Best Seattle Modeling Agencies

Seattle isn't New York, but it has a working modeling scene, mostly commercial and catalog work for local and national brands. Many models start here and move on later.

Here are ten agencies in Seattle and the wider Pacific Northwest, with what each handles and who it suits. We're not affiliated with any of them. If you're also looking at the East Coast, see our list of the best NYC modeling agencies.

What an agency does for you

A modeling agency finds you jobs and negotiates the pay, and takes a commission from what you earn. That's the whole deal. It pitches you to clients, advises you on your portfolio and career, and handles the contracts. Some agencies are modeling-only, others also represent actors and voice talent.

Ten agencies to know

TCM Models & Talent

TCM is a boutique-style Seattle agency that represents models and other talent.

It's known for developing new faces and for work with local employers. It lists Starbucks, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer and Amazon among its clients.

Good for newer models who want to work both locally and further afield.

SMG Model Management

Joanne Meyers started SMG in 1978 and it's a full-service agency for fashion, lifestyle and corporate work.

Long track record, so it's worth a look if you want an agency with history. Ask about its current roster and what kinds of jobs it books most.

Heffner Management

Heffner has been around since 1984 and is one of the older agencies in the region.

It represents high-end fashion, commercial and plus-size models, men and women, and offers career development to newer models.

Reported clients include Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Calvin Klein, Burberry and Hermes, and magazine work in GQ, Seventeen and Teen Vogue.

Seattle Talent

Seattle Talent represents actors and models, including kids and teens, for commercials, photo shoots, TV and film.

It's a decent pick if you want to do on-camera work as well as modeling.

Tiffany Talent Agency

Tiffany Talent represents actors, voice-over artists and models in the Northwest.

Reviews are mixed, with some people positive and others not. Read recent reviews and ask questions before you sign anything.

QuickBook Modeling

QuickBook describes itself as an established agency that places models on jobs across several cities.

The source called it trustworthy and fairly paid, but that's one writer's claim. Check recent reviews from models who've worked with them.

Bell Modeling and Talent Agency

Bell has an office in Bellevue and represents both union and non-union talent of different ages and backgrounds.

It books commercials, voice work, print and stage. The agency says it works with people of all ethnicities and ages.

Muse Model Management

Muse is a Portland, Oregon agency (not Seattle) that goes after both regional and international work.

It lists clients including Hollister, Abercrombie, Macy's, Nike, Adidas, Fred Meyer and Footlocker.

A reasonable choice if you're willing to work in the Portland market as well.

Emerald City Model and Talent

Emerald City is a Seattle agency covering a wide mix of ages and genders, with an emphasis on real-looking people for ads, video and print.

It lists the Sounders, Seahawks, the Washington State Lottery and Ford commercials among its clients.

MAM Talent Agency

Mitchell Artist Management is a Pacific Northwest agency that books actors, models and background performers for film, broadcast, theater and events.

Clients include Prime Video, Redfin and Rubbermaid.

Most of its roster is actors and voice artists rather than pure fashion models, so ask how much fashion work it does.

What it takes to model in Seattle

Height helps but isn't everything. Fashion models are commonly around 5'8" to 6'0" for women and taller for men, though commercial and plus-size work have different ranges.

Agencies also want something fresh. Looks alone don't get you through, and clients remember models who are easy to work with and take feedback well. Expect to be told no a lot. Models who stay in the business are the ones who treat criticism as information.

For most people in a mid-size market, modeling is part-time or side income next to another job, and that's normal.

How to spot a modeling scam

Legitimate agencies earn a commission when you get paid. A few red flags:

• You're asked to pay to sign. Don't pay "registration," "portfolio" or "scouting" fees to get representation.
• They insist on their own photographer or classes. Especially if you have to pay for them.
• High pressure. "Sign today or lose your spot" is a sales tactic.
• Contract you can't leave. Know the commission, the length and the exit terms. Have someone you trust read it, and if you're under 18, a parent should.
• No real track record. Look for an actual office, a working website and consistent reviews. Search the agency name with "scam."

Start with one or two agencies that fit your look and submit through their own sites. Look at local agencies before you look at anyone who approaches you first.