Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Olivia Wrote: Hi I am Olivia and I live in Wisconsin I would love to be a model for justice but my smile isn't great. What do I do? And... Hi I'm Olivia I live in Wisconsin I would love to be a model for justice what do I do!?! Hey, Olivia! I don't know what you mean specifically by your smile not being great. Do you mean your teeth aren't as nice as you'd like them to be? Do you have a hard time smiling in photos and being photogenic? If you're concerned about the way your teeth look, then you might want to consider getting braces. You live far from Ohio, which is where Justice is based out of. To be considered, you'd have to be signed to a modeling agency that has worked with Justice before. An online search will show you which modeling agencies are in Wisconsin. From there, check out their websites, which will tell you if they represent teen models and it will also have information on how to submit yourself for possible representation.

Jojobear Wrote: Hey! I'm jojo, Lately I've been wanting to do something different in my life, so i'm thinking of doing some modeling. I'm 5'2, 19, african american and i live in the chicago area. I'm just curious as to where i should start and what are the trustworthy agencies in chicago? Also i don't really think im qualified for fashion because of my height so what should i get into? Thanks! Hi, Jojo! 5'2" is going to make it very hard to find a decent selection of agencies to submit to. You are correct that your height doesn't make you qualified for fashion, runway or editorial. Commercial/print modeling agencies usually set their minimum height at 5'5" and will often take on an exceptional 5'4"...maybe 5'3" model so what it's going to come down to for you is your overall "look" and whether it's one that's in demand. Unfortunately, I just did a search for print agencies in Chicag

Amanda Wrote: Hey there!! I'm 26, I'm 5'8 and I'm 140lbs and I am interested in commercial/print work everyone thinks I'm 21 (I guess it's not that big of a difference haha) but I would love to get started I have done a few shoots for my friends photography business and everyone is telling me I should go for it, and I love it so why not? Any advice? :) Hi, Amanda! It definitely sounds like you've been bitten by the modeling bug. :-) Right now you need to decide what goals you have for modeling and how seriously you want to pursue it. For example, do you want to try and find agency representation or are you more interested in doing it part-time/as a hobby by freelancing (acting as your own agent and finding work)? If you want to try for an agency, you'll want to do an online search for agency websites. Location-wise, it is best to target those within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. As you stated, you'll want to look for agencie

Anonymous Wrote: Hi I am 13 almost 14 I am 5'4 and I live in Texas I want to be a model but one problem I have braces and I won't be getting them off until I'm 15 and I would like to start modeling now what should I do? Do u think an agency would want to represent me? Do u know any agencies that accept models with braces Hey there, Anonymous! Since it'll be a while until your braces come off, it would be okay to submit your photos to agencies and see if they will represent you now. If you have a good look they can market and they won't have to worry about updating your pictures without braces for a few years, it does work in your favor in such a situation. You'll want to look for agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live in Texas that represent teen models, since that is what your age and height qualify you for right now. To help you find agencies, I would need to know what city in Texas you live in (not your address or anything) a

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! You may have answered this before and if you have, sorry for asking again. But, what do you use to keep your face clear? I've been using proactiv but lately it seems to not be working as well, so I'm looking for something new and your skin is so clear, I figured asking you was a good idea :) Hi, Anonymous! I do have to thank you for the kind words about my complexion. Having battled eczema and skin discoloration my whole life (I still do), I get thrown off whenever someone compliments me about my face/skin, so thank you! Of course Photoshop helps, too, haha. For the last 4+ years I have been faithfully using the Clinique 3-Step system. I use the 3-Step cleanser, mild formula, which is for normal and combination skin (I have combination skin type) and the 3-Step Toner/Astringent. However, I do not use the moisturizer that goes with the rest of the 3-Step system...I use Pond's Moisturizer Dry Skin Cream. I've never had acne prone skin

Anonymous Wrote: Ms.Dania:) I heard that Fords has a commercial division (for girls around 5'6 and 5'7). Is this true? And how do I apply for it? Hey there, Anonymous! That's true, however, I don't know if all Ford office locations have commercial/print divisions. I know the one in San Francisco (when it was still in business) had one, which is how I got signed to them but you'll have to check Ford's official website and then select the location you're interested in to see if they list the divisions they represent. If they don't list the divisions, give them a call to find out. Currently, Ford allows submissions through their website, where you fill out an electronic form and upload your photos. They also hold open calls at most office locations but you'll want to make sure it's not just for their fashion models.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, Since I'm 5'7.5 do you think I should still apply to agencies like next models, ford, and so on? I know a girl who models with next models and she is my height but on her profile it shows her as 5'9. So should I apply as 5'8 instead or stick to 5'7.5? Also would they notice the difference in height? Sorry so many questions! Thank you so much  Hi, Anonymous! If you have a high fashion look (i.e. high cheekbones, strong bone structure, unique/interesting/alien features, etc.) then go ahead and submit to fashion agencies. However, if you have more of a commercial/print, girl-next-door kind of look, your chances won't be as high for being an exception to the rule. I wouldn't recommend lying about your height. Agencies doing it for their models after signing them is one thing but as a model looking for representation, it's not a good idea. Skilled agency staff can spot the difference--not to mention that they won'

Thompson Wrote: What is the salary for models who consitantly book high fashion ads and shows , and are signed to an elite agency? Also if you sign to an agency which requires you to move across thee country, will the agency help you find an apartment to rent, etc. Or are you on your own?   -Thompson Hey, Thompson! The general salary range for a model in the position you described could potentially earn $50,000/year and higher. The most common situation where an agency would help a model with housing typically applies to fashion and runway models. In markets like New York and Los Angeles, fashion agencies (not all) have model dorms and other types of model housing arrangements, where the models live while they're under contract. Print models are not usually afforded the same luxury with agencies. When planning for a possible move for agency representation, I strongly recommend checking with the agency beforehand to find out what housing options are provided for thei

Mary Dyka Wrote: Hi, Dania, thanks for these informative posts, pls, can u give me some advice, i dream to become a model, famous, i am 15 years old, my measurements are normal, they are good for modeling, but i am only 5'5ft, 167 cm, i would like to be a victorias secret model, is it possible to become one of their angels, if i live in Ukraine? And tnere is also one problem my parents don't let me be a model, it's such a great dream and they ruin it! Am i not too old to start modeling at the age of 18-20? How long can i work as a model is it worth and is it possible to become famous? Also my parents are always saying me that in order to be successful in modeling u have to be a prostitute, is it truth? Hi, Mary! Unfortunately, 5'5" is far too short to be considered for Victoria's Secret modeling. The minimum height they'll accept is 5'8" and Elite in New York has even raised that minimum to 5'9". So at this point, unless

Erik T Wrote: What exactly is "teen modeling"? What are its requirements for male models?   -Thank You, Erik T Hi , Erik! As the name suggests, teen modeling is a category in the industry that focuses specifically on the teen market, including consumers that are parents of teens. Clients use teenaged models to promote clothing, products and other items that appeal to this demographic. This includes clothing catalogs for department stores like Sears, JCPenny's, Target, Wal-Mart, etc., as well as mobile phone carriers, school supply companies and others that sell products mostly purchased by teens. Male teen models don't have stringent requirements to meet like runway, fashion and editorial male models. The actual requirements vary from agency to agency but generally, they need to be ages 13-17, look youthful in appearance, healthy/fit, well groomed and have a great smile. Height ranges can be flexible and don't necessarily require male models to be super

Rachel White Wrote: HEY DANIA, I WAS RECENTLY SIGNED WITH AN AGENCY AND WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD ANY TIPS ON BEING CONFIDENT. THANKS, LOVE YOUR BLOG! Hi there, Rachel! First off, big congrats to you for getting signed...that's wonderful! That accomplishment itself is actually my first piece of advice to you for being more confident. Think about it: the fact that you've got an agent automatically places you well ahead of the many, many, many model hopefuls out there that have been trying to get to the point where you are now. That's big and is a well deserved confidence boost. Who wouldn't feel good about themselves because of that? :-) A second thing to keep in mind is to realize that the agency saw something special in you--enough for them to want to represent you. The third is to constantly remind yourself how worthy you are of being a model and having an agent. This comes in handy when going to castings and go-sees, where you're going to be in the

Ashley Wrote: Hi! I didn't know where to put this so I thought putting it here would be ok... So I was wondering, sorry these are multiple questions—I have bangs and I look petty bad without them (relatively large forehead), I'd like to send in an application to ford in Miami and a couple others (I'm 13 BTW) but they want the pictures without any hair in your face, of course I'm going to do that but I don't want them to be like "eww, NEXT!" or something.... Also if i were to get signed would they, like, immediately just like throw me head first into the buisness( not literally of course)? I'm inexpirenced... Also what about open calls? I have an idea of what to wear but one you go in what happens? You were with FORD so maybe you could offer some insight? And lastly I had read that you said you were going to create a YouTube account? Thanks sorry for so many questions -Ashley Hey, Ashley! No worries about the questions...it's wha

Tanya Wrote: Dania, I would like to sign a modeling contract with multiple agencies, but I have a dilemma, and I would like to ask your opinion on it... I have signed an exclusive contract with an agency in San Francisco about 3 years ago for commercial print modeling. I have got very few castings from them. I would like to change to non-exclusive representation. Would you please advise on which agencies in San Francisco Bay Area offer non-exclusive contracts? Thank you very much in advance, Tanya. Hi, Tanya! Unfortunately, agencies don't typically list this information on their websites so I can't actually tell you which ones have exclusive contracts for sure and which ones don't. The best way to get that info is to contact each agency to ask them directly. If you need a list of the names and websites of agencies within the SF Bay Area, let me know and I can at least you get that information to start with. Good luck to you!

Raven Wrote: Hi Dania, I seem to be similar to Nika and was wondering if you can provide me with suggestions of reputable agencies in the Washington, DC area... I would greatly appreciate it!  Hey, Raven! Below are the names and websites of agencies in Washington, DC...it isn't a huge market though so there aren't many out there, I'm afraid: T.H.E Artist Agency http://www.theartistagency.com The Pink Light Agency  http://www.thepinklight.com/ *They are headquartered in Atlanta but they have an office in Washington, DC. They do require professional pictures, not just snapshots in order to submit

Anonymous Wrote: hi, do you have to be 18 to model without a guardians signature? or does it vary from country to country? or company to company? Hey, Anonymous!  Yes, in the United States you have to be 18 or older to model without a guardian's signature on a document like a model release form. I can't speak for other countries but in the United States you must ALWAYS have the signature of a parent/guardian for model release forms when dealing with a model that is under the age of 18. Not only that, a parent/guardian must also be present during the shoot. They don't have to be right there in the middle of the set but they have to be somewhere on the premises. Legit photographers, clients and companies in the U.S. know this. So if you're under 18 and somebody tries to tell you that it's okay for you to sign a model release form (or other contract/document) and/or work without a parent/guardian, they are breaking the law and is likely a person you should