Once the child's aspirations to become a model start to arise, one of the questions that will naturally pop up sooner or later is about the need to hire a talent agent. Learn more about whether parents should do it or not below.
- It brings industry experience on board. Depending on the market, it may become invaluable guidance for modeling.
- Consider the seriousness of the modeling aspirations. If the kid wishes to do it sparingly, it might not be worth hiring a talent agent.
- Do not commit long-term at first. As the kid is only starting, any deals signed should always be flexible.
Pro: Agents Can Guide The Kid Due To Knowing The Entertainment Industry In And Out
Chances are that the majority of parents won’t be overly familiar with the various nuances to take note of while working in the modeling industry. Model agents, on the other hand, should know this field like the back of their hand and have established connections through the various ladders of the modeling world.
It can help up-and-coming models with a minimal amount of experience to gain extra ground when searching for new gigs, as professional model agents may receive invitations to submit their clients to various well-known brand auditions that are otherwise not available for applications of the general public. The immediate networking possibilities through their agent can also allow the kid to establish their own industry connections that can last well into adulthood if they wish to continue to pursue modeling.
Talent agents typically have the necessary expertise to guide the aspiring kid model towards career choices that align with their strengths and personality for a greater chance of succeeding in the long run, instead of chasing gigs that they may not be realistically suitable for. Agents already have connections with modeling coaches and other industry professionals who can help the kids improve as performers.
Con: Parents Have To Share Control Over Their Kids' Modeling Career With The Agent
Of course, hiring a talent agent for the kid means this will become one of the very first times for parents when they really have to put trust in their child’s future in the hands of, at least initially, a stranger. While a modeling agent is more of a partner than the boss in this collaboration, they will likely prioritize their professional opinions over those normally modeling agents try to align their work with the values and vision of the family that has chosen them to represent the aspiring kid model; there is always a possibility of difference in opinions.
In the scenario of ending the working relationship with an agent, there is a real possibility that the contacts gained through them also get lost in the process, and the kid model has to begin this aspect of modeling anew. Without a talent agent involved, the kid model and their parents can build their own relationships within the industry from scratch themselves.
Pro: Agents Have The Knowledge To Handle Most Of The Kids’ Modeling Formalities
Despite being at a young age, the formal and administrative requirements regarding kids' modeling careers are not much different from what an adult career would be like. It might end up being a time-consuming, if not even downright problematic, venture for their parents, while it literally is the full-time job for modeling agents.
If hired, agents are the ones who are creating and improving the absolute must-have document for models of any age - a professional modeling portfolio, including arrangements regarding headshots and other necessary information for it. They will also be in charge of the young model’s schedule, making sure the auditioning plans do not interfere with their other obligations, including academic work. This significantly frees up parents' hands from most of the paperwork involving their child, and allows them to focus on them further improving as performers and in other fields of life instead.
Once the auditions end up being successful for the kid, their agents will also be instantly ready to negotiate favorable terms and rates with the respective client. Talent and modeling agents will also ensure that all the industry standards are upheld regarding their young clients. This includes ensuring proper working conditions, receiving age-appropriate working hours, and all applicable laws during the length of the kids participating in the respective project.
Con: There Are Certain Risks And Limitations Involved When Models Are Working With Talent Agents
Sometimes, the need to hire a talent agent for an aspiring kid model may also depend on the level of commitment towards the whole ordeal. Talent agents earn their salary through commission from booked modeling gigs; thus, if the kid is unsure about seriously pursuing modeling and just wants to try it out as a potentially fun pastime at first, it is probably best for everybody involved if the family continues to see through these initial aspirations on their own. If the kid's ambitions regarding a career in modeling grow, it might be time to consider hiring a talent agent more seriously.
Speaking of agents' commissions, parents must be vigilant when signing an agreement, as there is a risk they might require a different type of compensation model. In the United States, there is no legal option for talent agents to receive their payment in advance. Depending on the state, the commission may be somewhere around 10 to 20 percent for total earnings. This means the overall pay that the child and their parents will ultimately take home will be significantly smaller than if the family handles all of the aspects of starting a modeling career themselves. Similarly, as described previously, only occasional modeling gig pursuits of the child are probably not the most efficient approach when hiring the agent, also in terms of ultimate financial gains from it.
Parents should always refrain from signing long-term agreements, as the kid is only starting off with the modeling pursuits, and at that age, situations can change very quickly. The results delivered by the respective service provider might be underwhelming, and prematurely made long-term commitments may end up as an unpleasant nuance, if not a downright costly mistake. If the child and their family are based in a place where the modeling market is of an increased competitiveness level, like, for example, it historically is in industry epicenters like Los Angeles and New York, it is probable to be able to navigate through it by themselves, and without the otherwise useful modeling insider knowledge that agents can provide.
