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

Maia Wrote: Hi Dania, I am in the process of being signed to an agency. Is 15% to the agent a good rate or not? Thanks!  Hi, Maia! 15% agency commission is a super good rate. Currently, the average rate a majority of agencies are charging (including mine, lol) is either 20% or 25%. So consider yourself lucky! :-)

Anonymous Wrote: I'm 13 years old 5'11 and my measurements are 33-21-34. I appear to be around 19 years old. I have been told I look to mature to model for teen clothing and I am unsure whether to wait until I am 18 or to try and sign to a modeling agency straight away.  Hi, Anonymous! Your height makes you ideal for fashion/runway/editorial modeling. So you can definitely work on pursuing modeling now instead of waiting until you're 18. What you'll want to do is go online and look up the official websites of local modeling agencies that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. Refer to each agency website in order to see what the requirements and submission methods are for fashion models. However, many fashion agencies list the minimum age requirement at 14. There are a few that take on models as young as 13 for fashion and runway work but for the ones that want you to be 14, that just means waiting until your next birthday before submitting to ...

Julieann Wrote: Hi Dania, First off I want to thank you for all the information you put out here, it is great to have all these questions answered. I was wondering about photoshop though with all the articles going on lately, do the VS angels have "real curves" or do they photoshop them in? Im a 34B and would love to transfer over from IMG to Elite/Ford but curious if my chest is big enough?haha I was to embarrassed to ask that in person:) Thanks!! - Julieann  Hi, Julieann! You're very welcome, I'm happy to have you as a reader! :-) VS angels have real curves BUT there is a lot of Photoshop magic involved in the final images. Airbrushing so that their skin appears flawless and without blemishes (and even adding a bit of toning/ab lines) is one of the most common photography retouching tricks that happens with VS. However, there are others. You definitely don't have to worry about your chest size because the VS models aren't all naturally big...

Anonymous Wrote: hi Dania I have a question that i've been thinking to ask you for a while but i just got around to it haha so i sent in pics to ford again after they asked for more and now I have an appointment with ford next week and I just wanted to know what to expect so I don't go in not knowing what's gonna happen... thank you! :) Hey, Anonymous! Congrats on your upcoming appointment with Ford...very exciting! Your interview will be very simple in nature. While I don't know exactly what will happen, here is what you more than likely can expect: you'll meet with one or more of the Ford staff and have a sit-down meeting, where they'll ask you basic questions to see what your personality is like. Some of the questions they might ask could include stuff like: - "Tell us a bit about yourself." - "What are your hobbies?" - "What are you studying in school?" - "Why do you want to be a model?" - "What ...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania a question i have related to the modelling industry; I'm just beginning and have been and had an interview with Vivienne's and ,now here comes the part which upsets me, I went to walking classes at viviennes and was told that they would get back to me in a day or two and still I have not heard from them, are they really interested in me at all or am i just being hopeful for nothing.  Hey there, Anonymous! Agencies are really busy companies and deal with a lot of stuff on a daily basis. It isn't uncommon for them to take a while to get back to someone or even forget completely. It's not that you're not important enough to remember or that they're being disrespectful--they're more than likely just busy so see it from a business aspect instead of a personal one. If it's been longer than 5 business days (that means Monday thru Friday, not including weekends) since your interview, then either send an email or call the p...

Beatrizg1999 Wrote: Hi Diana..well i just googled "am i too old to model at 31?" and you link came up and it is very imformative, thank you! so at 31 i am well aware that i am too old to have a successful modeling career but im still holding on to this dream! I am 5'11, 130 lbs, Mexican with very exotic features...Everywhere i go i hear people whisper shes a model, or people come up to me and ask me if im a model and when i say "i wish!" they say well you should be. I am very into fashion, love taking pictures and am very photogenic...How can i go about doing something in the industry? modeling is on my bucket list and life is too short! i need just one run way, one photo shoot!!!!! i NEED it!  Hey, Beatrizg1999! At 31 you are too old for traditional fashion/runway/editorial modeling BUT you are not too old to do lifestyle/commercial/print. Even though you have the height for fashion, agencies won't consider you for this type of work because ...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I have a question about digital tearsheets. I know you said to take a screen cap of the page with the info, but what do I do when my photos appear on the bottom of the page where the info can't be seen if I screen cap it? Thanks!  Hi, Anonymous! The screen cap function captures whatever is one your computer's screen at the moment. So what you'll want to do is first scroll down to the bottom of the website where your images are and then do the screen cap. When you paste it into a blank document in Photoshop, you'll see that it will have captured that part of the site. Depending on the size of the image, you might have to zoom in or out on the actual page so that when you do the screen cap, it won't appear too small or vice-versa. If you're using a PC with Windows 7, you can zoom in and out on any website page by pressing CTRL and then tapping the "+" or "-". Each time you tap the plus or minus key, the scre...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I have a question regarding tear sheets. This photographer that I shot for is putting together a natural hair project. She says the pictures will be on her website when the project is finished. Since I participated in the project does this count as a tear sheet. I'm just wondering because then I could add it to my book. Oh and what is the technical definition of a tear sheet.  Hey there, Anonymous! Yes, the images of yourself that will appear on the photographer's website count as tearsheets. Because they are in a digital format, they fall under the category of "digital tearsheets." The technical definition of a tearsheet is any published/printed image that you appear in as a model. Online modeling images that appear on websites, online articles, advertising banners, etc. also count as being "published," therefore they are a part of the tearsheet family. To learn more about tearsheets, you'll want to check ou...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania how do I find talent agencies in my area. Modeling agencies aren't interested in me so I want to get into talent agencies as an actress. I have acting experience although I haven't done it in 6yrs. I want to jump back in. How do I go to agencies that turned me down for modeling and tell them I'm an actress. If they've rejected me for one category how do I get them to pick me for another category. Also in regards to modeling natural hair is so in I feel it's too in demand that agencies won't take me. I am considering pressing my hair whenever I visit agencies or send in snap shots. I don't want to perm it because I don't want to deal with those chemicals nor do I want to transition my hair again plus I figure if for whatever reason the agency wants my hair curly I can easily do that. Am I being unreasonable by not wanting to perm my hair but I'm willing to press it I just don't want something perm...

Anonymous Wrote: 1: your amazing :) 2: thanks for all the information! 3: can you list some commercial print agencies in nyc? I'm trying to find some that aren't the big, super well-known type of agencies. Boutique agencies perhaps?  Hey, Anonymous! Well, aren't you sweet? Thank you for the compliments! Below are the names and websites of agencies in NYC that have commercial/print/lifestyle divisions worth checking out. Some are boutique, while others are a bit larger but not as super giant as the more recognized agencies in the area: Funny Facy Today, Inc. http://fftmodels.com/sample_only9.html Gramercy Models Inc. http://www.gramercymodelsnyc.com Model Service Agency, LLC http://www.modelserviceagency.com Silver Model Management http://www.silvermodels.com Bella Agency http://www.bellaagency.com

K.Renee Wrote: Hi Dania! I want to start of by saying that I love your blog and it is very helpful. I have a few questions that I have been wanting answers to for the longest. I am currently 19 years old and I am a college athlete. I am an aspiring model/actress as many other people are. I don't have any modeling experience aside from pictures that other people have taken of me and the only acting experience I have so far is an acting class I have taken here at school and I play that I was in here. My first question would be that without a resume that has substance what should I do in regards to contacting agencies. Also, what steps should I take to getting more experience for a resume. I want to start making a name for myself but I just really don't know where to start or what steps to approach. Your advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks.  Hi, K.Renee! I'm glad my blog has been of use to you and I'm happy you're one of my readers. :-) Since you ...

Anonymous Wrote: How old and how tall do you have to be to be a pink model since its for teenagers..right?  Hi, Anonymous! The VS Pink line is geared towards teens as well as young women BUT the age and physical requirements (height, measurements, etc.) are exactly the same as for traditional VS modeling. The models that get chosen to work for VS are all the same...some model for the Pink line, while others may do some work for the Very Sexy line, etc. Because the product is still underwear and intimate apparel (as teen-friendly as they are), you still have to be 18 to do this type of modeling for the Victoria's Secret company.

Briy Wrote: Hi, I'm an Aspiring High fashion model... I wanted to ask how do you lose inches to fit measurements, I am 6'1'' and currently 34-25-37, and have been working for 6 months to slim down and i have gotten no where...  Hi, Briy! The good news is that so far the only area you really need to work on slimming down is your hips. Your waist is one inch larger than the standard 24 inches but that's okay because you're allowed to be one inch maximum in any of those areas. So you'll need to work your hips down to a 35, if possible. I don't know what you're currently doing to try and lose inches so I can't really advise you more specifically for your situation. However, here is a link to a helpful article from the site LiveStrong.com that could be of use to you: How to Lose Inches Off Your Hips Fast

Brandee Wrote: HI IM BRANDEE AND IM 18 YEARS OLD TURN 19 NEXT MONTH ON MAY 7TH IM 5'8 SKIN TONE AROUND LIGHT CARMEL I HAVE LONG LEGS LOL I ALSO HAVE A SMALL TATTOO ON MY SIDE STOMACH THOUGH. BUT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A MODEL IM NOT SIGNED TO ANY MODEL AGENCIES ALTHOUGH I WANT TO I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA HAIR IS AROUND SHOULDER LENGTH MAYBE A LITTLE BIT LONGER THANKS FOR LISTENING HOPE I HAVE A GOOD REPLY BACK :-))  Hey, Brandee! I would recommend reading the following blog post to help you figure out what your next steps should be in pursuing modeling as a career. Let me know if you need help finding legit agencies in your area and I can give you a hand: Where Do You Start?

Michaela Wrote: Hi! I'm Michaela. I am currently in the process of signing on with Elite in July. I'm 15, And I understand you have to be 18+ to model for Victoria Secret, as well as America's ext Top model, but can you tell me If I have the right requirements? HEIGHT: 5' 11 WAIST: 24 CHEST: 32D HIPS: 36  Hi, Michaela! Congrats on signing with Elite soon...that is amazing! Based on your stats--and the fact that Elite is interested in you--I'd say you definitely have what it takes as far as requirements. You are very busty, compared to traditional standards, but if Elite is okay with your chest size, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. It all depends on how they envision marketing you and what projects they think you'd be ideal for. Of course once you turn 18, your bust size will definitely be suitable for VS, lol. Be mindful of your hips as well...34 inches is the standard and the largest most agencies will allow you to be is 35 inc...

Deja Wrote: Hi! I looooooooooooooove your blog! I was just wondering if its unprofessional, rude, or annoying to tell an agency their inbox is full. I've been trying to submit to an agency via email the past few days and every time I try to submit, my email always gets sent back to me saying their inbox is full. Hmm, so should I tell them? Hi, Deja! I looooooooooooooove that you are a reader of my blog! :-D Ah, the full inbox situation...it happens. They probably already know about it and are working to knock out the emails and clutter so messages won't continue to get bounced back. That being said, I wouldn't recommend telling them at this time...if they're already aware of the issue (my gut tells me they are), chances are other people have already been telling them about it and you don't want to jump on that bandwagon and risk annoying them in that sense. Your plan B would be to snail mail your submission instead. It might not be as convenient or timely ...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania in regards to modeling what's more important a models weight or their measurements. I really want to know in regards to a commercial market in NYC. what's more important to clients and agencies. For the commercial market it is common for a agency to turn down a model based on her weight or measurements. Also when a agency signs a commercial model what criteria do they go by to sign someone like what does a model have to have in order to get signed to a commercial agency. Thanks so much Hey, Anonymous! Measurements are almost always considered a higher priority than weight overall. This is mainly because of the whole sizing factor when it comes to wardrobe. Commercial/print models in general do not have to adhere to the same strict weight/measurement requirements that high fashion, runway and editorial models do. It is not as likely for an agency to tell a commercial model to lose weight or turn him/her down because of their weight--t...

Anonymous Wrote: hi Dania i have a question about acting. how do i get an acting agent. what is the process to get started with acting. I did several plays throughout middle school and high school. however, the last play i did was when i was 18yrs old can i include those plays on my resume right now all i have are my stats from modeling my height and other measurements i was hesitant about adding previous work from high school because i wasn't sure if they were too old. I feel that since i haven't done any performing since I was 18 I figured I'm starting from square 1 brand new. So I would love a step by step approach pursuing acting seriously and hopefully finding an agent I'm a new freelance model but I want to become a freelance actress is that possible is there a M.M for actors. Oh and I would prefer to act for television and film, theater is great but I'd rather be on camera than on stage. I prefer to be on camera I'm fine with star...

Anonymous Wrote: hi Dania what's your criteria for accepting gigs on Craigslist? how do you actually search for jobs on the site do you search "jobs" or "gigs" in the part where you have that option. On average how much do you get paid for a gig and how long does it take to receive the money. Thanks Hey there, Anonymous! To find out my thoughts on searching for gigs on Craigslist, you'll want to check out the following link to my blog post about this topic: Tips for Finding Modeling Jobs on Craigslist To find posts for modeling gigs on Craigslist, you'll want to look for the "Gigs" category and click on the link for "Talent" underneath it. The pay varies and people posting on CL aren't always operating on the largest budgets so usually the pay ranges (in my area, which is Northern California) from $150-$500 per gig. I've seen posts for $800 or more but very few of them are legit. The majority of "high payin...

Anonymous Wrote: Is it 'unprofessional' to wear nicer shorts to an open call? Like white, denim shorts? Or is it better to always wear a skirt/jeans? And if shorts are fine to wear, should I wear heels with them too? Thanks!  Hi, Anonymous! Because open calls are informal, it is okay to wear nice shorts, especially since that's a great way for the agency to see your body shape. ALWAYS wear heels to anything modeling/agency related so definitely pair them with your shorts (they'll make your legs look awesome, lol). Should you get invited back for an actual interview with the agency, that's when you'll want to wear something less casual.