Male Modeling Agencies
How to Get a Modeling Contract with a Male Model Agency
When we think of male models we often think about handsome men such as David Gandy, Sean O’pry or Tyson Beckford walking the runways for Armani, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford, or appearing in top magazines such as GQ, Esquire, Details and Men’s Vogue. So, how did these models get started? How did they get signed to a modeling contract and begin working with the world’s best modeling agencies?
While some models may get scouted simply walking down the street (this is extremely rare so don’t count on it), the majority of new male models must begin by submitting their photos to modeling agencies and hope that the agencies will recognize their modeling potential.
If you are about to submit photos to agencies here are four simple steps to get you started.
4 First Steps to Getting Signed to a Male Modeling Agency
We’re going to dive into how to become a male model by following 4 critical steps:
- Start with simple snapshots — they’re all you need!
- Skip modeling schools. Classes won’t make a difference in your getting a modeling contract.
- Maximize your exposure. You need to be seen by as many male modeling agencies as possible.
- Only work with legitimate and established modeling agencies in as many markets as possible.
START WITH SIMPLE SNAPSHOTS
The first step to becoming a male model is to take some simple snapshots. These photos can be taken on your phone. Even selfies will work. At this stage, the agencies are looking at your basic bone structure and body proportions. They are also going to decide what type of modeling will be most suitable for your look, such as high fashion or editorial modeling, commercial modeling, fitness, swimwear and so on.
ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION
Thinking of submitting your photos to male modeling agencies? You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don’t waste your opportunity by submitting the wrong photos or submitting them incorrectly. Submitting your photos through the right channels can make all the difference between a million dollar career and a career that never gets off the ground.
LET OUR EXPERTS SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO MALE MODEL AGENCIES
The agents at ModelScouts.com have scouted hundreds of fashion and commercial models who have gone on to have successful modeling careers working for clients such as, Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Esquire, Seventeen, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Versace, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix, Gucci, Chanel, Valentino, Dior, YSL, Clairol, Pantene, many and more. Click below to start your journey!
SKIP MODELING SCHOOLS & CLASSES
Modeling schools may be a fun place to meet other aspiring models who have the same dreams as you, but other than that, modeling classes will not make any difference in whether or not you will be offered a modeling contract with a top agency.
Modeling schools are more prevalent in smaller cities outside of the major fashion markets. The reason is that agencies in small markets generally don’t earn enough income on booking jobs for their models to cover the rent. We don’t have anything against modeling schools, but if they tell you that you must attend classes before their agency will represent you it is not a good sign.
The agents working at ModelScouts.com have been scouting and placing models with international modeling agencies for over 35 years, and never, not even once, have we been asked if a model we are presenting to them has been to modeling school. It just isn’t required at high levels.
Rather than asking if a model has attended a modeling school, a top agency will look at the model’s overall look and stats. Basic stats are age, height, jacket or chest size, waist size, facial features and bone structure.
TYPES OF MALE MODELS
Generally, high fashion or editorial male models are 5′ 11″ and up and wear a 38 – 42 jacket. There are however, exceptions to every rule, such as 5′ 7″ Aaron Frew who was signed to top editorial modeling agency d’Management in Milan, Italy, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet these height or size guidelines.
Commercial male models come in all heights, shapes and sizes so there are tremendous opportunities for male models in the commercial market. Commercial models are seen everywhere in print and television ads for cereals and food products, soaps and bath products, furniture and car ads, and the like. The list is endless. Anything that isn’t high fashion a commercial model can do.
If you are an aspiring commercial male model one of the very best resources for you is the book “How to Become a Successful Commercial Model” by Aaron Marcus. Represented by 150 agencies across America, Aaron Marcus is also the Host of ModelScouts’ Model Talk Radio.
A FEW MALE MODELS WE HAVE SIGNED TO TOP AGENCIES WORLDWIDE:
TONI P. – Signed to Q MODELS, New York
LACEY W. – Signed to BOSS MODELS, New York
KEVIN B. – Signed to STELLA MODELS, Vienna
Juris J. – Signed to FUSION MANAGEMENT, New York
MORE MALE MODEL SUCCESS STORIES >
MAXIMIZE YOUR EXPOSURE
Maximizing your exposure to numerous agencies is important since there are many types of agencies that represent many types of models. Some agencies may only represent high fashion models, and others may only represent commercial models, fit and/or fitness models. So it’s important to be seen by as many male modeling agencies as possible to be sure you’re getting exposure to the right ones.
And don’t panic if one agent won’t represent you — it doesn’t mean another one won’t!
Some new male models get exposure by emailing their photos to agencies. This often isn’t effective — most email accounts on the homepage of a modeling agency are generic addresses that are rarely checked. On the other hand, sending out traditional mail with your photos to modeling agencies might increase the chance of it being seen, but this is an expensive and time-consuming method. Other models might attend modeling conventions (and shell out more than $5,000 to do so) to get exposure to agents, scouts, and clients.
As you can tell, there are drawbacks to these methods — they either cost too much money, take too much time, or don’t get you the results you need. So, what can you do? A great start is to submit your photos to male model agencies through ModelScouts.com
With direct connections to all the best modeling agencies in the world, ModelScouts gets you the exposure you need to agents and scouts representing over 250 of the world’s most powerful agencies. We welcome male models of all ages, sizes, and heights interested in high fashion, runway, commercial print, fitness, fit modeling and more.
WHAT TYPES OF PHOTOS DO MALE MODEL AGENCIES WANT?
Before you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on professional photos, it’s important to know that top male model agencies and other top international modeling agencies around the world never require professional photos to evaluate your potential as a model.
In fact, professional photos can do more harm than good to your image if you don’t get them right, and new models rarely get professional photos right. Basic snapshots taken with your phone are just fine as long as you follow some basic tips:
- Photos should be clear and in focus
- Include at least one headshot and a full length shot
- Keep makeup to a minimum
- Keep hairstyles simple and well groomed
- Keep clothing simple and in good taste
- Include a swimsuit photo if you are comfortable wearing a swimsuit
- Do not submit nude photos
- Do not wear fur in your photos. It is offensive to some agents, and it’s just wrong.
- You should be the only one in the photo
- Remember that first impressions are important
Work with Established Model Agencies
To have a successful career as a male model, a legitimate and established modeling agency is a must. But this can be difficult. Who can you trust? Which agency has your best interests in mind? Who can get you the exposure you need? Who can help you understand modeling contracts and agreements? We can!
ModelScouts.com can help make the process so much easier! With over 35 years of experience with scouting, managing, and promoting male models, the team at ModelScouts.com is the best choice for helping you find trusted and respected agencies.
Models who submit photos through ModelScouts.com work with all the best agencies & clients including:
CONCLUSION:
Following these simple steps is a great way to start for any new or experienced model seeking agency representation as a male model.
The key points are a) get as much exposure as possible, b) don’t spend money on classes or photo shoots when basic snapshots are all the agencies need to to determine your potential, c) work with a legitimate scouting company that will put you in front of the world’s leading modeling agencies in the safest and most effective way possible.
If you are thinking of submitting your photos to male modeling agencies don’t do it alone.
LET US DO THE WORK FOR YOU
Our team of modeling experts have established, over 35 years of working in the industry, a network of legitimate and reputable agencies that use our platform everyday looking for new models.
When you submit your photos to ModelScouts.com you will be seen by scouts for 250+ leading modeling agencies worldwide. Why limit yourself to just your local area? Successful male models often work with multiple agencies in countries around the world.
Submit your photos today and get your results within 10 business days guaranteed!
MORE GREAT TIPS ON BECOMING A MODEL & SUBMITTING PHOTOS
What to Know Before You Sign a Modeling Contract
How to Become a Model (5 Expert Tips)
Don’t Make These 6 Modeling Mistakes
Top 5 Myths About Becoming a Model
Become a Plus Size Male Model
