Sandra LawsThough I have long aspired to model, I quickly realized it was not my strongest suit. However, at the modeling school, I saw many turn their passion into a career. It’s something often impossible without a reputable agency.
Modeling agencies offer both work and stability. However, San Diego’s numerous options can make choosing the right one a daunting task.
Drawing from both firsthand accounts and thorough research, I have compiled a list of the top modeling agencies in San Diego. This will serve as an essential guide for anyone ready to step onto the runway.
How much do model agencies charge in San Diego?
Modeling agencies in San Diego typically charge 20% of a model’s earnings per job they book. Additionally, depending on the agency, the commission will be charged at either an hourly or project-based rate.
1. Downtown Dolls
Address: 835 Fifth Ave, Suite 310, CA 92101
Contact Details: +1 619-944-8900
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Becoming a model at Downtown Dolls has quite a of perks. The main reason I love them is that it costs nothing to join this agency, but their picking process is quite selective.
Working primarily with models within the 18- to 40-year-old range, I’ve found that a youthful appearance is a significant factor in their process. Additionally, they require photos when applying, so be sure to submit those.
Still, their process is lengthier than others, specifically 14 days before models hear back from them.
Thankfully, payments here are timely, received every 30 days or so. The quality of work is great, with the agency prioritising the safety and well-being of their models.
Some models and businesses praise the agency for their quick and prompt responses to emails and messages. I’ve heard they have a great list of connections within and outside San Diego.
Downtown Dolls is an agency with heart and soul
“Downtown Dolls is an agency with heart and soul!
Every photoshoot and event I’ve done with them has been exciting, creative and memorable. The team always makes you feel appreciated and supported, and the results of our collaborations are consistently outstanding!”
– Anastasiya Peristaya, Google Review
They are the most reliable agency I’ve worked with
“DowntownDolls is THE #1 MODELING AGENCY of San Diego! From providing TOP TIER jobs to taking care of their Models, they are the most reliable agency I’ve worked with. The professionalism from each person at DowntownDolls is always on point and consistent. Highly recommend! The quality of work they provide will always speak louder than words . From Photoshoots, Video-shoots, Music Videos, and more, the versatility of work DowntownDolls can handle is endless. Check us out!”
– Allen Perez, Google Review
2. San Diego Model Management
Address: 888 Prospect St, Suite 200, CA 92037
Contact Details: +1 619-889-3238
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
What’s great about San Diego Model Management is that they work with models of all ages. Models here praise the agency for providing excellent support to both clients and models.
Modeling isn’t just for advertising, as models work in various gigs. Some models are specifically hired for runways, while others are hired for acting jobs.
Many appreciate that bookings here are done by the hour, and the agency takes a 20% cut from these. Moreover, models appreciate that their bookings offer fair and competitive payments, even after the cut.
The only problem is that their criteria for their models are a bit narrow. Men are required to be at least 5’10 “to be considered for the agency. Meanwhile, women should be at least 5’7” to apply.
Thankfully, this doesn’t apply to children and teen models. They may only require headshots and body shots during the application process.
Great agency and talent
“Great agency and talent! I’ve worked with Linda for 18 years and she is always very professional and lovely to work with!”
– Amie Garrigus, Google Review
We’ve had nothing but great experiences with this agency
“We’ve had nothing but great experiences with this agency. My children’s agent, Jenn is amazing, although she’s busy she’s constantly keeping us as busy as we can be while being fulltime working parents. She has even sent us to multiple family auditions so it’s been a fun experience. People who have negative things to say are people who obviously don’t have sense about modeling. This isn’t a school people and you don’t have to pay for their service. They get paid off booking you jobs nothing else. Best place to have represent you if you’re in San Diego!”
– Jeneva C., Yelp Review
3. Model Machine
Address: 4425 Cass St. #E, CA 92109
Contact Details: +1 855-817-8427
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Model Machine’s models are suitable for a wide range of events. From trade shows to runways, models here are flexible in providing a great experience to clients.
Unlike other agencies, models at Model Machine work with clients throughout the United States and North America. What I love about them is that they’re a transparent agency that provides quality work to their models.
The models I’ve spoken to have worked on various types of events, including influencer marketing stints and trade shows. There are even models that become brand ambassadors with brands like Grey Goose.
The application process here is easy, but very competitive. Models are required to be at least 18 years old and must submit various types of information, including height and waist size.
However, women are required to submit bust and hip sizes, which feels like a bygone practice when compared to other agencies.
They are very professional
“I got booked by Model Machine in Miami, and I had an amazing experience. They are very professional and booked me for a super high-end client. Unlike other agencies they pay very quickly. I’m very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and hope to work with them again in the near future.”
– Silver Yasmin, Google Review
I’ve enjoyed working with this agency
“The Model Machine is a dynamic modeling agency that has great models and customer service for any business. I’ve enjoyed working with this agency over the years and they drive great results.”
– Jeffrey Taranto, Google Review
4. Bensimon Models & Talent
Address: 11665 Avena Pl STE 205, San Diego, CA 92128
Contact Details: +1 858-405-7082
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For children and teen models, I’d highly suggest working with Bensimon Models & Talent. The agency focuses on creating careers for younger clients while still prioritising their safety and enjoyment.
Models here appreciate the transparency of the agency, and they’re grateful to Ursula Bensimon, the founder of Bensimon Models. The agency works hard to provide a great experience to models and represents them with the utmost care.
Bensimon works with kids as young as 3, providing them with work for well-known brands like Disney’s Janie and Jack. But they also work with teens and adults.
I was pleased to see that Ursula allows entire families to become models under this agency, with parents and their children working together as models for certain projects.
Personally, I found each model’s basic info and their individual photos to be quite flattering. Still, I wish I could know more about each model, as the portfolios I saw were somewhat lacking, especially in terms of their work experience.
We love Ursula and the whole Bensimon Team
“We love Ursula and the whole Bensimon Team 🥰 They work really hard for ALL of their talent and not just “some” like other agencies… they’re Absolutely the Best ! Wouldn’t want to be with any other agency.”
– Shamyra Boone, Google Review
I have nothing but nice things to say about her
“My niece has been represented by Ursula for nearly two years and I have nothing but nice things to say about her! Professional, ethical and hard-working, she will represent your child with the utmost care and make sure to book your kid the greatest jobs out there. Ursula and her agency have literally changed my niece’s life for the better and she has been booked by Nordstrom and the NY Times Style Magazine among many others.
Ursula has never wasted our time and only sent my niece on jobs she’d be likely to get. I would strongly recommend Ursula and her agency to any parents, godparents, or uncles looking to get their kids in the business! I honestly can’t wait to adopt my own kids so I can work with Ursula! Also, she’s French so you will totes want to be her bff like I secretly do!”
– Karim H., Yelp Review
5. Elegance Talent Agency
Address: 2763 State St, CA 92008
Contact Details: +1 760-434-3397
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Elegance Talent Agency represents men, women, and children. Their talents are utilized in a variety of projects, including feature films and runway promotions. The range of ages really stood out to me, especially since they work with older talents.
I was surprised that the agency works with nearly 400 models and talents, each of whom is accredited with organizations like SAG/AFTRA.
Additionally, talents can find jobs both locally and internationally, which is a rare feature compared to other agencies.
Pam Phanke, the founder, has been described as professional and hardworking due to her talents. She works closely with clients and talents, trying her best to make both of their jobs easier.
The application process is quite easy, requiring only a few photos and a resume. However, I was disappointed that the photos had to be sent through the mail rather than via email. Still, wait times are short, and most models receive news after a few weeks.
The best agent to work with
“Wow , Pam from Elegance Talent is the best agent to work with! Thank you for all the encouragement you have given me these past 25 years. Your detailed instructions and dedicated follow-ups have meant so much to me. Can’t believe I’m still so active in this competitive market! I’m always learning so much with each project especially with the technology constantly changing! Challenging and very rewarding.
Looking forward to upcoming projects!”
– Margarite McCollum, Google Review
Can’t wait to work with her again
“Working with Pam at Elegance is always a pleasure. Her talent is top-notch and clients are always happy with them. Pam goes out of her way to make the casting process as easy as possible from start to finish — and the finished product is always fantastic. Can’t wait to work with her again soon on my next casting project!”
– Media Melanie, Google Review
