Ask The Agents Q&A: How to Get Signed as a Model

In this special Ask The Agents deep-dive, Chelsea Bonner answers one of the most common questions aspiring models ask – how do you actually get signed by an agency? From what agents look for to avoiding common mistakes, Chelsea shares insider advice from two decades in the industry.

Q: What do agencies actually look for when signing new models?

Our team has hundreds of conversations every week about upcoming campaigns, brand strategies, and casting needs. So when we scout, we’re thinking about who will work best across fashion, commercial, film, TV, and creative content. We constantly monitor magazines, campaigns, and international runways to spot emerging trends. Film and television releases often influence the marketing and advertising cycle, and staying across that helps us anticipate what clients will want next. This same knowledge goes into scouting.

It’s important to remember it’s not just about bone structure or height. We’re also looking at charisma, on-camera presence, attitude, professionalism, and your ability to work collaboratively. While we work for you (much like a business coach), it’s a partnership. We want to work with people who are invested, adaptable to market shifts, reliable, and open to feedback,  that’s the key to long-term success. Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of people who were told they weren’t marketable because of height, size, or ethnicity. I’ve found that all of those arbitrary rules are thrown out the window when the talent is willing to do the work to overcome those industry biases. It can take longer to break through when you’re going against ingrained prejudice, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Q: How do I know what kind of model I am?

Understanding your market is crucial. Are you a high-fashion runway model, a commercial print model, a fitness or beauty model, or perhaps a plus-size or curve model? Each category has its own requirements and ideal clients. In Australia, our market is smaller, so there’s often overlap — you’ll likely do both commercial campaigns and fashion shoots. But knowing your primary category helps you target the right agencies and build your portfolio strategically.

Q: What does “being photogenic” really mean?

Being photogenic isn’t about being the prettiest person in the room – it’s about how your features translate through the camera. Lenses flatten faces, so depth, symmetry, and bone structure make a big difference.Photogenic faces tend to have strong features that create natural light and shadow contrast. But anyone can improve their camera connection. Practice self-expression through your eyes, play with light angles, and experiment with emotion. Your ability to create feeling through your eyes is often what separates a good model from a great one. This applies to any on-camera performance, still photography, film, or video content. Practice emotions like happiness, sadness, gratitude, hope, serenity, and joy. When you think of real moments from your life as you work, that authenticity radiates through the lens and is captured by thephotographer.

Q: Do I need professional photos to apply to an agency?

No. You don’t need professional photos, just good-quality digitals. Take them in soft, natural light, ideally near a window or outdoors in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid heavy makeup, filters, or busy backgrounds. Agencies want to see the real you. Wear something simple and fitted, like jeans and a tank. If you’re interested in swimwear or lingerie work, include a clean, well-lit swimsuit shot. And please, check what’s behind you in the frame. We’ve seen too many laundry baskets and unmade beds!

Q: What’s the right way to submit to an agency?

Most agencies use an online submission form, but some still hold digital open calls. Always follow the submission instructions carefully. Never mass-email every agency at once  it looks unprofessional and signals you haven’t done your research. Look at the talent an agency already represents and ask yourself if you fit their board. Be brutally honest. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache by applying only to agencies that genuinely align with your look and goals.

Q: What are the biggest red flags for agents when reviewing submissions?

Poor-quality photos, unrealistic expectations, and bad communication. Modelling is hard work, and signing with an agency isn’t a shortcut to instant fame. It takes dedication, consistency, and humility. Agents want to work with models who respect the process, are reliable, and treat their careers like a business partnership. Ghosting your agent or being unresponsive when potential bookings come up is a fast way to lose opportunities and trust. Most clients will have three people on their shortlist and want a fast response to confirm availability. If a model can’t be reached or delays responding, the client will simply move to the next option. I know many models who are booked consistently because of reliability alone.

Q: How long does it really take to build a career?

On average, it takes about three years to establish a sustainable modelling career.

Year 1: Build your assets, do test shoots, attend castings, and meet people.
Year 2: Refine your look and portfolio, analyse what’s working, and deepen your relationships with clients and photographers.
Year 3: Momentum builds, word spreads, and your name starts to carry weight in the industry.

Like any career or business, success comes from consistency, professionalism, strategy, and patience.

Q: What final advice would you give to aspiring models?

Know your market, research your agencies, and don’t get discouraged by rejection.

Your digitals and social media are your second portfolio, so make sure they represent the person you are and the career you want to have. Clients will often look you up before a final casting to check for red flags or anything that suggests a mismatch in brand values.

And most importantly,  take the advice and guidance offered by your agent. Modelling is a partnership. You and your agent are a team, and while there are no guarantees in this industry, the effort you put in behind the scenes directly impacts how far your career can go.

Want more?

This article is based on our Ask The Agents podcast series. Listen to the full episode, How to Get Signed as a Model, on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oBH3FOk3F7u07NuhHeU80?si=HDROySJyT0OkUVdGTp7BTQ