Beginner looking for agency advice

Hey all — I’m a 23-year-old male based in Seattle looking to break into modeling and would really appreciate guidance from people with industry experience.

I graduated college in 2024, work full-time in IT, and moved to Seattle the same year. Modeling wasn’t something I had planned on, but over the past year I’ve had a lot of strangers encourage me to try it because of my look. I’m mixed ethnicity and tend to get comments about having a “prettier” face, softer features, and a unique complexion. I didn’t think much of it at first, but it’s happened often enough that I figured I’d explore it seriously in my free time.

I don’t have any professional modeling experience yet (print/commercial/film/etc), but I’ve started reaching out to local agencies and could use perspective on a situation I’m navigating:

• One agency offered to sign me, but they require completing a paid development workshop first ($550). It includes coaching, development, and audition prep, but headshots cost extra ($300 or so, if you decide to do it through the agency but it isn’t required as it’s the responsibility of the talent)

• Their explanation was that beginners need training before being submitted for castings, which made sense — but reviews are mixed, and some people say the workshop was expensive and didn’t lead to meaningful opportunities.

For those familiar or have experienced a similar situation:

• Are mandatory paid workshops typical when signing new talent?

• if not, How do reputable agencies usually handle complete beginners with no experience to build credibility and exposure? Do they just throw you into auditions and castings?

Separately, I’ve applied for background (non-principal character) talent work with a SAG-AFTRA affiliated agency here in Seattle. I set up all my profiles but I haven’t signed yet because I’m trying to decide between the opportunities. Is background work a solid starting path for someone with no experience, or would the $550 workshop be valuable with the other agency?

I’m primarily aiming for commercial and print modeling — short, visual projects focused on appearance, lifestyle, and brand work rather than acting or character roles. I’m considering background talent as a practical way to get on set, meet people in the industry, and start building experience as a beginner. My thought is that it could help me gain exposure, build a résumé, make connections, get more comfortable on set, and invest in stronger headshots and materials, then gradually move up.

If anyone has any experience in background talent or with Seattle agencies/market more specifically, please let me know.

Thank you!