What representation means
The agency acts for you. It develops your book, puts you forward to clients, negotiates fees, handles bookings and paperwork, and takes commission on the work. In return you usually agree to work through that agency, at least in one market.
Representation suits new faces, anyone who wants a career built step by step, and people who would rather not negotiate for themselves.
What a brand introduction means
The agency connects you with a specific brand or client that fits you, without taking over everything else you do. You might already have an agency in another city, work independently, or have an audience of your own as a creator.
Introductions suit established models looking for particular clients, creators who already run their own business, and people for whom modelling sits alongside another career.
How each is paid for
Representation is paid for by commission on the work the agency books for you. An introduction is usually paid for the same way, as an agreed share of the work that comes from it. Either way, the terms should be clear before anything is arranged, and you should not be asked for money up front.
If you are a creator
Brands choosing creators look at who follows you, how those people respond, the quality of what you make and whether you deliver on time. A large audience helps, but a smaller one that fits the brand closely often matters more. Have your handles, your audience figures and two or three examples of past work ready to share.
If you already have an agency
Read your contract before you approach anyone else. Many agreements are exclusive, sometimes for a single market and sometimes everywhere. If yours is, talk to your agency first. A mother agency, the one that first signed you, will often arrange placements with agencies in other markets itself.
How to decide
- Choose representation if you are starting out, want guidance, or want someone else to handle clients and money.
- Choose introductions if you already have representation or a working business, and want access to particular brands.
- Say both if you are not sure. The agency can tell you which makes sense once it has seen your photos.
At Star
Our form asks which you are looking for: representation, brand introductions or both. It also asks whether you already have an agency, so we know how to approach it. Apply here.
Quick answers
- Can I be with two model agencies at once?
- It depends on your contracts. Agencies in different markets often work together through a mother agency. Two agencies in the same market is usually ruled out by exclusivity.
- What is a mother agency?
- The agency that first signs and develops a model, and then places them with agencies in other cities or countries. It usually takes a share of the commission on that work.
- Do I need a large following for brand introductions?
- No. An audience helps with creator campaigns, but brands also book on look, skill and fit.
