The world of modelling is a vast and diverse one, with different areas emerging all the time. We have prepared these tips to ensure that you stay as safe as possible when pursuing your modelling career.

• Avoid companies with no address or contact number
• Avoid companies who hide behind a PO Box address
• A good model is a smart model – use your common sense and don't be afraid to say NO
• Never pay an agency to sign onto their books – an agency makes money from the commission they earn from getting you work
• If you are under the age of 18, always try to have an adult accompany you
• A successful model will spend a lot of time travelling and it can get lonely. So it is recommended that a model has someone that can help them with all aspects of their modelling career
• Never sign a contract without reading it and understanding its contents first
• Never sign up to an agency without double-checking its legitimacy
• Know what type of model you are before you start going to castings
• You need a portfolio that is specifically catered to the area of modelling you are best suited to, and this is a cost you will eventually cover, but never feel forced or pressured to do so
• Never let an agency pressure you into doing anything you are not comfortable with
• No one can guarantee you work or an easy route into modelling
• A good agent will usually have an out-of-office-hours contact number for emergencies
• Be cautious of adverts in local papers, classified ads and the Internet looking for models – legitimate agencies do not use this means to scout new faces

TOP TIPS
If it is too good to be true, then it probably is
Be careful of anyone who promises they can make you a star overnight. Dodgy agencies will tell you what you want to hear: for example 'you are just what we are looking for' to make you sign up and pay unnecessary or excessive fees.
Question any claims that you will be found work straight away or that they have supplied people to well known companies. Ask the agency questions and be suspicious of anyone who can't or won't provide clear answers.
Reputable agencies will tell you that the industry is very tough to get into and only a very small number of people have what it takes to succeed. Lots of good-looking and talented people struggle to get enough work.

Be cautious of local advertisements for 'no experience necessary' casting sessions
There are instances of hard selling techniques being used by unscrupulous agencies at casting sessions they have arranged. Before you attend a casting session find out as much as you can about the agency.
If you experience hard selling techniques or feel pressured into paying fees or signing a contract then leave. If a reputable agency is interested in you they will give you a chance to think about their offer.

Beware of companies who scout you on the street and tell you that you have the 'look'
Some rogue companies target young aspiring models on the street, eg shopping centres, and tell them they have the 'look'. They take details and a photograph and tell you they can find you work.
Within a couple of days they contact you to tell you:

• they have a job that you are perfect for
• you must have professional photographs to be considered for it

They advise you to visit a studio they know to get them taken. When you arrive you are given the hard sell and pressured into purchasing large portfolios, sometimes for as much as £1,500.
The jobs they have told you about often do not exist and they do not intend to find you work.
Always check out an agency that approaches you on the street to see if they are genuine.

Beware of advertisements claiming to provide artists for popular TV programmes
Popular programmes usually use agencies and clients they have used before. Advertisements claiming to work with popular TV programmes are unlikely to be true. If in doubt, try phoning the TV company to ask if they use the agency or ask the agency for references from recent clients.