Ford Models
A legendary modeling agency with decades of industry heritage
Overview
Ford Models is one of the most storied modeling agencies in history, founded in 1946. It represents talent across fashion, commercial, and lifestyle categories with a legacy of launching supermodel careers.
The agency provides full career management for its roster, including booking, brand partnerships, and strategic development. Their commercial division actively places talent in advertising campaigns across all media.
How It Works
Ford operates primarily in the New York market with connections to agencies worldwide through its network. The agency's name carries significant weight in both the fashion and commercial industries.
Aspiring models can submit through the agency's website or attend open casting calls. Selection is highly competitive and based on current market demand and the agency's roster needs.
Who Uses It
Pursuing Ford Models is worthwhile if you have the look and commitment for high-level commercial or fashion work. Prepare professional-quality digitals and be ready for a selective evaluation process.
Pricing & Plans
Ford Models operates on the standard agency commission model, earning a percentage of each booking rather than charging talent any upfront fees. Commission rates follow industry norms, typically 10-20% depending on the type of work and market, with specific terms negotiated as part of the representation contract. There are absolutely no registration fees, portfolio charges, or mandatory class enrollments associated with legitimate Ford Models representation — any entity requesting upfront payment while claiming affiliation with Ford Models should be treated as a scam. The agency's investment in developing new talent is recouped through commissions on future bookings, aligning the agency's financial incentives with the model's success. Models on the Ford roster may need to invest in travel, comp cards, and personal upkeep, but these expenses are standard industry costs rather than agency charges. The financial relationship is transparent and performance-based: Ford earns when you earn, creating a natural partnership where both parties benefit from successful bookings.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Ford Models' extraordinary heritage — founded in 1946, making it one of the oldest continuously operating model agencies in the world — provides unmatched industry credibility and name recognition that opens doors with clients, brands, and casting directors worldwide. The agency's historical track record of launching supermodel careers demonstrates a genuine ability to identify and develop talent, providing confidence that the agency has the expertise to guide your career effectively. Ford's commercial division is exceptionally active in booking advertising campaigns across television, print, digital, and social media, providing diverse booking opportunities that generate consistent income for represented talent. The agency's New York headquarters positions it at the center of the American fashion and advertising industries, providing direct access to the clients and brands that drive the highest-volume commercial markets. Ford's brand partnerships and direct client relationships mean that represented talent often receives exclusive consideration for campaigns before they are posted to casting platforms, creating booking opportunities that unrepresented models never see. The agency's long-term career management approach focuses on building sustainable careers rather than burning through talent quickly, which benefits models who want longevity in the industry.
What Could Be Better
Ford Models' legendary status means the selection process is extraordinarily competitive, and the vast majority of aspiring models who submit will not receive representation, which can be discouraging despite being a reflection of the agency's standards rather than any individual's potential. The agency has undergone significant corporate changes over the decades, including ownership transitions and restructuring, and some industry observers note that its current market position, while still prestigious, may not carry the same dominant influence it held during its peak decades. The pressure to conform to specific beauty standards and body proportions at an agency of this caliber can be intense and potentially harmful, and models should be aware of the physical and psychological demands of working at the top tier of the industry. Contract exclusivity terms may restrict your ability to work with other agencies or pursue certain types of work independently, limiting your flexibility and autonomy as a working model. The agency's New York focus, while a strength for that market, may mean less direct support for talent based in other cities, and models outside New York may need to relocate or travel frequently to maximize the value of Ford representation. Career longevity in the modeling industry is notoriously uncertain, and even agency representation at the highest level cannot guarantee consistent bookings over an extended period.
Our Recommendation
Ford Models is recommended for aspiring models who have genuinely exceptional commercial or fashion potential and are prepared for the rigorous standards and competitive dynamics of top-tier agency representation. The agency is best pursued by models who are committed to a serious professional career rather than casual or part-time modeling, as the investment of time, energy, and resources required to succeed at this level is substantial. If you are new to modeling, consider building experience and portfolio quality through smaller agencies and TFP collaborations before approaching Ford, as a stronger submission dramatically increases your chances of being considered. Models who have already gained experience in regional markets and are ready to compete nationally should include Ford in their top-tier agency submission strategy alongside Wilhelmina, Elite, and IMG. If high fashion is not your strength but commercial and lifestyle modeling suit your look, highlight your commercial potential in your submission, as Ford's commercial division is extremely active and may be a more accessible entry point than the fashion division.
Pro Tips
Study Ford Models' current roster on their website to understand the types of looks and aesthetics the agency is currently representing, as this research helps you assess your fit and tailor your submission to emphasize qualities the agency values. Submit your photos in the format specified on the agency's submission page — typically clean digital photos with natural light, no heavy retouching, and simple styling — and resist the urge to over-produce your submission, as agencies at this level want to evaluate your natural potential rather than a styled finished product. Include your accurate, current measurements in your submission rather than aspirational or outdated numbers, as dishonesty in the submission process will be discovered immediately at an in-person meeting and will permanently damage your credibility with the agency. Prepare for the possibility of rejection and have a plan for your next steps, as even the most successful models in history were rejected by multiple agencies before finding the right fit. If you receive an invitation to meet with Ford agents, treat it as a professional business meeting — arrive on time, dress simply in form-fitting neutral clothing, bring a current comp card or clean digitals, and be prepared to discuss your career goals and availability honestly.