Finding the right modeling agency is a big step for your career. A good agency helps you get jobs, grow your skills, and build your brand. But not all agencies are good fits. According to a survey by Pew Research Canada, more than 70% of models had a bad time with their agency at some point. That’s a pretty clear sign you need to pick the right one for you.
So here’s a list of the 5 best modeling agencies in Toronto and a few of the bad apples to stay away from. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been modeling for years, this guide can help you decide where to go—and where to avoid. It’s all about making the best choice for your career.
Table of Contents
5 Best Modeling Agencies in Toronto
- Elite Model Management
- Dulcedo Management
- B&M Models
- Anita Norris
- Plutino Group
Elite Model Management
Elite Model Management is big league in the modeling industry, especially in Toronto. Working with stars like Coco Rocha and Daria Werbowy, they’ve got the connections to take your modeling career sky-high.
What’s to like about Elite? A great reputation, long history of success, and resources to make big things happen. They work with the industry’s biggest names and can offer you serious opportunities. But here’s the downside: it’s tough to get in, and being a part of such a big agency might mean you feel a bit lost in the crowd.
So, if you’re thinking about Elite, know that they’re a top choice if you’re serious about modeling. But keep in mind, getting in won’t be easy, and you’ll need to stand out among many talented models. The rewards can be great, but the path might not always be smooth.
Dulcedo Management
Dulcedo is a top-notch modeling agency operating in Toronto and Montreal. They’ve got partnerships with big names like Holt Renfrew, Joe Fresh, and The Hudson’s Bay Company. If you’re a model dreaming of working in places like Paris, Milan, or New York, Dulcedo’s solid international presence could be your ticket.
The good stuff? Dulcedo is known for their professionalism and dedication to their models’ careers, working with fantastic brands and having a strong presence beyond Canada’s borders. But here’s the catch: it’s a smaller agency, so there might be fewer chances to grab work.
So, if you’re considering Dulcedo, weigh these factors. Their reputation and international reach are impressive, but the size of the agency might mean you’ll have to hustle a bit harder for opportunities. Either way, they’ve got a lot to offer for the right model.
B&M Models
B&M Models in Toronto? They’ve been around the block for over 40 years. They’re the folks who don’t just talk about inclusivity; they live it. Men, women, curvy, non-binary models – all are welcome. Big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Coca-Cola trust them, and that says something.
So, what’s the good stuff? Experience that’s hard to beat, inclusivity, diversity, and some seriously impressive clients. But hold on; there are some things to think about. They might not book as many gigs as some other top agencies, and the pressure? It can get intense.
If you’re thinking about B&M Models, you’re looking at a seasoned agency that embraces all types. Just keep in mind that the bookings might not be as frequent, and you’ll need to be ready to handle the pressure. If that sounds like your scene, they could be just what you’re looking for.
Anita Norris
Anita Norris Models stands out in Toronto with a unique approach. They focus on inclusivity and diversity, welcoming both male and female models. But what really sets them apart is their genuine commitment to helping their models grow. New faces and experienced models alike find a supportive environment here.
On the positive side, Anita Norris Models offers a blend of inclusiveness and dedication to professional growth, with a balanced mix of fresh and seasoned models. However, it’s important to note that they are a smaller agency. That translates into fewer overall bookings, which might be a consideration for some.
So, if you value an inclusive environment and a firm that’s genuinely interested in your career growth, Anita Norris Models might be just what you’re looking for. The smaller size means fewer bookings, but if that’s a trade-off that works for you, this agency could be a great match.
Plutino Group
The Plutino Group is known in Toronto for having a wide variety of models and a constant search for new talent. They’ve been in the modeling industry for a while, and their team is all about helping their models succeed. But they haven’t stopped there; they also know what it takes to be a successful model.
Recently, however, the Plutino Group has been shifting its focus. They’ve started to pay more attention to influencers and other creative types. This change has left some people scratching their heads, wondering if they’re still in the business of representing models. It’s caused a bit of confusion, especially for those brands and clients who are specifically looking for models to work with.
In short, while the Plutino Group continues to have a strong presence in the modeling industry, their new direction towards influencers and other creatives has created some uncertainty. If you’re considering working with them, it might be worth taking this shift in focus into account.
The 4 Worst Modeling Agencies in Toronto
- Max Agency
- M Models
- Orange Management
- Morgan Model Management
Worst may be a harsh word, but these are not the best places to further your modeling career. Instead, these agencies will do more harm than good, from questionable business practices to forcing new faces to shoot with their photographers.
Max Agency
Max Agency is a modeling and talent agency that has been in business for over 25 years. They state that they have worked with some big names like Coca-Cola, Ford, and Samsung. But, why is this agency not recommended?
Why Should You Stay Away from Max?
Max agency is a photo mill modeling agency. For those who do not know what a photo mill modeling agency is, it is an agency that makes money by forcing new faces to shoot with their roster of photographers for an exorbitant fee, for which Max agency keeps the majority of the payment.
Max agency says you are free to shoot with a photographer of your choice. However good your portfolio is, they will decline the pictures by stating it is “low quality” and ask you to shoot with one of their in-house photographers.
Finally, the Google ratings of Max Agency are considerably higher than those of other modeling businesses, with an unusually high number of Google 5-star reviews from customers who have never before given a review. This is a good indication that Max Agency purchased Google Reviews.
M Models
M Models is a Canadian modeling company with offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Calgary. They claim to have a roster of over 2000 models and offer models and actors’ work opportunities. However, their website and social media presence tell a different story.
The website looks like it was made in the early 2000s and has not been updated since. With few models on the roster on their website and the appearance of bought Instagram followers and likes, it is hard to take M Models seriously.
Why Should You Stay Away from M Models?
M Models require new faces for upfront fees. In the modeling industry charging upfront fees for new face representation is a known red flag. Legitimate modeling agencies will never ask for money upfront. Instead, they make their money by finding you work and taking a commission from your earnings.
M Models also has a very poor social media presence with almost 32,000 followers and an average of 20 likes per image, which is a sign they have bought followers. However, this is another red flag, showing they are not legitimate.
Lastly, compared to other modeling agencies’ Google reviews, M Models has an unusually high number of Google 5-star reviews from accounts that have never reviewed a business before. This is a sign of purchased Google Reviews.
Orange Management
Orange Management is a modeling agency based in Toronto and Montreal that has been operating for the past 15 years. They represent both models and actors.
Why Should You Stay Away from Orange?
As per Google reviews and testimonials of models, Orange requires models to pay for photoshoots with their in-house photographers rather than provide recommendations based on a model’s budget. This is a sign of a photo mill modeling agency.
Morgan Model Management
Morgan is a relatively new agency located in York, Ontario. They represent models, actors, and children. While their current client list is not very well known, their model roster seems to be still developing.
Why Should You Stay Away from Morgan Model Management?
There are a few business practices that raise some eyebrows about Morgan. Like M Models and Orange, Morgan requires models to pay upfront fees for representation. This is a huge red flag as it is not a common practice among legitimate modeling agencies. Hence, we would not recommend Morgan Model Management.
Conclusion
To sum it up, modeling is a difficult career to break into. It is essential to research any modeling agency you are thinking of signing with. Many scams and photo mills are masquerading as legitimate agencies, so be very careful. We hope this article has helped you become more aware of the best and worst modeling agencies in Toronto.