Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Kendall Jenner are four of the most sought-after, well-known, and highly-paid supermodels in the world right now. They also have one other thing in common: they started modelling in their teens. As such, if you ask young aspiring models today who their inspirations are, chances are, you will hear one or more of these names.

If your teenage daughter also has dreams of becoming a supermodel, you can show your support and help mold her into the model she wants to be by signing her up with a reputable talent and modelling agency.

Picking the Cream of the Crop

Each city has its fair share of modelling agencies so that choosing the best one can prove to be difficult. But by asking the agents the right questions, you will have a higher chance of selecting a trustworthy agency that will only have your daughter’s best interests at heart.

When meeting with modelling agents, aside from helping your child prepare well to show off her modelling prowess and fashion sense, make sure you ask these important questions during the meet up:

1.     Does your agency have a licence?

All modelling agencies should have a business licence as proof that they are operating legally.

However, in some countries and states, modelling agencies also need to have a “talent agency” licence which the local department of labor or employment issues.

If you want to be sure your daughter won’t be handled by a shady, unscrupulous agency, during the meeting, ask the agents if they have all the right documents and licenses to operate. You can also request to see these permits or certificates if you want to see actual proof.

2.     How long has your agency been in business?

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workplace 1245776 640

The most reputable modelling agencies are the ones that have been in business for more than five years. Their longevity is an indication of their success.

Being around for a long time is also a good sign of an agency’s professionalism and their commitment to giving the best quality of service to both their clients and models.

3.     Do you require your talent to attend modelling school?

Some modelling agencies also offer modelling classes. Some also work in partnership with modelling schools. There is nothing wrong with having your daughter take up a modelling class with the agency or another school especially if she wants to and if you have the budget for it.

However, you and your daughter should never be forced to take up and pay for these classes.  If an agent says this is a prerequisite for all their models, it is best to look for another agency.

4.     What types of jobs do you usually book for your models?

To know if an agency can really help your daughter achieve her dreams of becoming a model, you need to know the types of modelling jobs they typically book for their talents.

Find out how many runway, editorial, commercial, and print modelling jobs they get for their models on a regular basis. If your daughter is interested in runway modelling, make sure the agency books these types of jobs regularly.

It is important that you take note of the agent’s answer to this question since this will help you and your daughter determine if the agency is the best one that will meet your child’s modelling goals.

5.     Who are some of your top and recurring clients?

Knowing the agency’s well-known and regular clients will also give you and your daughter insight into the quality and reputation of the agency.

In addition, by asking this question, you and your daughter will also get confirmation regarding the type of modelling jobs they usually get for their models.

6.     How much do you charge from your models?

In general, legitimate agencies make their money off commission. This means that most agencies do not charge sign-up and monthly fees.

Commission rates vary but most modelling agencies deduct 10% to 20% from what their models earn. This means that the agency will only start earning something once your daughter begins getting paid, too.

If you want to channel Yolanda Hadid and help your daughter be the next Gigi or Bella Hadid, finding the right modelling agency for your child is definitely a good start.

AUTHOR BIO

Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.