Answering a Reader Question #496

Anonymous Wrote:

I was wondering what was needed in order to have your own successful modeling agency. Do you need to go to school? If you do, what would you major in? Or just mostly have connections? What is the owner of a modeling agency called? Sorry if these are dumb questions!

Hi, Anonymous!

Definitely not dumb questions at all!!! I can only speak about modeling agencies as they run and operate in the USA so that's what I'll talk about here (I don't know if you're in the U.S. or another country, as I do have international blog readers).

To have a successful modeling agency you don't technically need to go to school. However, most people ideally do get a degree in Business, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, etc. After all, it takes knowing how the business industry operates in general, plus studying this field in college introduces people to all aspects, including marketing, accounting, finance, funding and other topics that all relate to how to run a business.

That being said, it isn't mandatory to obtain a degree (but it's super helpful if you're in a position to do so). Having connections is definitely an advantage but there is still the huge task of establishing the agency, hiring people to work in it, finding clients and so on. Connections would probably come more in handy when it comes to finding models and clients/castings.

Each state in the U.S. has its own rules and regulations for running a business as well. So there are certain permits, business licenses, etc. that must be obtained in order for the state to recognize a company as an operating modeling agency. Because each state has its own requirements, you would have to check the official government website of the state where you plan on doing business in order to find out what paperwork/documentation is needed to do business legally within that state.

To sum it up, below are some of the key factors one would ideally need in order to own and operate a successful modeling agency:
  • Proper permits/business licenses to operate
  • Business savvy
  • Connections
  • Building to operate the modeling agency out of
  • Secretary for the lobby/front office
  • Bookers that work one-on-one with the models
  • Model scouts
  • Assistant(s)
  • Lawyer/Attorney
  • Modeling contracts
  • Models
The owner of a modeling agency is usually just called the "Owner" or they could be referred to as the "Founder" or "CEO." The titles are pretty interchangeable but "Owner" is typically the best suited title.

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