Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Anonymous Wrote: Hi dania I'm 17 years old and 5'7 I've always wanted to be a model but my dream is to work for VS. Do you think I'm too old to start? I feel as If I should have started in my 13-15s since a lot of the models have started at a young age.   Hi, Anonymous! You're not too old to start modeling. Right now you'd have to be at least 5'8" by the time you are 18-years-old in order to be considered for Victoria's Secret though. If you end up staying at 5'7" you can still look into getting an agent that represents commercial/print models (5'7" is one inch shy of the preferred height requirement for fashion/runway modeling). You can actually start submitting yourself to agencies now since you are still fairly young. At this point don't worry about your age, 17 is doable. It would be different if you were 21 or older. In fact, if you get signed right now you would have the chance to build a good portfolio and resume o...

Christina Wrote: Thanks for all the answers! They're very helpful. I'm 14 and interested in print/commercial modeling. I'm 5'7", but not super skinny. I'm an athlete (a swimmer) and I was wondering what options I have. The agency I'm interested in has clients like Nike and Columbia and is interested in signing fitness oriented models. I weigh 140, but I look about 130. I also have braces, but only on the top, and I look at least 16. Thanks!  Hello, Christina! I can tell you right now that you're on the right track and shouldn't have much to worry about. For one thing, your height is ideal for print work, you're still young so you have plenty of time to grow with an agency and develop your career and since you're fitness oriented, you'll fit right into that niche. Getting that almighty modeling contract should be your first priority. Since you are underage having the protection of an agency behind you will get your career off ...

You always hear about runway and fashion modeling. Commercial/print models are just now starting to really get the recognition they deserve in the industry and it seems that plus size models are all the rage but what about petite models? My best explanation for why there is an absence of petite models in the industry is that there is no demand. The modeling industry is first and foremost a business and their job is to make money. Therefore, they go where the demand is. Do I think it's fair? Of course not...if petite modeling got its fair shot I--and a whole lot of other models--would be getting way more work! So how can petite modeling get into the limelight? That is open for debate but I believe that creating opportunities is one way. It isn't easy to try and influence or change a system that has been in motion and set in its ways for decades so be aware that tackling this beast is going to be an uphill battle and the results won't be apparent overnight. Use the ...

Mattiebelle Wrote: Hi Dania You look so young and pretty! Thanks for this site, I found it very encouraging as well as informative. I am a 56 yrs old and ready to get started! I recently did a photo shoot for a professional photographer as TFP (time for prints). She took some good headshots and will do full body ones on our next shoot. This has been a lifelong dream of mine. I live in the DC area, where and how do I get started? Thank you for your response. Mattiebelle  Hi, Mattiebelle! Thank you so much for the compliments and I'm so excited that you want to finally pursue your dream of lifestyle & mature modeling, good for you! My best advice for you getting started is to decide if you want to get signed to a modeling agency or do freelance. I always believe that having an agency behind you is the best way to go because they will be responsible for finding you work, marketing you and helping you develop your career. Simply find legit and reputable agencies ...

Aspiring runway models are perhaps the most intimidated when it comes to the runway walk. This post is to assure you that this part of the industry is not one that you should be losing sleep over. It goes without saying that you can't be a runway model if you don't know how to walk. However, at the same time, we all have to start somewhere. No agency expects a new/inexperienced model to come into their offices with a walk the likes of Gisele Bundchen. So if you are on an agency hunt it is okay if you are not a master at this type of walking. When you attend an open casting call for modeling agencies that represent runway models, they will ask you to walk for them. While this can be pretty scary for first timers, the agency isn't there to embarrass you or make fun of you (it's not a reality show!). Nor do they expect your walk to be dead on perfect, either. All agencies want to see is how your body moves naturally. They'll give you feedback and tell you what to...

Anonymous Wrote: Thanks for the great info! Are there any good agencies in the L.A. area that specialize in these types of models? I would love to get started in this!  Hello, Anonymous! Glad you enjoyed the information I gave in my post titled "Lifestyle & Mature Modeling." Los Angeles definitely is a great market for both types of modeling. Below are some agencies you can look into and start on your path towards pursuing modeling professionally: BMG Models www.bmgmodels.com CESD Talent Agency http://cesdtalent.com NTA Talent Agency www.ntatalent.com Wilhelmina Models (S Women Division) www.wilhelmina.com

Anonymous Wrote: i'm 13 nearly 14 and i want to start modeling but i've got braces , i really want to start as soon as possible but i would like to know what my chance's are . please reply!! Hey, Anonymous, thanks for the question. There is no black or white answer but I would say your chances are 50/50. It could really go either way. The possible outcomes could be: - The agency likes your look, even with your braces, and signs you as is. - The agency likes your look but would prefer to wait until you get your braces removed before offering you a contract. They may ask you to come back to their offices after your braces are off. - You may not have the look that the agency wants at the moment. The whole modeling with braces situation varies from case to case. As I mentioned in the post you commented on, "Modeling with Braces" , there are different factors that come into play. If you have a few years before your braces come off but have a strong, mark...