IMG Models
A top-tier global model agency under the Endeavor umbrella
Overview
IMG Models is one of the world's most prestigious modeling agencies, operating as part of the Endeavor entertainment conglomerate. They represent some of the most recognized names in fashion and commercial modeling.
The agency offers full-service management including booking, brand development, and cross-platform career strategy. Their commercial division places talent in campaigns for luxury and consumer brands alike.
How It Works
IMG's connection to the broader Endeavor ecosystem provides unique opportunities spanning fashion, sports, entertainment, and media. Models benefit from a level of infrastructure few agencies can match.
Aspiring talent can submit through the IMG Models website. Scouting also occurs at fashion events, social media, and through industry referrals.
Who Uses It
A top goal for models with serious commercial and fashion potential. The competition for representation is intense, so focus on building a strong portfolio and social media presence before applying.
Pricing & Plans
IMG Models operates on the industry-standard agency commission model, earning a percentage of each booking with no upfront fees, registration costs, or portfolio charges for talent seeking representation. Commission rates typically fall in the 10-20% range depending on the type of work, market, and specific contract terms negotiated with each model. As part of the Endeavor conglomerate (which also owns WME, UFC, and the Miss Universe Organization), IMG has access to corporate infrastructure and resources that independent agencies cannot match, though this also means the agency operates within a large corporate structure with its own dynamics. Models may incur standard industry expenses for portfolio development, travel, and comp cards, but these are personal investments rather than agency fees. The agency's connection to Endeavor's broader talent management ecosystem can create cross-pollination opportunities between modeling, entertainment, and sports that generate unique revenue streams beyond traditional modeling bookings. Contract terms at agencies of this caliber tend to be comprehensive and should be reviewed by an entertainment attorney before signing.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
IMG's integration within the Endeavor conglomerate provides a genuinely unique competitive advantage — models can potentially access opportunities across fashion, entertainment, sports marketing, and media through a single management relationship that no standalone modeling agency can replicate. The agency represents some of the highest-profile names in modeling, and being on the same roster signals to brands and clients that you have been vetted at the absolute highest level of the industry. IMG's brand partnerships and direct client relationships with luxury houses, global consumer brands, and major advertising agencies provide access to campaigns that represent the pinnacle of commercial modeling work. The agency's social media and digital strategy team helps models build and monetize their personal brands across platforms, reflecting the modern reality that a model's Instagram following is as commercially valuable as their runway presence. IMG's global reach and market access allow represented talent to work across continents with coordinated management that maximizes earning potential and career trajectory. The Endeavor ecosystem opens doors to hosting opportunities, brand ambassadorship roles, and entertainment crossover projects that can diversify a model's career beyond traditional print and runway work.
What Could Be Better
The corporate structure of Endeavor means that IMG operates within a large conglomerate where modeling is one of many business units, and some models may feel that individual attention is diluted compared to boutique agencies where the entire operation is focused on model management. The extreme prestige of the agency creates correspondingly extreme competition for representation, meaning that even highly marketable models face long odds when submitting, and the selection process can feel opaque and unresponsive. Models signed to IMG may find that the agency's priorities naturally favor its highest-earning talent, and newer or developing models may receive less submission activity and agent attention than established names who generate more revenue. The Endeavor corporate structure has faced various controversies and business challenges that can create uncertainty about the agency's direction and stability, though the core IMG modeling business has remained operational through these periods. The emphasis on social media presence and digital branding means that models who prefer to focus purely on the craft of modeling without building a public social media persona may find themselves at a disadvantage within IMG's strategic framework. Contract negotiations with a large corporate agency can feel asymmetric, as the agency's legal and business resources significantly outweigh those of an individual model, making independent legal counsel essential.
Our Recommendation
IMG Models is recommended for models who have exceptional commercial and fashion potential and who want to leverage the unique cross-industry opportunities that come from being part of the Endeavor ecosystem. The agency is best suited for models who are comfortable with a corporate management approach and who see value in building a multi-platform personal brand beyond traditional modeling. If you prefer the intimate, personal attention of a boutique agency where every agent knows your name and career goals intimately, a smaller agency may provide a better fit even if it lacks IMG's corporate resources and cross-industry connections. Models with strong social media followings and personal brand potential may find IMG particularly receptive, as the agency increasingly values digital influence alongside traditional modeling metrics. Consider IMG as part of a strategic approach to top-tier agency submissions — apply to IMG, Elite, Wilhelmina, Ford, and Next simultaneously, as each agency has different aesthetic preferences and the right fit depends on factors beyond your control.
Pro Tips
Build a meaningful social media presence before submitting to IMG, as the agency actively evaluates digital influence and personal brand potential alongside physical attributes and modeling skills in today's market. Research IMG's current roster and recent campaigns to understand the agency's aesthetic direction and ensure your look and style align with what they are currently seeking and representing. Include any unique attributes, skills, or platform in your submission — fluency in multiple languages, athletic abilities, existing brand relationships, or notable social media following — as these differentiators can set you apart from equally attractive candidates. Prepare for the possibility that even an excellent submission may not result in representation, and have alternative agency targets ready so that a non-response from IMG does not derail your career momentum. If you do receive interest from IMG, consult with an entertainment attorney before signing anything, and ask detailed questions about which specific agent will manage your career, what market development strategy they envision, and how frequently you can expect to be submitted for opportunities.