Are you trying to break into the modeling business, but don’t want to walk the runway? Commercial modeling offers many of the same perks as more popular modeling gigs, but with more regular work and fewer barriers to entry. Companies are always looking for new people to represent their products and increase their demographic appeal.
Commercial modeling can be a difficult career to crack, but once you’re in, all you need to secure regular work is a positive, professional attitude. Modeling is a fickle trade, but commercial modeling has greater security than other modeling gigs because this area focuses on inclusivity and diversity.
If you’re looking to get your start in commercial modeling, one of the best ways is to find an agency that you want to work with. There’s a wide variety of modeling agencies out there, and not all of them are reputable. Luckily, here are some of the top modeling agencies for aspiring commercial models.
Ford Models
Ford Models is one of the original modeling juggernauts. Formerly the Ford Modeling agency, Eileen and Gerard W. Ford founded the company in 1946. The agency’s headquarters are in New York but feature offices in most of the major fashion cities such as Paris, Chicago, and Miami.
Working with Ford Models is a dream for many. The modeling agency works with the biggest names in the industry and guarantees its models consistent, high-profile work. Given its prestige, it is difficult to get scouted for Ford Models, but worth your time to apply for the chance to work with them.
Aspiring models are encouraged to gain experience in the modeling industry before contacting Ford Models. Once you have a portfolio and resume all ready to go, you can go to the application page on their website to submit your information.
IMG Models
If you loved America’s Next Top Model, you may have already heard of IMG Models. IMG Models is Tyra Banks’ company and, unsurprisingly, is one of the most influential commercial modeling agencies in the industry.
IMG Models was founded in 1987 by Mark McCormack and quickly gained traction as one of the most high-profile agencies around due to its aggressive marketing strategies. In 2013, newly promoted president Ivan Bart predicted a shift in the modeling industry. Companies and people alike were unhappy seeing the same traditionally beautiful people plastered everywhere.
Bart sensed the shift and began scouting models accordingly. Today, IMG Models represents some of the most diverse and high-profile models. If you are a model with unique physical characteristics or a member of a disenfranchised community, consider reaching out to IMG Models on their scouting page.
Wilhelmina Models
Wilhelmina Models was founded in 1967 by Wilhelmina Cooper, an international modeling sensation and former Ford Models affiliate. Wilhelmina’s extensive experience modeling for the top modeling agency in New York during the 70s prepared her to found her own agency. Today, Wilhelmina Models is one of the oldest and most respected agencies in the world.
Wilhelmina Models does commercial work, but it also offers comprehensive agent services to entertainers, artists, musicians, and athletes. Some of the people represented by Wilhelmina Models include Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, and Robyn Lawley. If you’re a model with a myriad of talents, visit their scouting page to submit your information.
Marilyn Agency
Marilyn Gauthier founded the Marilyn Agency in 1985. For many of its early years, The Marilyn Agency exclusively worked in Paris. In 1997, the agency opened an office in New York City. With only two physical offices, the Marilyn Agency can be difficult to work with unless you live in NYC or Paris.
Established models will have an easier time working with the Marilyn Agency, but if you’re an aspiring model with the right look and connections you will certainly draw the interest of agencies. If relocating to another city isn’t a dealbreaker for you, you can find submission information on their website.
The Brock Agency
Unsurprisingly, the majority of modeling agencies are in high-profile cities like New York City and Paris. The Brock Agency flaunts this norm. Located in Hickory, North Carolina, the Brock Agency focuses on representing upcoming talent in a variety of modeling niches.
Unlike other modeling agencies on this list, The Brock Agency publicly advertises the commercial work available for models. The Brock Agency is a working model’s agency; it provides consistent, well-paying jobs for both aspiring and established models.
If you want to begin a serious career in commercial modeling, consider contacting The Brock Agency.
Elite Model Management
Elite Model Management is an international modeling agency associated with Elite World Group (EWG) Brands. Elite Model Management was founded in 1972 by John Casablancas, making it one of the oldest modeling agencies operating today.
Other modeling agencies affiliated with EWG with good reputations for model treatment include The Society, Women Management, Supreme Management, Elite Model Look, and Women 360. Most of these brands offer some form of commercial work. Apply on their contact page by submitting your photos and contact information, and answering a series of short essay questions.
Storm Los Angeles
Storm Los Angeles is a modeling agency in Studio City, Los Angeles. The agency is a part of Storm, an agency located in London. Storm Los Angeles focuses on talent that suits LA’s beauty and fashion scenes but offers occasional work in lateral niches, like commercial modeling.
Storm Los Angeles is one of many modeling agencies focused on catering their services to a specific geographic market. If you are an aspiring or established model living in or near the Los Angeles metropolitan area, consider partnering with Storm Los Angeles. Connecting with the company near your home could mean you will later receive opportunities worldwide.
To apply, submit your photos and contact information on their submissions page.
LA Models
LA Models is a Los Angeles modeling agency. Heinz Holba founded it in 1989 to bring international recognition to LA modeling. He was obviously successful, and today, the agency claims to be the largest on the West Coast and has an impressive international presence.
LA Models focus predominantly on fashion but does offer some commercial work. They are best suited for models with a fashion background, but amateur models are still welcome to apply on their website.
Ready to Strut Your Stuff?
Commercial modeling may seem less glamorous than other modeling niches, but the pay and work are often consistent. A healthy consumer market means companies are always looking for new faces to represent their products, making commercial modeling one of the easiest niches to land a job in.
Not only does commercial modeling offer consistent, well-paying work, but it can also lead to modeling opportunities in other niches. Commercial modeling agencies like The Brock Agency and Wilhelmina Models regularly host open calls for new talent. Ford Models and the Marilyn Agency offer excellent career advancement opportunities for established models.
If none of these agencies seem right for you, never fear! Many commercial models work locally, so surf your town’s job postings to see what opportunities may be available for you. If you want to make it big, finding an agency may be the first step in realizing your dreams of modeling professionally.
