Arizona is not the best place for a model to thrive, since it is a small market that at best provides models with part-time or supplemental income.
However, there are still ample opportunities for models to book commercial jobs for local clients with deep pockets like banks, resorts, home builders, and casinos.
There is also plenty of industrial work available, mostly for educational projects and online education institutions.
Arizona has some excellent modeling agencies that provide local jobs for their talent and also help them transition into bigger markets like California and New York.
Here are 11 of the best modeling agencies you can find in Arizona that are ideal for beginners and seasoned pros.
The 11 Best Modeling Agencies in Arizona
Best Modeling Agencies in Scottsdale, Arizona
1. Leighton Agency Inc
About the Agency
Established in 1988, Leighton Agency is a full-service modeling agency that has been representing some of the finest models and talent in Scottsdale, Arizona for over 30 years.
The agency primarily focuses on helping the top models and actors in Phoenix, Arizona find jobs and develop their local network.
Because the agency focuses 100% on the local market it has represented more full-time actors and models in Arizona than any other agency.
While some modeling agencies now charge their talent monthly and annual fees, the Leighton Agency does not follow this model.
The agency does, however, charge a one-time $75 fee for setting up online profiles for their talent.
The agency represents men, women, and children in film & television, voiceover, commercials, fashion shows, and print modeling.
The Leighton Agency is a SAG franchised agency and a member of the APA (Arizona Production Association).
The agency was founded by owner and managing director, Ruth Leighton who has spent over 40 years representing models and talent in Arizona.
In addition to running one of the oldest and most reputable modeling agencies, Ruth has also been a member of the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) where she helped screen new modeling and talent agencies opening in Metropolitan Phoenix.
During her time at the ICA, she also helped refine and bolster the licensing protocol by adding mandatory examination procedures.
Leighton agency has worked with both local and national clients on numerous advertising campaigns and tv and film projects.
Some of the projects the agency has worked on include the following:
Local/Regional Campaigns – Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Lottery, Del Webb Homes, St. Joseph’s Hospital, First Interstate Bank, etc…
National Campaigns – Adidas, The Coca-Cola Company, American Express, Harley Davidson, Mcdonalds, IBM, KFC, Wells & Fargo, GMC, Wrangler Jeans, Vogue, and others.
TV & Theatre – America’s Most Wanted, Ingenious, Raising Arizona, Jericho Fever, Family Plan, Middlemen, Unholy Matrimony, etc…
Divisions
- Film & Television
- Voiceover
- Commercials
- Fashion shows
- Print modeling
Submission
Send your submissions by email to submissions@leightonagency.com.
Actors
Please email your headshot and resume. Include a demo reel if you have one.
Commercial Print Models
If you are real, professional, have a unique look, and are willing to invest the time and energy needed to build your portfolio, please email two to three pictures.
Include your height, weight, clothing size, hair, eye color, and date of birth together with your pictures.
Voice Talent
Please email your commercial demo reel as an MP3.
Note: Snapshots are fine for submissions, but if you want to build your brand and stand out from the competition you should hire a professional photographer.
Children
If your child is 4 years old or above, email a picture along with a list of any previous experiences. Children who apply should have excellent reading and memorization skills.
2. Ford/Robert Black Agency
About the Agency
Founded in 1987, the Ford/Robert Black Agency (FRBA) is one of the most prominent model and talent agencies in Arizona and the Southwest.
FRBA is a full-service agency that represents a diverse talent roster of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and body types.
The agency works in different sectors of the modeling and entertainment industry including runway, commercial print, TV/film, and voiceover.
FRBA also represents artists that do photography, hair/make-up, and wardrobe styling.
The Scottsdale-based agency uses its extensive network of national and international talent and modeling agencies to scout and develop talent.
FRBA is a SAG franchised agency and a member of the APA.
Divisions
- Women – Mainboard, Development, Lifestyle, Curve
- Men – Mainboard, Development, Lifestyle
- Kids – Girls, Boys
- Actors – Women, Men
- Artists
- Influencers
- Families
- Voiceover
Submission
Models/Actors can submit their materials via the online application form.
Models
- Models should submit 4 non-professional photos.
- Wear jeans and a fitted shirt or tank top for your pictures.
- Women should wear heels.
Actors
- Actors must submit headshots and a resume.
- Please upload your resume as an image along with your headshots.
- Include a web link to your demo reel in the youtube submission field.
- Applicants should be five years old or above.
- If you have any issues submitting through the online form, send your materials to info@fordba.com.
Notable Models
Rachel Connor (Vogue, Man About Town, Glamour), Juan Rivera (Dolce & Gabbana SS23, L’Officiele Hommes Thailand), Erica Honing (Prada, Carolina Herrera, Elle Greece), Monica Majak (Fiorucci, Elle), Rhylan Clark (Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiele, Elle), Neema Jeanine (Coach, End. Womenswear)
3. Signature Models & Talent Agency
About the Agency
Formerly known as Bobby Ball Agency, Signature Models and Talent (SMT) is a full-service modeling and talent agency that has been operating in Scottsdale, Arizona for over 45 years.
The agency represents men, women, and children for TV, Film, Industrials, Voiceover, Extras, Print, and Promotional work.
Terri Hoffmann has been the creative force behind the agency since 1990. She has an extensive fashion background and was part of the staff of the prestigious Arizona Theatre Company during its early years.
SMT is a boutique agency that keeps a roster of under 500 models and talent so it can devote more time and energy to helping each talent achieve their goals.
The agency is SAG franchised and a member of the APA.
Divisions
- Models – Men, Women
- Actors – Men, Women
- Children – Boys, Girls
- Families
- Voiceover
Submission
Models/Talent should submit your materials through the online application form. Voice actors should only submit their contact information and voiceover demo.
Voiceover demos should be in MP3 or .WAV formats and 30 seconds long or less.
The agency is currently only accepting submissions from Arizona. Applicants can also submit their materials by mail to:
Signature Models & Talent
5743 E. Thomas Rd. Suite 1
Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
Photo Requirements
- Photos don’t have to be professional
- Snapshots need to be clear quality
- No sunglasses or Snapchat filters
- Your face should be visible
- 1 closeup of your face & 1 full body
4. Deborah Maddox Agency
About the Agency
The Deborah Maddox Agency (DMA) is a full-service modeling and talent agency that has been representing all ages of SAG and non-union talent in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The agency is licensed and works with local, regional, and national clients.
Owner and founder Deborah Maddox has worked as an agent in Arizona and the Southwest for over 28 years.
She also serves on the board of the Arizona Film and Media Coalition.
DMA represents its talent for national and local commercials, film, video, TV, fashion, runway, print, and promotional work.
Submission
DMA represents all ages, looks, and ethnicities. Please email your submissions to Agent@MaddoxAgency.com.
Applicants can also submit their materials by mail to:
Deborah Maddox Agency
P.O. Box 32141
Mesa, AZ 85275-214151
Experienced Talent
Submit your headshot, resume, and/or composite/zed card. Include a demo reel or a voice demo if you have one.
New Talent
Send 2 snapshots and a cover letter that tells us about you and the areas of interest you want to focus on. Please include your height, weight, and clothing sizes.
The agency will notify applicants it’s interested in within 10 days of receiving their application.
Children
Send 2-3 current snapshots of your child along with the following:
- Child’s name
- Date of Birth
- Height & Weight
- Clothing Size
- Parent’s Name
- Address
- All Contact Phone Numbers & Email Addresses
The agency is very selective with its children’s roster and will only contact applicants if they have an opening.
Best Modeling Agencies in Phoenix, Arizona
5. The Agency Arizona
About the Agency
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, The Agency Arizona is one of the premiere modeling and talent agencies in Arizona.
The agency has been scouting and developing new faces for the local and national markets since opening its doors in 2004.
The Agency Arizona was founded by owner and former model Terri Camberlango.
The agency represents men, women, and children, and its rosters are made up of models, actors, artists, influencers, and creatives.
Divisions
- Print/Runway
- Influencers
- Artists
- Art
- Placement
Submission
The Agency Arizona is always looking for fresh faces and new talent. You don’t need to have any prior experience or have professional photos to apply.
The agency simply looks for diversity, unique features, a great personality, and natural talent.
At this time the agency does not represent babies and children under the age of 5.
Models can submit their materials and non-professional images through the online application form.
Actors should submit a clear headshot and their most current resume. The agency will only contact the individuals they are interested in within 2-3 weeks of receiving an application.
6. The Young Agency
About the Agency
The Young Agency is a full-service model and talent agency that has been representing talent in Phoenix, Arizona since 1996.
Pamela Young, who has served on the board of directors for Women in Film, Arizona Chapter, is the creative force behind the Young Agency for the last 25 years.
The Young Agency represents models and talent for Print, Fashion & Runway, Commercial TV, Film & Voiceover, and Video & Promotional Modeling for local and national projects.
The agency represents men, women, and children including toddlers and babies.
The agency has booked talent in lead and supporting roles in films and TV shows like One Tree Hill and Criminal Minds.
Young Agency’s talent has also placed first in the final season of Beauty and the Geeks and placed in the top 6 models of America’s Next Top Model.
Child actor Jackson Scott who was the lead actor in the popular movie “It” was nominated for an Oscar in 2017.
The agency has also received letters of recognition from Senator John McCain and former Governor Janet Napolitano for their contributions to the local and national entertainment industry.
The agency is licensed and bonded by the State of Arizona and is an accredited member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) with an A+ rating.
Over the years, the Young Agency has developed a reputation for representing some of the highest quality talent in Arizona who are well-developed, professional, and repeat bookers.
Divisions
- Fashion
- Commercial
- Lifestyle
- Curvy
- Men
- Fitness
- Family
Submission
Models and talent can submit their material online here. The agency is currently only accepting submissions from talent who are 6 years old and above.
The Young Agency encourages only models and talent who are serious about development and bookings to apply.
7. Southwest Model & Talent Agency
About the Agency
Southwest Model & Talent Agency (SWMT) is a full-service modeling and talent agency that represents models and talent in Phoenix, Arizona.
The agency helps its talent find work locally and also helps them transition into bigger markets like California through its professional network and conventions like the IMTA (International Model & Talent Association).
SWMT offers an 11-week workshop that focuses on:
- Photo posing
- Runway
- Audition readiness
- Makeup & Skin Care
- On Camera Training
- Scene Study
- Commercials
Notable Talent
Sophia Vassilieva (NBC’s Medium, Law & Order SVU, My Sister’s Keeper), Alyssa Reinke (Harper’s Bazaar Thailand, Cosmopolitan Hong Kong, Project Runway Season 8),
Brandi Fenimore (303 Magazine, Project Runway), Briana Hicks (MTV’s 8th & Ocean, Teen, Glamour & Shape Magazines),
Cassandra Smith ( Teen, Nylon & Grazia Magazines, Fashion Week), Jazmyn Brown (303 Magazine’s Fashion Show, Denver Fashion Week),
Logan Torres (Beauty Underground Magazine, Winner of 303 Magazine’s 2015 Fashion Show), Zalina Dehqonova ( 303 & Beauty Underground Magazines, Denver Fashion Week).
Divisions
- Runway
- Fashion & Commercial Print
- TV & Film
- Commercials & Promotions
Submission
SWMT is always looking for new faces. If you are interested in working with SWMT fill out their online form to schedule an audition/interview.
The agency is currently scouting in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and North & South Carolina.
Best Modeling Agencies in Mesa, Arizona
8. Priority Talent Agency
About the Agency
Located in Mesa, Arizona, Priority Talent Agency is a boutique modeling and talent agency that specializes in providing diverse talent for commercial and film projects.
The agency was created by former talent agent Ciarra Guthrie when she noticed the lack of representation for people of color both behind and in front of the camera.
The agency represents men, women, and kids of any shape, size, gender, and color. Priority Talent Agency is a member of the APA.
Divisions
- Models
- Actors
- Voice Over
- Kids
Submission
Submit your materials through the online application form. The agency will only contact talent that they are interested in, to schedule an appointment.
This usually takes about a week after submission.
9. Natori’s Club Modeling & Talent Agency
About the Agency
Natori’s Club Modeling and Talent Agency (NCMT) represents both established and new models and talent in Arizona.
Former model Alnisia Cruz first founded NCMT in 1999 in New York as a result of the modeling boot camps she started to give in 1997.
Almost a decade later Cruz relaunched NCMT in 2018 in Arizona.
Cruz has been in the fashion and entertainment industry for over 30 years and has worked with world-renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret, Maybelline, Calvin Klein, Clairol, and Revlon.
Based in Mesa, Arizona, NCMT’s talent have appeared in numerous print and catalogs for companies like JCPenny,
Park Lane Jewelry, Kendra Scott, Milos Designs, Being Dapper, Yellow Productions, and many more.
NCMT frequently collaborates with local businesses and organizations in producing fashion shows in Arizona
that help create exposure for local designers, models, hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers.
Some of these fashion shows include:
- Gala Fashion Show – 2018
- NAWBO Fashion Show – 2019
- Labelhorde Fashon Show – 2019
- Live To Give Fashion Show
NCMT is also the in-house modeling agency for the FABRIC Organization which is an incubator for fashion designers and apparel entrepreneurs in Arizona.
The agency is also a member of the APA.
Divisions
- Catalog
- Film & TV
Submission
Models and talent can submit their materials on the online submission page. Photos should not be more than 3 months old and they should show your current look, hairstyle, and hair length.
The agency will contact applicants that they are interested in, within 30 days.
Requirements
- Age – 18 – 25
- Height – 5’7 minimum
- Headshot & Full body photo Resume
Best Modeling Agencies in Tempe Arizona
10. Dani’s Agency LLC
About the Agency
Located in Tempe, Arizona, Dani’s Agency is a professional model and talent agency that has been representing some of Arizona’s best talent since 1987.
The agency is licensed and bonded by the state of Arizona. It’s also a SAG franchised agency and a member of the APA.
As you can see from the agency’s website some of Dani’s talent have been with the agency for a very long time, ranging from 5 – 22 years.
This alone says a lot about how the agency treats its talent and the results that it gets for them.
The agency has a reputation for:
- Treating their talent like family
- Being very knowledgeable about the industry
- Booking their talent jobs only a few months after signing with the agency
- For being genuinely good human beings
Their well-organized and easy-to-use talent database also helps their talent book jobs easily.
Divisions
- Models
- Actors
- Voice talent
Submission
Models and actors should email their submissions to submissions@danisagency.com.
Professional voice talent should email their voice demos to dani@danisagency.com.
Dani’s Agency replies to all email submissions within a week. If you don’t hear from them please try again.
Use the agency’s email template and follow the directions on their submission page.
Best Modeling Agencies in Tucson, Arizona
11. Models Melange
About the Agency
Established in 1992, Models Melange is a modeling and talent agency based in Tucson, Arizona.
The agency represents men, women, and children models and talent and works with agents in all major markets worldwide to place their talent.
The owner and director, Janet Ryan created the agency to help new talent and fresh faces break into the professional modeling, acting, and entertainment industries.
Janet was a former model and actress herself who has appeared in numerous print & TV commercials and fashion shows both locally and nationally.
She has also produced several fashion shows and worked as a talent agent.
Janet is also a member of the prestigious IMTA which allows her to introduce selected local models and talent to
Casting Directors (CDS), Film & TV producers, and other industry professionals from every part of the world.
Models Melange is an accredited member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
Over the years the agency has helped numerous local talent transition to agencies in bigger markets like LA and New York.
Check out some of their success stories here.
Divisions
- Runway Models
- Fashion & Commercial Print Models
- Actors (Commercial & Theatrical)
- Singers, Dancers & Songwriters
Submission
Submit to Models Melange through their online form.
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