Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: I have done some small time modelling before but now I'm just focusing on finishing university (1 more year left :D) and funny thing, a lot of places I go people ask me if I do modelling and why not. My new hairdresser is gay (I'm sure) and he kept complementing me and the girls were doing the same in the salon. He asked me if I wanted to be introduced to an agent and a photographer, it sounded good but alarm bells were also ringing. Not sure what to do, if they do try something funny I will break some bones (I'm a kickboxer) what should I do? Hey, Anonymous! Lol, I don't think you should be so quick to get physical just yet. There is nothing wrong with getting the name and contact info for the agent and photographer and then going home to research the crap out of them. :-) People get scouted like that often and tend to be legit most of the time--a male model who contacted me recently for career advice got his start after this hair stylis

~Koco~ Wrote: Hello, I love reading your blogs. Thanks so much for the fantastic info. I wanted to know if you have any advice for the Plus Size Model. Hey, Koco! I would highly recommend knowing what the actual requirements are and understanding what agencies and clients are looking for when it comes to plus size models. Not all agencies represent plus size women so it's also important to make sure the ones you're considering state on their official websites that they have a plus size division. Below are two links related to plus size modeling that I wrote, which will provide you with more insight into this category of modeling: Plus Size Modeling Plus Size Is More Than Being Larger Than Your Average Model

Hippie Wrote: Hi Diana, I'm fifteen (about to be 16) and 5'6" 1/2, all of my measurement are right and i have both an exotic and commercial look (is that even possible ?) I actually have long legs (and im not just saying that to make myself feel better lol) and when i compare myself to people that are 5'7" i look the same height if not a little bit taller than them, could i use this to my advantage ? so even though i physicaly appear taller than i am(no matter what im wearing, even if it dosent flatter my height) benefit me at all ? oh and also can i have a list of some of the top commercial print agencies in the world or united states ? T H A N K Y O U <3 Hi, Hippie! Having great proportions and "photographing tall" is definitely an advantage for models of your height. So that's a plus. :-) However, I am glad that you're seeking commercial/print agencies and working within the industry standards. As helpful as appearing taller

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dana i want to start off first by saying you are truly amazing..... ok now here's the question.. Do you have any information about modeling for kids/Toddlers?? im looking for agencies for my son... from Miami...Orlando... or Georgia thanks :) Hi, Anonymous! Thank you so much!!! Here are some links to blog posts I've done that target parents of child/underage models that could be useful to you: Parents of Underage Models: What to Expect  Baby Modeling Tips As far as modeling agencies for your son, here is a list of agencies that I could find in those areas that represent baby/child/kid models: MIAMI Age (Anderson Green Entertainment) http://www.agekids.com Michele Pommier Management http://www.michelepommier.com The Green Agency http://www.greenagency.com Wilhelmina Miami  http://www.wilhelminamiami.com ORLANDO BMG Models http://www.bmgmodels.com GEORGIA Element Model Management LLC http://www.ElementModelMgmt.com

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! After New York, what is another large modeling area in the United States? Hi, Anonymous! After New York, Los Angeles would be the next largest market for modeling in the U.S., followed by Miami.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I'm 13 and have had braces about 10 months. I have about another 6 months of braces and then I will be done with my second phase. I'm looking into different agencies and want to pursue modeling. I read somewhere that some agencies are okay with braces if you get them off for a job. Can you tell me how likely that is and if braces make my chances in success slim?  Hey, Anonymous! Agencies tend to be wary of signing models with braces because there isn't enough work for models with that look and they know that once you get your braces off, you'll have to redo your entire portfolio--which is a hassle. However, if you have the ability to remove your braces for castings and shoots, it will increase your odds of getting an agency interested in representing you. Each agency has its own preference as to whether or not they'll take on new models with braces. In many cases, agencies will tell a model to come back after they've gotten thei

Anonymous Wrote: Hey I was wondering what the deal was with models with or without tattoos. I know it is ideal to have no tattoos and from what I read most photographers don't life it but a lot of successful models do have tattoos and cover them up, right? Will it defiantly lower your chances of becoming a model? Hi, Anonymous! A lot of working, successful models do have tattoos. Of course, the bigger you are (reputation-wise), the more likely clients and photographers will be to make exceptions to this rule. For more info on this subject, I would recommend you check out the blog post I did about this topic: Piercings & Tattoos in Modeling

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I've wanted to be a model for quite a while, given my tall slim body and unique look. The problem is, i'm not very photogenic. But i've got a strong runway walk, so i was wondering if it was possible to just be in fashion shows? or is there a way i can make myself become more photogenic? thanks bunches dania! xoxo Hey there, Anonymous! If runway is your strong point I don't see any reason why you can't specialize in just fashion shows. I don't know if you plan on freelancing or seeking agency representation but if it's the latter, you should trust the opinion of your agency to decide whether or not you're photogenic enough to use in traditional shoots (you might find that an agency thinks you're perfectly photogenic even if you don't). As far as being more photogenic, my best piece of advice would be to practice in front of a mirror and become more comfortable with how you appear naturally. Find out what yo

Anonymous Wrote: Hey I love your post . I think they are uh-mazing.! How do I book for fashion shows and other events without signing to an agent yet.? I would like to expand my work as much as possible as a freelance model befoe signing. I also stay in Detroit. Hi, Anonymous! Why thank you! :-) Detroit isn't known for being a modeling market but I'm sure there are local shops and designers that could always use a new face to help them advertise their latest stuff. That being said, I have the following suggestions: - Research the local clothing stores/boutiques in your area. Find out which ones are independently run or who feature/know local designers and get their contact info. - Contact any local fashion colleges or schools that have fashion design programs. Student designers always have fashion shows in need of models to walk in their school-run events each term. They don't pay any monetary compensation but you'll gain the experience and chances are th

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania , First off I love all your blogs I'm new to them and love them already. I've been an inspiring model since I was 12 I'm 17 now. I've been trying to line up modeling work for fashion shows and runways for some time now. Last year I was picked to join one source talent , they wanted me to have 500.00 up front with out warring that is best to bring at least half of the amount with you so I couldn't sign to them. I took it as it was God telling me it wasn't ment for me to sign that contract. I also stay in Dearborn Michigan . How do I find the right work and model company to get started with right away.?  Hey, Anonymous! Thanks for being a reader...I truly appreciate you! :-) I'm so glad you didn't go with One Source Talent. You never have to pay a "middleman" to put you in touch with agencies when you can do that on your own for free. So kudos to you for going with your gut! Michigan isn't a great

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I was just wondering, is it common/doable for a model to be in a college around New York and also be signed to a top agency? Or do you think the two would conflict too much? Hi, Anonymous! It is common for models to continue going to college while pursuing the industry. But being signed to a top agency in a market like New York does open up the possibility of eventually having to choose between school and work, depending on the course a model's career takes. Agencies work with students all the time so they are not strangers to this type of situation. I would advise making sure your main booker at the agency has your current class schedule so that they'll know your window of availability. However, if you have a fully booked, full-time school schedule, this will make it difficult for an agency to send you out to castings, which could cause them to not be as active in marketing you. But if there is some leeway in your schedule and you're

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I had a question.. I have always wanted to be Victoria Secret Model, but I'm a little shorter than the requirements to be signed with a top NY agency. So, I was wondering if there was still hope for me, to model other for underwear/swim companies. I'm 5'4'', measurements 34B-24-32. & how I maybe what agencies would chose such a short model? Thanks Dania!! Hi, Anonymous! At 5'4" you'll want to look at agencies that represent commercial/print models. The minimum height for that type of modeling is 5'5" but they do make exceptions for 5'4" models that have a great look. Should you get signed to a commercial/print agency, communicate with your agent/booker about your desire to do swimwear/underwear work. If there are castings for this type of work available, they'll submit you. In most cases, it will be for local swimwear or intimate apparel companies. Plan B would be to pursue this type of modelin

Anonymous Wrote: Will they tell us what agencies to go to to try out cause I'm 13 and always wanted to be a model!!!!!  Hi, Anonymous! If you're trying to be a Justice Model, they won't tell you what agencies to submit to. To get the best results, you'll want to submit for all the local modeling agencies in your area that have Justice Models as one of their clients. As long as you end up getting signed to one of them, it will increase your chances of being considered for upcoming castings for Justice.

Anonymous Wrote: I want to be a VS model but I live in Australia and my perents don't want me modeling :( help me Hi, Anonymous! Below are what you need to do if you want to seriously pursue VS modeling: 1. Turn 18. You can't be a VS model unless you're at least 18 years of age. So if you're younger than that, you'll have some waiting to do. The good news is that at 18, you'll be an adult and won't need your parents' permission to pursue this type of modeling. 2. Move to New York. To be considered for VS, you have to be where the action is, which is New York. Right now it's not an option for you since you're in Australia so until you're able to relocate to the United States, your options/possibility for being a VS model will be severely limited. So start saving your money!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, just wondering what the requirements are for a swimsuit model? Especially body measurements? Thanks!  Hey, Anonymous! There are no stringent requirements for swimsuit models in terms of body measurements. The only real criteria that these types of models should meet include the following: - Healthy and proportional in appearance - Have a full bust (this is different from being "busty"...full busts fill out swimsuit tops better so it's usually preferable for swimsuit models to be a full B, full C, etc. The actual cup size wanted varies from client to client and what they are looking for) - Good skin, great smile and well groomed - Body should be toned but not too muscular

Anonymous Wrote: Heyy, I was wondering if I could be a male model with a couple of scars on my face? I read they get/ can get photo-shopped in pictures, but I was making sure if I could. Thanks very much Hi, Anonymous! Agencies and clients would prefer that models (male and female) have little to no blemishes/scars on their face. If there are scars, they should be minimal and not difficult to cover with makeup. So as long as the type and location of your scars is minimal and/or easily concealed, it won't count against you too much and won't prevent you from modeling entirely. Although Photoshop and makeup are alternatives, it's less time consuming and more beneficial for a client/photographer to choose to work with a model that they don't have to do a lot of retouching on. So keep that in mind but don't let it discourage you from pursuing modeling.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I am an aspiring model and have been for a while. I'm 5'8-9 (one of the two, not 100% sure) 33-24-37, my weight fluctuates at around 140 but I am quite slender and I'm really trying hard to whittle down my hips. I am also 16 years of age. I really want to focus on fashion modeling, specifically runway. I'm a little hesitant on whether I should go forward along this path, any advice? Love your blog by the way! Thanks in advance.  Hi there, Anonymous! What is the cause for your hesitation? Is it your measurements alone or something else? To get results in modeling, you'll have to be focused, motivated and 100% invested in knowing it is what you want. If there's any type of doubt or hesitation, you'll want to address those concerns first before seriously looking into agencies. Your height and measurements (aside from your hips) are ideal for runway. As you mentioned, your hips are larger than the standard. The maximum yo

Anonymous Wrote: Hello. I'm 5'4, 38 years old,and have been told I look at least ten years younger, with no wrinkles. I'd love to do parts modeling, focusing on my lips. But, my question is: do I have a chance?  Hi, Anonymous! Parts modeling is competitive but not as much as traditional modeling, in my opinion, since not many people have photogenic body parts that meet the requirements for this niche of the industry. That being said, I would definitely recommend giving it a shot. It's one of those things where the only way to find out if you have a chance is to actually pursue it. Look for websites of agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and make sure they have a parts modeling division before submitting your photos and information.