Exclusivity in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

There are two kinds of exclusivity. The first is in the agency contract: a mother agency asks to be the sole representative in its country, an agency abroad in its market. That is normal if in return the agency commits to look for work.

The second is exclusivity for a client. A campaign contract may say the model will not advertise competitors for a period, and during fashion week a house may book a model exclusively for its show. Exclusivity of this kind should always be paid extra.

In both cases three things matter: which territory, for how long and what you get for it. Unlimited exclusivity with no commitments on the other side is the mark of a bad contract.

In practice

A cosmetics brand offers a model a one-year campaign in the Baltic states and asks that he not advertise other cosmetics brands for that time. The agency agrees, but only for that sector and region, and adds a separate sum to the fee for the exclusivity. Clothing and car advertising remain open to him.

What to watch for

Exclusivity needs a term and a territory.
Client exclusivity with no extra fee is a loss.
Ask which jobs you will not be able to accept.

Related terms

Agencies and representationRepresentation agreementA representation agreement is the contract between a model and an agency: how long the agency will represent the model, both sides' duties, the commission and how payment works.Agencies and representationMother agencyA mother agency is a model's first agency, usually in the home country: it discovers and prepares the model, places them with agencies abroad and oversees the whole career.Types of work and modelsCampaignA campaign is a brand's seasonal advertising: pictures and video used in stores, online, in magazines and on billboards.Runway and fashion weeksShow exclusiveA show exclusive means that during fashion week a model walks only one house's show, often as a new face that house is introducing.Money and rightsUsage rightsUsage rights define where, for how long and in which countries a client may use pictures or footage of the model.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01What is a show exclusive?

An agreement that during fashion week a model walks only one house's show, or opens it first. For a new model it is a strong start.

02Can I take freelance work under an exclusive contract?

Not in that territory: all jobs go through the agency. Otherwise you would be in breach.

Exclusivity