Finding the right modeling agent is crucial for your child's career.
You know your child would make a fabulous model. Every time the cameras come out, your little one turns into a ham. When pursuing a modeling agency, there are many scams to watch out for. However, there are some legitimate modeling agencies out there. The trick is finding one of those agencies, and then finding a good fit between your child and the agents. An agency that might be right for one child may not be right for another.
Instructions
1. Make a list of agents whom you would like to work with. Do your research and find ones who are local to begin with, or at least within a 3-hour drive. This is not the time to think New York City if you live in St. Paul. Also, check the agencies' legitimacy with different resources. See the Resources section at the end of this article.
2. Do a mailing. Send a cover letter and snapshots. Have plenty of copies of the snapshots, since you will most likely not get any returned to you. Don't expect all agencies to call you. The good ones pick and choose the clients they want, depending on the needs of the office. For instance, if an agency already has a few blond-hair, blue-eyed boys in the 8 to 10 range, it may not be accepting others. For this reason, send mailings out to all legitimate agencies within a 3-hour drive of your home.
3. Start preparing once an agency calls to set up an appointment. Discuss with your child that you are going on a meeting and she should be on her best behavior. Jewelry and makeup is an absolute no-no for child modeling, so leave all that at home. Pack a to-do bag to take with you to appointments, especially if they are far away or your child is very young.
4. Create a list of questions to ask the agent at the meeting--for example: "How long have you been in business?" "Are there any upfront fees?" "Do we have to sign an exclusive contract?"
5. After the meeting, take a few moments to take notes and write down your thoughts. Do not decide anything on the spot. Do plenty of research and be comfortable with the agency. Talk to other parents in the business and get some insider information. Write all of this down in your notebook.
6. Talk with your child, if he is old enough. See what his thoughts are on the agents he has met. Make your decision together, if possible.
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