Becoming a Top Model (when you're still a nobody)
I should explain what I mean when I say ‘top model’. I don’t mean that the model is going to be the next face on the cover of Vogue. After all, those coveted covers are reserved for celebrities these days, not models.
A top model is a model, who can pull in the most clients and money for any given agency in any given town. In a large market, like New York, a top model at a reputable agency could work 3-4 times a week. In a medium size market, like Boston, a top model can work once a week, or once every other week. Mind you, I'm talking about paid work. Earnings also depend on the top models' availability. But of course, most top models have flexible schedules and can make it to any booked job.
In addition to the high earnings, most top models rarely attend castings as agents generally recommend them for direct bookings. Clients that they have worked with may also ask them back. This is because they have good relationships with their agents and their clients.
Most top models don’t start off getting inundated with bookings. They are not discovered, as most movies about modeling may lead you to believe. After all, attractive people are a dime a dozen as I have said many times. It’s really up to the agent to market the model, and agents only aggressively market models they like and can depend on. Their reputation and the reputation of their agency depend on that.
Agents generally start models off with smaller jobs, sometimes non-paying jobs. The reason? We want to see if the model will show up and show up on time. We want to see what the clients have to say about them - if they are pleasant, experienced, enthusiastic, etc. Basically, we are testing them to see if they are reliable and professional, and whether or not we can trust them with larger, higher paying jobs. Those clients are finicky and we would hate to lose them on the count of an irresponsible and inexperienced model.
Keep in mind that while it takes at least one year for a model to become a top model, it only takes one month for an agent to determine whether or not the new model has what it takes to be a high earner. So, take whatever jobs that come along in the first year. If you continue to have a good relationship with your agent, he will book you for the high paying jobs. Clients will begin to call the agency asking for you. You will no longer have to go to castings. You will be a top model.
