Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #213

Courtney Wrote:


I'm 6'2 and about 130 lbs. I'm very thin. I'm very interested in high fashion and runway modeling. Alot of people have told me I should model since a very young age because of my look and especially my height. I never really pursued it because despite what people said I was insecure about being so tall, especially in high school. Now I love my height and am ready to pursue modeling, the only problem is I'm now 23. I still think I look young, and I feel like my height and weight requirements are okay. I'm just worried about my age! Please if you could give me some helpful advice, and if my age isn't an issue could you recommend some agencies that would be a good match for me? I don't know what to do! 

Hi, Courtney! So first I want to apologize because I could not tell from your question/comment whether you are a male or female (I know both men and women named Courtney and there are male models I know of who are that height and weight). Since I don't know that info, I will answer your question for both genders:

If you are a female: Unfortunately, there is such a thing as being too tall for fashion/runway/editorial. Agencies list their cut off for female models at 6'0". Are there some exceptions to the rule? Yes, but for you being 6'2", that is too much of a stretch. Just as the industry complains that having a shorter model among taller models doesn't look visually appealing, they believe the same about having a female model that is taller than their tallest models. You're definitely still welcome to submit yourself to agencies (in fact, I would encourage it because to put yourself out there is the only way to find out if you've got a shot) but be prepared to hear that you're too tall. As far as your age, 23 isn't too bad and is still definitely doable. Many agencies list the maximum age for fashion models around 21 or 22 so being off by one or two years probably wouldn't hurt you, especially if you do what many models do, which is fudge your age. :-)

If you are a male: 23 isn't too old for male models and your height is good, too. The cut off for male fashion/runway/editorial models is typically 6'2" for agencies so you are right at the maximum height. Male runway models are able to lead longer careers than female runway/fashion models because they tend to age better physically. So in your case, you more than likely don't have much to worry about.

In order for me to help you find legit agencies to submit to, I would need to know your city/state of residence. The rule of thumb is to submit to agencies that are no farther than a 2 hour's drive from where you live, unless you're willing to relocate to another market. If you'd like help finding agencies close to you, shoot me an email: daniadenise@gmail.com.
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
It seems like the age limit for female and male models, even for fashion modeling, has pretty much extended itself. It used to stop at the early to mid twenties but now it's going beyond that like to the later 20s, 30s or 40s.
October 31, 2011 at 2:15 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

Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

(*Due to the number of comments and questions I get from aspiring models about working for VS, please be sure to read my post on this very carefully. If you don't meet all of these requirements then you cannot become a model for VS. If you are not tall enough, if you are not signed to a top agency, your chances are not good.  If you don't meet the requirements, please don't be too upset about it. Find another field of modeling you may be good for. There are plenty of other modeling opportunities for models outside of being a VS angel. They may not be as good or as well-known as VS but it's better than nothing.) I know I’d jump at the chance to be offered a gig modeling for Victoria’s Secret (although I think they’d be irritated by Photoshopping my stretch marks HAHA, yeah, I said it, I’ve got stretch marks!). All silliness aside, the gals of Victoria’s Secret are probably the inspiration for a majority of aspiring models out there. Not only do they get to wear the s...
358 comments
Read more