Getting signed with the right agency isn't luck. It's understanding the market structure, knowing which agencies actually book their models, and avoiding the thousands of fake operations that promise careers they can't deliver.
This guide walks you through the best agencies in America's two biggest modeling markets—New York and Los Angeles for the US, and London for the UK—plus how to evaluate, approach, and negotiate with real agencies.
Three Types of Agencies You Need to Know
1. Boutique Agencies (Specialized)
Small agencies with 50-150 models. They know their niche deeply.
Pros: Personal attention, strong relationships with boutique brands, faster growth for the right fit.
Cons: Limited reach, fewer major accounts than the giants.
2. Major Franchises (National/International)
Ford, Elite, IMG. Multiple offices, tons of models, connections everywhere.
Pros: Access to huge clients, international reach, prestige.
Cons: You're one of hundreds, takes longer to get attention.
3. Mother Agencies (Global Coordination)
Sign you exclusively and place you across multiple countries. Less common, high barrier to entry.
Pros: Cohesive career strategy, coordinated placements, serious international opportunity.
Cons: Only takes models with solid books already. Very selective.
New York: America's Fashion Capital
New York is where the US runway market actually happens. If you want to do fashion week, you go to New York.
The Major Players
Ford Models (New York)
The agency. Ford discovered and launched more supermodels than anyone else—Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Gisele, and hundreds more. If you're signed to Ford, you have a real competitive advantage globally.
Ford takes models at every level: commercial, runway, parts. They're not just high-fashion—they're everywhere.
Commission: 15-20% depending on work type Best for: Serious runway aspirants, commercial, every type Reality: Extremely selective. They reject 99% of applicants.
IMG Models
Massive agency part of the Endeavor conglomerate. They represent some of the world's biggest models. IMG has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and dozens of international cities.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Professional models looking for top-tier placements Reality: Same selectivity as Ford. They want models that are already recognizable or have serious potential.
Elite Model Management (New York)
Part of the Elite network (major presence in Europe). New York office is selective and well-regarded. Strong European connections, which is huge if you want Milan or Paris placements.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Models targeting international careers Reality: Smaller than Ford/IMG but more personal attention.
Wilhelmina Models (New York)
Long-established powerhouse with divisions across fashion, commercial, and parts modeling. Strong in both runway and commercial. Known for developing models at different stages.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Fashion, commercial, diverse model types Reality: Selective but slightly more accessible than Ford. Professional and well-organized.
The Society Management
Prestigious boutique agency representing high-fashion models. Known for editorial strength and selective roster (around 80-100 models).
Commission: 15-20% Best for: High-fashion, editorial, runway Reality: Competitive to join but excellent for career development.
DNA Model Management
Selective boutique with strong runway and editorial focus. Known for careful model development and international placements.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Models serious about fashion/editorial path Reality: Personalized attention, quality over quantity.
Women Management NYC
Boutique agency with expertise in women's fashion modeling. Strong relationships with designers and publications.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Women's high-fashion runway Reality: Smaller, personalized roster with quality placements.
Next Management NYC
Solid mid-tier agency with international reach. Balanced approach to runway and commercial work.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Models seeking diverse work opportunities Reality: Professional, approachable, good progression path.
Boutique & Mid-Tier Agencies in NYC
The Lions
Boutique agency with a boutique client list. Very personalized. Known for developing new models carefully. Around 100 models.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Models wanting more hands-on management Reality: Harder to get in than Ford, but once you're in, you get real attention.
Muse Models
Smaller, selective agency. Known for runway and editorial strength. Good reputation among photographers and directors.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: High-fashion and editorial paths Reality: Boutique feel, good fit if they like you.
Trend Models
Commercial and digital-focused. Less runway-heavy than Elite/Ford, but strong in the growth commercial sector.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Commercial work, digital content creators, social media models Reality: Easier to get signed than runway agencies, but different career path.
Los Angeles: Entertainment Meets Fashion
LA is different. It's not just fashion—it's film, TV, commercial, digital, influencer content. A model in LA might do a Prada campaign Monday and a car commercial Tuesday.
Major Agencies LA
Ford Models (Los Angeles)
Same Ford, different office. LA Ford focuses heavily on commercial, TV/film crossover, and digital content. Fashion week is less common (but possible). More accessible than NYC Ford, but still very selective.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Commercial, TV/film, digital Reality: If you want to actually work and earn, Ford LA is excellent.
Wilhelmina Models (Los Angeles)
LA powerhouse. Excellent commercial division, strong fashion too. Less gatekeeping than Ford—they'll sign more models—but that means less prestige.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Commercial, entertainment, working models Reality: Easier path to getting signed than Ford/IMG. Good middle ground.
LA Models
Established boutique with strong commercial and digital focus. Known for developing working models in the LA market.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Commercial, digital content, TV Reality: More accessible entry point with consistent booking opportunities.
DT Model Management
Selective boutique focused on runway and editorial in LA. Strong relationships with designers and photographers.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Fashion editorial, runway aspirants Reality: Smaller roster, personalized attention.
CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
Massive talent conglomerate. More entertainment-focused than pure modeling. If you're signed to CAA, you're at a different level (and CAA usually requires you to already be established).
Commission: Varies (15-25% depending on deal) Best for: Established models transitioning into entertainment Reality: Not for starting out.
Boutique & Niche Agencies LA
Nous Models
Body-positive, inclusive casting. Commercial and digital-focused.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Plus-size, curvy, diverse models Reality: Real opportunity in the inclusivity movement. Growing market.
One Model Management
Smaller boutique, creative focus. Works with rising photographers and indie brands.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Creative/artistic path Reality: Tight-knit, personalized.
London: Europe's Fashion Hub (UK)
London fashion week is major. London is a bridge between New York and Milan. The market is different from US—more editorial-heavy, smaller, more relationship-based.
London's Top Agencies
Storm Management
The agency in London. Discovered Kate Moss. Extremely selective. If you're signed to Storm, you're in the top tier of UK/European modeling. Storm has international connections everywhere.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: High-fashion runway, editorial, serious international ambitions Reality: Hardest to get signed to. They represent fewer models, but those models work constantly.
Models 1
Historical London agency, solid reputation. Good international reach. Less gatekeeping than Storm but still highly selective.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Runway, fashion, editorial Reality: Professional and well-respected.
Select Model Management
Good size boutique with international placements. Easier to get signed than Storm/Models 1, still quality.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Models ready for professional work Reality: Solid middle-tier option.
Cara Models
Avant-garde, atypical, creative. If you look "different" or want art direction, Cara is known for that.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Unconventional, artistic, editorial Reality: Best if your look is atypical.
Premier Model Management
Historic London agency with strong reputation for runway and editorial. International reach with quality roster.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Fashion runway, editorial work Reality: Established and professional, good mid-tier option.
Next London
Part of Next Management international group. Solid agency with diverse booking types across fashion and commercial.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Fashion and commercial mix Reality: Professional, consistent placements.
Nevs Models
Selective London boutique focused on high-fashion and editorial. Known for strong international connections.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: High-fashion editorial path Reality: Smaller roster, quality-focused.
The Hive Management
Progressive London agency with emphasis on digital and content creation alongside traditional modeling. Good for models building personal brands.
Commission: 15-20% Best for: Fashion, digital content, social media models Reality: Modern approach to representation, diverse opportunities.
How These Agencies Actually Work
Commission Structure (All Markets)
| Type | Commission |
|---|---|
| Runway (fashion week) | 15-20% |
| Commercial/TV | 15-20% |
| Print/Photography | 15-20% |
| Digital/Social | 10-15% (sometimes flat rate) |
Critical rule: Commission comes AFTER you get paid. If an agency asks for money upfront, it's a scam.
What Gets Booked?
Here's what actually happens at these agencies:
Runway Models: Fashion weeks, high-fashion editorials, luxury brand campaigns. Income is sporadic but high-value. Can be slow to build.
Commercial Models: TV commercials, print ads for mainstream brands, catalog work. Steadier income, less glamorous, but consistent.
Social Media/Digital: TikTok, Instagram content, brand partnerships, digital advertising. Growing fast.
Parts Models: Hands, feet, legs, hair for specific shots. Often overlooked but high-earning niche.
Red Flags: How to Identify Fake Agencies
❌ Upfront fees — Real agencies take commission AFTER booking. Never before.
❌ "Guaranteed work" — Impossible promise. Even supermodels have dry spells.
❌ No recognizable models — Go to the agency's website. Can you name ANY of their models? If not, it's not a real agency.
❌ Requires in-house photographer — Legitimate agencies accept natural photos. They don't force you to pay for their photos.
❌ Thousands of "signed" models — Real agencies have 50-300. If they list 1000+, they're not actively booking anyone.
❌ Sketchy location — Real agencies have official offices, websites, phone numbers, business addresses. No exceptions.
How to Get Signed (Real Process)
Step 1: Prepare Your Photos
You don't need professional headshots. Natural photos are fine for initial submissions:
- 2-3 close-up face photos (natural light, no makeup or minimal makeup)
- 1-2 full-body shots (jeans and t-shirt, neutral stance)
- That's it.
Step 2: Research & Target
Don't blast every agency. Target 3-5 that fit your type:
- Look at their models
- Are you similar in look/age/type?
- Do they book the kind of work you want?
Step 3: Submit Properly
Visit their website. Most have a "Submissions" or "Apply" page. Follow their specific instructions—they're specific for a reason.
Sample email: ``` Subject: New Model Submission — [Your Name]
Hi,
I'm interested in representation and would like to submit my photos. My stats: 5'10", 24, US size 2-4
[Attach photos]
Thank you, [Name] [Phone number] [Email] ```
No sob stories. No "modeling is my passion." Just facts.
Step 4: Wait (and Don't Obsess)
Real agencies take 2-4 weeks to respond. If they're interested, they'll call you in for a meeting or Zoom call. If they don't respond, they're not interested. Move on.
Step 5: The Agency Meeting
If they ask you in:
- Bring 5-10 photos (printed or digital)
- Dress naturally (jeans, t-shirt, minimal makeup)
- Listen more than you talk
- Ask: "How do you see my career developing?" and "What's your commission structure?"
- Look at the office—is it professional?
Step 6: Read the Contract
Before signing anything:
- Understand the exclusivity terms
- Know the commission rates
- Understand how long the contract lasts
- Understand exit clauses (what if it's not working after 6 months?)
Ask questions. Real agencies will answer.
International Placement Through Mother Agencies
If you want a truly international career (US + Europe + beyond), some agencies coordinate globally. These are rare and only take models already with solid books.
New Wave Management represents models internationally with coordinated placements across Paris, New York, London, and Milan. Not easy to get into, but if you're serious about a global career and have the right book, this is the structure.
Building a Global Career: Key Markets Beyond US/UK
If you're serious about an international modeling career, understanding the major European markets is essential.
Paris
The fashion capital still matters enormously for runway and editorial work. Elite Paris is the top agency, representing models in shows and haute couture editorials. Marilyn Agency is a prestigious boutique known for editorial strength and developing unique looks.
Milan
The luxury and high-fashion hub. Elite Milano is Italy's most selective agency. Why Not Model Management offers high-quality representation with slightly more accessibility. Next Management Milano provides solid placements across fashion and commercial. Models wanting a coordinated Italy + international career often work with mother agencies.
The progression many models follow: Build your book in your home market (US/UK), then approach mother agencies or international houses for coordinated European placements. A solid book from London or New York opens doors much faster in Paris or Milan.
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q: Which agency should I approach first?
A: Start with boutique/mid-tier (The Lions, Muse, Trend in NYC; Wilhelmina in LA; Select or Cara in London). You're more likely to get taken seriously. Once you have runway experience, approach Ford/IMG/Elite.
Q: How long does it take to book work?
A: Depends. Commercial models might book within weeks. Runway models might take 3-6 months to get their first real booking.
Q: What if my agency isn't booking me?
A: After 3-6 months of zero activity, you can usually exit (check your contract). Don't stay with dead weight.
Q: Can I be with multiple agencies?
A: Not usually. You sign an exclusivity agreement. Some exceptions for niche (hand model + fashion model), but it's rare.
Q: Do I need a mother agency?
A: Only if you're serious about international runway work. Commercial models and most working models do fine with local agencies.
Q: What's the difference between a legitimate agent and a scammer?
A: Legitimate agents profit from YOUR work. Scammers profit from YOUR money. That's the distinction.
Next Steps: Get Started the Right Way
Finding the right agency is the foundation of a modeling career. The agencies listed here (Ford, IMG, Elite, Storm, etc.) are all legitimate. The key is matching yourself to the right one for your goals and look.
Start with boutique/mid-tier agencies. Build your experience. Once you have runway experience and a solid book, approach the major houses.
If you're targeting a truly global career with coordinated placements across major markets, New Wave Management operates with a mother agency structure across New York, Paris, Milan, and London—designed for models ready for international expansion.
Get started. Submit to agencies that make sense for you. The industry needs fresh talent. If you're serious and professional, someone will sign you.