Answering a Reader Question #478

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 you get to 5'8" by the time you turn 18, VS won't be a reality for you. And if you do happen to reach the height requirement you must relocate to New York in the USA in order to work for VS so you wouldn't be able to be considered if you were still living in the Ukraine.

Starting at 18-20 is late for fashion and runway modeling but if you don't reach the height for those types of modeling, it won't be something to worry about anyway. At your current height you are ideal for teen and commercial/print modeling. There is no real age limit to commercial/print modeling (there is for teen modeling obviously) so if you don't end up getting any taller you still have a shot at pursuing commercial/print modeling when you are older.

Print models lead long careers, well into their 20s and 30s or even older. Fashion/runway models typically retire by the time they're 25--that's for the average, working fashion/runway model and not supermodels. It is very difficult to became famous like supermodel status but it's definitely not impossible. However, print models typically don't end up becoming famous where people recognize them on the street, unless they get a really good gig where their picture gets posted all over the place.

You don't have to be a prostitute to be a model. That's just ridiculous. Many parents have a very negative misconception of what it takes to become a model because they actually don't know what it really takes. While the modeling industry isn't 100% innocent, it's not accurate for your parents to think that is what would happen to or be required of you. There are plenty of successful models, including the supermodels, that would never be compared to being prostitutes or who had to take those steps in order to make it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more