Modeling School Scams

Modeling schools do not transform people into models. While the schools can teach you how to dress, walk and apply make-up, there are very strict criteria for modeling, especially in high fashion.

Decide what you want from a school before you make a decision that can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Some schools will accept all applicants, regardless of their real chances of becoming a professional model. Others are more discerning and will be honest about your chances, given your talent, measurements and looks. Still others won’t take you unless they believe you really have the potential to work in the business.

There are people at modeling schools who tell aspiring models who is, and who is not, "agency ready". How do modeling school staff know who is "agency ready"? A modeling school is not an agency. If they are not an agency, they don't book models. If they don't book models, then they do not know whether the student is considered "agency ready" or not.

If modeling school employees and representatives cannot convince prospective models they are unprepared to approach agencies and get modeling jobs through agencies, they will have no students. Therefore it is to be expected that many modeling schools are going to lie, deceive, and trick aspiring models into believing they are unfit to model.

There is nothing to prevent modeling schools from exploiting the conflict of interest once, frequently, or all the time. There are no laws governing education at modeling schools. The modeling industry has no standards, modeling schools have no standards, and modeling school staff have no standards.

Many people who are unfamiliar with the modeling industry have made the mistake of assuming some modeling schools were modeling agencies. This has happened, for example, with John Casablancas Career Centers. John Casablancas used to be the leader of a top agency - Elite Model Management - and many aspiring models associated his past with the present situation. John Casablancas Career Centers, however, are not modeling agencies, and Mr. Casablancas is no longer at Elite. He reportedly left the Elite agency in 2000. Just as some potential models have made a mistake without coercion, others have been led to believe a school was an agency, because the school acted as if it was an agency, behaving similarly to agencies by using "model scouts," open calls, and telling young people they had been "selected."

It is my understanding that classes at some of these schools are very expensive. I do know that several modeling schools run ads that say "Talent Scout Needed, No Experience Necessary". Then these so-called "talent scouts" go out to malls and places where kids hang out. They approach the kids, stating that they are Talent Scouts, and that they are holding "auditions" for certain shows, etc. They tell the kids that they are perfect for these roles, etc. Then when they get the parents to bring the kids to these "auditions", they give the hard sell on their program and classes.

Few people enrolled at modeling schools, or signed up by scam agencies, know about “open calls” at modeling agencies. At least once a week, model managers and agents have an open call — a period of time when they look over people off the street who want to know if they have a chance. Open calls are great places to start, because you will get free evaluations by experienced agents. Prospective models are required to bring a few snapshots with them to open calls.

Whether you are looking for an acting coach or teacher or a modeling school, talk to former and current students, audit classes and try to interview the prospective teacher first. If you can’t meet the teacher personally, check out his or her resumé—before you sign up.

How much models get paid

There is no one average pay rate for models. How much a model is paid for any particular job depends on many different factors such as the market the model is working in. A runway show in Miami might pay less than a runway show in Milan, Italy. The level of the model is also a major factor. A model who is "hot right now" or a "supermodel" would command a much higher rate than a more novice, lesser known model. And of course, the type of modeling job makes a big difference in pay scale.

Unlike actors, there is no union such as SAG governing the modeling industry, therefore no wage limits are imposed on employers of models. The pay can be as little as minimum wage to thousands of dollars per shoot and upward.

What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines:

"We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

* "Your deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

* "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.

* "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.

* "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

* "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

United States Modeling Legal Requirements for Foreigners

You will need an American Model Agency certified by the United States Department of Labor to sponsor you for an H1, B3 Visa. If your Visa is approved you can work legally in the United States for up to 3 years. Visas can be renewed.

You must be a model of "international acclaim". This means you must have modeled in other countries. Generally the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service will require tear sheets from several magazines you were in. If you have never been in any magazines, it is considerably more difficult but still possible.

Wardrobe for modeling agency interviews

Always dress properly for interviews with agents. Dress sexy, fashionable, and look tall. Clothing that highlights your best assets help greatly.

You need to wear something that allows them to clearly see your bust, hip and waist measurements. The typical model wardrobe is skinny jeans or leggings and a fitted top, with high heels. You could also wear a fitted dress as long as it hugs your figure.

Do not dress like a stripper. Sexy is very different than cheap or vulgar. Hair, skin, nails must be done perfectly. Makeup must be light and natural.

Important Safety Information

NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a photography studio or modeling agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

Let the photographer know that you have informed someone of your whereabouts, and bring a cell phone.

Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consist of, and never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing. If nothing else go by your gut feeling.

Remember your body is yours, and if anyone comes within your safety zone, be sure to let them know. I have found that more reputable photographer's will NOT touch you. If you feel uncomfortable as stated before, tell them so. That is your right.

On a professional fashion shoot there is usually a stylist there who will keep your wardrobe neat during the shoot, but make sure anything they do is not inappropriate.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at go-sees or on a photo shoot.

Modeling Information