Modeling Agency

There are many modeling agencies in the UK, but not all of them have a good reputation within the modeling industry. Stand Out has put together some tips to help you decide which agency to approach and which modeling agencies to best avoid. We also take a look at some of the more serious issues facing the modeling industry.

• Our Reputation
• Discrimination
• Eating Disorders
• Scandals; Bad Management towards Model Welfare
• Modelling Scams and Start-up Costs
• Guarantees of Success

Stand Out is a model agency which develops long term working relationships with its models. Most models who sign with Stand Out stay with us for a number of years. Stand Out are proud to say we have never had a model that has not been paid for an assignment they have undertaken through us. Neither has the agency ever been the subject of any bad press. We have a very high satisfaction rate among clients who book models through us, and word of mouth recommendations play an important part in the success we have had within the industry.

The agency receives regular briefs from companies looking to book models for a range of modeling work (see past and recent campaigns to get a feel for the type of assignments we undertake). There is no fixed pattern for the kind of work we receive. It can vary from one assignment to the next, but we make sure to keep in touch with our models through newsletters and emails. We believe it is our approach to promotion and management services that sets Stand Out apart from our competitors. As a modeling agency, Stand Out is constantly adapting to a continually changing environment, and it is our models who gain the most from our forward thinking approach.

The modeling industry is subject to a lot of controversy and, unfortunately, this inevitably has a negative impact on good modeling agencies too. Here, Stand Out talks openly about some of the issues and challenges that face the modeling industry today.

Even high profile model agencies have been reported to lead young girls into a lifestyle where sex and drugs are prevalent. Stand Out does not tolerate any activity that would compromise the position of trust we have with our models, and the parents of those we promote.

Model agencies which charge start-up costs are some times burdened with the accusation of scamming potential models. As a commercial modeling agency which promotes part-time models across different ages and looks, the earning potential from our models is less than an agency which promotes only full time models of a specific age and size range, and for high fashion markets only.

As Stand Out also promote a higher number of models to cover the different age, size and ethnicity requests we receive, our costs are also higher. This means the initial investment must come from the model in the form of a one-off start-up fee. This is not an annual charge, and is exactly what it says on the label -a one-off start-up fee. There are no repeat or hidden fees which need to be paid by the model.

The model will then have the benefit of a range of promotion and management services at no extra cost. Stand Out is not aware of any commercial model agency that will provide our full range of services for free. We have put together a comprehensive package that gives our models a head start within the industry.

No agency should guarantee work as it is the agency's clients, not the agency itself, which makes the decision to book models. Therefore, our advice is to go with a modelling agency that prioritises the needs of the companies who are looking to book models ahead of the need to sign new models. Of course, a good model agency will strike an effective balance between the two, but there are some tell-tale signs that you should look out for. Here are our tips on avoiding unscrupulous model agencies:

• Did you approach the agency, or did the agency approach you? Maybe you were approached in the street or applied to an advert in a local newspaper to attend an audition? Though there is nothing unusual about being scouted, be cautious of a model agency which actively seeks models by holding auditions in hotels. The more established modeling agencies already have a pool of models on their books and would not need to advertise for models. An agency which does recruit models through advertising is likely to be either a less established modelling agency looking to build up their name and talent base, or an agency which is more focused on signing new models than they are interested in promoting the models they already have on their books.
• How did the model agency sound to you? Again, good model agencies will make a sizeable effort to sign models as the models represent the quality of service they can offer their clients. However, if a model agency paints too glossy a picture of your chances of success, or is over complementary about your looks (as flattering as it may be), they may not be being entirely honest. Good model agents understand that the business is both competitive, and speculative, and will be realistic with you without sounding too negative! Also, good agencies will be busy working on assignments. This means that not hearing from a model agency is not necessarily a sign that they are not interested. Again, the model should exercise caution when an agent pressures a model to sign with the agency, or is too quick to accept a model onto their books.

Despite all the issues raised above, it is our belief that you generally regret the things you don't do in life as opposed to the things you do. So, do not let this dampen your hopes! Instead, be realistic about your chances of success in a competitive and speculative industry and ask yourself whether you are really serious and committed about following this path.