2 Comments on Im wondering if anyone has ever worked with wilhelmina modeling agency before and had to pay for a profile?

Kittysue on Sat, 31st Oct 2009 5:00 pm


First of all, make sure it’s the real Wilhelmina http://wilhelmina.com/ as there are scam agencies using Wilhelmina in their name like Wilhelmina Talent, Wilhelmina Scouting, Wilhelmina Management, etc. Wilhelmina only has offices in NY, LA and Miami. http://wilhelmina.com/contact.cfm
They have affiliate agencies in other cities, but these are not owned by Wilhelmina - they are independent agencies who may act as a mother agency for models who eventually sign with one of the Wilhelmina offices
http://wilhelmina.com/licensees.cfm but they do not necessarily follow the same guidelines and fees as the official Wilhelmina offices

With almost every agency these days, you will have to pay for your own comp cards and a few test shoots for your portfolio after you sign a contract with the agency. Some agencies may advance the money to you if you can’t pay, but will then take a higher commission until these expenses are paid off. For example, some agencies might take a 20-25% commission from their New Faces to cover their investments, then reduce the commission to 15% once the model moves to the Main Board

Institute of Modeling on Sat, 31st Oct 2009 5:00 pm


Not sure where abouts in the world you’re from. In the UK its illegal to charge fees upfront under the EAS directorate. As a rule never pay upfront.

We have had reports ref the Wilhelmina modeling scams, often they approach people over social forums etc.

I would suggest its not a wise move, if you would like us to investigate the company please visit http://www.instituteofmodeling.org.

If the agency have real belief that they can get you work then what they do is deduct the cost of the portfolio out of your first pay.

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