- Stephanie Rosa
Why it's important to have an established agent
As a model, breaking into the industry can be a challenging experience. I remember my first time walking during New York Fashion Week without an agent's help. I had to go out alone to do fashion shows. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and I was the last chosen model for a beginner designer. It was a woman designer who only chose white models, and I felt disappointed that someone of my skin color couldn't see the beauty in herself and me. And was very hesitant to choose me. That's why I was the very last person picked. I was also disappointed that it was just scarves and not actual outfits, and it made me feel very cheap.
I decided to go out and walk for a show because the agent I was working with didn't have the network I needed to step in notable performances. She also didn't pitch me to shows after I had discussed that that was one of my goals in my career. If I wanted to be an established model, I needed runway on my resume. I thought I was a go-getter and must make it happen and walk, even for free. But what I discovered could have been better, and I felt that low-income fashion shows and walking for free weren't worth it and were a complete waste of time.
The disappointment I felt from that experience made me realize how important having an agent that helps you in the modeling industry is. Agents pitch you to designers and make you appear as if you are already somebody, which is crucial when booking jobs in the industry. Walking for free for designers with no budget already makes you look like you're just starting and nameless. It felt awkward that no one there could see my worth when I only wanted to walk in an outfit.
Before I signed up with a significant agency, I had gone to modeling school and previously walked for shows. But it was like all that didn't matter because no one knew me. Having an agent changed everything. Now I book jobs without even going to castings. I realized that low-budget shows are a waste of time and can even hurt your brand's image by making you look cheap.
When I signed up with a significant agency (MUSE), I landed a job walking for Tommy Hilfiger, and they paid me a lot of money. It was a dream come true. I had gone from being the last chosen model for a beginner designer to being delivered to walk for a top brand. It made me see the importance of having an agent who could pitch me to the right people.
With an agent, navigating the industry and booking jobs that can help advance your career is easier. An agent can help you get in front of designers and brands you wouldn't have access to otherwise. They can also negotiate contracts and ensure that you're being paid fairly for the work that you're doing.
My experience taught me the importance of having an established agent in the modeling industry. With one, getting the exposure and opportunities needed to advance your career is easier. While walking for free may seem like a good idea, it can often hurt your brand's image and make you appear less valuable. With an agent, you can ensure you're being paid fairly for your work and getting in front of the right people. If you're serious about a career in modeling, I recommend signing up with an agency. It could make all the difference.
Aspiring models often dream of walking in high-end fashion shows, working with top photographers, and landing lucrative contracts with major brands. However, breaking into the modeling industry can be challenging and competitive and often requires the help of an agent. In this blog post, we will discuss why having an agent is essential for a model's career and how they can help navigate the industry.
1. An Agent Can Pitch You to Potential Clients
One of the primary reasons for having an agent is their ability to pitch a model to potential clients. An agent can use their network to promote a model to designers, photographers, and brands. They can also negotiate contracts, secure bookings, and help you establish yourself as a professional model. An agent can help make you appear as if you are already somebody in the industry, increasing your chances of being chosen for high-profile jobs.
2. An Agent Can Help You Navigate the Industry
Navigating the modeling industry can be challenging, especially for new models. There are many factors to consider, including what jobs to pursue, how to create a portfolio, how to market yourself, and how to network with other industry professionals. An agent can help you navigate these challenges and establish yourself as a successful model.
3. Low-Budget Shows Can Harm Your Career
Walking for free or low-budget shows can make a model appear inexperienced and undervalued, ultimately harming their career. Putting in effort and time for shows that don't yield the desired outcome can be frustrating. Moreover, these shows can make a model appear cheap and less valuable to potential clients. However, with the help of an agent, a model can secure higher-profile jobs that better align with their career goals and elevate their brand.
4. An Agent Can Help You Book Jobs Effortlessly
Once you establish a relationship with your agent, you can book jobs effortlessly without attending castings. An agent can help you secure recurring bookings with brands, photographers, and designers, freeing time to focus on other aspects of your career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having an agent is essential for a model's career. An agent can pitch you to potential clients, help you navigate the industry, elevate your brand, and book jobs effortlessly. Walking for low-budget shows can be a waste of time and can ultimately harm a model's brand. By working with an agent, a model can secure higher-profile jobs and establish itself as a professional model. If you're serious about a career in modeling, investing in an agent is a smart move.
