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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!

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.
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!

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