Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #198

Anonymous Wrote:


Hey Dania, I'm Nicole and I've wanted to be a model since I was about seven (I'm 13 now) but I wanted to know if it will help to start trying to look for modeling agencies now or wait until I'm about fifteen. I have no experience at all and I live in Michigan, do you know of any good places for me look in to? Also I know that this is kind of random but were you in cheer leading? I am but I don't know if it will help (not with a career but keeping my figure). My friends keep saying that I have an amazing hour glass figure but I don't know if that's what modeling agencies are looking for. Plus my parents are really overprotective (it took me three months to convince them to let me wear a bikini!!!), is there any way I can convince them that modeling is not as bad as they think it is before I have to move out from going crazy living with them?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks.

Hey there, Anonymous! Alrighty, let's break down your questions into separate paragraphs for easier reading:

Getting modeling experience now by signing with an agency is a great way to start early and get some experience (and money!) under your belt. Even though you're still young, you qualify for teen modeling so it'll be best to look for agencies that have a teen division. Agencies will train new/inexperienced models so don't worry about not having any previous modeling experience. That being said, below are three agencies I was able to find in your area (FYI: Michigan isn't known for having a strong modeling market). Check out the agency websites thoroughly for all the information you need in regards to submitting your photos and information:

Productions Plus
http://www.productions-plus.com

Affiliated Group
http://www.affiliatedgroup.com

The I Group Model and Talent Management
http://www.theigroup.com

I was never in cheer leading but staying physically fit through that sport is a plus. Ideal runway/fashion models are naturally thin with little to no curves so keep that in mind. If you end up being on the more athletic/muscular/toned side, there is always sports and fitness modeling, so you'd have options to choose from, depending on how your body type develops as you get older.

When it comes to dealing with your parents, continue to do your research into the modeling industry so that by the time you're ready to have your "model talk" with them, you'll have enough knowledge to answer their most basic questions. That will demonstrate to them how serious you are about pursuing this. Show them pictures of teen models and commercial/print models, which is the type of modeling you'd be doing at your age, should you end up finding an agency. Let your parents know that underage models are not allowed to do anything dealing with nudity, sexual situations or adult themes, such as promoting cigarettes or alcoholic brands. That should settle their minds somewhat as far as the nature of what you'd be doing.

If you happen to be of fashion height (5'8"- 6'0") then the nature of the types of modeling jobs you'd get would be a bit more "grown up" than doing teen modeling and commercial/print gigs, such as runway shows, editorial shoots, etc. But until you actually get signed, don't worry about crossing that bridge until it comes. Another thing to tell your parents is the fact that you're underage means that you would need one parent/guardian with you at all times when it comes to castings, go-sees, fittings, shoots, shows, etc. so it they will be able to be there every step of the way to observe what's going on.

I don't know if it would help but your parents can also contact me via email: daniadenise@gmail.com if they have any questions and would like to hear about the industry from the point of view of someone that has been doing modeling since the age of 15.

Good luck to you!
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Dania,

My name is Courtney and i'm 16 and i've wanted to be a model since I was 14. I live in South Florida but I kinda wanted to ask you two main questions. The first one is will I be able to get signed with top agencies such as Ford and Elite with braces. I get my braces off hopefully sometime next year but I want to start modeling now. The second one is would I be able to be successful in modeling with KP (A skin condition caused by your body producing too much keratin and clogging follicles which then hardens to form small pin sized bumps). Sorry for the long post lol I just want this so much and I want to do as much research as possible because I feel that if I put the effort into studying this industry like I study in school I can be successful.
October 2, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #200." Thanks for reading!
October 4, 2011 at 1:11 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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 ...
6 comments
Read more

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...
37 comments
Read more

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 ...
4 comments
Read more