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Answering a Reader Question #309

DII_18 Wrote:


Hello!
I'm a guy so hopefully you can answer my question.I'm 17 turing 18 in a week. I'm 5ft10.5 or 5ft11. My waist is 29" and my chest last measured at 37" which may have changed slightly and broad shoulders(will that be a problem like with suits). I'm not actually sure if I have model potential despite what people say and also I have some acne on my face and back but not noticable from a distance but I do have a strong intrest I'm the industry. .What do you think? How are my chances?


Hi, DII_18! The best way for you to find out if you have modeling potential is to start submitting yourself to local agencies, as well as attending open casting calls. You're the ideal age and most agencies set their minimum height requirement for male models at 5'11". As far as your size/measurements, the ideal clothing size is standard around a 40regular - 42long.

As far as your acne, you'll want to get that under control as soon as possible. Even though your acne is not as noticeable from a distance, the photos you'll be taking as a model will be close ups and you'll also be center stage when on the runway. Agencies don't expect you to have "perfect" skin but you should have "good" skin that is healthy and fairly even in color.

A good starting point for you would be to go online and look up the official websites for modeling agencies that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. The websites will give you all the info you need to know, including what pictures to send and if they have open casting calls where you can go in without an appointment. Additionally, you'll also be able to view the models those agencies currently represent, which will give you an idea of what physical looks they want and are interested in.

If you need help with finding legit agencies to check out, feel free to email me: daniadenise@gmail.com.

Comments

Unknown said…
Hello,
Thanks you for the helpful advice but i still have a few more questions. I am now 18 and im wondering is there a chance that ill grow an inch or two (seeing as that most males grow until the age of 21)? What would you reccomend about my acne issues (i am seeking ways to treat it)besides going to a dermatologist. Should i wait a year to see how things fill out (even though alot of men start young i look a bit younger than i am).
Thank you.
Dania Denise said…
Hello!

The best indicator of how tall you could potentially be or if you'll continue to grow is to look at your family. If the men in your family are taller than your current height or kept growing after the age of 18, then that's a good sign that you could be taller in the next few years. No one can predict that kind of stuff though except for a doctor and your genetics. Being 5'11" is the minimum though so at least your current height will get you through the door.

Some of the best ways to treat acne is to make changes to your lifestyle. In addition to what products you use on your skin, what you eat and how healthy you are also plays a direct role on how your skin looks. If you aren't doing so already, make sure you're cutting out junk food and snacks high in salt and sugar. Eliminating or cutting back on sodas, coffee, energy drinks and other beverages loaded with sugar and/or caffeine is also a must. Add more lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies into your eating routine on a daily basis and make water your drink of choice. Those changes alone will improve the health of your skin and minimize the amount of acne breakouts you may have.

Any skin care products you use should be formulated specifically for acne prone skin and contain natural ingredients. Stay away from skin care/facial products that contain alcohol because it will dry out your skin and aggravate your acne.

As far as waiting for a year, if you feel more comfortable doing so, then by all means see what happens a year from now. You shouldn't pursue modeling until you're 100% confident in your body, looks, etc. Hope that helps!
Unknown said…
Thank you! You've been a great help! I recently had to get measured and it turns out im 6'(yes!). Im starting proactive for me skin and intend to get back to exercising more. How would i find legit agencies in the austin area, because when i look online i find alot of acting or maybe a bit of commercial modeling. Eventhough im a work in progress i want to start doing my homework on possible agencies.
Dania Denise said…
You're very welcome...glad I could be of help! :-)

Austin isn't a big market for agencies and isn't a hub for fashion modeling so it's mainly commercial/print work. There are two I know of, Acclaim Talent Agency and Austin Models & Talent--both of which don't have traditional fashion models as far as I could tell.

Dallas is the market in Texas that works with fashion models. It's farther than the recommended 2 hour drive radius for submitting to agencies but if you're interested in relocating to Dallas to pursue modeling, that could be an option for you to consider if you don't like what the Austin agencies have to offer.

However, I would recommend still submitting to the agencies in Austin to simply get feedback and see what they say, as well as find out how they would market you and if there is any available fashion work if they are interested in signing you. You're not obligated to sign with an agency that wants to offer you a contract so it couldn't hurt to at least see what they are about.

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