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

WOW, yet another year has come and gone! Man, 2011 was really something! Lots of changes and lots of challenges: I dropped my agent, got a new agent, watched friends get married and bring children into the world, let go of one of the greatest loves of my life and found hope in someone new, lost very important loved ones and cried as they were laid to rest--life really does throw a lot of curve balls at you! But there was an aspect of my life that remained a constant source of happiness: contributing posts to my Modeling 101 blog, answering more Reader Questions than I've ever done before and having the opportunity to receive emails from a whole slew of aspiring models with amazing and heartfelt stories/experiences. I truly hope you readers understand how much I love and appreciate your support and for keeping me motivated to continue sharing my knowledge and experiences with you. Some of you have been with me since Modeling 101 was started in 2007 and others have just stumbled ac...

Lina Wrote: Hi! I was wondering what was your opinion on submitting yourself to modeling agencies in different countries? Also, would it be good or bad to submit yourself to a lot (fifteen-twenty) at the same time? Thanks!  Hi, Lina! I think submitting to agencies in other countries is a good thing and I encourage it. The process is very similar to submitting to a local agency: visit the official websites for the agencies you're interested in and follow each one's instructions/guidelines for submissions. Of course attending an open casting call is probably not going to be realistic for you so you'll have to stick to sending them your pictures and information online. It is important to note, however, that should you be invited for an interview at an agency's office in another country, the expenses related to airfare/travel and lodging will have to come out of your pocket. Agencies do not cover such costs if it is just for an interview. So be prepared to possib...

Sophia Wrote: hi, my name is sophia and im turning 13, and i have always wanted to be a vs model and i know the requirements... so i went online and looked up agencies but all of them were really far from wear live so i dont know what to do, my mom wants to move so thats not a problem but what if their not good enough agencies to get me where i want to go like to be a vs model? also im kind of short like only 5'0 and i dont think im going to get my grandpas height he 6'5 ... so what do you think i should do or can do?  Hi, Sophia! I would suggest that you look into local agencies in your area that have teen and commercial/print divisions. Those are the two types of modeling that you more than likely qualify for. As long as the agency you sign with has a good list of clients they've worked with and book you for paying gigs to build your portfolio, they will put you on the right path towards gaining experience. Plus, you can always work your way up over the yea...

This post is not meant to belittle or insult ANTM in any way but I believe in calling things like they are. When ANTM first premiered, I was an avid viewer and enjoyed the fact that the modeling industry was hitting the mainstream. However, I quickly lost interest after Cycle 3. I haven't actively watched any cycle of ANTM since then (although I did watch a few episodes of the petite cycle and the finale episode of the All Stars). Here are my reasons for no longer being interested in ANTM: It doesn't accurately depict what being a model in the industry is really like. As with any other reality show, it focuses a lot on the drama between the contestants, which in reality, no one should care about because it doesn't contribute positively to showcasing how real models in the real world work. It doesn't follow the "protocol" of how models really are discovered and "make it" into the industry. Am I saying that no one should ever watch ANTM? Defi...

Julia Wrote: Hi Dania!! I'm Julia and I've been wanting to be a VS model since I was little I'm only 12 years old, I meat all the requirements except for the breasts, I don't have big breasts (aww!!). OR maybe their just growing slowly..... Do we have to have big breasts?? Because I really, really want to be a VS model. Thanks!!  Hi, Julia! First off, you're 12, sweetie...you're not supposed to have big breasts yet. Lol. There are some girls your age that may have them but in general, you've still got a few more years to grow physically. You are NOT supposed to have a Victoria's Secret body at your age. Please understand that the VS models are 18 years of age and older . So for now your bust size shouldn't be a major concern. Besides, you can't do lingerie modeling until you are 18 anyway so you've got some waiting to do. You don't have to have big breasts in order to be a VS model. Many of them are between a B and C cup. W...

Anonymous Wrote: hi you said that no vs model is under the height of 5ft8, however Laetitia Casta is 5ft6... does that mean there is still hope for the rest of us short people out there?  Hey, Anonymous! Laetitia Casta is what is known in the industry as "an exception to the rule." Similar to Kate Moss. While it's a positive thing because it shows that there are short models who can make the cut when it comes to fashion modeling, it is just that--an exception and not the norm. Just because Laetitia Casta and Kate Moss made it doesn't mean the modeling industry is going to open its arms to accept even more models that are short. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. While shorter models can find hope in how successful Laetitia Casta has become, Victoria's Secret isn't going to suddenly start hiring models 5'6" or shorter. Remember, VS is a client, not an agency...just like any other client, they turn to high fashion modeling agenc...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi everyone! being a vs model seems like the funnest job on earth! how to i get that far though? i am 13 5"5 and still growing. i have grown an inch in the past month LOL. my stomach is pretty much flat and i have really long legs and i weigh about 90-95lbs. any suggestions?  Hi, Anonymous! Unfortunately, unless you can manage to get to 5'8" or 5'9" by the time you're 18, there won't be anything you can do to get closer to be considered for Victoria's Secret. You're still young though and at your current height, you can do teen and commercial/print modeling. If you want to begin this career now, you'll want to do an online search for agencies within a 2 hour's drive of where you live that represent teens and/or commercial/print models. Since you can't do lingerie modeling until you turn 18, you've still got a few years of waiting.

Katie J. Wrote: Hi Dania, you mention model mayhem a lot on your blog. Can you tell of other websites besides model mayhem that I could use. I need to find a photographer to do some test shoots and I am more than willing to test for free I just want to gain experience in front of the camera. the reason I ask is because I was rejected from model mayhem and I want to find other ways to make things happen with or without an agency. Also one more thing do you know of commercial print/lifestyle agencies in N.Y. I plan on moving to N.Y. in February.  Hey, Katie J! Did Model Mayhem give you a reason as to why they rejected your profile registration? Below are other websites similar to Model Mayhem that you can check out (I've only used the first two but am no longer active on them. The rest I can't personally vouch for): - One Model Place ( www.onemodelplace.com ) - Miss Online ( http://www.missonline.com/ ) - Model URL ( http://modelurl.com/ ) - Moo Faces ( htt...

Anonymous Wrote: I have always wanted and still want to be a model but i now have five kids i have streach marks on my butt and arms and my hips but i really dont know how to get them clear because i just want to do apperances not be naked but i really need some input please i need help Hi, Anonymous! The more stretch marks you have, the more difficult it is going to be to pursue modeling seriously. However, that doesn't mean you can't do it at all. I don't know your height, age or if you want to get signed to an agency or pursue freelance modeling, which makes it hard for me to really recommend the right path for your situation. If you do want to go the agency route, you'll want to look online for websites of modeling agencies that have a commercial/print division. Commercial/print models typically don't show a lot of skin, unless it's for mainstream swimwear type stuff. So this category could be more suitable for what you have in mind. As far as ho...

Karen Wrote: Hey! Great blog, it's really nice of you helping aspiring models out there. I'm from Argentina (thats why my english sucks lol), and i have always ALWAYS wanted to be a model, ever since i can remember. I know by heart every single episode of america's next top model. My height is 1.65 (i know, short. but here models arent as tall as in other countries so thats not a major problem) and my weight is around 52 kilos. im curvy and i have a really nice body actually. my hair is light brown and my eyes blue. But the problem is that my mom isnt very supportive about this! what can i do? also do you think i would be able to succeed in modeling if i move to new york when i turn 18? how can i do that? thank u so much!! xo  Hi, Karen! Don't worry, I can understand your English just fine. :-) Please click on the links below, which will take you to blog posts I've done about how to deal with parents and telling them about wanting to model...it sh...

(This post will be mainly useful for freelance models) Booking a modeling assignment is obviously something to be excited about. Because no two gigs are the same, this sometimes means dealing with different ways to prepare for a particular shoot, show or other related project. It is not uncommon for a model to be told to arrive "camera-ready" to work. So what does this mean and how does it apply to one's modeling career? When you are told to come camera-ready to a modeling assignment, it means you're responsible for doing your own hair, makeup and/or wardrobe because the people that typically take care of this for you won't be on set. Sometimes you may have to take care of everything yourself or may only have to be responsible for one or two of these things. It's often hard for clients to find the professionals they need to do these services, which is why they'll ask the model to handle it themselves. However, this doesn't necessarily mean th...

...models with agency representation sometimes have to wait a long time to get paid for a modeling assignment? It can sometimes take up to as long as 90 days to see a check! Why is this? It's mainly because of the payroll process. The agency has to invoice the client for the work/services performed by the model and then it is up to the client to get things together to send out the check. The sooner the client completes payroll, the sooner the model (and agency) get to see payment. The slightest interruption/delay means the longer it'll take to see the money. To avoid this becoming an issue, modeling contracts typically have a clause that states that by signing the document, the model understands and is okay with knowing that receiving payment could take anywhere from 30-90 days.

Seeking agency representation is the ideal way to kick off a modeling career. However, modeling agencies and the system they follow isn't always perfect. Just as with freelance modeling, getting signed to an agency also comes with its own list of pros and cons. It is important that aspiring and established models have some kind of idea as to what to expect, should they find themselves with a modeling contract on the table. Agency Representation Pros: Legal protection from the agency: Modeling agencies serve as a model's protection and almost like a guardian, who has the industry expertise to negotiate rates, ensure the safety of their models while on assignment and deal with any legal issues that may occur. Deal with only reputable and legit clients: 99.9% of the clients agencies book for their models are certifiably legit, reputable and (most times) recognizable by name. This means no worries about dealing with shady scammers or individuals with ulterior motives. ...

There are always pros and cons when it comes to many things in life. Opting to become a freelance model is one of them. Because this route is not for everyone, it's important to look at a list of notable pros and cons, which can help a person decide if this is a step in the right direction for them. There are definitely more that can be added to the list but I wanted to keep things fairly simple but may add more to each list over time. Freelance Modeling Pros: Make your own schedule: Freelance models act as their own agency representation so you get to pick and choose when and what types of castings to attend. This is ideal for people with part-time or full-time jobs. Choose your own clients: Being able to select who you want to work with is yet another type of freedom that freelancers enjoy. Negotiate/set your own rates: Unless the budget/rate is already set by the client, freelance models have the opportunity to either negotiate the possible rate or state the amoun...

Category: Communication For: Male & Female Models Never be afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to attending a casting for a client. For example, if you've submitted yourself to a casting for a photoshoot and receive a reply, inviting you to the event, the message may be missing basic info, such as what to wear and/or what to bring. It's totally okay to reply back and ask if there is anything specific you should wear in terms of wardrobe, as well as if they would like you to bring a headshot/resume/book, etc. In these cases, it's acceptable to make such inquiries. Never assume that asking these types of questions will make you look bad or appear "stupid" to the client. It's better to ask and know for sure than to guess and possibly wear the wrong thing or forget to bring an important document. Whenever I send an email asking such questions, I'll usually also add a sentence like, "I just want to make sure that I show up fully pr...

Bramz Wrote: hello!! interesting topic! may I ask, can I be a model if I lack in height? I'm 19 years old, and just 5 feet 10 tall.  Hey, Bramz! I'm going to assume that you're a male since 5'10" is definitely perfect for female models but is on the shorter side for male models. :-) The quick answer to your question is, yes, you can still be a model. 5'10" is ideal for commercial/print. As to whether you can do fashion/runway, that will depend on a couple of factors: The market/location you live in (sometimes smaller to medium market agencies will sign fashion models that are 5'10" but 5'11" is usually the minimum for larger markets) Your look...just like with female models, there are rare exceptions to the height rule for fashion agencies if they know they can sell your look. While most agencies that represent fashion/runway models set the minimum at 5'11", I have seen agency websites where the minimum height was 5...

This blog post was inspired by Kat's question, which is below: Hi Dania, can you do a post on special skills. I noticed on some agency websites they list skills that the models' can do independent of modeling. For instance some of them are singers, actors, dancers, musicians, etc can you list the importance of having a special skill in relation to the entertainment industry. I personally play the flute, I'm a mediocre singer I'm def. not American idol status(nor do I want to be... I won't be making cd's or holding concerts any time soon) but I've been told I can hold a descent tune. In addition I'm always looking of creative ways to improve my acting and my modeling. In regards to acting I'm taking classes at my local junior college. I guess I really want your opinion on the ability to have or create another skill that can be used in the industry besides acting and modeling:)  Having special skills that fall outside of modeli...

BReal Wrote: Becoming a male model seems like it would be exciting. I'm presently 32, 5'11", with about a 38 inch chest. Would it be recommended that I get up to at least a 40 inch chest size before seriously considering finding an agency to consider working with? Merry Christmas by the way!  Hey, BReal, Merry Christmas to you as well! At this point, I would recommend going to agency casting calls as you are and then seeing what feedback you get. I say this because it is easier to know what agencies think of you now and know for sure because you'll have heard it straight from their mouth, instead of trying to guess. No two agencies have the same opinion so you could end up coming across an agency that is fine with your chest measurement as it is, while there may be another that would tell you otherwise. Get as many different opinions as you can from the agencies in your area and then decide what your next step will be based on their feedback. This will s...

Celeste Wrote: Hi! My name is Celeste and I'm 13 and 5'8. I was wondering what the BEST agency would be to go to in about 5 months after my braces are off. (I live in Ohio)  Hi, Celeste! To best improve your odds, I would highly suggest submitting to as many agencies as you can that you meet the requirements for. There are actually many Ohio modeling agencies that are very successful and have an impressive list of clients. Never hold out for one agency. What qualifies as the "best" agency, in my professional opinion, is one that has a reputable history of doing business, has a list of recognizable clients and produces results for its models by consistently booking them quality work and sending them out on castings they know their models have a good shot at getting hired for. That being said, below are a list of Ohio agencies that are definitely worth looking into and submitting yourself for--don't forget to attend as many open calls as you can since thi...

***Just FYI: When I use the word "market," this is just industry lingo for "location" and usually refers to a specific city*** In your attempts to pursue a modeling career, you may or may not have come across the term "mother agency." Not all models deal with this type of agency arrangement but it does help to know as much as you can about the industry and all its aspects, including this concept. While reading this blog post, keep in mind that having a mother agency is not mandatory, nor does a model need one to be super successful. The choice to become involved in this type of deal should be based on each person's needs, goals and situation as it relates to becoming a model. So what is a mother agency? Like regular modeling agencies, mother agencies sign models, use contracts and market them to clients in order to book paying assignments. However, the major difference is the fact that mother agencies also groom, develop and prepare their mode...

This may or may not be a term you guys are familiar with. Trunk show modeling, sometimes also called "trunk fashion shows" or simply "trunk shows", are an event that involves a fashion designer showcasing their latest creations to a select group of people. Typically designers that produce one-of-a-kind pieces will host trunk shows as an affordable way to promote their line. The word "trunk" in this concept comes from the fact that the designer arrives with their clothing line in a special trunk, which they can easily set up and display for the group of consumers and/or buyers to view. Oftentimes the select group of people at trunk shows are in charge of buying merchandise for department and boutique stores. Most of the time, the events are by invite only. There are a couple of reasons why designers use trunk shows as a method of exposure. Such reasons include but are not limited to the following: It give clients a sneak peek at their newest fashion...

Needless to say, Craigslist continues to dwindle when it comes to the caliber and quality of the modeling assignments/projects posted in "Gigs" under the "Talent" section. However, there are still a few legit gems to be found, which is why I still use this site when freelancing. But in recent months, I've noticed a few trends that--to me--are red flags of scammers, shady individuals and/or gigs disguised as modeling assignments but are actually for adult modeling/pornography related stuff. The types of postings in the Gigs section may vary from city to city but here are some red flags/types of posts that I would warn others to stay away from if they are looking for modeling gigs in the San Francisco Bay Area Craigslist: - Repeat Posts/Posters: If months have gone by and the same ad is still being used over and over, this likely means it's bogus and the person posting the ad has yet to find anyone dumb enough to take them seriously. - Similar forma...

Yakkilyn Wrote: I am currently 22 years old and am borderline 5'7". I am constantly told that I look to be about 17 years old due to my biracial ethnicity. I've always wanted to be a model, but have only just recently grown more comfortable in my skin. I am approximately 120-125 lbs. (my weight tends to fluxuate) and I could stand to lose about 5 lbs. I would just like to know that, once all the weight is lost, would it still be possible for someone like me to become a professional model?  Hi, Yakkilyn! At your current weight you can become a professional model so you don't have to lose anymore pounds if you are comfortable with your weight as it is--just make sure you don't go over 125 and you'll be fine. At 5'7" and age 22, you're not going to grow any taller so at this point you're not going to be eligible for runway or fashion modeling (even if you appear younger physically, you'd still be lacking that one inch to meet the m...

Category: Clothing For: Male & Female Models For shoots where the models are asked to bring some of their own wardrobe, it is not uncommon to have the creative director or wardrobe stylist on set have another model wear your clothes and vice-versa. This doesn't happen every single time but it's important to know that the person in charge of making this decision will ask you if it's okay for someone else to wear your clothes, shoes or accessories or if you'd be comfortable wearing something that belongs to someone else. However, it's usually only one article of clothing and not an entire outfit, unless it's a dress or something similar. If the thought of another person coming into contact with your clothing makes you queasy, focus on the fact that it's a work related thing and will show good sportsmanship if you agree (and besides, that's what washing machines are for). The models hired show up showered and well groomed so it isn't like a f...

...that if you're in high school and have to miss classes because of a modeling related event (go-see/casting, photoshoot), it is recognized as an excused absence? This means it won't be a negative mark on your record. As long as your parents follow the guidelines set by your school and keep your teachers notified of upcoming absences, students won't have to worry about suffering consequences.

Ashley K Wrote: How hard is it to become a model? If i give some of my physical look can you answer, because i am interested but dont know how to go about starting modeling while i am still in school.  Hi, Ashley K! To keep it straight to the point: modeling is very hard. It's even harder to be a successful model who can do it full time. However, the only way to find out if you have a shot is to put yourself out there and submit to modeling agencies who can help you further your career. You're more than welcome to email me some photos for an evaluation, just as long as you understand that I don't work for or have connections with any agencies, so my opinion on whether you have the right look or not may not be the same viewpoint as the agencies you choose to submit to. But I'd be more than happy to review your images and provide feedback. You can send them to: daniadenise@gmail.com. As far as modeling while still in school, agencies work with models that are...

Noelle Wrote: Hi, Dania. I'm 15 and more likely than not not 5'8" like I've recently dreamed of being ever since I saw Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. My Dad is either a solid 6'0" or 6'1", but my mom is a severely disppointing -5'0". I will admit that i have fussed over my disapointment in not meeting the height requirements and have (I am sorry to admit) been slightly depressed about "not being good enough" for something so spectacular. I have looked up modeling agencies after having taken the initiative and joining my High School's Modeling Club and (again, sorry to admit) have cried over the fact that there are probably more beautifully petite models than there are beautifully prefered Sumpermodels. But I can't get over the fact that I have more likely than not reached the height requirement to become a Victoria's Secret Model, and, in the future, a Victoria's Secret ...

Carrington Wrote: Heyy, i am carrington. i am 14 years old and one of mii life long dream is to be a victoria secret angle but now it all crushed :(. only because i also want to study to be a devorce aterney. so the whole going to new york thing (out the picture) i do happen to meet almost all the requierments. *i am 5'6" and still growing *i am not anerexic . have wide hips and a great curve.(although i have some streach marks hear and there). *oh and theres another problem i am only 14 (-__-)... what should i do?? Hey, Carrington! It doesn't seem that VS would be a realistic thing for you to pursue but at your current age and height, you are ideal for commercial/print and teen modeling. Getting signed to modeling agencies that represent these types of models is a great way for you to gain professional experience and build a strong portfolio. That being said, you should do an online search for modeling agencies in your city/state that are no farther than a 2...

CourtneyVR Wrote: ive wanted to be a VS model since i can remember.im not perfect like the VS models but i am thin.im 17 and only 5'6. do you think i have any chances?any advive?  Hi, CourtneyVR! Unfortunately, you don't meet the height requirement to be a VS model. At your age, you're more than likely done growing and the minimum height to be signed to Elite and Ford in New York to have a shot at being considered for VS is 5'9", which is actually one inch taller than the standard 5'8" minimum for fashion modeling. Odds are you won't jump an additional 2-3 inches by the time you're 18. :-( Instead of trying to pursue VS modeling, I would recommend that you look into agencies in your area that represent commercial/print models. This is the type of modeling your height makes you eligible to do. It won't put you on the runway during Fashion Week but it will get you into catalogs, magazine advertisements, billboards and other print publica...

Blaire Wrote: Hey my name is Blaire, im 14, 5,9, 26 inches around the waist and 32 around the hips, and 125 pounds I really want to model but I am really afraid and confused! where do i start! I mean I know I should get a agent and agency but im not stunning and I just dont know if i can do it. How hard will it be to get into an agency? and how hard is it to balance life modeling and for me, school?  Hi, Blaire! Getting into an agency is very difficult because oftentimes there are many girls and guys all competing to get signed. You definitely have the height and you're just at the minimum age requirement most agencies allow to sign on younger models, so you have that going for you. Remember, if you're interested in doing fashion and runway, you don't have to be stunning like VS models--they are a different type of fashion model. Traditional fashion and runway girls often vary in appearance, from exotic to odd, strange or even "alien" lol. But those are ...

Shayla Wrote: Hello Dania, I just found your blog and thank you!!! Very helpful. I do have a question tho I'm 33, 5'8". I've had 4 children, however i've lost all the baby weight and was wondering if there might be a slim chance for me? When i was 17 I was offered to go to NY, but I turned it down; not that means anything now. Anyway, again thank you!! Shayla  Hi, Shayla! I'm glad my blog has been helpful to you! :-) At your age, you'd be ideal for what is known as lifestyle/print/mature modeling. You've got the height for fashion but unfortunately, your age won't give you the opportunity to be on a high fashion runway (fashion agencies typically cut off the age requirement at 21 or 22). But like I said, many of these same agencies also have lifestyle and commercial/print divisions and because you are tall, I would think you could book a lot of work, especially if your physical appearance is one that would be highly marketable to cl...