Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: What agents do you Think is good for kids Hey, Anonymous! First and foremost, it's important to know that not all modeling agencies represent child models. So you'd have to narrow things down to the agencies that specifically state on their websites that they have this division. I can't really answer your question accurately because it all depends on where you're located. There are children's modeling agencies all over the country. Simply throwing out the names of some notable ones won't do you much good if you aren't located nearby. Each market location has its share of child modeling agencies, some better than others. It all depends on who their roster of previous clients are and the strength of their connections within the industry. If you're looking for location-specific agencies for your child, I would need to know the city/state you live in (not your mailing address, though). That way I'd be able to do a search for

Marie Wrote: Hello :) First off your blog is awesome and incredibly helpful :D I'm so grateful that you take out the time to help all of the aspiring models out there (including me!)My name is Marie and I am an aspiring model. I am 15 1/2 years old and 5' 8". I weigh 120 lbs and my measurements are 35"-23"-36". I am African-American with a bit of French and Native American mixed in as well (with a skin tone similar to Gabrielle Union). My hair is very curly and a little past my shoulders in its natural state but about three inches from my elbows when straightened. I have always wanted to be a model from as far back as I can remember. I want to take a chance and move out to New York when I graduate at 17 and try to apply for Ford and Elite, but my parents want me to go to college. My idea was to go to college in New York and try to model at the same time but is that even possible? Do I even have a chance? Also I would like to lose about 10

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania! I wasn't quite sure where to post this but I had a question and I would be quite greatful if you could answer! When going to an open-call what is "proper etiquette"? Do you shake the representatives hand? Questions to expect from them? Hi, Anonymous! When it comes to open calls, the actual experience (where etiquette comes into play) depends on whether or not there are a lot of other people there. For example, if there are tons of other model hopefuls at the agency, the process will be more systematic and you may not have a chance to spend one-on-one time with a representative. This could make it difficult to create more of a connection and implement etiquette like shaking hands. But whenever you do see an opportunity, definitely shake hands with the representative that is working with you. If you don't get that chance, don't worry, it won't count against you. Of course if there aren't a lot of other people at the cast

Anon Wrote: Dear Dania: Thank you, so much for answering my question! I just wanted to say that you are very kind for giving some many people advice. I just have one more questions for you.. I've decided to leave my mother agency now, but I wanted to know if one of my other agencies would assume the role of my mother agency? Thank you. Anon.  Hi there, Anon! You're very welcome...I'm always happy to help! Not all modeling agencies operate as mother agencies. So that doesn't necessarily mean you would have to deal with another situation like that by signing with someone else in the future. When submitting to the other options, find out (if you get invited to an interview or attend an open casting call) whether or not they work as a mother agent or a regular agent. From there, you can decide which agency (traditional or mother agency) you think would be a better fit once you've started hearing back those interested in you. Either way I hope everything

Anonymous Wrote: I'm 16 and I want to model using a nickname. How do I do that?  Hey, Anonymous! If you want to use a "model alias," all you have to do is start going by that name and making sure it is associated with your modeling career. There is no legal process or specific procedure you need to follow in order to do this. Once you know what your model alias will be, start using it on your materials like your headshot, resume, website, social media sites, etc. By doing that, people will start recognizing you by that name. Below is a link to a blog post I wrote that talks about model aliases in more detail. It'll give you a much better idea of how to use this type of identity with your modeling career: Model Aliases

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was wondering what agencies you suggest in Pittsburgh PA? Thanks! Hi, Anonymous! Here you go: Docherty Model & Talent Agency http://www.dochertyagency.com The Talent Group  http://www.talentgroup.com/ Click Models of Philadelphia Inc. http://www.clickmodel.com

Anonymous Wrote: Do agencies send you on castings? or do they just book photoshoots and things like that?? Hi, Anonymous! Agencies do send models on castings. Clients contact agencies to find models and then the agency works as the middleman in order to match clients to the right models. I hope that makes sense? In order for models to book photoshoots with clients, they must first attend a casting call, which is what the agency helps to arrange by communicating with the client. The closest thing agencies come to arranging photoshoots for their models is when it comes to their test shoots to create images to build the models' portfolios.

Dez Wrote: I'm 5'3 and appear very curvy, Not fat curvy, kim kardashian curvy. My measurements are 34 23 40 and weight is 125. I am 18. I am African American but look hispanic. Would I automatically be dismissed at an open call because of my weight and height in any market. Thanks, Dez.  Hi, Dez! If you were going to an open call at a fashion and runway agency, then, yes, they would turn you away, unfortunately. While you are a few inches shy of the ideal minimum height for commercial/print (5'5"-5'7"), print agencies often make exceptions for shorter models if they really like their look. That being said, I would recommend applying to print agencies and trying your luck that way. It couldn't hurt. :-)

Lizzy Wrote: So I've been scouted by this agency and I'm going in for test shots soon. I'm fine in front of a camera...although I've never modeled before. I'm not sure what to actually do. How to move or anything. What ways to move. Does the photographer generally help you along with this? Motivate your movement? Thanks! Hi there, Lizzy! Congrats on getting scouted and on your upcoming test shoot...exciting!!! Photographers that work with new models during test shoots are very experienced at dealing with people who have little to no modeling experience. So you can be rest assured that the photographer you'll be paired with will help you during the process by giving you some direction and feedback. They'll take their time and won't expect you to start knocking out pose after pose right away. So you'll have a chance to "warm up" and get comfortable. Once you start getting the hang of things, you'll see that everything will c

Jessie Wrote: IF AN AGENCY ASK YOU TO "TELL A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF" WHAT SHOULD I SAY? LIKE WHAT ARE MY PERSONALITY TRAITS OR HOBBIES? OR SOMETHING CLEVER AND WITTY TO GRAB THEIR ATTENTION (OR WOULD THEY BE PUT OFF BY THAT)IDK Y BUT THAT QUESTION HAS ALWAYS FREAKED ME OUT AND I REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE IF I AM EVER ASKED THAT QUESTION I COME UP WITH SOMETHING MEMORABLE AND ORIGINAL AND NOT BORING.. Hi, Jessie! I can tell by the "all caps" how nervous that question makes you, lol. "Tell us a little bit about yourself" is just an ice breaking type of question so they have some idea as to who you are. Are you a student? Do you have a job? What are your hobbies? This kind of information gives them a better sense of what you're at in your life. You don't have to come up with some clever or witty reply. Keep it concise and brief. 2-3 sentences should be plenty if you're asked this question on an agency application. Don't ov

Shahwaz Wrote: Hi........! I m shahwaz i m 20 & 5'9 and 128lb. Cn i b a fashion model. Plz hlp me. Thank u fr d post..:) Hey, Shahwaz! I never say "never" but for a male model it is extremely difficult to be successful as a professional, agency represented fashion model at 5'9". Your height is more ideal for commercial/print work so I would suggest looking into agencies that represent male print models as a starting point. Sometimes exceptions are made for shorter male models depending on location. For example, if you live in a small or medium market, sometimes the fashion agencies might take on shorter male models for fashion work if they have a great look. But if you're in a larger market like New York or Los Angeles, they won't consider you unless you're 5'11" or taller.

Anon Wrote: Dania, I've recently started signing with other agencies in other cities, however, my mother agency has been "taking their time" in getting back with these agencies . Months have passed and I'm afraid these agencies may have loss their excitement. I wanted to know if I am allowed to contact my other agencies by my self and not have to go through my mother agency?? Thanks. Anon.  Hi there, Anon! From a business standpoint, it is not wise to contact the other agencies yourself. The first thing you should do--if you haven't done so already--is contact your mother agent to get an update on things. Let them know you're "checking in" to see where things stand with the other agencies. Then see what they say. It's okay to express your concern to the mother agency and let them know you're eager to start attending castings and booking work. If it seems like they're giving you the run around or if there is still no progre

North Wrote: Hello, I've always dreamed of modeling for VS but it was never possible because of my height. But, recently I went through a growth spurt, I'm 5'9" and 15 years old. Facial structure and attributes are not an issue. However my body measurements are 36-27-37, are there any tips, diets, or exercises to help decrease my size HEALTHILY? Also are VS models expected to be tan brunettes with straight/wavy hair? because I would hate to have my ivory skin and wavy/curly white blonde hair set me back in this industry. Hi, North! Right now you're 15-years-old and your body still has some growing to do. Chances are you'll shed that baby fat by the time you're 18 and old enough to qualify for VS (I'm using the term "baby fat" lightly as a saying so please don't think I'm calling you fat, lol). In the meantime, you will want to make sure that you eat right--lots of fruits and veggies. Make water your best friend. Cuttin

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I've been thinking about starting to do modeling lately. But I'm already 21. Isn't it too late to start a modeling career? And also I am 6'3" ..are there any agencies that would hire a model this tall? Hello, Anonymous! I don't know if you're a male or female so I'll answer your question for both genders. Starting a modeling career at 21 is considered "old" for fashion and runway--mainly for females--but there are fashion agencies that set the age cut off at 21 or 22 so that means there is still a chance to get a career off the ground, especially if you've got a great look and build that would market well. As far as height, for male models, many agencies have now raised the maximum from 6'2" to 6'3" so it wouldn't necessarily put you out of the running. For female models, however, I'm afraid 6'3" is much too tall and as far as I know, there aren't any agencies that tak

Nicole Wrote: Hi Dania, My name is Nicole and first i want to thank you for giving us advice. I have also always wanted to be a VS model and a runway model but my dreams were crushed when I was laughed at by a talent agency and told that it would never happen because I was too short. Got over it since then lol (I was probably a freshman in hs) but I still have the desire to model. I am over 5'4 but a little smidget under 5'5 so I normally round my height to 5'5 and I know that runway is out the way but I would like to do print work. I have done some modeling when i was younger but not really professionally. it was mainly for family who were advertising or local fashion shows that the schools would hold and I was always told that I had great presence and a great walk. I was wondering does the height requirement for VS apply for their print work as well or just for the runway shows? Why are there even height requirement for modeling? Shouldn't the focus b

Anonymous Wrote: Hello! I was signed to an agency when I was 16, which long story short, lead to a whole plethora of problems - lost a lot of weight because I was shy about going in for my first photos, rebounded, gained A LOT of weight and consequently have the stretch marks to prove it! I'm losing the weight again now (I'm almost 19 now though)and I hope to be able to go back in soon and continue where I left off.. but my hip stretch marks and the ones on the backs of my knees really get me down. They are mostly white now but I'm dying to know if there's anything at all that'll help to make them as faint as possible?! I realise they're never going to completely dissapear but will they shrink or fade? If anyone has any information on anything that works?! Thank you! Hey, Anonymous! The good news is that stretch marks on those areas of your body can be easily concealed with body makeup or even airbrushed out in Photoshop. Unless you're plann

Shelby Pickens Wrote: Hi Ms. Dania! My name is Shelby Pickens. I'm 5 foot 8 and ever since I was little I have always wanted to become a model. I have went to three different agencies and all three have offered me a contract. I've even had an offer from hollister but I was only 16 and couldn't execpt the offer:(. I found that one agency was a scam so naturally I declined. The other teo seem more realistic considering I had a Ford model sitting next to me! I'm currently affiliated wit a company in Cincinatti but I have yet to book an actual job. I am on their website but I'm not signing a contract just yet. I live in a small town, one of the smallest in Ohio. I know my portfolio isn't the strongest but I feel like I can't build it unless I can book a job. I also want to keep moving up. could you help me find out how to find out about how to find jobs? Sorry for the small novel! lol Hi, Shelby! I'm sorry to hear that you've had a bi

Anonymous Wrote: How many agents does a model have? For instance they're signed with a Milan, London, NY, LA, Paris agencies. Does that mean they 5 agents? Does this agents follow them to photoshoots? Is it the same as a manager? Or is a model assigned with a manager and agent as well? Hey, Anonymous! It depends. In the situation you described, you only listed names of the cities, not the actual agency names. Many agencies have international locations/offices. For example, if a model is signed to IMG in Milan, London, NY, LA and Paris, that means they technically only have 1 agency. But if a model is signed to IMG in Milan, Storm in London, Next in NY, Wilhelmina in LA and Elite in Paris, then that model has 5 agencies. However, it is rare for any model--even one working internationally--to have that many agents at once. In most cases, top models usually have 3 agencies they work with in different locations. Of course there are exceptions but I'm talking about the

Annie Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm a a few months close on turning 17, standing at 5'9 with a measurements of 34-23-34.5. I'm full Southeast Asian, but I get comments asking if I'm Italian, Mexican, Brazilian (sometimes). My Mom is mixed Chinese, while my dad is mixed Indian. I got the Indian features but with a lighter (more paler, olive) skin tone. The problem is I live in Philippines. And I wear braces. I would love to be a VS model, and get signed by IMG but is it possible to achieve it even I'm here? My plans first is to get signed with an agency here in Manila, Philippines. Elite Manila is on my mind, but are they really connected to Elite NY? But I would love to know what your recommendations are for Philippines? My next move would be IMG Hong Kong (Are they connected as well?) and maybe my chances for IMG NY would be better. Please give me your agency recommendations and I would love to know your opinions and what you think about my plans. -Annie 

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania! I have a quick question! I'm 164cm right now and know that I won't grow anymore. I want to become a fit model and did some research, but I couldn't really find any good information. So can you please tell me: 1.what exactly a fit model does (all the website tells me different things)? Also advantages and disadvantages. 2.Do I have to be taller than 164cm to be a fit model? Do I have to be skinny? (as in is there a specific weight I have to be?) 3. I live in Brisbane, Australia. Can you please list some GOOD agencies for fit modelling? I know I'm asking a lot...but it would be really great and wonderful if you could answer these questions!! I love reading your blog and I always read every post you make!! Thank you so much for the work you put in this blog and thank you in advance for answering my questions! Hi there, Anonymous! You're so sweet, thank you for being a reader of my blog...I appreciate you! :-) Okie dokie, let

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania, I just moved to LA for college and I wanted to know if you could be a part-time model while attending school full time? Also do you recommend any commercial modeling agencies in LA for female models 5'6"? Hey, Anonymous! You can definitely model part-time and attend college full-time. As long as your agency knows the days you're available and when you're not, they'll do their best to accommodate. Below is a link to a blog post I did about this very topic that will give you more insight on the matter: Modeling & School Below is a list of agencies that represent commercial/print and lifestyle models in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas that you can check out: I Model and Talent    http://www.imodelandtalent.com Siona Entertainment http://www.sionaentertainment.com Action Agency      http://www.actionagencyla.com/ Nouveau Model & Talent    http://www.nouveaumodels.com BMG Models - LA http://www.bmgmodels.com *T

Anonymous Wrote: hi i already do a BIT of modelling but only cuz my mom's friend is a designer but she's not rlly famous but i would really lyk 2 b a proper model. im eleven btw Hi, Anonymous! Getting signed to an agency should be your next step. You'll want to do an online search for the websites of modeling agencies that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. The easiest way to do this is to search for agencies according to the city and state you live in. Browse through the websites of the agencies that pop up in your search results and first find out if they represent child models. If they don't, don't bother submitting. For the ones that do, the websites will usually provide instructions or guidelines for how to submit yourself and what types of photos they want you to send. Make sure you find out if they ask for professional photos or non professional snapshots. Only give each agency exactly what they ask for. If you don't follow