There are many model search companies out there that hold "open calls" or advertise "model searches." They usually hook young hopefuls, and their parents, by making them feel like they have been "selected." The model search radio and internet ads use catchy phrases like: "Attend a Free Seminar!" But when you arrive at the seminar you discover that they would like you to attend classes, which will cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Or the company will "invite" you to attend an evaluation where agents will be scouting new faces. This evaluation, too, will cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Another scenario is the Modeling Company will charge an upfront fee for pictures, a profile on a website, and other services that are supposed to help you find jobs, but in actuality, they end up doing little to help the aspiring model.

The reality is that most of these aspiring models will never actually get signed with an agency or book the kind of jobs they are led to believe they will-if it were so easy everyone would be a model-but the model search Company would never let you know it. They make their money off people's naivety and lack of knowledge about the modeling industry. And parents, who are usually the ones stuck with the bill, will be more inclined to open their wallets under the pretense that their child is somehow "exceptional." But if you are exceptional, or are the parent of a child who is, why pay an arm and a leg to prove it? Check out the Modeling Agents section on this site for information on how to find out if you really are model material.