How to Tell If a Modeling Agency is "Big"

This blog post was inspired by a reader question. Anonymous wrote:


Hi Dania, when i saw your post it made me curious as to what the top agencies are. BMG has been trying to get me to sign with them, and anyway, I would just like to know if they qualify as one of the better agencies. maybe not top or anything, but its general ranking. thanks so much:) 

To answer your question off the top, Anonymous, BMG is considered a "top" agency. So if they're interested in you, get back to them asap! :-)

Now to get to the actual blog post on this topic. Oftentimes, new models want to know how they can tell if a particular modeling agency is a top one that is good to sign with. While there are smaller agencies that do just as good of a job as the more well known ones, it definitely doesn't hurt to gain interest from a heavy hitter agency.

However, these same factors can also apply to boutique agencies, whose names you may not be familiar with. So keep that in mind and don't discriminate against the smaller agencies while seeking representation. Remember, as long as they meet one or more of the criteria below, they're worth looking into further.

Below are some easy signs to help you spot a top modeling agency:

- You recognize them based on name alone. This is the easiest and most obvious sign of an agency's reputation. Even people that aren't familiar with or involved in the modeling industry recognize agency names like Ford, Wilhelmina, Elite, DNA, Click, Boss...you get the picture.

- They have office locations around the globe. Any agency that has offices in multiple major markets is generating great business and knows what they're doing. Being signed to an agency with global reach means the opportunity for placement in other countries to work on international assignments in those markets.

- They've got one or more "It" models on their roster. Needless to say, if you get signed to an agency that is also currently representing supermodels as well as newer "It" faces in the industry, you're in good company and with an agency that gets results for its models.

- Their client list has tons of names you recognize. Now, this particular factor isn't just limited to the big name agencies but can also include smaller, boutique ones as well. For example, a modeling agency that regularly works with big name fashion designers as well as reputable retailers (Macy's, Kohl's, Target, etc.) is ideal to get signed to because it shows they have connections with those businesses and have gotten work for their models with those clients, which are the ones that pay the big bucks for their shoots and campaigns.

There are other factors to consider but these are some of the most important ones to keep in mind when looking for agencies to sign with.