Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Brooke Wrote: My name is Brooke and I just signed a contract in Japan. I've recently been going to walking lessons... I'm having some problems finding the right shoes to wear. Do you have any styles that you would recommend? How to break them in? I know the standard wearing them around and all that but are there some tricks of the trade that you could maybe help me with lol... Also skin care.. Whatever the last MUA used on my skin has been causing it to break out like crazy around my jaw line... Is there anything I can do or use to prevent this from happening? Hi there, Brooke! Congrats on the contract offer, that's incredible! :-D For shoes that you can practice your walk in, I highly recommend a pair called Touch Ups Genesis (taupe). These are 4-inch heels I purchased years ago and still wear them to this day--even to castings and in shows. They're not the trendy, super platform style heel--they're the more strappy, traditional kind. I find them m

Lisa Wrote: If you're a female who is 5'8" with measurements that are 36-28-38, for example, would you be suitable for commercial print instead of fashion/runway/editorial? Hey, Lisa! Those set of measurements are notably larger than what agencies are able to consider when it comes to fashion/runway/editorial so if slimming down in a healthy way isn't an option, commercial/print would be more suitable. Many agencies use print models of fashion height these days in addition to the shorter/traditional height print models.

Anonymous Wrote: Hello I am 32, 5'11 197lb I'm working very hard and healthy to get back to 180. I was always told when I was younger and I'm still told to this very day that I should've been and should be a model. My question is..... Is 32 to old to model? I'm very intrested in print, editorial and runway modeling. I've read your blog on how old is to old and found out that commercial and ect, would be best. Is there really no hope for me for runway, editorial and print? I am of French creole decent so I have an european look. I'm just curious because I never had the confidence to ask. :-) thanks in advance.  Hi, Anonymous! You're definitely not too old to model. Unfortunately, you are considered "too old" by agency/industry standards for editorial and fashion/runway modeling. Agencies set the age cut off at 21-22 and that's the maximum. Youth is the key factor when it comes to fashion/runway and editorial models and that

Lisa Wrote: I have a question. Can modeling affect your relationships with your friends, especially freelance modeling? When I was doing freelance modeling for a while, my dad and even my brother accused me of lying and cheating my friends, especially since I was doing it in Atlanta, GA, where I live, and said that the people I was working with had influenced me to betray them and disrespect them. And the next thing, when they saw some of my modeling photos, including the decent ones, they called me nasty names. Do they have a reason to be like this?  Hi there, Lisa! The modeling industry is one that many people don't understand or believe they understand based on what they see on television and/or read online. Unfortunately, this leads a lot of people--including friends and family of the models themselves--to be judgmental, unsupportive, jealous and even resentful. It's sad that your own dad and brother felt that way about your time as a freelance model. You o

Isabelle Wrote: A question! Hello Dania, and thank you for this blog :) I was at an open casting for an agency, and they seemed really interested. A couple of weeks later, I was there and took some more photos. Then they said they wanted to do a test shoot and decide if they wanted me or not :) This was about a month ago, I called today and found out that my 'contact person' had been replaced...so the new one asked me to come by next week...and I'm worried! What do you think will happen? I'm worried they'll change their mind about the test shoot. Should I expect them to take more pictures? What should I wear, what should I bring?? I'm just very confused, and you were the only person I could think about asking... (oh, and by the way, I'm a girl fron Sweden, 15 years old, 5'10, my measurements are 31-24-35) Thank you :) Hope you understood my questions :P Hey, Isabelle! Just because the person you originally worked with has been replaced

Anonymous Wrote: Hello, This comment has little to do with the post but I figured I should ask the question on here since it is eyebrow related. I was wondering how big of a deal are eyebrows truly in the modeling industry. I'm a 15 year old aspiring model (I posted another comment on the VS model one not too long ago). I was born with naturally thick eyebrows. I feel like they make me more high fashion but I am debating whether or not I should get them threaded or waxed so they will be like everyone else's. Are eyebrows a big deal? Are certain types of eyebrows preferred in different areas of modeling? Will my eyebrows hurt or help my chances? At the moment I am not allowed to change them but I wanted to know for future reference. Thanks so much & I love your blog! Hi, Anonymous! I'm happy you love my blog...I love that you're one of my readers! :-D Eyebrows alone don't make or break a model's potential career in any category, since i

Jameson Wrote: Hi, I live in NY and I am not signed and I don't have any experience...fashion week is coming up. So should I go to the shows to be scouted? There are so many people from the industry out n about soon, I feel like this is a big opportunity I can't waste. Thanks  Hey, Jameson! Since it would be difficult to gain representation and all the materials you'd need by the time Fashion Week comes around, I think it would be a great idea to network your butt off at the event. I would recommend having a good ole fashioned business card on hand with your photo, name and--obviously--contact info. You shouldn't worry about getting comp cards or putting together a portfolio, however. If you do get scouted, you'd be invited to a casting call or interview at a later date and time and when that happens, your next steps should be to take quality digital snapshots to print out and bring with you. Just in case, below are sample male model snapshots you can u

Anonymous Wrote: Does a modeling agency ask you for a passport copy? I mean it is a personal document. Hi, Anonymous! From what I know, they don't ask to keep an actual copy of a model's passport--at least I've never heard of this happening with any models I know of that work in other countries. The agencies simply ask if a model has a passport and if it is current. When the model is booked for work that requires international travel, the model will provide their passport as required but no photocopies are necessary.

Anonymous Wrote: HI, my daughter is 14, 5' 9" and a ballet dancer so ver long and lean. We were in Ny over the New year (visiting from Ca) and she was talented spotted twice in 2 days. She has also ben spotted twice in Ca when just 13. The second spotting in NY by a talent scout - we were literally pulled off the street and after much persuasion he persuaded us to go to a very chic office of a well regarded agency. ( I checked them out in the internet back at my hotel) We had 2 meetings with them and left with a contract to sign. On our return to Ca we read it over and gave it to our lawyer. For the most part having read a lot of your blogs it looks fine and in line with industry standards. I now get the notion that it is not a free ride and the investment that the agency makes in my daughter is really a loan that she pays back when she earns. However as a minor we as her parents have to sign it. The one clause that causes me concern is that should she not ge

MissCarrieCake Wrote: I am 24 turning 25 and I've always wanted to explore modeeling. Would 25 be too old start? Hey there, MissCarrieCake! 25 is considered too old to start modeling if you want to do runway and fashion. However, you are the ideal age for lifestyle modeling, which is a type of commercial/print modeling for male and female models 25 years of age and older. So look into agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live that have commercial/print and/or lifestyle modeling divisions. With this type of modeling your career could last well into your 30s, 40s, 50s and even older. Here is a link to a blog post I did about lifestyle modeling: Lifestyle & Mature Modeling

Ruth Wrote: Hi dania, My name is Ruth and I'm from Ireland. I'm 5'9", 120lbs and my stats are 33-24-34. I've been extremely interested in becoming a Victoria's Secret model for the past few years. I'm 17. I know the best two agencies to go for are Ford and Elite in New York, but they are very far away. I will still try to apply for them, but I know there is stiff competition. Would you recommend applying to agencies in London, UK too? And would the agencies in Dublin be a good starting point? Also, I know the ideal weight for models is 100-115 lbs, should I try to lose some weight before applying? Thank you so much!  Hey there, Ruth! Yes, I would recommend submitting to other agencies in larger markets as well as those local to you. There's nothing wrong with gaining previous modeling experience through a different agency and it could work in your favor until such an opportunity presents itself that will allow you to submit to agencies i

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Diana, I've heard my manager talk about every model needs to have a "model bag" ad I don't know what I need in this bag. What do you think needs to be put into it? Hi, Anonymous! What goes in a model bag differs from model to model. There is no exact definition of this item, although it should contain important things that could come in handy, such as your own makeup products, different colors and types of undergarments (strapless bras, thongs/panties, etc.) in case the ones you're wearing aren't right for the clothes you'd be wearing, beauty items like hair brushes, a compact mirror, lotion, etc. Other things also include but aren't limited to your portfolio book, copies of your headshot/comp cards and extra shoes. Since your manager is the one that brought it up, you should ask him/her what they would recommend to include in yours. It's perfectly fine to ask such questions...anytime you don't understand somethi

Anonymous Wrote: Is 5 foot 9 inches tall enough for male runway and fashion modeling? And could you please go over the male runway walk? Thank you! Hey, Anonymous! Realistically, if agency representation is your goal, 5'9" is considered "short" for male models when it comes to fashion and runway modeling. In larger markets like New York, Miami and Los Angeles, the minimum height for male models is 5'11". A few lower it to 5'10" so just know that at 5'9" it will be very difficult to find a fashion/runway agency to sign with. However, you are an ideal height for commercial/print modeling. Male print models can be shorter and also vary in size and shape. So that should be something for you to also look into. For the male runway walk, click on the link below. It has a video of a runway show where it has good, steady shots of male runway models. The best way to learn the runway walk (male or female) is to watch professionals do it a

adriuhnahh Wrote: Thankyou so much for the tips! Now i have less to worry about haha :) Does it matter how high the heels are? I was thinking of wearing black skinny jeans but they sort of have a leathery look to them, with a blue skin tight singlet and blue pumps, does that sound good? Hi, Adriuhnahh! Glad my post about tips for attending casting calls was of help to you! For the high heels, I would go no higher than 4 inches and no less than 3. The outfit you described sounds fine, too, so I think you're good to go!

Quinn Clemonte Wrote: *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*hi I am 14 I am 6'2 I weigh 135-140 34-30-36 I honestly have big hips but also honestly i am soooo tall that I don’t think you notice because I’m soooo stretched out!!!! i dance 5-6 hours 5 days a week im very fit with lean muscle (not a body builder!!!) I have long blonde hair , bluish green eyes really really really long legs long but not really long torso. I am willing to do any modeling. I have done a few wedding dress and bridesmaid shows with a bridal company. and with dancing i am really comfortable with being on stage.... is there anything out there for me !!! please tell me yes!!!!i really need help in knowing if i can pursue and strive in this career I will not tell you exactly where I live but it’s out there and there aren’t any close agencies with in like 300-400miles!!!! So I don’t get an opportunity to see if agents and casters like my body. Basically I’m just asking if there is anything out th

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! I'm interested in becoming a model and I wear my hair both naturally curly and flat ironed. So I wanted to know which way should I wear my hair for snapshot submissions? Hi, Anonymous! Choose the hairstyle you wear the most on a daily basis and that you truly feel confident with. Once you submit those snapshots and get invited to the interview, then mention that you have a secondary hairstyle you also wear and have snapshots of that look to show them at that time. This will let the agency know they have options they can choose from and will let you know at the time you get signed which style they prefer.

Max Wrote (in regards to my blog post, titled " New Dania Denise Comp Card Designs "): What's on the back side? Hey, Max! The comp cards I featured on my blog post are one-sided, which means the back side is blank. There is the option of 2-sided comp cards, where one side has a large headshot with the model's name on it and the additional photos, contact info and stats on the other. However, I prefer a 1-sided comp card design because it's cheaper when it comes to printing costs. It doesn't matter whether models use 1-sided or 2-sided templates. It's a matter of personal preference.

Linette Tang Wrote: Hi! I'm currently 14 years old and I'd like to start getting involved in print/commercial modeling. As of the last time I measured myself a couple months ago I'm only 5'4'' and I happen to have braces. (bummer) Do you think I should wait until I get my braces off (which will be in 2016) before I contact agencies? By then I'd be 15 but it's possible I'd grow the 3/4 of an inch i need to reach 5'5''. Also, I was wondering if you could possibly suggest some agencies around me and any tips for getting started? I'm completely new to the industry (I live in West Covina, CA by the way). Thanks in advance and I hope you have an amazing year! :)  Hi, Linette, Happy New Year! Don't worry about trying to reach 5'5" because at 5'4" and at your age you qualify for teen modeling, which has flexible height requirements. So it's a good idea to look into agencies that have either or both c

Gary Wrote: My son is 22 years old, 6'5" chiseled and very good looking. Everyone tells him he should be modeling - even the guys he works with. Is there any opportunity for him out there? Where does one go to get noticed?? Thanks Gary Hi, Gary! I have a bit of bad news for you. At 6'5" your son is much too tall to be represented by a modeling agency. The maximum is 6'2" although more agencies are now setting the height max at 6'3" these days. But it would be very hard for them to consider your son at 6'5" and it's not something he could easily hide or fake either. The reason agencies have a height maximum, especially for men, is because their body proportions won't fit into the designers' sample sizes. I'm guessing your son has trouble finding clothes that properly fit him, correct? Then imagine how difficult it would be for designers to fit him for a photoshoot or fashion show. Unfortunately, designers won

Aly Wrote: Hi Dania! I was considering pursuing modeling sometime in the near future, and I had some questions for you. 1) I have lots of freckles, is that a bad thing, or does it even matter? 2) My measurements are 31-27-34, and I'm 70" tall. What kind of modeling, if any, do you think I should pursue? 3) Is a test shoot a good idea if I don't have any modeling experience at all? 4) Is there any other advice you can give to someone just starting out? Thanks -Aly Hey, Aly! 1) Having freckles doesn't really matter and could work to your advantage. It's all up to the agencies you submit to. What doesn't work for one agency could be just what another agency is looking for. 2) At your height, you're ideal for fashion and runway modeling (if I'm correct in my conversion, 70 inches is 5'10"). However, you'll need to bring your waist measurement down to at least 25 inches. The ideal measurements are 34-24-34 but you can be smaller so you

Anonymous Wrote: hi I live in Waterford, Michigan and is new to modeling. my family doesn't have the money right now but I can't seem to find any photographers that will do time for print for a New 13 year old model so u can build a portfolio. please help Hey there, Anonymous! Are you trying to get agency representation in order to start modeling? If so, you don't need to put together a portfolio of any kind. All you need to submit to agencies for consideration are non professional, digital snapshots. Unfortunately, Michigan isn't a big market for modeling so agencies there are few and far in between. I did come across two agencies but one of them only considers models 16 years of age and older. However, the second one represents models from ages 5 and up so I think you might be able to submit to them. They state on their website that you only need to send digital snapshots (not professional) so as long as you have someone that can take good, clear photos o