Today, the team at Talent Management has been discussing the differences between a showcase agency and an employment agency, and are now talking about the main advantages of having proper representation.

As we’ve explained in a previous blog, showcase modelling agencies are different from employment agencies in that by law showcase agencies cannot find you work.

But, aside from the obvious luxury of not having to open yourself up to the vulnerabilities of a public model profile and searching for non-vetted modelling work yourself, we ask what is the number one pro of being with an agency that searches for work for you?

Well, after speaking with a few of our child model mothers, teens and young female models, we’ve concluded that safety is their top priority.

So, if you’re considering putting your child or teen forward to become a model, or indeed are thinking about it yourself, it is essential that you approach only reputable and trustworthy model employment agencies.

The modelling industry is largely unregulated, so at Talent Management we vet our clients carefully, avoiding the scary situation that may arise with a showcase agency whereby ‘any old person’ could arrange to meet you for a shoot that may turn out to be unsafe. We’re so conscientious of this fact that our models do not have contact with a client until we are absolutely sure they are a genuine, safe and trustworthy company, photographer or organisation. We also negotiate your fees and travel expenses and insist these are paid beforehand, ensuring you don’t get ripped off for your time.

As well as extensive client vetting, we investigate the project itself and would never put models forward for work that we feel could be inappropriate or distressing in any way. As an agency, we are able to act as the middleman and recognise when a certain subject matter or tone is simply inappropriate. Children and teens especially need to be protected from advertisements which feature, or are targeted at them in an inappropriate manner.

Our child model profiles are fully secure and we have placed many children on exciting and fun assignments.

Talent Management child model Gemma, aged 11, for example, had a fantastic day on her assignment. Her mum, Ronnie, told us: “The assignment with Talent Management was very relaxed and professionally conducted. The client and photographer were very helpful and Gemma was very relaxed and loved the two days. She was required to pose in several different school situations and it all went really well. Thank you for finding Gemma the assignment and she is keen to do more!”

Remember, a showcase model agency may seem like a quick and attractive option, but safety should always come first.