While there are random people who are discovered (Kate Moss, Gisele), it s actually the toughest way as you have no way of knowing where a scout is going to be. They don t go to specific places - people are scouted when an agent might happen to see a potential model when they are on the subway on their way home from work, or at the grocery store, or in a restaurant or out walking their dog, or running in Central Park - basically just getting on with their daily lives. One model on our books was scouted when she and her mom were at the Clinique counter in Macys and one of the agents happened to be there buying some foundation at the same time. Had the agent arrived 5 minutes earlier or later, that specific model would never have been found. The agent didn t specifically go to Macys looking for models - it was just about being in the right place at the right time. If you want to be discovered, YOU have to be proactive. Call around to the agencies to find out when they are holding open calls - some of the big agencies hold weekly open calls and they ll tell you on the spot if you are model material or not. If they don t hold open calls, then ask how you can send in your pictures - by mail or email (some like Wilhelmina require you to mail in pictures, others like Ford and Elite take online submissions). These are the main mens agencies in NY http://models.com/agencies/top-men/ - send in pictures or attend open calls at as many as possible to increase your chances
AS LJ just pointed out, it s a huge myth that gets a few dozen or even hundreds of naive newbies in trouble each month, each year. If they re lucky they only get scammed out of a little bit of money for their stupidity. If they re really unlucky or lacking in common sense, they end up nude or in porn or in some other highly compromised position.This instant discovery fantasy is just not the way the industry works. Successful models are just like successful businesses. A lot of start up capital was needed, and a lot of hustle and perseverance in the industry over a few years time. Overnight success takes a minimum 10 years, so educate yourself and settle in.
The idea that someone would just be discovered is the stuff of movies and fantasy. This is just not the way it happens in real life.In real life, people wanting a career in tv, movies, music, modeling, etc., etc. work hard to get discovered . They get agents, spend money on good photos, and go to auditions. No one is just discovered . You really have to work at a career.