Frequently asked Questions

25 Sep 2008

25 Sep, 2008 General, Model Advice

How much does it cost to get started?
There is no fee to visit or list with an agency. Becareful of agencies that want to charge you to be put on their website or for un necessary photos or “potfolios”. a model will need professional photos (which is what your agent will use to market you in the industry) but an agency should never push their “staff” photographer on you or tell you that you MUST shoot with a certain photographer. What a reputable agency will do is give you a list of several professional photographers that they have worked with and trust. That way YOU decide which photographer you feel comfortable working with. Unlike some fashion agencies, who may assist a model in getting together their comp card/portfolio, most commercial models pay for their own comp card, but do not need a portfolio.
Modeling schools or classes are not necessary to break into the industry, and a model is never asked what training they have had. Your agent takes a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of the money you make from work you’ve booked through their agency. Again, Keep in mind…There is NO CHARGE to be listed with an agency!!

How do I find a reputable agent?
If you are looking to get into fashion modeling, visit with the big agencies, with names well-known in the industry. Elite, Ford, Next, Boss and Wilhelmina are all in the Miami area, and there are other good fashion agencies around the state as well. If you know a successful model, ask them who they use. Commercial models can visit the Screen Actor’s Guild website (www.sag.org), they have a list of franchised agencies. Those marked “Full Service” represent commercial models as well as acting talent. You can also visit the “model advice” section on this site where I have listed the reputable agencies in the area.

I think I could be a model, how do I know if I have the right look?
If you have a basic idea about the modeling industry, perhaps you’ve looked through a book or two, you know what an agent looks for in photos, and you’ve learned what the laws are–so you’re confident you can tell the real deal from the shysters, then what are you waiting for? Go and visit the agencies in your area that represent the type of model you think you are qualified to be. They will let you know if they are interested.

What is a comp card?
A composite card, also called a comp card or zed card, is a model’s self-advertisement. It is used by your agent to send to clients to help you obtain work. It is also what you hand out on go-sees, castings/auditions, or when networking with potential clients. It is typically a 5.5″ x 8.5″ card, with headshot and your name and agency on the front, and 2-4 photos and stats on the back. It is usually in color, but can be black & white. There are many variations, and different agencies prefer different styles. Some comp cards are only printed on one side with a single photo, some fold like a traditional greeting card, and contain more images. Fashion agencies generally have a specific format that all their models follow, while commercial agencies often have all different types of modeling comp cards, that were chosen by the models, not the agency. A comp card is usually best when it contains a really great headshot, that shows a model’s facial features in a flattering fashion, eyes that can communicate with the camera, and a selection of 3/4 and/or full-length shots that show the model’s figure and range of looks. It is best to have on your composite card the type of shots you are most suited to doing. If you are only 5′4, it’s probably not in your best interest to have only a selection of fashion-type shots, as it is unlikely that will be the type of work you are going to be hired for. Your agent can help you figure out what looks are most marketable for you. If you have specific questions about designing and printing your comp card or would like advice on what photos to use please email me and I will be happy to help!! tracy@tracymendyphotography.com

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