Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Beth Wrote: I'm 5'7.5" and appear very tall and slim My measurements are 34 25 35 and weight is 120. I am 14. I am caucasian but have exotic eyes, from russian jewish heritage. Would I automatically be dismissed at an open call because of that half inch in height? for say runway or high fashion modeling. Thanks, Beth Hi, Beth! Some fashion modeling agencies lower the height requirements for female models ages 14-16 because they know there is still a chance for those models to grow in the years to come. If you can manage to find agencies that have these lowered requirements, then you can certainly still be considered for runway and/or high fashion modeling at your current height. What you'll need to do is look online for the websites of modeling agencies according to the city and state where you live. It's important to look at agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. Browse through each agency's website to find out what the listed

Kourtney does Kouture Wrote: Hello, I was just offered a 2yr exclusive contract by a potential mother agency. I took my contract home to show my parents, and they had a lawyer look over the contract. There were minor errors in the contract that needed to be changed. I am now negotiating my contract with the agency. I was wondering if this will make the agency not want to work with me? Also is it normal to have to pay a website fee every year?and expenses for building your book? Hey, Kourtney! Since you're negotiating the contract with the agency, I'm assuming they're cooperating in the process, which is a good sign. Although it can be a risk to do that, if the agency is willing to work with you on it then I don't see where there would be any problems. They could have simply withdrawn the contract offer altogether if they were really put off by it. In this day and age of the Internet, agencies now mainly market their models online and that involves a new

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! I've been in contact with an agency and did my first test shoot a couple of weeks ago. Now they told me that they want me as a 'people' model, and not as an ordinary model as we talked about before...I have the right measurements, age and length for ordinary modeling (I'm a girl, 15), and the photographer was really impressed of me. I'm happy that the agency wants me at all, but I want to be able to work fulltime as a model, and they told me I can't do that as a people model. Another agency has been interested in me, can I have two agencies? As a people model, I won't have a contract...I'm sorry, I'm really frustrated and didn't know who to ask :( What can I do?? Hugs Hi, Anonymous! In some cases it is possible to have more than one agency but it all depends on what types of contracts are in place. You've already said that the agency you're with as a people model doesn't have a contract, which act

Olivia Wrote: Hi, Dania! Okay so this is probably a question you get a lot.. I have absolutely no experience whatsoever, but I've always wanted to model. I never thought of myself as someone who could do it because of my low self-esteem, but lately things have been looking up and I'm a lot more comfortable with my body. I'll be 18 in May, my measurements are 36/27/38.5, and I'm only about 5'7". I'm working on toning up and losing weight, which I feel I should be able to do rather quickly if I keep myself motivated. Is it possible for me to look into doing runway? I mean in the long haul, anyway? Besides my age and lack of experience, I'm not tall enough nor do I have any idea what I'm doing. I have had some people interested in me modeling for them, an offer which I might take up. I just feel discouraged because the industry is enormous; what makes me special in a sea of pretty girls? At the same time, I tell myself that someone has

Estée Wrote: Hey I'm Estée and I was wondering if it's allowed for make and female models under 18 to model swimwear and underwear in runway shows and ads? Hi, Estée! I can't speak for other countries but in the United States, male and female models are allowed to model "age appropriate" swimwear in ads and runway shows. As far as underwear, models of both genders must be at least 18 years of age. Female models under the age of 18 in the United States are not allowed to model lingerie type of underwear in ads or runway shows.

Russel Wrote: I'm russel 19 years old 6"1 skinny I really want to be a male model but I'm currently living here in the Philippines and I seriously think there is not much opportunity here for male model wannabes like me, I'm dreaming to be a international model specially new York . So here is my question ,if example I submited an application online and they really do like me what can I expect from them? would they help me get to new York? or would they just tell me to fly to new York? well I'm asking this cause I know it's hard to just fly to new York i know it's expensive but I can sure do if they promise me a contract but it's not just about the money how bout visa? would they help me with that? take ford for an example and what's the real deal when it comes to applicants outside USA? thanks in advance , I love your blog cause you help a lot of people Hi there, Russel! Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate

Lindsey Wrote: Ok so I know the basic idea of a portfolio, but what exactly is it? Hey, Lindsey! A portfolio is a collection of a model's best photos, including tearsheets of published work if they have any. There are online portfolios, which are basically galleries that show the best photos from a model's career, as well as physical portfolios, which are printed 8"x10"s of those pictures that are put into a specific photography portfolio case. Here are some links that will give you a better understanding of what portfolios are and the role they play in a model's career: Putting Together a Portfolio What You Should Have in Your Portfolio

Lindsey Wrote: So do you need a resume if you're looking for an agency? Or are they just for when you start getting jobs? Hi, Lindsey! When just starting out, a resume is not mandatory. Agencies understand that a newbie won't have experience to list on a resume so it's okay to not have one when submitting to agencies. Once you get signed and start booking work, then you'll be able to create a resume that lists your experience and what kind of gigs you've gotten.