job they book for their models. Your goal is to see if this agency will offer you what you want and help get your career on the right path.

You also need to check into the reputation of the agency. Make sure that the current clients are happy with the work the agency does. Make sure the agency in is good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Ask around about the agency to get some insight into their reputation within the industry. A good agency will have a solid reputation. In the modeling business reputation is everything, so signing with an agency with a bad reputation would be a bad career move.

Making Your Choice

Once you have gathered information on a few agencies and made your visits it is time to see which one would be your best choice. You need to consider all aspects of each agency. Not only do you want to sign with an agency that can help you with your career, but you also want to work with people who treat you well. Sometimes making that final decision is based upon the people that you met when you visited the agency.

Choosing a modeling agency is something that can help your career greatly. However, if you choose the wrong one or do not take time to make a good choice then you could actually hurt your career. You want to be signed with an agency that is reputable, trustworthy and that will work hard for you.

What Qualities Do Modeling Agencies Look For in a Model?

In today's society, if you ask a regular person on the street, what people look for in a model, most will say that they have to be pretty and very thin; however, there is a lot that goes into selecting which models to represent. Each agency must take into consideration trends that are occurring with businesses who hire models so these agencies can have the right models for the right businesses to hire. Many Seattle modeling agencies are trying to put stereotypes about models to rest, by selecting all different types of models. One Seattle modeling agency has even posted updates on their website about the ever changing requirements they have for models they hire. Below is a list of qualities that some modeling agency Singapore look for in models which may be surprising to some:

1. Ethnicity. Depending on the client, the model's race could be a very important factor. Some companies like to have models that have a unique, ethnic look. It also depends on who the agency's client decides is their target audience. For example, if an agency's client's target audience is Asian-Americans, then the agency who hires models to represent would probably choose to hire an Asian-American model.

2. Gender. Like ethnicity, it all depends on what the agency's client wants. For a client whose target audience is men then the agency should select male models. It would be the same for a client whose target audience is female. For example, a perfume company would usually hire only female models from the agency and a cologne company would probably just hire male models from the agency. Each agency needs to keep this mind when choosing people to represent.

3. Plus size. Agencies that hire models need to be aware of the growing demand for plus sized models for a "real" woman look. Nowadays agencies are beginning to hire more plus-sized models in response to clients' increasing desire for them. Most model agencies Singapore want these types of models because they are closer to what many American women look like, so in an effort to relate to their audience, companies are hiring more and more plus-sized models, which means agencies have to start contracting more of these models.

Most people do not realize all of the effort that goes into selecting models to represent. Agencies have to know what their clients want to begin with before they even think about contracting new models. Each agency then has to decide how many models of each gender, ethnicity, and size to give contracts to before even seeing the models. Finally, the agencies can begin face-to-face interviews with the models, which is when they must try to find the people who have unique looks which also fit their clients' wants. It can be very difficult to find the perfect model to extend a contract to with all of these factors that are involved in the decision. Modeling has been an up and coming industry, which does not show any signs of slowing down as companies begin to use all different types of models.

Top Ten Tips on Applying to a Model Agency

As model agency booker, I get model applications on a daily basis. In fact we get more model applicants than we do junk mail! The truth is however, for all these applicants we probably sign one in every two hundred applicants; that's 0.5%... and that's on a good day!

A big problem we have with applicants is that they simply don't know how to apply to an agency effectively. If you're serious about Singapore modelling agency you should be serious about submitting your application. The fact of the matter is that a badly submitted application takes longer to read and will more than likely be ignored.

As a scout for Sapphires I can tell you from first hand experience what makes a good application. If you follow these top ten tips for applying you'll save agencies a lot of time and hassle and improve your chances of being considered:

1. Know Your Industry Before you even think about attempting to become a model you should have at least some idea of what modelling is, and what will be expected of you should you be successful. Modelling is a tough job that requires a lot of hard work, commitment and a thick skin, so think about why you want to become a model, and if you have what it takes to succeed.

2. Keep It Simple The only information a Singapore model agency needs to know about you is your age, your height and stats, how to contact you, any relevant experience you may have and of course what you look like. We don't need to know your GCSE results, hobbies, or what part you played in your primary school nativity. Agencies receive so many applications every day that the information has to be right there for us to see when we scan through, not hidden within irrelevant information.

3. Include contact information This may sound obvious, but make sure you provide the agency with contact details they will be able to contact you on, or leave a message that you will actually receive. There's no point giving out a mobile number to a phone that stays switched off for most of the day, or an e-mail address you check once a fortnight. If an agency can't get through to you, they'll just stop trying.

4. Send an SAE if you want your photos back. The general rule is, don't send any photos to an agency if you aren't prepared to risk losing them. If you do send photos you want returned then make sure you also include a self addressed envelope with sufficient postage for the agency to post back your photos.

5. Send Clear Photos When sending photos into an agency, they need to be clear enough so that they can actually see what you look like. They don't need to be professional photos, but agencies do need to be able to see your facial features and figure. Camera shaken photos taken with a camera phone are useless, as are soft focus high street portrait shots. Men, please don't just send in a photo of just your torso alone taken in the mirror, no matter how hunky you think you are, and girls, don't send photos poking your tongue out or holding a bottle of Lambrini! Worst of all, PLEASE don't send in a photo of you and ten of your mates on holiday with a note saying "I'm third from the left" stapled to it.

6. Be Original When applying to an agency, the best thing you can do is be yourself. If you try and make yourself look like David Beckham, Brad Pitt or whichever star seems to be on TV most this week, you won't get anywhere. Modelling agencies want original models with their own unique look, not a clone of a celebrity. If you are determined to make yourself look like a famous person then try a look-a-like agency, not a modelling agency.

7. Research Your Agency Before you approach the agency find a little bit more about them. Visit their website or phone them and find out how they prefer models to apply. Some agencies see applicants off the street; some require you to send in photos first. Find the correct person in the agency to apply to. If you can get your application to the right person in the right way you stand a much better chance of being successful. Think about whether your measurements meet the minimum requirements of those set out by the agency.

8. Be prepared to travel Before approaching an agency, make sure that you are prepared to travel. This applies to both modelling work, and visiting agencies for interviews. Modelling jobs don't take place in your living room, so travelling is an integral part of being a model.

9. First Impressions Count Your application is the first thing that an agency will ever see about you. If you put no effort into your application, the first impression the agency will get is that you are lazy and not worth taking on. Similarly, if you get called for an interview then take it seriously. Arrive on time, be polite and show the agency that you're serious. If you make a great first impression, it will stick in the agency's mind.

10. Don't harass the agency Modelling Agencies receive hundreds of applications a week, and only very few of the applicants are suitable. If your application is successful rest assured that they will contact you. If you don't hear anything from the agency within a few weeks then assume that you have not been successful on that occasion, don't contact them every 3 days asking if they had a chance to look at your application. All that does is leave a lasting bad impression, and jeapordise your chances of reapplying in the future.

So there you have it, straight from the horses mouth; the correct way to go about taking your first steps into the world of modelling! I hope you found this advice useful and to all those who decide to apply... good luck!