Cathy MerrittIf you want to break into the modeling industry, working with a modeling agency is a must. A concept started in 1853 by Charles Frederick Worth, modeling agencies are responsible for booking jobs and negotiating fees on behalf of their models.
There are plenty of modeling agencies in Toronto that can help you become a successful model. Let’s check out which of them are the best at managing their talents and connecting them with the best opportunities in the city!
| How much do modeling agencies in Toronto charge for their services? The typical commission modeling agencies in Toronto charge for their services is 15% of the model’s fee. Please take note that the price may vary depending on the modeling agency and the terms of your contract. |
How We Chose
1. M Models and Talent
Address: 100 King St W Suite 5700, Toronto, ON M5X 1C9, Canada
Phone number: +1 416-613-7906
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-FRI)
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
M Models and Talent is a modeling agency currently operating in Toronto, Mississauga, and Calgary. Founded in 2008, they primarily cater to commercial print, modeling events, and the acting industry.
Some high-profile clients they’ve worked with in the past include Samsung, Pepsi, and Netflix.
They were founded to help both experienced and inexperienced models get the big break they deserve in the industry. That’s why they aren’t picky about accepting applicants on their website.
You can apply by simply leaving your personal information on their website with a couple of face and body shots attached.
Furthermore, they also assist their models in preparing for auditions and interviews.
Pros
- Willing to accept inexperienced models
- Has more than a decade of experience
- Regularly prepares their talents to perform better in auditions and interviews
Cons
- Few reports of rude behaviour from staff
- Charges an administrative fee
Makes sure you get the support needed from auditioning to landing the part
“Been with the agency for a couple of months and only recently started getting audition calls back to back. Key is to be a little patient and have good communication with the agent. Sean is very responsive and helpful. He makes sure you get the support needed from auditioning to landing the part.”
– hamza 76, Google Reviews
One of the best agents out here in Toronto
“One of the best agents out here in Toronto . I had some of my payment late . The agent takes out the time to actually call me and go over emails of the clients . I have had a wonderful experience with them. I would recommend them for sure . They cover the cost of new head shots whenever I need them. No agency in Toronto does that!”
– Dylan Perry, Google Reviews
2. Sutherland Models
Address: 333 Bering Ave Suite 400, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 3A8, Canada
Phone number: +1 416-703-7070
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Sutherland Models is a premier modeling agency based in Etobicoke. They were founded in 1985 by Ann Sutherland with the goal of making the modeling industry a more diverse and inclusive space.
That’s why they are open to helping all models in Toronto get their big break regardless of their gender. They have male, female, non-binary, and transgender models who work in magazines, advertisements, fashion shows, and television.
They work with clients both locally and internationally. Some of their models had the opportunity to represent them at international fashion shows in New York and Tokyo.
For anyone interested in becoming their model, leave them a message or give them a call. They don’t charge any fees for interviews.
Pros
- Has more than 38 years of experience
- Accepts trans and non-binary models
- Has no interview fees
- Accepts plus-size models
Cons
- Charges high fees for their modeling training camp
- Receives a high volume of applications
Absolutely amazing in welcoming me and introducing me to the industry!
“The Sutherland team has been absolutely amazing in welcoming me and introducing me to the industry! All of the agents are so sweet and accommodating; I’ve been with the agency for almost a year now and have gotten such cool opportunities even during COVID 19. Everyone works extremely hard and diligent for every single one of the models that are signed with the company!”
– Queenie Zhu, Google Reviews
The best agency in Toronto!
“Sutherland Models is the best agency in Toronto! I’ve been working with them for 2 years and they’ve been such a huge part of my career growth. They have always treated me with so much respect, which is something you won’t find with other agencies.”
– Amber Blackburn, Google Reviews
3. Femme Fatale Event Staffing & Modelling Agency
Address: 290 Carlaw Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2S1, Canada
Phone number: +1 647-456-2644
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-SAT)
Femme Fatale Event Staffing & Modelling Agency is a modeling agency founded in 2009 by Emily Lyons. Under her leadership, they were able to quickly grow from their small office in Toronto to most major cities in North America.
Emily’s drive and determination have led to her being nominated for awards like the Marketer on the Rise Award and the Women of Influence Award.
Today, they have an extensive database of over 10,000 brand ambassadors and models, providing services in high fashion modeling, event staffing, marketing, and public relations.
Their models had worked for famous companies and celebrities like Red Bull, Lamborghini, Justin Bieber, and Drake.
Any interested models looking to join their team won’t have to worry about their height, as they don’t impose any height requirements. They also don’t charge any application fees.
Pros
- No height requirements for models
- Has no application fees
- Has more than a decade of experience
Cons
- Most of the opportunities they provide are for event staffing only
- May sometimes forget to respond to calls and emails
Hiring process was efficient
“The professionals were kind, charismatic, and helpful. Hiring process was efficient as well! Thank you, Femme Fatale.”
– Victoria Boncompagni, Google Reviews
By far the best promo agency I’ve ever worked for!
“Femme Fatale is by far the best promo agency I’ve ever worked for!
Not only are the staff amazing and friendly, so are all the models I’ve had the pleasure working with. Thanks to Femme Fatale I’ve created and found the best of friends and connections in the industry.
I highly recommend working with Femme Fatale to those who haven’t done so yet –You’ll be creating some great memories!
Cheers Femme! Looking forward to the coming years working with you.”
– Pierre Moreau, Google Reviews
4. Massardo Model Management
Address: Toronto, ON, Canada
Phone number: +1 647-720-6277
Business hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Massardo Model Management is a boutique model management firm founded in 2017 by Christopher Massardo. A former fashion stylist and model agent, Christopher founded his company to offer models a more personalized style of talent management.
That’s why they have adopted a boutique management philosophy where each model will be given a hands-on approach to nurture their talents and capabilities.
All of their models enjoy free access to all modeling workshops and courses they provide. Furthermore, they’ll also be given assistance in building up their portfolios, which they can use to introduce themselves to big-name brands around the world.
Many of their models had already worked for renowned companies like Procter & Gamble, Vogue, and Armani.
Pros
- Owner has more than a decade of experience in the modeling industry
- Provides free modeling workshops and courses
- Personalised, hands-on management
Cons
- Accepts a very limited number of models yearly
- Doesn’t accept models shorter than 6 feet
By far one of my favorite agencies to work with!
“This is by far one of my favorite agencies to work with!
Having worked in the wedding/fashion industry for over 10 years now, I have done many editorial shoots and have found the models from Massardo the most easy going, friendly and hard working. They always arrive before the scheduled time and bring a great energy to the set from beginning to end!
This is a testament to Christopher and his dedication and leadership for his team. He is extremely kind, easy-to-approach and professional! I know many of my colleagues feel the same way and I will continue to work with this agency on future projects. Keep up the amazing work!”
– Justin Ming Cheung, Google Reviews
Hands down the best agency I have ever worked with
“Massardo is hands down the best agency I have ever worked with, and I’ve worked with a lot of model agencies over the years for shoots I produce. Chris is so responsive and professional, always passes along any requirements to the models (I’ve had issues with this with other agencies), and has an amazing roster of diverse models.
Every model I’ve worked with from Massardo has shown up early, been very friendly and most importantly, does an incredible job and gives me those perfect shots! I have found all the models very easy to work and communicate with. I highly recommend this agency!!”
– Alana Klein, Google Reviews
5. Minor Details Model & Talent Agency
Address: 20 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2N8, Canada
Phone number: +1 416-405-8755
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Minor Details Model & Talent Agency is a talent agency that focuses exclusively on child and teen models. They were founded in 2001 by Lee Gallagher, a former model with over 43 years of experience in the industry.
She started this company with her two daughters as their first models. Now, they showcase over 607 different child and teen models, with 20 of them being special needs children.
Lee’s goal is to ensure that talented kids will have a good modeling career while not interfering with their childhood. That’s why they don’t lock their talents into lengthy contracts.
Their models had been involved in advertising campaigns for McDonalds, Tim Hortons, and IKEA. Some of them even performed in shows like Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy.”
Pros
- Specialises in working with child and teen models
- Owner has over 43 years of experience in the modeling industry
- Doesn’t lock their models into lengthy contracts
- Accepts special needs children
Cons
- Few reports of rude behaviour from their staff
- Receives a high volume of applications
Have surpassed my expectations of what to expect from an agency
“My experience has been incredible thus far with Minor Details. I have been with them for 2 years now, and they have surpassed my expectations of what to expect from an agency (I had my daughter previously enrolled with another local agency, and the experience was awful.) They are a team of very reliable, attentive, helpful, organized, punctual, kind, genuine people, and I am so grateful I was referred to join this agency. My eldest daughter I enrolled, and within 2 months, she landed two large company castings. My youngest daughter is 6 months old, has been with Minor Details for 5 months and has already booked 3 commercials !!!! Lee, Alex, and Brian have been nothing short of amazing to work with. I look forward to what the future has to hold with Minor Details – love love love them !”
– Shanice D, Google Reviews
Working with Minor Details has been great!
“Working with Minor Details has been great! They are quick to respond, supportive, encouraging, and provide great feedback. We have been with them for only 2 months and my daughter has already booked her first commercial.”
– Ashley G, Google Reviews
