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MANAGEMENT FOR MODELS

When a model thinks about hiring a manager, the first question that has to be asked is:  "Why do you need one?"  That would suggest that models don't need managers.  That, of course, isn't true.  As with most professional talent, a manager serves an important purpose.  The problem is that most models don't know when to seek the services of a dedicated professional manager.

To answer the question, we need to break models down into three categories.  The first are those models whose goals are self-enrichment.  Put another way, a lot of models do this because they enjoy it, rather than as a career or source of income.  They do it as a hobby.

Amateur models do not need managers.  Indeed, rather than helping them, having a manager, even a professional one will hurt them.  Professional management is for professional models.


CALIFORNIA TALENT WILL YOU MANAGE ME? OUT OF STATE TALENT

 

That moves us to successful models.  If you are a super-model, you already have a manager.  If you are working often, you may not.  Something you have to understand though is that, unlike agents for actors, many modeling agencies also assume the management role as well.  That role is more than adequate for most beginning models.  Where a manager becomes useful for a successful model is when you have multiple agents and need a non-biased person on your side to resolve the conflicts and to help you make intelligent business decisions. There is a reason why most successful models will eventually have a manager.  The good news is that most experienced models will know, quite clearly, when it is time to get one.

What that leaves us with is new models.   Whether or not a new model needs a manager comes down to asking and answering two questions.  The first one is simple; do you have the look and the features that an agent wants? Put another way, can you walk into a major agency and get yourself signed?  Not a lot of models can, but in modeling, that is the brass ring, representation by a major agency in a major market.  If you can do that, you do not need a manager.  In most cases, your agent will do what you need to get you started.  A manager will just be a financial drain and a distraction.

If you can't get yourself signed on your own, then you have to ask the second question; do you have the potential to succeed in the business?  That is often a tough question to answer, but you have to be honest with yourself.  If the answer is seriously "yes;" and you want to do more with your career than promotional work and import modeling, then it is time to consider a professional manager.

A good manager is going to be able to look at your strengths as well as your weaknesses.  He will be able to look at your goals and your expectations.  More importantly, he will be able to judge your prospects of success.  If you couldn't get signed, there is a reason.  It could be your look, your personality or your approach.  It may be that your marketability is compromised by the simple fact that the agencies already have too many people similar to you.  It might even be that you just met the wrong representative.  It could also be that you are unrealistic.

In any event, a manager may be able to help you.  If you seek the services of a manager, you have to understand that they are not miracle workers or magicians.  If you have come to them because you couldn't do it yourself, they may not be able to do it either.  On the other hand, they might. 

Signing with a manager is a commitment.  If you decide to seek professional help, you need to find the right manager.  A good manager is worth his weight in gold a bad one isn't worth the price of the pen you signed with.


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