Answering a Reader Question #93

Amanda Wrote:

Hey Dania!. I read your post about modeling with braces, and since a lot of people think I look good with braces, I thought I could deal with that later. But my question is, do you think I have the right body for modeling? I'm 13-14, 5'9 ft., weigh 110 but most people assume I weigh 95-100, and I wear nighttime contacts, so my eyesight won't bother me during the day. But the two things I'm worried about are, 1) that I'm really on the pale side because of, 2) I have freckles and my skin is very sensitive to sunlight. I don't think I've ever seen a model with freckles, and I don't know if an agency would be willing to hire me, especially in south Florida, because I stick out like a sore thumb with my pale skin. What do you think?

Please answer!! =)

Hi, Amanda, and thanks for the questions. First, your height and weight sound ideal for fashion/runway/editorial, although I don't know your measurements. If you are in the ballpark of 34-24-34 (bust, waist, hips in inches) or smaller, then you are good to go. When it comes to measurements you cannot be larger than one inch in any of these three areas, although it is fine if you are smaller.

Freckles are actually "in" right now so that would work in your favor. I know of a booking agent with DNA Models and she has posted online before stating that fashion models with freckles are in demand so I don't think you'll have a problem there. Because fashion models often work outdoors on location in addition to shooting in studios, your sensitive skin could pose a problem when it comes to an agent trying to book you for work. If they have to filter out or can only submit you for fewer gigs because of your condition, it could act as a deterrent and make you less marketable. Agencies want to give their models tons of work and if there is any reason why they wouldn't be able to submit you to something, it means a loss of business for them and you cannot further your career.

If the sunlight in the Florida area is going to be a problem for you pursuing a modeling career, you could look into getting agency representation in the New York market, since that area isn't really known for its sunny weather most times. It could be worth looking into, especially since you are already at the ideal height for that type of modeling. Or you could try looking into representation with a Florida agency that regularly sends its models to New York for work. So you have a couple of options, which you should definitely seek out--it's the only way you'll get your questions answered for sure. So go for it and good luck!

Comments

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks

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

Search This Blog