Should you pay a modeling agency?

Should you pay a modeling agency? What should you do if a modeling agency wants you to pay them? Is it normal to be required to pay a fee to join them? There is such a hype and misconception on who pays for what when a beginner model gets signed. This is the real truth no one will tell you.
Back in the 1980’s a model could be expected to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars for bookings. Major agencies like Ford Models were at the for front, discovering models in malls and subways. Back then, it was normal for the agency to pay to develop the model starting out, in hopes of earning it back when they book something. 
Fast forward to 2021 – NO modeling agency is going to pay for your portfolio! Period. Like another career, you have to have actual experience in front of the camera. Regardless of what you heard online, any real model signed with an agency will tell you they all charge hundreds of dollars on website fee’s and marketing. If you are signed exclusively with a big agency, some of these costs may be fronted to you however, this is rare and only reserved for editorial models. 
Have you applied to agencies and not heard back? Well the truth is model managers manage the careers of established talent, they do not help you start or grow.

Read more at: https://www.latitudetalent.com/single-post/is-modeling-free-the-truth