Best NYC Modeling Agencies

If you want to model professionally, New York is where the biggest agencies are. This guide covers 15 of them, what each is known for and who it might suit, after a quick look at what an agency actually does.

What a modeling agency does

An agency is basically your employment agent. It introduces you to designers, photographers and advertisers, negotiates your rates and contracts, and takes a commission from what you earn. It also helps with your portfolio and plans your career.

A good one also vets the job. It can tell you whether a shoot is legitimate, who you'll be working with and whether the set is safe. That's a big reason to work with a reputable agency instead of booking yourself.

The first modeling agency in New York is usually credited to John Powers, in 1923.

15 New York agencies

IMG Models

IMG has offices in New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Paris and Sydney.

It says it doesn't sort talent by race, age or size. Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber are among the names linked to it.

A natural target if you're aiming at the top tier.

FORD Models

Eileen and Jerry Ford founded it in New York in 1946, and it's one of the best-known agencies in the world.

It has represented models of different ages and sizes, including teenagers. Names linked to it include Brooke Shields, Beverly Johnson and Suzy Parker.

NEXT Model Management

Faith Kates and Joel Wilkenfeld started NEXT in 1989.

It represents models, actors and singers, and has a reputation for strong branding. Selena Forrest, Binx Walton and Grace Elizabeth are on its list.

The Society Management

Society started in 2013 and is the U.S. arm of the Elite World network, which also runs the Elite Model Look contest in the U.S.

Its roster has included Adriana Lima, Lindsey Wixson, Josephine Skriver and Sigrid Agren.

Wilhelmina New York

Founded in 1967 by Dutch supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper, Wilhelmina is one of the biggest names in the business.

It represents women, men, curve and fitness models, plus entertainers and creators. Nicki Minaj, Niall Horan and Demi Lovato have been linked to its roster.

Elite Model Management

Elite began in Paris in 1972 and has offices in New York and other cities.

It's associated with early supermodels, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum and Gisele Bundchen.

DNA Model Management

Jerome and David Bonnouvrier started DNA in the mid-1990s, which makes it newer than some of the giants.

It pushes its models toward activism on women's issues and charity work.

Listed models include Imaan Hammam, Edie Campbell and Emily Ratajkowski.

Women Management

Women Management started in New York in 1988 and has grown into a major fashion agency.

It talks up inclusiveness and diversity, and invites applications from minority groups. Linked models include Bianca Balti, Kylie Bax and Anna Ewers.

The Lions Model Management

The Lions is a small New York agency founded in 2014 by people who had worked in the industry as models.

The idea was to improve conditions for new models based on their own experience with other agencies. Grace Bol and Jamie Bochert are among those named.

Silent Model Management

Silent is a New York agency founded in 2008.

It's known for representing only women, and for being active in discussions of industry change after the Me Too movement.

Linked models include Snejana Onopka, Isabeli Fontana and Carmen Kass.

JAG Models

Jaclyn Sarka and Gary Dakin founded JAG in 2013.

It's a small agency that promotes a wide range of body types and looks and describes itself as breaking stereotypes.

Fusion Models

Fusion presents itself as Brooklyn's first high-fashion agency, with models in campaigns for Zara, Chloe and Alexander McQueen.

State Management

State Management began in 2015 and represents up-and-coming models and artists, plus fit models.

Linked names include Evans Ikechukwu, Daisya Collins and Yannick Sako.

Muse Management

Muse is a fashion and sports modeling agency based in Portland, Oregon, not New York.

It has also offered creative direction and online reputation management.

Heroes Model Management

Heroes is a small agency in SoHo, founded in 2015, with both new and established models.

It says it wants to bring clarity back to model management, and has worked with the British Fashion Council to include more Black models.

How to spot a modeling scam

Agencies earn a commission when you work. Be careful if:

• They ask for money to sign. No upfront "registration," "portfolio" or "scouting" fees.
• They push their own photographer or classes. Especially at your cost.
• They pressure you. "Sign today or lose your spot" is a sales line.
• The contract is vague. Know the commission, the term and how to leave. Have someone check it, and a parent if you're under 18.
• You can't verify them. Look for a real office, a working website and consistent reviews. Search the name with "scam."

Submit through each agency's own website, and check the submission rules first. They differ from agency to agency.