(Advice from your Favorite Mentor)
What’s Irving Serving?
In the modeling world, there are highs and lows—and sometimes, it feels like the lows are dragging on longer than you signed up for. If your agency isn’t getting you any work, you’re probably feeling anxious, frustrated, or even invisible. That’s completely valid. But before you make any big decisions, it’s important to have an open, honest, and respectful conversation with your agency. Here’s how to do that without burning bridges—or losing your cool.
1. Take Stock of What You’ve Been Doing
Before reaching out, check in with yourself:
- Have you been updating your digitals regularly?
- Are your portfolio and comp card current and strong?
- Have you been responsive, reliable, and proactive?
Sometimes, it’s not just about what the agency is doing—it’s also about how ready you are for the opportunities they’re trying to land for you.
2. Request a Meeting, Not a Confrontation
Rather than firing off a heated email, ask to schedule a quick check-in—either in person, over Zoom, or on the phone. Something like:
“Hi [Agent’s Name], I was hoping we could have a quick chat sometime this week. I’d love to check in about my progress and understand what I can do to get more traction with bookings.”
This approach shows maturity and professionalism. It signals that you’re engaged and collaborative, not combative.
3. Be Direct, But Respectful
When you get that meeting, keep your tone calm and focused. Try something like:
“I’ve noticed that I haven’t had many castings or bookings lately, and I wanted to better understand where I stand right now. Is there anything I can be doing to increase my chances, or is there something about the market that’s been slow?”
Avoid blame. Focus on solutions and insight. This makes it easier for your agent to be honest with you—and more likely to advocate harder for you moving forward.
4. Ask for Feedback and Next Steps
Your agency may actually have valuable feedback but didn’t know how to bring it up. Ask questions like:
- “Is there something in my look or presentation that I should work on?”
- “Are there clients I’m being submitted to but not getting callbacks from?”
- “Would new digitals or a test shoot help me right now?”
Sometimes you just need to refresh your materials. Other times, you might discover that a shift in direction—commercial, lifestyle, fitness—is what you need.
5. Stay Professional, Even If You’re Disappointed
If you hear something you didn’t expect or like, take a beat. Digest it. Agencies are juggling dozens, sometimes hundreds, of models. Your career is one of many they’re trying to nurture. Being professional, even in tough conversations, leaves the door open for more opportunities and shows that you’re someone worth investing in.
6. Have a Plan B—but Don’t Burn Plan A
If after the conversation, nothing improves over time and you feel stagnant, it’s okay to quietly explore other representation. Just make sure you follow the terms of your contract and exit with grace if that’s the decision you make.
A graceful goodbye is 10x more powerful in this industry than a dramatic exit. People talk. Word travels. And how you leave says as much about you as how you showed up.
Final Thought from Your Favorite Mentor
You’re not “too much” for asking where your career is going. You’re allowed to advocate for yourself. Just remember: professionalism, clarity, and calmness will always serve you better than frustration disguised as fire. Let your voice be strong—but let it also be strategic.
You’ve got this.
Catch Ya Later!
Irving
