If you’re a Big Apple resident whose child dreams of appearing in social media campaigns, magazines, and school catalogs, it’s likely that you’ve started scoping out child modeling agencies in New York. But not all modeling agencies offer the same level of attention and care, so it’s vital to find one that provides children and their guardians with individualized support, has extensive experience and industry connections, and can help child models grow in their careers.
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The best children’s modeling agencies in NYC and throughout the nation boast these fine qualities:
A solid reputation
A good children’s modeling agency will have many success stories under its belt. After making sure the agency is franchised by SAG-AFTRA (note that while this applies more to child actors, most agencies represent models and actors alike) and licensed by the state of New York, look it up on accreditation organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and review aggregate sites such as Trustpilot and Yelp. Review the agency’s professional and social media pages, and ask any connections in the industry to get an idea of its experience and reputation.
Ethical practices and communication
Look for an agency that operates ethically and will keep your child’s best interests at heart. If it seems the agency doesn’t prioritize children’s health, emotional well-being, and education, give it a pass. The agency should never ask that your child drastically change their appearance, and it should have clearly posted guidelines abiding by state child labor and modeling-specific laws. It should also provide regular updates on talent progress and any important industry news.
How to Get Your Child Into Modeling Industry connections
Top agencies will be able to get your child’s foot in the door through connections with a variety of commercial, fashion, and editorial clients, photographers, and other industry professionals. These invaluable connections will help connect child models to job opportunities.
No payment upfront
If a child modeling agency asks you to pay them for professional photos or training courses, it’s a scam. Reputable agencies will never ask you to pay upfront. They should be able to explain any financial transactions and contracts to you in a clear, easy-to-understand manner.
Individual support
Whether a boutique agency representing only a handful of child models or a huge agency with a long roster of talent, look for a small talent-to-agent ratio. Individualized attention from an agent means access to the time and resources necessary for child models to build their burgeoning careers.
Helps develop talent
A good agency will invest in their talent by connecting them with classes, training, workshops, and other opportunities for growth.
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- Generation Model Management: Generation Model Management prides itself on representing diverse talent between three months and 15 years. Beyond its thriving film, TV, and theater opportunities, the agency boasts a robust digital media campaign division, with child models appearing for big-name clients such as Calvin Klein, J.Crew, The Sunday Collective, Little Star Organic, and Nike.
- Zuri Agency: Since opening in 2008, Zuri may be the new kid on the block, but that hasn’t kept it from becoming a big name in the children’s modeling and acting realm. The agency’s Adaptive and Inclusive division allows differently-abled children models to make a name for themselves in the industry. Big-name (albeit little-sized) clients include Samir Royal Corbin (“White Men Can’t Jump”), India Parris (Barbie x Forever 21), and Madeleine Yuna Voyles (“The Creator”).
- FFT Models: FFT’s children’s division represents clients from newborns to preteens and also offers transitional help for teens making the move to adult modeling. A huge name in the commercial print world, FFT’s child models have appeared in campaigns for OshKosh B’Gosh, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Parents Magazine, Crayola, and every literary nerd’s favorite, Scholastic.
- New York Model Management: NYMM’s kids’ division represents children from six months to 12 years old. Its models have appeared in Scimparello, The Sunday Collective, Little Star Organic, and Buybuy Baby.
- Take 3 Talent Agency: Take 3’s young models have starred in campaigns for Champion, Rack Room Shoes, Belk, Adidas, and Spirit Halloween. The boutique agency represents children from infancy all the way to adulthood and beyond. It offers a nonbinary youth division and an upcoming child influencer branch, and is known for providing individualized career counseling and attention to its talent.