Ben & Quentin: New to Our Model Agency
Two new faces, one real story — and the living proof that the path from the street to the runway can be shorter than most imagine. Ben and Quentin have been officially part of the CM Models team since the Berlin Fashion Week. Both were discovered through street casting, both walked in the Fashion Week Finals — and both show what a career start looks like today: not through pure chance, but through preparation, the right moment, and the courage to say yes.
How Ben and Quentin were discovered
Street castings are part of the DNA of the fashion industry. What looks like luck is actually the result of years of experience on the part of the scouts — and a certain presence on the part of the person being discovered. Ben was approached near the exhibition grounds, Quentin directly in the vicinity of a showroom event. Both had no agency, no portfolio, no experience. What they had: height, proportions, a natural aura — and the willingness to engage in the process.
Who wants to know what specific requirements to become a model mean will quickly realize: It’s not just about measurements. Personality, movement, willingness to learn — all of this flows into the first assessment. Ben and Quentin fulfilled both. The casting at CM Models was the next logical step, and both took it.
First impressions count — but not exclusively
A scout makes their first assessment in seconds. But what follows is a structured process. At the casting at CM Models, proportions are measured, movements are observed, and reactions to direction are tested. Ben showed a calmness that many debutants don’t bring. Quentin convinced with his dynamism in front of the camera — despite zero experience. Anyone who wants to prepare for a casting should know: authenticity beats perfection. Always.
What the casting specifically included
Both went through a multi-stage process: initial measurement, Polaroids, short runway walk, individual interview. A Model portfolio for casting was not yet available at that time — this is normal during the first contact. What matters is the raw material. The portfolio is created afterwards. Those who want to know the exact model measurements and requirements will find a detailed overview there — including realistic assessments of what really matters and what is just a myth.
From the Fashion Week to the runway: What really happened
The Berlin Fashion Week is for many newcomers the first real test. The Berlin Fashion Week brings together national and international designers — and offers newly signed models the opportunity to perform under real conditions. Ben and Quentin were scheduled for shows within a few days of their casting. That is unusually fast — and at the same time typical of the pace of an active Fashion Week.
Who wants to understand how Berlin positions itself in an international context should also take a closer look at the Big 4 Fashion Weeks: The dates of the New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week follow a global calendar — and whoever is convincing in Berlin has real chances for international bookings.
Laufsteg als Lernschule
Nobody walks perfectly the first time. But the runway doesn’t allow repeats — every show is live, every step is seen. That’s why preparation is crucial. Concrete runway and catwalk tips help avoid the most common beginner mistakes: wrong pace, stiff gaze, tense arms. Ben and Quentin were thoroughly briefed — and both walked confidently. That’s not a coincidence, that’s preparation.
“A model who walks for the first time and shows no fear is rarer than you think. Ben and Quentin have forgotten the audience — that’s the best thing that can happen to a newcomer.”
What new models can expect at CM Models
Getting started with an agency is not a walk in the park — but it’s also not a secret. Whoever knows the Become a model steps understands that signing is just the beginning. What follows: building the portfolio, first test shootings, bookings, go-sees, feedback loops. CM Models actively supports its models — without hidden costs. Those who want to know whether a model agency charges money or the other way around: serious agencies earn exclusively from successful bookings. Period.
Those who are still unsure whether a serious model agency even charges upfront fees will find a clear answer there. And those who wonder what modeling means financially get realistic numbers at What does a model earn — without any sugarcoating.
Modeling as a side job or full-time career?
Not everyone who signs immediately quits their job. Modeling as a side job is a common model — especially for Ben and Quentin, it was initially the plan. The agency supports both paths. Reliability is important: appointments must be kept, communication must work. Whoever brings that can also start in parallel to their studies or career.
Height, measurements, types — what really matters
The industry has changed. Anyone who thinks they have no chance without standard measurements should take a look at the current developments. There are model agencies without minimum height requirements, growing demand for becoming a curvy model and special areas for becoming a model with larger sizes. The minimum height model agency is no longer an absolute exclusion criterion — it depends on the segment. Ben and Quentin meet classic editorial measurements, but that is only one of many possible paths.
CM Models — Locations, reach, opportunities
CM Models is established with several locations in Germany and an international network. The Model agency Berlin is the hub for Fashion Week-related activities. In addition, the locations Model agency Hamburg and Become a model Frankfurt are important hubs for advertising, catalog and lifestyle bookings. Internationally, direct connections to the markets Become a model in London and Become a model in New York are available — both target markets that can be relevant for aspiring models in the long term.
Those who want to get an overview of the market will find a structured comparison basis in the Top 10 model agencies. And those who want to take the first concrete step will find all important tips on how to professionally set up an application at Model agency contact — including what scouts really want to see.
The difference between signing and success
Signing is the ticket — not the prize. What comes after depends largely on the model themselves. Punctuality, professionalism, willingness to accept feedback, self-motivation. Ben and Quentin have shown in the first weeks that they understand what the entry means. That is not a given — and exactly for this reason, they are now part of the team.
Your Way to CM Models — How the Application Works
You don’t have to be discovered at a street casting. The direct way is just as valid — and often more efficient. Anyone who wants to apply now should know the following points:
- Current photos without heavy makeup
- Natural light, no filters
- Full-body and half-body shots
- Face clearly visible, frontally
- Measurements fully provided
- Short letter of motivation
What many forget: The application is already part of the first impression. Those who approach it carelessly signal this — even if they don’t want to. Those who, on the other hand, show that they have done their research and know what to expect have a real advantage.
Checklist: Am I ready for an application?
- ☐ Current photos available (no older than 3 months)
- ☐ Measurements taken and noted
- ☐ Motivation text formulated
- ☐ Availability known
- ☐ Casting process understood
- ☐ Questions for the agency prepared
- ☐ Model agency without fees accepted as standard
Comparison: Typical career paths in modeling
| Entry Path | Time until Signing | Experience Required | Typical First Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Casting (like Ben & Quentin) | Days to Weeks | None | Editorial, Fashion Week |
| Direct Application to Agency | 2–8 Weeks | None to low | Lifestyle, Catalog |
| Model Competition / Contest | Months | Low to medium | Mixed |
| Recommendation through Industry Contacts | Variable | Often present | Commercial, Advertising |
| Social Media Discovery | Variable | None to high | Digital, Influencer |
Common Questions about Getting Started with CM Models
How old must Ben and Quentin — and generally new models — be when applying?
There is no strict upper age limit. Entry is generally possible from the age of 16, and parental consent is required for minors. Many successful models start between the ages of 18 and 25 — but also people over 30 who are new to the industry can find their place in certain segments such as commercial or mature modelling. Ben and Quentin are both in their early twenties and thus in an ideal age range for the fashion week sector.
Do I have to pay money for the signing with CM Models?
No. Reputable agencies do not charge advance fees for signing, no enrollment fees and no mandatory packages for photos or courses. CM Models earns exclusively through commissions on successful bookings. Anyone who is asked to pay advance fees to an agency should take this as a clear warning signal. Find out more under Model agency without fees.
What happens after signing — how quickly will there be first jobs?
This is individual and depends on the workload, season, and profile. Usually, test shootings are conducted first to build up a portfolio. The first paid bookings can come within weeks — but they don’t have to. Ben and Quentin benefited from the direct Fashion Week context, which is unusually fast. The typical scenario looks more like 4–10 weeks until the first bookings. Important is patience combined with professionalism.
Can I apply if I don’t have model measurements?
Yes — but you should be honest about your goals. Classic high-fashion modeling has narrower measurement ranges. However, the industry includes much more: commercial, lifestyle, plus-size, mature, fitness, and many more niches. Specifically inform yourself about which segment suits you — and apply accordingly. Even German fashion designers are consciously looking for diverse types for their campaigns today. The first step is always the application — after that, there is honest feedback.
Amie Bangura for TEVEO's New Contrastline
"Azzedine Alaïa's Dior Collection" exhibition Paris: 101 looks that even Dior no longer has
Emmanuel for L'Officiel Hommes Belgium - Issue: Spring Awakening!
Dior x Jonathan Anderson (previously Loewe): New Creative Director
Balenciaga x Pierpaolo Piccioli: New Creative Director succeeds Demna
Model Agency Casting on 22 June in Berlin Mitte: Pre Fashion Week Berlin
