Want to know why plus size modeling agencies aren’t responding to your submissions? Below are 5 things you should consider the next time you submit yourself to a plus size modeling agency.
Getting signed with a plus size modeling agency can be so nerve racking in general. But it can be even more daunting when you submitted yourself to an agency or multiple agencies and you don’t know why you didn’t get a response.
I wrote this blog post so an aspiring plus size model can better understand why you may have not heard back or gotten signed. By the end of this post, you should have a better idea of what you can do to increase your odds of getting signed to plus size modeling agencies.
Granted there may be many reasons why someone may not get signed, but below are the top 5 reasons why!!
This post is all about why you aren’t hearing back from plus size modeling agencies!
Reasons You Didn’t Hear Back from Plus Size Modeling Agencies
1. No Portfolio
Some people just have “it” from the jump meaning, they just naturally know how to model from the jump with no experience or practice…. however, realistically, most people don’t have “it” lol. That’s why researching and practicing makes perfect and building a portfolio is crucial.
Now to be fair, you do not neeeed a portfolio to submit to agencies or get signed, but it significantlyyyy increases your odds for many reasons!!
First up, investing and creating a portfolio shows an agency you are serious about being a plus size model. If you invest in yourself, they’ll be inclined to invest in you too!
Second, a portfolio can show an agency how comfortable you are on camera, what your current posing and facials are like, and what else you may need to add to your portfolio to get more jobs from brands and more auditions from casting directors.
Third, current photos are important to agents to give to clients. If you already have an existing and CURRENT portfolio, an agency can start getting you submitted ASAP!!
For inspiration of what should be in your portfolio, check out my other blog post ‘5 Must-Have Photos in Your Plus Size Modeling Portfolio That Will Get You Booked‘ for more help and inspiration!
2. Bad Digitals
When submitting to most modeling agencies, they will ask for digitals in the submission section.
Digitals essentially are designed to show off your natural beauty before all glam and photoshop. They want to see your base to see what you’re working with.
You don’t wear make up, you want form fitting, all black clothes, natural light, and a white wall. They can be taken on a fancy camera or even just an iphone! Just make sure if you’re going to use your phone, wipe down the camera first.
These are things that contribute to “bad” digitals…
- bad lighting
- wrong/outlandish outfit
- heavy make up
- distracting background
- blurry images
- selfie style/mirror picture
3. Not Enough Experience
Back in the day, modeling agencies had whole departments dedicated to helping develop models. However, in the age of the internet and increased access to resources such as this blog right here, modeling agencies are expecting you to come to them somewhat already developed.
Although they do exist, it is very, very rare these days to see a modeling agency with a development department so it’s up to you to research and invest in yourself so when the time comes, you’re ready!
(pictured above: one of my 1st portfolio shoots years ago)
Now you may ask me inside your head – “Hayley, how am I suppose to gain modeling experience with no experience?”.
In my blog post, ‘5 Easy Ways to Book Plus Size Modeling Jobs with No Experience‘, I help you find easy ways to not only help you gain experience, but also build your portfolio!
Not to mention, by reading this blog in general, you’re learning how to gain experience, wisdom, and knowledge so you’re already moving in the right direction! CONGRATULATIONS BABE!!!!
4. Location
When becoming a plus size model, one thing to think about is if you’re willing to move or travel for work. Although you do not need to live in a major city, it *drastically* helps being in one, near one, or willing to travel.
But PLEASE, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGE IF YOU DON’T! However, I do encourage you to consider it to increase your odds.
I personally know plus size models making the commute to major cities from small towns in the middle of America. However, something to consider is costs such as airfare, hotel, taking off work if needed, possibly child or animal care and other factors that may affect your finances or daily life.
And I can relate too!!! When I was 17 and plus size modeling, I didn’t live in a major city so at a young age, I worked for and invested in a car. I committed so much time and gas money to collaborating with creatives to build my portfolio and I genuinely believe it was worth it.
Even today, I do not live in New York however I do have an agency there and travel their frequently esp. last minute so these are a few ways I try to cut down costs when traveling….
- staying with friends for housing
- signing up with travel apps for discounts
- signing up for airline clubs for discounts and rewards
- signing up for a travel credit card to gain perks and miles
- signing up for emails from hotel franchises you frequent for discounts
- *if you’re a content creator, reach out to hotels and create a relationship with them
ADDITIONALLY, I only go if the job pays a certain amount of $$$$ unless it’s a dream brand I’ve been dying to work with personally!!!
Plus Size Modeling Major Cities
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Chicago
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Houston/Dallas
- San Francisco
Other states/countries with reputable plus size modeling agencies/management companies
- London
- Canada
- Utah
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Washington
5. Roster Conflicts
When you research which plus size modeling agency you want to be signed to, one MAJOR thing to look for and think about is their current roster of plus size models!!!
A HUGEEEEE reason you may not be getting signed to a modeling agency is if they are already saturated with one type of size, hair color, race, etc..
Here’s some examples. If they already have 3-5 red headed models, they probably don’t need another one. Suppose they have a handful of asian plus size models, they probably aren’t looking to sign a new one. If you notice they have twelve size 22 models, they probably don’t want another size 22 model.
It’s something that’s so simple, but a lot of people don’t consider.
Looking at a modeling agencies current roster can save you SO much time and also benefit you! If an agency doesn’t have someone with your type of look, chances are they’re probably looking for someone just like YOU!!
This post was all about why you didn’t hear back from plus size modeling agencies after submitting.
Other Posts You May Like:
7 Things Plus Size Modeling Agencies are Looking For in a Plus Size Model
5 Easy Ways to Book Plus Size Modeling Jobs with No Experience
3 Go-To Plus Size Modeling Outfits for Auditions
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