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Showing posts from April, 2012

Answering a Reader Question #377

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Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I'm still a kid but I want to be a model.how can I ask my parents?im afraid of their reaction. Thx;) Hey, Anonymous! It can be difficult to tell your parents that you're interested in modeling, especially if they have a negative opinion about it. However, if you do your research and show them you understand what it involves, this could help them see that you're serious about it. Check out the links below to blog posts that should help you gain the confidence to tell your parents and understand what info you should tell them. Also have them read my blog posts so that they'll know where you're getting your facts from: The Parents Modeling & School Make sure your parents read both of these posts: "Mom/Dad, I Want to Model!" Tips for Parents Dealing with Aspiring Models Parents of Underage Models: What to Expect

Answering a Reader Question #376

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Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, Just recently stumbled onto your blog, and wow what a great resource!! I've read many comments about NYC agency submissions, but I hope you don't mind answering a question more tailored to my situation =) I have three years of modeling experience (mostly runway) signed with an agency in Boston. I'm 6', blonde, 21 years old, and slightly on the bigger end for stats (34-25-35) with what I would consider a pretty non-commercial look (which is also the major type of work available in Boston). Lately I've been feeling pigeonholed into the runway category (which isn't so bad because I love doing it) and the pay up here is somewhat lacking. I want the opportunity to book other types of jobs like high fashion and editorial and possibly even commercial print, so I have made the decision to try and model in NY. I've so far sent in online submissions or dropped off pictures at most of the top agencies and followed each

Answering a Reader Question #375

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Anonymous Wrote: HI~ I did an online submission to an agency and a few day later they contacted me asked me a few question's and asked me to send additional photos, I answered all of their questions and sent the photos, but i havent gotten a reply. Should i just assume they arent interested? lol thanks in advance!! Hey, Anonymous! It can take agencies a while to get back to models, even the ones they're interested in. If you haven't heard back from them after 1 week from the day you sent the extra photos and answers to their questions, then you can send a follow-up email to whoever your main contact person is at the agency. But instead of asking outright if they're still interested, you should phrase it to be less direct. Say something along the lines of: "I'm just checking to see if you received my additional photos and information? If not, please let me know and I can resend it." This is a polite way to remind them who you are but without mak

Answering a Reader Question #374

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WR Wrote: Hi Dania, I need to know if this just for girls. I´m interested. Thanks in advance. WR  Hey there, WR! You'll be happy to know that parts modeling is for both male and female models. So it's just a matter of finding a local agency in your area that has this division available and submitting your photos and info for consideration. Good luck!

Answering a Reader Question #373

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Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, Thank you for your time! I'm currently in Boston for school, but with summer I'll be going home to the Bay Area in California. Can you recommend any good agencies for me to look into in either area? I've been looking into Maggie Inc. in Boston, but they don't seem to have a website so I'm a little unsure of the best way to get in contact with them. Do I knock on their door? Send an email with a head shot?  Hi, Anonymous! If you have the phone number for Maggie, Inc. I would suggest giving them a call and asking what is the best way to submit to them and what types of photos you should send. Since they don't have a website, I'm sure they're used to receiving such calls and should be fine with answering your questions. Below are a list of agencies in both Boston as well as the Bay Area (where I'm based out of!): Boston Agencies: Click Models of Boston, Inc. http://www.clickmodel.com Dynasty Models & Talent http:

Answering a Reader Question #372

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Jessica Wrote: Hi Diana! I think your blog is great first of all, it helped me a lot when I went to a casting call last weekend! I have been trying to break in to the industry for just under a year now but I am struggling to find an agency. I have done several photo shoots and have been told that I should give modelling a go. I'm only 15 so I would be a teen model, I'm 5"2' and weigh 45kg do you have any advice? Or know of any trustworthy agency's in the midlands, UK? Thank you! Geek xx P.S:Please like and comment on my photo here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=265732266855161&set=a.265731976855190.61165.119939421434447&type=3&theater :) Hey, Jessica! I'm glad my blog was able to help you out with the casting call...I'm sure you nailed it! I'm not familiar with the geography of the UK so I apologize that I can't be better about recommending specific agencies for you. However, I did come across a very nifty link

Answering a Reader Question #371

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Kanika Wrote: Hi. Great blog. Congrats. I am an aspiring model from India. I am 22. Yes, it sounds old but in India, people usually begin modelling around this age as parents are very particular about college education. So,I am 22, 5'5 and weigh around 50 kgs, have a slim button nose, high cheekbones, defined jawline, beautiful eyes and lips. I know that maybe I won't be doing runway projects and honestly, they don't interest me either. My measurements are 34-26-34 so i guess that I am more suited for commercial modelling and I,personally, prefer that, too. Good for me! Well, the thing is that I come from a very conservative family and my own views about clothing are not very dissimilar. I prefer to keep it modest. I want to know that given my reservations, is it still possible for me to become a model? Or should I just drop this idea altogether? Hey, Kanika! Thank you for the compliments about my blog! :-) The good news for you is that commercial/print mo

Answering a Reader Question #370

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Anonymous Wrote: Anonymous said... Hi Dania, I have a question about body type. According to most of the research that I have done I'm pear shaped. My measurements are 32,25,35. Whenever I gain weight I mainly have to buy bigger pants to accommodate my thighs. But I feel my shape is weird because I have big thighs and a medium butt. It is as if my butt and my thighs are not completely equal. I'm actually very self conscious of this because I don't have classically wide hips either yes they're 35inches but they're not a wide 35inches if that makes sense. It's embarrassing because I'm black and I feel if I'm going to be pear shaped then I should be pear shaped all the way with big thighs and a big butt. I'm not sure how agencies will feel about how proportioned I am but I'm self conscious about it. I have a medium size bust I wish I could take fat from my boobs and stick them in my butt because at least everything on my l

Answering a Reader Question #369

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Anonymous Wrote: As a petite, mixed, exotic looking 20 year old, what would be the best way for me to get into the modeling world and what would be the best niche or type or modeling for me? Thanks Hi, Anonymous! I would need to know your actual height in order to give you more accurate info about where your niche would be in the modeling industry. If you're between 5'5"-5'7" then commercial/print and lifestyle modeling will be ideal for you. If you're shorter than 5'5" you may have a tougher time breaking into the industry if you're looking for agency representation. A 5'4" model with a great look will likely be accepted by an agency that represents commercial/print and lifestyle models. But if you're shorter than that, you could run into difficulty, agency-wise. There are a few print agencies that have open height requirements for its models but that's only in certain markets/locations. However, many petite models that

Answering a Reader Question #368

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Anonymous Wrote: Hi, Just found your blog and I love how you not only update it frequently but also provide pertinent information. I did a short stint as a model when I was younger, and at 20 yrs old I'm thinking of giving it another go. The only thing is, I'm not sure how to go about it or what type of work I would do. I have a very unique look and can't go anywhere without getting noticed, but I'm rather short at 5"4'. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Hi there, Anonymous! Thanks for the kind words about my blog...I truly appreciate it! Given your height and age, you are ideal for commercial/print and lifestyle modeling. You'll want to find local agencies in your area (within a 2 hour's drive from where you live) that have those divisions. Their official websites will provide instructions on how you can submit yourself. So that's where you'll want to start. Once you know what the agencies want, you can go about puttin

Answering a Reader Question #367

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Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, you have a great body. So I want to know what do you do to stay so in shape. What type of exercises do you do and for how long to you perform the exercise. Also what is your diet like how healthy do you eat. Hey there, Anonymous! Why thank you for the compliment! :-) Before I dive into answering your questions, I will say upfront that I owe my figure to my genetics. My father is tall and super skinny and my mom is short and curvy so I came out in between. In addition to good genes, I have a naturally fast metabolism. That's been a huge life saver for me in terms of keeping my figure in shape. However, since I'm not getting any younger, I've since learned how to lead a lifestyle that will help maintain my body (you can never rely on good genes alone, lol). That being said, I commit myself to eating right. About 5 years ago, I went from eating the standard 3 square meals a day to eating 5-6 small meals. This basically consists of healt

Answering a Reader Question #366

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Anonymous Wrote: I have really sensitive eyes as well. Do you think as a newer model and not Gisele status that would be a problem for makeup artist and designers? Hey, Anonymous! Having sensitive eyes is a common occurrence for models of all experience levels. Many makeup artists are very understanding of this and have worked with models with this issue. Simply explain them beforehand that your eyes are sensitive and if it's okay with them if you apply some parts of your eye makeup. In most cases it won't be a problem at all...they want you to be comfortable. After they've applied the eye shadow, they'll step aside and let you take over and will then pick up where they left off in finishing your makeup.

Answering a Reader Question #365

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Adaire Wrote: Hi Dania! I am 5'11", 34B/25"/35", dress 2/4 and 16 years old. I have been with a Florida boutique agency in Orlando since February 2010. The agecny has not offered me a contract, but I do have a portfolio listed on their website. I have had somewhat periodic contact with the owner of the agency and the bookers and have been sent to only one casting with Neiman Marcus and one promotional modeling job. I don't feel as though the agency is properly developing me, even though I try to stay in contact with them on a regular basis. In fact, my mom and I have doen more on a freelance basis, booking TFP shoots to build my portfolio and even booking a few paying jobs on our own. I typically get very short emails from the agency with no helpful information in return. The agency does have a few models that have been in NYFW and they are sending models overseas to Greece for development. My question is this: I was scouted on models.com by BMG O

Answering a Reader Question #364

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Anonymous Wrote: Once you are signed to an agency (specifically top agencies in New York) are you expected to live there or live within a certain distance? If you are in college in a different state, will they work with you to find a balance or do they even care? Can you part-time model for their agency when out of school or whenever? Hi, Anonymous! Yes, agencies in top markets like New York need their models to be local (at least within a 2 hour's drive) so that they can be available for castings, go-sees and assignments. Many castings are last minute so models have to be open at a moment's notice. If you're currently living in another state for school, New York agencies aren't likely to want to represent you unless you're willing to relocate--for them it is a business decision and in most cases it's more convenient for them to seek out the many other aspiring models that live close to or in New York, as opposed to having limited availability for a m

Answering a Reader Question #363

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Anonymous Wrote: Hiya! I have got a couple questions for youuu. 1. Do agencies care about mild acne? It can easily be covered up with makeup but its noticable with extreme close ups. D: 2. I watch Americas next top model, and sometimes i hear them say "you really know your body". Does that mean like they know what pose looks good? how does one know theit body? thanks dollface!!  Hey, Anonymous! Mild acne is acceptable to agencies as long as it can easily be covered with makeup. For close-ups, that's where Photoshop and airbrushing will come into play. For your second question, that comment typically means that the models knows what poses flatter their figure and will photograph well. As a model does more shoots and gains that hands-on experience--including viewing the photos afterwards--he/she eventually learns what poses work for their body and which ones don't. Practicing in a mirror also helps a person learn various ways to become comfortable with their