Los Angeles is one of the top modeling cities in the world. There are many modeling agencies to choose from in Los Angeles, so knowing which ones are good and who should be avoided can be difficult. The important thing to remember when choosing a Los Angeles modeling agency is to find one that aligns with your talent and needs. All modeling agencies are different, so study these modeling agencies in Los Angeles carefully before applying.
Los Angeles is the best city in the world to get started as a model. There are more opportunities in a wide variety of areas including print, editorial and acting. If you are just getting started you’ll want to be in a city that will let you explore all the different areas of the modeling industry. Here are the best modeling agencies in Los Angeles to check out.
1. Wilhelmina Models
Wilhelmina Cooper founded Wilhelmina Models in 1967 and they now have agency locations in London, Miami, Los Angeles and New York City. They also work with local agencies all over the United States to place models in any market. Their reach is limitless, so if you can sign with Wilhelmina Models it is a fantastic opportunity. Wilhelmina Models represents women, men and curve models.
Due to their high profile, Wilhelmina Models usually represents elite models within the industry. Some of the models and celebrities that they have represented include Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas. Over 2,100 models and entertainers are represented by Wilhelmina Models.
It is very hard to be represented by Wilhelmina Models. Due to their place in the industry they only take high profile models or those that they think have the potential to be a supermodel. It is much easier to sign with a boutique agency and then work your way up to signing with Wilhelmina Models.
Wilhelmina Models has a height requirement of 5’8″ for women and 6’0″ for men. If you are a famous entertainer and not a runway model the height requirement will not apply.
How to Apply to Wilhelmina Models: https://www.wilhelmina.com/become-a-model/
2. Bella Agency
Bella Agency was established in Los Angeles in 2011 and although they are a newcomer compared to some of the larger agencies, they have grown due to their commitment to working with a diverse cast of models. They agency got its footing in New York City in 2004 and after only 7 years they expanded to the Los Angeles market. Bella Agency has divisions for lifestyle, classic, influencers, youth, families, talent, theatrical, nonbinary and youth.
Bella Classic, which is their 40+ division for women, was launched in 2005 in New York City and is responsible for some of their explosive growth over the last decade. Bella Agency has been at the forefront of change in the modeling industry and were among the first to launch a separate influencers division.
Bella Agency places models with major national and international brands such as Target, Levi’s, Polo Jeans, Coca-Cola, and Pantene.
How to apply to Bella Agency: https://www.bellaagency.com/la/become-a-bella-model
3. NEXT Model Management
NEXT Los Angeles is part of the NEXT Modeling family that also has offices in New York, Paris, London, Milan and Miami. NEXT Los Angeles represents some of the top talent in the city but they also have a focus on discovering fresh faces in the industry. They have divisions for women, men, families, influencers, actors, musicians, dancers and photographers.
NEXT has been around since the 1980’s so they are not new to the scene. They place their top end models in publications such as Elle, Vogue, and Marie Claire. If you are a fresh face in Los Angeles don’t hesitate to apply with NEXT Models.
How to apply to Next Models: https://www.nextmanagement.com/be-discovered
4. Ford Models
Ford Models in Los Angeles has divisions for men, woman and curve models. You can apply to be a Ford Model directly on their website. As with most modeling agencies they’ll want to see you with your hair pulled back and no makeup. Ford Models is an elite modeling agency in Los Angeles representing top talent worldwide.
Ford Models has a plus size curve division that is actively seeking new models. Ford Models is among the most influential names in plus size modeling, having helped Ashley Graham start her very successful career. If you are a plus size model that needs representation, Ford Models should be on the top of your list.
How to apply to Ford Models: https://fordmodels.com/get-scouted
5. Vision
Vision Los Angeles was established in 1999 and serves as a boutique agency in the Los Angeles area. This high fashion and beauty agency is dedicated to the discovery of fresh faces in the industry. With a focus on development they won’t just sign you and disappear. They take a more hands on approach than some larger agencies in making sure their models are paired with organizations that are a great fit for them.
Vision Los Angeles strives to be at the front of the social media world with their models. When many agencies shy away from social media, Vision Los Angeles is pushing the limits and helping new models break through.
How to apply with Vision Los Angeles: https://www.visionlosangeles.com/submit
6. LA Models
LA Models is a true local modeling agency in Los Angeles. This is rare in an age where most agencies have offices in New York and Chicago also. As a local agency they are more in tune to the needs and movement of modeling in California. If you are a new model, they are worth checking out as you won’t be competing with models from New York, Paris and Milan. Even though they have a focus on local models, it doesn’t mean they are small. In fact LA Models is one of the largest agencies on the west coast.
With divisions for men, women, curve and junior models, LA Models is a good fit for most models. The agency was started in the 1980’s by Heinz Holba. LA Models has placed clients in magazines such as Elle and Vogue.
LA Models runs an influencers division under the name Slash Management.
How to apply with LA Models: https://www.lamodels.com/
7. CM Models
CM Models is truly international with offices from Hamburg, Germany to Los Angeles, California. They are somewhat new to the scene, having started in 2015, but are quickly expanding their network all over the world. They have divisions for women, men and curve models.
How to apply to CM Models: https://cmmodels.com/agency/application/
8. Otto Models
Otto Models is a Los Angeles modeling agency that serves as a mother agency. It is run by Tereza and Jason Otto. They have a sole focus on Southern California and specialize in serving models from Los Angeles and San Diego. They have divisions for men, women, fitness, commercial, editorial and runway.
How to apply to Otto Models: https://ottomodels.com/become-a-model/
9. Q Model Management
Like many other agencies, Q Model Management has offices in New York and Los Angeles. They were launched in 1998 in New York City and are led by Jeffrey Kolsrud. They work with high end clients such as Lancôme, Revlon, Apple, Nike, Pantene, and Sephora among others. Q Models stays ahead of trends in the modeling world and tries to adapt faster and better than larger agencies.
Their commercial print models have been featured in magazines such as GQ, Outside and Glamour. With divisions of men, women and curve models, they are a good fit for most adult models.
How to apply to Q Models: https://www.qmanagementinc.com/become-a-model?agency=la
10. Genetic Models Management
Genetic Models Management is a boutique agency that is only located in the Los Angeles market. They were founded in 2012 and are a great place for new models as they have a focus on scouting and development. Genetic Models Management represents men and women in the Los Angeles area. Men are required to be 6’0″ and women must be 5’8″ to apply.
How to apply to Genetic Models Management: https://www.geneticmodelsmanagement.com/contact
11. Ashton Models
Ashton Models has divisions for women, men, kids and fitness models. They are located in Beverly Hills, CA and have a very hands on approach to managing their models. They only represent a select few models, but don’t be afraid to apply if you are a new model in the area. They are always looking for that next up and coming model.
Men must be at least 6’0″ tall while women must be at least 5’8″. They also have a development program for teens.
How to apply to Ashton Models: https://www.astonmodels.com/page/submit/
How Do I Get Signed To A Modeling Agency In Los Angeles
The key to getting signed to a modeling agency in Los Angeles is to make contact with agencies where you fit the qualifications of models they are looking for. Study each agency closely and read the fine print on their submissions page. If you don’t meet the height requirement of a particular agency you should move on to the next one. Be accessible to the agents, including making yourself easy to reach on social media and through email. We suggest setting up a modeling email that your check regularly.
