Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is The International Cover Model Search? The International Cover Model Search is the oldest and largest continuous model search in the world. Now in our 22nd year (!) we receive thousands of entries annually from around the world. 2. What is different about this search? Most searches are held to recruit students for some sort of modeling school, talent convention, etc. Introductory visits may be free - but what comes next with them is often expensive and unnecessary. ICMS is not affiliated with any conventions, pageant systems or schools - and no other search in the world has directors that have placed models with over 100 major agencies, U.S., local and worldwide. 3. Can male models participate? Yes, we are always interested in hearing from male models. 4. I have decided to get into modeling. What do I do next? Someone once said, "You don't decide you want to be in modeling, 'modeling' decides if it wants you to be in it." The best way to find out is to be seen by someone that really knows what they are doing. They will let you know if you have a reasonable chance. 5. What percentage of people that enter this search actually make it? A much higher percentage than those that sit at home and do nothing! Actually, your chances of "making it" are not all that dependent on percentages.... You are either well suited to be in this business or you're not. But, because we scout for many different agencies (instead of just one) entering the search does, of course, increase your chances considerably. 6. Are you an agency? No. we are very busy running the search full time and we do not act as agents. We do, however, scout models for over 100 legitimate agencies and we have been doing so for over 20 years - so please do not confuse who we are and what we do with the 'model scouts' you run into every time you go to the mall! 7. What is a legitimate agency? A legitimate agency derives 100% of its income from booking jobs and taking a percentage. The best agencies do not sell classes, portfolios, comp cards, etc. Some so-called 'agencies' are only out to sell you something - classes, portfolios, etc.. 8. What agencies do you work with? Our directors have scouting contracts with dozens of the largest and most reputable agencies in the world. We can not 'name drop' here as that would flood their switchboards with calls. We will, however, be happy to show you the actual contracts. 9. How are scouts compensated? Typically, an agency will pay 5% (out of their pocket, not the model's). Our goal is to put people with real agencies, not try to convince them to take unnecessary classes, training, etc. 10. How do you know if someone is a real scout? That is an excellent question - as almost everyone seems to think they are a model scout these days. 99% of them do not have scouting agreements with any recognized agencies, however, and most of them are actually recruiting for modeling schools. 11. Do I need pictures? What about, portfolios and comp cards? Although there are many thousands of freelance models (that find work on their own without an agency) generally speaking; if you do not have a contract with a legitimate agency, or at least some definite interest, you may want to think twice about having a lot of pictures taken. A real portfolio should include tear sheets and is built over a long period of time. A few 'test shots' including a good head shot are all you might need to get started. 12. Do I need to attend a modeling school? No. Many modeling schools teach useless information and outdated techniques, making it harder for you to learn things the right way. They can also be very expensive and time consuming. No one can teach you how to be photogenic - and most of what you will need to know to get started can be learned in a few hours. The rest can be learned 'on the job.' 13. What about modeling conventions? The problem with most model tsalent conventions is that there are simply too many of them for them all to be attended by real real scouts, agents, etc.. You really need to ask yourself: "Who are all these people with the name badges?" More often than not they are just "friends of friends" and not real decision makers. (Why pay several hundred to several thousand dollars for a few seconds of "exposure" to people that are incapable of even recognizing a potential model, let alone signing one?) It may seem convenient to attend one that comes to your town, but what is more important to you... convenience or effectiveness? 14. What are the requirements to be a model? High fashion agencies like women to be a minimum of 5'7, sometimes even 5'8 or 5'9. Petite models are generally 5'6 or under. Women will have an easier time getting started when they are young. There are exceptions to these rules, however (beauty, glamour, commercial print and swim wear for example). Size 40 regular and 6' tall is considered ideal for men. A pleasant and cooperative attitude also goes a long way. 15. What about acting and commercials? As you can see by watching almost any movie or television show, actors can be virtually any age and they come in all looks, shapes and sizes. In this department; talent, dedication and showing up (on time) are what counts. 16. Do I have to move to Los Angeles, New York, etc.? No, not necessarily. Some models only work two or three months out of the year. Plus, there are many agencies in many different parts of the country. (Most of the U.S. population is within driving distance of at least one major or secondary market.) 17. What about high school or college? A modeling career might last only a few years and it is always good to have other interests and/or something to fall back on. We never advise anyone to quit school. There are many ways to continue your education and work at the same time.In fact, many get into modeling specifically to earn money for college. (If Christy Turlington, Brooke Shields and Jody Foster could find time to graduate from college, so can you.) 18. What kind of guarantee is there? No legitimate search, agency or management company will guarantee or promise work. Too much depends on you - your attitude, your personality and how disciplined you are. There are simply no guarantees in this business and, even if you end up signing with a major agency, there is still no certainty that you will be a success. The likelihood, of course, is much greater. 19. What about mailing my picture to agencies? There are at least a thousand agencies in the United States alone (some good, many not so good). At a cost of about a dollar per laser copy, plus another dollar or so for postage and an envelope - you are looking at a cost of about $2,000 for a one time mailing. (Not very cost effective.) 20. What about going to see them in person? That is always an option, of course, but there are hundreds of agencies and only a small handful of them are effective. If you could figure out who they are, you could travel to a dozen different cities and try to visit them all. This, of course, is also very time consuming and expensive - and there are no guarantees that anyone will see you when you get there.

More about guarantees.... When you ask for a "guarantee" they know they've got you! Unscrupulous promoters love it when you ask for a guarantee. Why? Because when you ask for a "guarantee" you are setting yourself up to be taken advantage of and it saves them a lot of work. In whose opinion? In the opinion of the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission and consumer protection agencies in all 50 states: "Bogus guarantees are the hallmark and the foundation of most modeling scams. No legitimate company (booking agency, management company, scouting company, whatever) should promise employment or guarantee work to anyone." According to hundreds of well documented consumer protection reports - anyone offering a guarantee, especially over the phone, is making empty promises and one of two things will happen: 1.) Whoever is making the "guarantee" will soon be out of business or operating under a different name, or 2.) The "work" they use to fulfill their "guarantee" will consist of free fashion shows at the mall, free hair shows, passing out samples (for little or no money) and/or "promotional modeling" (soliciting others to patronize the same company that made empty promises to you). How do they get away with it? They get away with it because the wording in these so-called "guarantees" is so vague and so full of escape clauses, you've got to wonder how anyone could take them seriously.... Example: "This Guarantee certifies that the model will be contacted for at least one magazine shoot within one year.... If for any reason said model is not given the opportunity for a magazine photo shoot, he/she shall receive a refund for their.... advertising space. This is a money back guarantee! Once said model has been contacted and given the opportunity for a magazine photo shoot, said contract shall be fulfilled. Model is required to notify (company) of changes of address or telephone numbers within 5 days. Failure to notify (company) will render this contract void. This Guarantee Contract is offered based on the model's original stats and photographs. Any misrepresentation of the model's true and current look shall render this contract null and void...." Think about it.... Anyone that will take your money on a false pretense will think nothing of throwing in a worthless guarantee. There simply are no guarantees. None of the top agencies will promise employment and - even if you sign with the best agency in the world - there is still no guarantee that you will be a success. The likelihood is much greater, of course, but... ethical agents, scouts, managers, photographers, etc., will not make verbal or written promises or guarantees - and every real agency or management contract you will ever see will have at least one paragraph covering this subject at the very top. The wording in the following paragraph is typical of a real agency or management contract: "MANAGEMENT shall act on behalf of MODEL/TALENT and/or provide MODEL/TALENT with advice and counsel with regard to all aspects of the modeling, film and/or television industry. At no time, however, shall this agreement be construed in such a way that deems MANAGEMENT to be an employment agent, theatrical agent or talent agent. And, further, MANAGEMENT has not offered, promised or agreed to and is not expected to obtain, seek or procure employment or bookings for MODEL/TALENT." (Emphasis added.) When you first learn that bogus companies promise employment and legit companies do not it may sound confusing at first - maybe even backwards. But that is the way it is, so don't let anyone take advantage of your confusion! The more you know about the business, the less likely it is that you will be taken advantage of. Familarize yourself with what is considered 'fair practice' in the industry and what is not. A great place to start? modelsadvocate.com