Answering a Reader Question #159

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi Ms. Dania,
I am a 5'8", 15 year old girl living in Baltimore Maryland. I know this question might be a little weird, but.. I'm also homeschooled and my mom would have no problem travelling with me anywhere. If you were me where would you try to start off with a modeling career? Thanks!

Hey, there! Nothing weird about your question at all! The first step is to find an agent to represent you. The agency will do the hard work of marketing you, booking you for castings, go-sees and help you get the highest paying work. However, it's all about location. I'm pretty sure you know that Maryland isn't the best market for trying to start a modeling career. If you're not able to find an agency that is at least within a 2 hour's drive from where you live, the following places are worth looking into as far as agencies go (if an agency in any of these markets really likes your look they'll help you with relocation and may offer a living arrangement, such as a model dorm/housing):

- New York
- Chicago
- Miami

Simply do an online search for modeling agencies in these areas and you'll get the official websites in your search results, which will give you all the information you'll need to know, such as what kind of pictures to send, when their open casting calls are (if they have them) and what each of their requirements are. If you need help finding legitimate agencies in any of these areas, shoot me an email: daniadenise@gmail.com and I'll help you find the right ones that would be suitable for you.

Best of 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