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There is a whole industry that has developed to take advantage
of those who would like to become models. They are far removed
from the world of actual professional modeling. This modeling
scam and rip-off industry makes its money by alluding to or promising
great careers in modeling, but first you have to pay them up
front. Of course your modeling career never comes about and your
money is long gone. These enterprises prey upon your hopes and
dreams of becoming a star and they are betting on your lack of
knowledge about how the modeling industry really works. This
leach industry seems to be getting bigger everyday.
These enterprises fall into three categories: the scam, the
rip-off, and those that just run bad businesses. All will take
your money and give little or nothing in return.
The scam operation conducts fraudulent and illegal activities.
This type of enterprise has no intention of delivering on what
it promises. They make big promises and guarantees and usually
ask for a substantial sum of money up front, and then they vanish
in the night.
The rip-off is a big category, and it's not illegal. Companies
operating rip-off schemes make vague promises or they tout one
or two models (out of thousands whose money they've taken) that
actually succeeded in a career. They will work with anyone who
pays money up front, and they tell everyone they have some type
of talent, whether or not they really do. The rip-off companies
can include modeling agencies that charge up front for signing
fees and photo shoots, or that require you take their class before
they will work with you. Also in this category are some of the
modeling conventions, searches, and competitions. Many virtual
modeling sites are springing up all over the web. New rip-off
enterprises are starting up every day.
The bad business category includes enterprises that are trying
to conduct a legitimate business, but just don't know what they
are doing. They do not have the essential knowledge of the industry
they need or they may be poorly located. These businesses might
include someone who sets up a modeling agency in a too-small
market area, or a photographer offering to shoot professional
modeling portfolios but does not have the skill level to carry
it off, or it might be a modeling school that should really be
called a finishing school (offering classes in image enhancement,
or using outdated teaching materials). I think these businesses
mean well but they still cost money for classes or photos that
are ultimately useless.
If your goal is to become a professional model, remember that
all of the scams, rip-offs, and bad businesses that promise to
take you to that goal are, in fact, barriers to it. Watch for
the warning signs.
Warning Signs
Warning signs of a scam, or a less than legitimate, or a poorly
run agency. If you find any of these warning signs, it does not
necessarily mean the business is a scam operation but be sure
to ask a lot of questions, and be sure the business gives good
answers. Always check references! New York City is the exception
to many of these warning signs.
1) Newspaper classified ads or display ads looking for any
kind of model or talent (other than nude glamour modeling, i.e.
models for the adult entertainment industry). Reputable modeling
agencies receive plenty of would-be model inquiries so they don't
need to advertise for models. If they are short of talent they
will send their scouts out to public places to look for potential
talent.
2) Pictures of famous New York supermodels on the walls of
their offices, or these models' comp cards on a wall rack. Top
New York fashion models do not need a modeling agency in small
town USA.
3) Up-front fees. These could be signing fees, new account
fees, evaluation fees, etc. If an agency has to charge money
at the front end it means that there is not enough money at the
back end. It also means that the agency probably does not have
enough modeling work to be able to survive on commissions, and
therefore, not enough work for a model to survive on either.
4) "We are interested in you but you need to test shoot
with our photographer and it's going to cost you." Legitimate
agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you
may go to on your own. Many will have a place by the front door
for photographers' business cards that you can take on your way
out. You should be free to go to any photographer you choose.
If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer,
watch out. A twist on this theme is when the agency provides
the photo session at no charge, then charges you a high fee (example, $700)
for a "professional" makeup artist. You will need photos
at some point but you should be free to shop around and find
your own photographer and makeup artist.
5) "We are interested in you but you need to go through
our classes first and it is going to cost you." Again money
at the front end means not enough modeling work at the back end.
A combination school/modeling agency has a conflict of interest.
For example, SAG (Screen Actors Guild) member agencies cannot
offer both.
6) "We guarantee you work." Modeling agencies are
not employers. They represent you and try to get work for you.
Most of the time they don't know for sure what type of job will
come in or what 'look' may be needed, thus there is no way a
legitimate agency can guarantee you work. The best they can do
is to give you an idea of their track record on placements. But
remember that past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
7) "As it says in our ad in the local newspaper we guarantee
you work, just like the famous models on our walls, just as soon
as you go through our modeling classes, shoot with our photographer,
and pay our agency fees." RUN, do not walk, to the nearest
exit.
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