If you are an aspiring model who lives in close proximity to New York, you can go in person to some modeling agencies. ”Open calls” take place at a set time each week, and during a 1 or 2 hour window, you can show up and wait your turn for a quick (usually) perusal of your photos. Some agencies have age and height limitations—you may have to be under 21 and over 5’8″ or 5’9″ (for women; men have  more flexibility in age range and generally should be over 5’11″ and under 6’3″).

Model Cara Delevingne’s striking features can turn heads in a top market like NY

Tips for Model Submissions and Agency Open-Calls

If you don’t live in the New York area, it’s wise to submit photos via e-mail first and see if you get a response. Showing up in person may slightly increase your odds of being signed, but the odds of getting representation in New York are always tiny. It’s a highly competitive market. Don’t drop $1,000 on a trip to New York unless you are eager to see the Empire State Building anyway and don’t have expectations of becoming a supermodel within the month!

If you do attend open calls, apply minimal makeup (but enough to downplay flaws and play up your best features), wear form-fitting clothing but be tasteful, show a sense of style and your unique personality! Girls, if you are under 5’10″, wear heels. You will live in them if you are lucky enough to be sent out on go-sees.

Open-Call Times (double-check on the agencies’ websites for changes/updates):

New York Model Management – Women on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 596 Broadway, 7th floor   Tel. (212) 539-1700

Men, submit online (women can as well): Newyorkmodels.com

New York Model Management

Next – Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11 (women only) at 15 Watts St., 6th floor   Tel. (212) 925-5100

Submit online

Red – Men only on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 302 West 37th St, 3rd floor   Tel. (212) 785-1999

Submit online

Request Model Management – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon at 156 Fifth Avenue, suite 1134   Tel. (212) 529-4130

Submit online

Wilhelmina – Click link for open call calendar.  300 Park Ave. South, 2nd floor  Tel. (212) 473-0700

Submit online

Wilhelmina Curve Division

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search—a great way to be seen by the top agents who receive my monthly Modeling Newsletter showcasing the finalists!