Answering a Reader Question #369

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 are under 5'4" do pursue "parts modeling," which is exactly as it sounds. If you've got exotic facial features, you could be an eye model, lip model, beauty model or if you've got nice body parts, you could do foot/leg modeling, hand modeling, etc. Many clients are always castings models for specific shots that only showcase a certain part of the body, including jewelry, footwear, eye wear, etc.

Freelance modeling is also an option but involves acting as your own agent and finding your own work. Below are two links you can check out that will help you determine whether you'd rather try to find an agent or become a freelance model:

Freelance Modeling: Pros & Cons

Modeling Agency Representation: Pros & Cons

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