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Time For a Change? How to Say Goodbye to an Old Agent and Hello to a New One


If you've already got an agent, good for you, that's definitely a step in the right direction! But what if you're unhappy with your agent or want to move on to a bigger and better agency? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you make the best choice for yourself and your career.

If you're convinced that you're unhappy with your agent, ask yourself, "Why?" Make a list of specific pros and cons. If you're thinking, "Well, my agent just doesn't get me enough jobs," that's actually not a very good reason at all. Modeling is an on-call type of business. Your particular look may be in and it may not be.

Sometimes you have to play the waiting game even when you have legit representation. There are a lot of factors as to why you may not be getting very many gigs or bookings. Talk with your agent and ask what the market looks like right now for your look.

If your agent's good, he or she should be able to tell you about the latest trends that casting agents are looking for. Don't drop an agent without giving them a fair shot. Now if it's been a year and a half and you haven't been getting any bookings...that could be a problem you need to handle.

If you have justifiable reasons for wanting a new agent wait until you actually have another agency interested in you and willing to sign you before you leave your current agent. Take your time seeking out other agencies that interest you and where you think you'll have a shot at being signed. Check the status of your contract with your current agent.

Make sure that you plan to leave when your contract is up...you don't want to get involved in a breech of contract situation, those are just messy. Or if you just can't wait, follow your contract's instructions for how to terminate it. This is usually labeled as the "Exit Clause" or something similar. Typically all it takes is a letter, stating your intent to terminate your contract, effective immediately.

When submitting your photos to other agencies, make sure to remove the name of your current agent on anything you send in (that should be common sense because that's just tacky).

The most important thing to remember about this is to never burn your bridges. Do not bash or trash talk about the agent you're with, or any agency for that matter. Gossip will only make you appear untrustworthy. What goes around comes around, especially in the modeling field so don't be immature about it and taint your career. Part ways with your agent on friendly terms, even if you've had a bad experience with them.

Above all, if you are in any way unhappy with your current representation, TALK to your agent. That's what they are there for. Approach the subject in a professional way and ask questions if you are curious about anything going on or ask them to clarify things that you don't understand. Try to compromise and meet each other halfway. Maybe all it takes is a new portfolio and better photo shoots, who knows?

Before breaking with an agency, exhaust all possibilities. Millions of people seek representation and you're already ahead of the game by having an agent. Don't let your ego or high standards cause you to lose an agent who is more than willing to work for you.
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