Answering a Reader Question #87

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 to a great start. As far as your weight and build goes, you don't have anything to worry about because if you are specializing in fitness modeling, they want your body type as it is. How many fitness models have you seen that are built like fashion/runway models? Hardly any lol. And there's a reason for that. The fact that you actually are an athlete also gives you an advantage over models that are in great shape but may not necessarily have sports as part of their lifestyle (I've seen many castings for fitness models where the client wanted the models to have a background in a sport, whether it was track, hiking, jogging, swimming, tennis, etc. so that it was easier for them to get real life poses and expressions). Fitness models do not have to meet the same requirements as fashion or runway models so do not lose sleep over whether you will have to make some crazy change in order to fit into the industry's standards. Fitness modeling is typically open in size and height, which is great.

As far as your braces go, I don't think it will be as big of a deal simply because fitness modeling doesn't always require models to smile like traditional commercial/print. But again, when it comes to braces and modeling, it is often on a case by case basis.

Definitely look into the agency you mentioned and if they hold an open casting call, be sure to attend it since it increases your odds compared to sending in photos via snail mail or email. See what feedback the agency has for you and if they sign you, well, then you're good to go!

If you have more questions or need additional assistance with getting started in your modeling career, do not hesitate to shoot me an email.

Best of luck to you!

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