For any male model at the start of his career, choosing the right mother agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your mother agency isn’t just the first agency to sign you – it’s your guide, advocate, and main connector to the global fashion industry. The agency you pick will shape your opportunities, your development, and even your long-term success.
What Is a Mother Agency and Why Does It Matter?
A mother agency is the agency that discovers you, signs you first, and manages your early development as a model. Their job is to prepare you for the industry and help you land contracts with bigger agencies in major markets like Paris, Milan, London, or New York. Your mother agent negotiates on your behalf, supports your career, and often remains your key representative even after you sign abroad.
How Do You Choose the Right Mother Agency?
Research is everything. Look for agencies with a proven track record of placing models with top international agencies. Ask which agencies they regularly collaborate with. Find out which models they’ve launched and where those models are working now. If you’re in a smaller market – like for example Belgrade, Serbia (where we would recommend Fox Models or Vampire Mgmt to work with), your mother agency may be a boutique scouting agency. These agencies might not have the global fame of IMG Models or Elite, but they often have strong international connections and a personal approach. Their job is to scout talent, develop you, and then place you with bigger agencies like Success Models, Fashion Model Management in Milan, Why Not Model Management, Premium Models in Paris, or True Management in New York and LA.
Size: Does It Matter?
Big agencies like IMG Models, Elite Models, and DNA Model Management have incredible reach and resources. They can open doors to the world’s top brands and runways. But with hundreds of models on their roster, you might not get personalized attention – especially as a newcomer. A smaller mother agency often means a closer, more supportive relationship. They’re invested in your growth and have the time to focus on your unique strengths. Many successful models start with a boutique mother agency that later connects them to the big names.
Role of Scouting Agencies
Scouting agencies are the bridge between local talent and the international stage. For example, a scout in Belgrade might discover you, sign you as a new face, and then work to place you with a major agency in Milan, Paris, or New York. Good scouting agencies have established networks with top agencies and know exactly what international clients are looking for. Some of these agencies focus only on scouting and placement, rather than managing your entire career, but their connections can be invaluable. In some cases, these scouts will partner with agencies like Why Not Model Management or Fashion Model Management in Milan, or even connect you directly to mega agencies such as IMG or Elite.
Agencies to Know
- Mega agencies: IMG Models, Elite Models, DNA Model Management, Success Models, Premium Models, Why Not Model Management, Fashion Model Management, True Management
- Scouting/boutique agencies: These can be small local agencies in cities like Belgrade, Warsaw, or Prague, but what matters is their track record and connections.
What to Watch Out For
- Always check if the agency is reputable – look for real success stories, not just promises.
- Talk with your parents or guardians before signing anything.
- Never pay upfront fees for representation; legitimate agencies earn commission from your work.
- Never pay for model classes or photo shoots so the agency would sign you.
- Make sure your agency is transparent about contracts, travel, and placements.
Other Considerations
If a fresh face is scouted by a large agency, there’s a good chance you’ll need to relocate or even live in agency-provided housing, especially in markets like New York, Paris, Milan or London. This can be a big step, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. A large agency might have more opportunities, but the competition for attention is much higher. On the other hand, a smaller mother agent is likely to be more hands-on, offering advice on everything from your portfolio to your first castings.
Your mother agency is your career’s foundation. The right agency will champion you, connect you with the world’s top markets, and support your growth every step of the way. Take your time, ask questions, and do your research. The right start makes all the difference.
