Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #188

Anonymous Wrote:

If I get signed with Ford or Elite, do I have to move to NYC? What if I can't afford to live there, but get signed with them? Also, if it doesn't work out, is Wilhelmina of PA and other "branch" agencies a scam? Or is it a safe starting point as a model? I have looked at their models and I am much skinnier and taller than a lot of them, which concerns me...aren't all fashion models generally around the same size? Finally, I am concerned about having dance experience...I saw an interview and apparently Adriana, Candice, and Lindsay were all very talented dancers before they began modeling. Thanks! 


Hi, Anonymous! Let's jump into your questions!

Ford and Elite have offices all over the country. Whichever city/state you apply to is the city/state where you will work. So if you send in your pictures or attend a casting for Ford or Elite in NYC and get signed by either, then you will have to work in that market. Oftentimes models that get signed to NYC agencies who live outside of the area will relocate/move in order to work there. Many of the fashion agencies in New York have housing options for its models so even if you had to relocate, depending on who you sign with, they'll work out living arrangements with you. Check out the following link to a blog post I wrote to learn more about model dorms and housing: Model Dorms

To answer your second question about other agency branches, well known agencies that are recognizable by name often have multiple office locations in other cities and states. In general, these other office locations are not scams. If a particular office or branch ends up under new management or gets bought out by another agency or organization, that is when you need to be cautious because they may or may not operate the new office according to the same standards or ideals as the original one. Far as I know, Wilhelmina's PA office is legit and they state on their website's FAQ section that models do not have to pay any fees to get signed. Wilhelmina is a great agency with a good rep so definitely apply to them. In fact, submit to as many local agencies as possible. There is no limit and it increases your odds of getting signed. So have at it!

Not all models are exactly the same size. While the industry standards for measurements and height are set, this does not mean all fashion models are clones of one another. Some are smaller in size/measurement and others may be slightly larger (within what is acceptable for agencies of course). Additionally, if Wilhelmina also represents other divisions of models, such as plus size or commercial/print, then of course those models are going to be different in size and shape than the traditional fashion models they have on the roster.

Having dance experience is not a requirement for becoming a model, nor does it put you out of the running if you lack this type of skill. It's more of a coincidence that some models also happen to have a background in dance. While this skill does help with being more graceful and creating natural movement for poses, don't feel like you need to sign up for dance classes or that your odds of getting signed to an agency are going to be worse. If you've got the height, look and measurements, an agency will snatch you up.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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 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