Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Amelia Wrote: Hi Dania, Is it possible to sign with a modeling agency but only do it as a part-time job? Also can I sign with an agency without having to go to castings? In other words get booked directly? Amelia x Hi there, Amelia, It is absolutely possible to do modeling part-time with agency representation. Agencies understand that being a full-time model often isn't realistic for many, especially those in school (high school/college) so it won't count against you if you let them know that you plan on doing it part-time. There are "direct bookings," however it isn't as likely that an agency will want to take on a model who will only accept direct bookings. Even the most professional models with a lot of experience are still required to attend castings--it's a major part of a model's career. Many clients don't offer direct bookings as an option and require meeting with potential models in person in order to consider them for work. It i

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I have question i washoping you could answer. I read somewhere that you have to be from america to be a vs model. Im currently living in canada, but im hoping to move to new york when i turn 18. Is it true that you have to be born there or could you just have a citizenship? Thanks :) Hi there, Anonymous! You don't have to be an American citizen in order to do VS modeling. A very large number of the VS models were born in other countries so you don't have to be concerned on that subject. Because you live in Canada, however, you will need to obtain a work visa that will allow you to model professionally in the New York market, which is where VS scouts out of. I would advise doing your research now to find out how to get a work visa and what the process involves so that by the time you turn 18, you'll hopefully have everything in place so that you'll be free to pursue your goals. Another option I would also highly suggest is trying to

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was scouted yesterday by Select and I was wondering if they are interested when they would get back to me?  Thanks! Hey Anonymous! Congrats on getting scouted, that's wonderful! :-) It can vary but the fact that you got scouted usually means the response time should be a bit faster. If you haven't already been contacted, it should take between 3-5 days to one week (at most) for them to get in touch and set up the next step, which would be to invite you to an interview at the agency's office. Hopefully you've heard from them by now and have already moved on to that exciting next step!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I'm 14 and 5'7 and three fourths (though I usually say 5'8). I weigh 113 pounds and I don't know if runway would consider me. Would losing weigh accommodate for my lack of height? If there are any suggestions for me I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much. Hi, Anonymous! At your age, many fashion/runway agencies lower the height requirement from 5'8" to 5'7" so the fact that you're currently a little under 5'8" still works in your favor. That means you can definitely submit yourself to agencies that represent runway models, yay! :-) Do NOT lose weight--at 113 pounds you are fine! Wait until you attend open calls and/or submit your photos so you can get feedback from the agencies themselves. You always want to hear what they have to say first so that if there is anything you need to change/work on, you'll have the most accurate information directly from the source. I hope that makes sense? So stay as you

Cesar Wrote: Thanks for this awesome article, Dania! It really helped!  I'm a male model and submitted some photos to an agency. Long story short, I'm going to a scheduled interview on Tuesday. I feel pretty confident about most everything, but my teeth. They're pretty white, and definitely straight, but they are very gapped. Similar to Lindsey Wixson's. My teeth weren't shown in my photos so I'm not sure how the agent will take it. How do you think the agent will react? Is having imperfect teeth a deal breaker? Should I be nervous about this at all?  Thanks, Cesar Hi there, Cesar! Glad you found my post useful! I was just now able to respond to your question so I hope you get this in time if your interview is actually tomorrow and not next Tuesday. I doubt you'd be the first model with a less than perfect smile that an agency has seen and certainly not the last. The photos you sent were good enough to get you the interview so I would say stay

Anonymous Wrote: What are baby interviews like? And how should a baby dress?  Hi, Anonymous! Because babies are not able to speak for themselves (obviously, lol), the agency will basically be interviewing you, the parent. They'll want you to bring your baby of course but they'll be engaging in a very informal conversation with you to mainly ask about your baby's personality, temperament, and (most important) your availability to bring your baby to and from castings and shoots. They'll interact a bit with the baby to see how he/she responds to strangers but the majority of the interview will be between you and the agent. There isn't any strict kind of dress code for babies so unless the agency website mentions any specific tips or guidelines for what your baby should wear, you can opt for a cute, casual outfit. Try to stay away from big logos or brand names splashed all over the front if possible. You don't have to dress your baby from head to toe in

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I have been invited by a modeling agency for a walk in after submitting photos of myself to them. However I have never modeled before or been to a modeling agency, is it expected to bring a portfolio? And if i haven't done anything professional before do i need to still take photos with me? Thanks! Hi, Anonymous! Congrats on the invite to the modeling agency! If you have no experience then you are not required to bring a portfolio, nor will the agency expect you to have one. And that's okay. You will need to bring digital snapshots with you. Did the agency give you instructions on what to bring, what to wear, etc? If not, reach out to whoever contacted you from the agency to ask those questions. It is okay to contact them in this kind of situation. Each agency has its own guidelines/instructions when it comes to that kind of thing so you want to make sure you bring what they ask for. The snapshots do not have to be professional. In fact, they s

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! If I send my photos on one agency site and they contact me. Will i be given a choice of signing an exclusive or non- exclusive agreement? Hey, Anonymous! Many agencies only offer one or the other. There are those that have both but you won't know that until you actually get an offer for representation (agencies don't usually put this info on their websites). If you happen to get an offer and they tell you it's only exclusive or only non-exclusive then you won't have a choice. If they happen to have both, then you may be able to discuss your options with them but ultimately it is up to the agency to determine which one they feel you'd be better off working with. It's a good idea to ask in the interview which type of contract they offer and then proceed from there.

Anonymous Wrote:  Hi Dania! I am 17 years old and I have had no modeling experience. I plan to go to college in new York in a a few years and try to model once I'm there. I am 5'8 and my measurements are 32B/23/33. Would I even have a chance in new york?  Hi there, Anonymous! With your height, age and measurements, you definitely meet the basic requirements for modeling in a market like New York, specifically fashion, runway and editorial. The only footnote I would add in is that New York is one modeling market in particular where agencies have started raising the minimum height requirement to 5'9" instead of the traditional 5'8". But it's not very many of them doing this, 3-4 I believe and it's the high profile places like Elite. However, that doesn't mean you don't have a shot because you do. Just make sure when the time comes to start looking at agencies to submit to, that you pay close attention to the requirements listed on the

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania, I'm an aspiring male model looking for representation. My question is about hair. I'm African-American, and usually either keep my hair very short or grow out an afro. I've been thinking about getting dreads, but I'm not sure how that flies in the industry. I want neat, well-kept locks, but I know there's still a stigma attached to them regardless. Can you offer some insight into this, specifically for fashion and commercial modeling? Thanks. Hi, Anonymous! Sadly dreads as a hairstyle is still not widely accepted in the modeling industry. There are models that have this hairstyle in the industry, I'm sure, but the actual number is likely very small. If you want to pursue agency representation, you'll have to appeal to the standard requirements, which means staying clean cut for the most part. I would suggest looking at the websites of modeling agencies you're interested in submitting to and checking out the pho

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania, I have an offer from two agencies in the bay area, one being exclusive and the being a non-exclusive contract. I am new to this market and have previous experience overseas. In this scenario, should i stick to one agency which i hope will find me dedicated work, or should i get on-board with a few non-exclusive type agencies? Thank you. Hi, Anonymous! I would only recommend signing with an agency exclusively if they also operate as a "mother agency" that can place you for work in international markets as well as national ones (if you're doing fashion/runway work). So if you want to have the opportunity to work overseas again, then you'll want to find a mother agency that can help you reach those goals. The San Francisco Bay Area isn't a huge market and isn't a large one for fashion so if that's the kind of modeling you're pursuing, exclusive representation may not be in your best interest. If you plan on mo

Emily Wrote: Hi its Emily agian!  I know I asked this on another blog of yours , but I thought this should be a VIDEO RESPONSE ANSWER. It is what are the height requirments , mesarments, looks for the the different child models. I have only seen this answer 0-2 times. I think this would be great for younger followers of yours.  THIS SHOULD BE A VIDEO RESPONSE PLEASE! Thanks for the question and video reply request, Emily! Below is your answer! I also wanted to add that kid models should not wear makeup. Agencies and clients want you to look your age and if you're a kid that means no makeup for young girls so keep it simple and keep it all natural!

Emily Wrote: I live in Long Beach , California. Is there any modeling agencies close or in Long Beach that also represnet kids or all.  Hi Emily! Below is a list of the names and websites of agencies near you that represent kids through adults: Nouveau Model & Talent http://www.nouveaumodels.com * Juniors thru Adults BMG Models - LA http://www.bmgmodels.com/wp/los-angeles-office/ * Kids thru Adults L.A. Models http://www.lamodels.com * Kids thru Adults Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited - LA http://www.sluagency.com * Kids thru Adults The Green Agency http://www.greenagency.com * Kids thru Adults Make sure you browse through each agency website thoroughly and carefully look through any provided submission guidelines/instructions and only submit for the divisions you meet the requirements for. Best of luck!

ssroadking Wrote: Dania, I have a 17 year old daughter who has been doing a fair amount of modeling all over the US for various designers, but I would not say she is a seasoned pro yet. She recently met with Wilhlemina in Los Angeles, (I checked and it is the real Wilhelmina.) and they want to sign her to a mother agency contract. We live in the Dallas, Texas area and they are wanting her to move to Los Angeles so she can start working for them. After reading your blog about mother agencies, it appears that you are saying they are needed to get you in the door at larger agencies in larger markets. I don't really understand why Wilhelmina would be using a mother agency contract in Loa Angeles. They are already one of the largest agencies and they are in one of the largest markets. We haven't signed yet but they have already approached her about a job they have submitted her pictures for in New York city for a national ad campaign. What are the advantages and disadvantage

Rachel Pahignalo, Good day Ms. Dania, I just want to ask a question. I Applied for an agency and asked me to sent some more casual photos, I am an experienced model but I stopped laid low for a few months to study but still doing some photo shoots. so I sent my most recent photoshoot, a very casual shoot and they asked me to go to their office and have a video profile. But on the said photos I was wearing contact lenses. So my question is.. Should I wear Contact lenses for my casting or not? I am afraid to spoil everything if I don’t wear them a get them disappointed and not pick me, but I dont want them to expect differently and still not pick me. Hope you can help me before I go to the said casting. Its just 5 days to go. Please reply  PS. I See you've been in the Philippines. i saw ABS-CBN in your resume :) I am a Filipina hello :) Hey there, my fellow fly Pinay! :-) I was actually born in the Philippines but moved to the US when I was 3. The ABS-CBN spot was shot at t

Kerry Foland Wrote: Hi, I have a 9 year old who thinks she is destined to be a model and has big dreams of being a hard working, sought after model! Can you give me any tips on how to get her started or ways to introduce her to what modeling is really like so we can decide if it is really something she wants to focus her time and energy on? Also, if we are able to find any open casting calls for kids in our area I'm assuming they will want her to look like a kid right? Skinny jeans and tank top seem appropriate but not heels can we replace the heels with flats or sandals? Hi Kerry! For new, young models I always advise breaking into the industry through agency representation. If you don't know your way around the modeling world, falling prey to scams and shady individuals increases for you dramatically and could make your daughter's first experience in modeling possibly a less than desirable one. Also, finding legit castings for modeling work on your own can be ch

Blue Wrote: Hello! I know this post is from 2008 but I need to ask this question  I know I can't be a model for VS since I'm not to tall and too curvy but I want you to tell me if I could start a career as a model with this measurements: bust 34.7  waist 25  Hips 34.6 And I'm 5'7 and 110lbs What do you think? Hey there, Blue! No worries, you can comment on any post from any year and I'll make sure to address it. :-) Given your stats you certainly can pursue modeling. What you'll want to do is look for agencies within a 2 hour's drive from you live that represent commercial/print models . That is what your height and stats make you eligible for. So check out the websites of local agencies, see if they represent commercial/print models and if so, carefully read any instructions/directions given that relate to their submission guidelines. Best of luck to you!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm a little late to the game...I'm 30/f and seriously looking into plus-size modeling after many years of pipe-dreaming about it. The thing is, I look MUCH younger than 30. I know my age isn't desirable. Should I be honest about my age when asked?  Hi there, Anonymous! Don't lie about your age...they're going to check your ID at some point so there's no way around that. A large majority of agencies that represent plus-size models don't have the same strict age requirements as traditional fashion agencies. Plan A would be to look for agencies that have actual plus-size divisions, which often has very flexible age ranges depending on the market you're in. Plan B would be to submit to agencies that represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models. Commercial/print models come in all ages and sizes. Lifestyle is a sub-category of commercial/print for models ages 25 and older. So there are options out there for you

Anonymous Wrote: Dania I'm so lost!! I'm planning to apply for modelling and I'm short. Like I'm 163/164. I've found an agency that represented short models, like 5, 5'5, 5'6. So I'm planning to submit an application. The agency is called Dallys models. (Just extra info: When Miranda Kerr first started modelling, she was with Dallys). So I asked a reputable mother agency anonymously if Dallys was a reputable and legit agency (better to be safe than sorry) and she said it's borderline and told me to go talk to some of their models. But on instagram they look very professional, they post up photos of their models frequently, their website looks very professional and etc. I thought that they were reputable and legit. Now I'm not so sure anymore. Could you please go check out that agency? I would really appreciate it! I'll link it here http://dallysmodels.com/  Thank you so much in advance! Hi, Anonymous! First off, breathe! :-) Let

Anonymous Wrote:  I signed a 3-year contract with an agency for my 16 year old daughter, who is now 17 years old. She has had ZERO auditions, castings, paid jobs, etc. I have emailed the owner of the agency and have not had any response from the last two emails. He only emails back when it is for his benefit to ask for someone to volunteer to do something with no pay, but for exposure. How do we get out of this contract?  Hi, Anonymous! I'm sorry for the experience you and your daughter have been dealing with. Sadly, that type of thing is common in the industry, which is why agencies are not allowed by law (and common sense) to guarantee or promise its models that they'll be successful or book work. The fact that the agent isn't responsive to you regarding matters that are clearly important to you isn't a good sign either. To get out of the contract you'll have to refer to your contract. It will contain information about the "exit clause," whic

Anonymous Wrote: Dania, thank you for your cool blog. I am an experienced NYC male character print model with a good portfolio. I'm coming back to biz after two years away. There are a couple of layers to my situation. I attended an open call. They are not interested. How soon should I go back to that agency? I don't want to go back too soon or wait too long either. What do you suggest? That's one aspect. The other is, I used to be sent out by this agency and the same agent works there. I emailed him last week with no response and decided to attend the open call as a follow up. Even if I had no prior working relationship with this agency, I would still like to know a good time frame per my first question. Thank you.  Hi, Anonymous! Thank you for being a reader of my cool blog, lol, and welcome back to the industry after your 2-year hiatus! :-) The rule of thumb across the board is to wait a minimum of 6 months to 1 year from your previous submission/open call. Usu

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I just recently signed with a really good plus size modeling agency. I'm not sure what happens next. I'm 19 years old and I'm a student. Because it's a pretty well-known agency, does this mean my career will be taking off soon? I'm trying to decide whether to stay enrolled in school or not. Hi, Anonymous! Congrats on signing with the plus size modeling agency...exciting! :-) First off, stay in school, lol. Getting signed to an agency is big but isn't a guarantee that you'll suddenly start booking gigs left and right. There is a bit of a process of getting a new model onto the roster so don't expect things to start happening overnight. While not all agencies operate the same way, in most cases the next step for you will be to set up the first test shoot, which will generate the photos needed to create your headshot, comp card and produce several photos that can be put into your portfolio. These are all materials that

syed ali waris shah Wrote: I have this attractive face and unique looks. i think i can do modeling. my interest developed towards modeling last year. Though I am 17 and i stand 176 cm/ i am searching for ways to grow taller. i think i am 17 people grow till 20. i know a model who was 183 in her age of 19 then she became 20 and she is 185. i am so confused that i should give it a try or not. Hi there, Syed Ali Waris Shah! When it comes to height, it's all in the genetics. There is no way to "make" yourself grow taller. Some people swear by certain techniques and methods but to be honest, those would be a waste of your time. If there really was a way to force yourself to grow taller, everyone would be tall enough to be on the runway, lol. Look at your family to gain an idea as to how tall you could end up being. If your parents, aunties/aunties and grandparents are all fairly average in height, that could be a sign that you may not grow much more--at least not tal

May D Wrote: Hi there. I'm 19, 6'2 and people tell me I should consider modeling but im thin. I want to get noticed, how do I get noticed and how old does one have to be to not be in the modeling world? Hi, May D! Believe it or not, not all male models are required to be super muscular and buff. There are different body types male models come in, including thin. You certainly have the height so that's an advantage for you. The best way to get noticed is to send in your snapshots to local agencies. With representation, you'll have a better shot at getting exposure and booking modeling assignments that could help you establish a solid modeling career. You can model at any age. Men are especially lucky when it comes to this, as they tend to be more marketable as they get older. Agency websites will state any age range requirements but usually for male models, it is ages 15 and older. Female fashion models are the ones that have to be concerned about age and g

Rachel Wrote: Hi! I am a commercial model starting out, but a little confused. I am just under 5'8", I am very commercial looking, but I have done a LOT of photo shoots and runway and I look very high fashion in those cases. My agent says I look Commercial when I walk in the door, but my photos are very high fashion, so she is going to market me as Commercial. Would you agree with this angle? Thanks so much!!! (Sending this from my Mom's account, Ilona S.) Rachel S. Hey there, Rachel! Even though you appear high fashion in photos and have done runway, if the chances of clients not being able to hire you due to the height issue is going to be a concern, then your agent isn't going to waste anyone's time by submitting you for that type of work. So I can see why they choose that angle. I don't know if you have commercial/print images in your portfolio but I wouldn't be surprised if your agent required you to get these kinds of pictures done so they

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania :) How are you going?  I was researching up some modelling agencies around my area and came across Mirror Mirror Agency (http://www.mmagencies.com/aboutmma). Do you think this is a legit agency? Firstly,in the 'About MMA' section, it doesn't really contain much info about when it was established or who the director is or anything like that :L That's what I've seen on legit, good websites....  Secondly, with some models, you click on them but their photos (or their works) don't come up.  Thirdly, when you type the agency into Google, you can see that there is a men section but on the actual website, you can't find it?  And lastly, is it normal for agencies to follow you up? I sent them an email asking if they have a specific category, they said that they did and I should send them some photos. I didn't get to see that email today and there was an another email saying that I should send them some photos. Is this normal

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, do you know any agencies around Temecula ? (: Hey, Anonymous! There aren't any agencies right in Temecula but there is one in Murrieta, just a few minutes away: Willow Model Management http://www.willowmodelmanagement.com/v2013/ It is a new agency so I don't know anyone signed to them to be able to vouch for whether or not they are on the up and up but based on the website, they appear legit (i.e. they don't talk about taking classes or workshops). Check them out and see what happens. Other than that, you'll want to look at LA agencies.

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania! Looking good there! (But you always look good ;D) Dania, I was doing some research about fit models and I came across some websites which said some weird things about it. It said that there is a higher chance of getting hired or being signed to an agency if you received education about fashion and designing. Really? I thought agencies didn't look at that. Also, it said that fit models get paid only a little bit, like only $30 and that it was impossible to earn money with it. From your posts, I thought it could be a great side job and you can actually earn some money with it. Is $30 a lie? Hey there, Anonymous! Awww, you are so sweet, thank you! *blushing* I don't know what websites you found that info on but it is absolute crap! LOL. Everything you said they wrote about is so false and misleading, it's not even funny. Agencies don't care one way or another whether a person has an education in fashion and designing, nor is it a

Sharib Jawaid Wrote: hey its sharib i live in india i am 5'9'' i want to become a freelancer model so, what should i do? plzzz tell a suitable and comfortable method ..like tell me a website so i upload my pics and become a freenlancer model ..seriously i dont have enough money to pay.. so,plz thank you :) Hey there, Sharib! One of the most widely used online resources for freelance models is Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com). There is also One Model Place (www.onemodelplace.com). It is free to set up a profile and upload your images on both sites. There is an option to pay a small fee if you want to upgrade your account/membership. There are many other online sites as well but these are the two that I have used over the years that got me favorable results, which is why I recommend them to others. I hope that helps!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! I'm signed with a modeling agency in nyc for their commercial print division. I've been with them for a few months but they haven't listed my measurements on my online portfolio. I'm not the only person without their stats listed. In fact there's a group of us on one page who are without stats. Why would a agency list the stats of some models and not others?? Is this something I should be concerned with? They're updating my portfolio constantly so it's clear I probably not being ignored. Idk because my other agency which manages me strictly for acting has my measurements on their site. I just wanted to know why the agency in NYC doesn't list my stats but my Long Island agency does. Also does your place on the website indicate your status in the agency? Because on the city agency I'm on the second to last page. I'm wondering if they see me at a lower rank than their other talent. Thank you! Hey, Anonymous! To be hone

Anonymous Wrote: Hi yes, i was curious i too just got offered a 1 year contract with DMG Management for the Men's division. They want me to pay for the portfolio shoot, makeup artist and what not. Is that ok? Or is this something that they should cover? I have seen alot on this agency and they seem to be very reputable but i dont want to get scammed. Hi, Anonymous! Because they gave you a contract first and then asked you to cover the expenses that come with setting up your portfolio shoot, it is entirely legal and common practice in the modeling industry. Had the agency tried to make you pay for these expenses before offering you the contract, that would be technically considered an "upfront fee," which is illegal for modeling agencies in the US to do. Below is a blog post I wrote that explains this concept in more detail but overall DMG is operating on the up and up since you have a contract offer on the table: http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/deal

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was wondering if model agencies can move with me or find work in other countries? I am an upcoming senior in high school this fall of 2014. There is a lot on my mind about college and what I am wanting to do after graduation. I am going to be attending college in Amsterdam, hopefully the fall semester of 2015. This summer one of my modeling friends recommended that I attend the Runway Loud fashion show in August. She guarantees that I will get signed with an agency if I go. Considering that I am "exactly what they're all looking for" at 17 and 6ft tall, and as thin as a board. She says they would snatch me up in a heartbeat.  Should I sign with a modeling agency if I have the chance? Even though I will be leaving for college in just a little over a year that is halfway across the world? Hi there, Anonymous! There are agencies that have offices internationally so location wouldn't be an issue and there are also agencies that operate

Karrie Wrote: In order to be any type of model, to you have to have a certain type of body type and/or a certain measurement of your shoulders and legs? Hi, Karrie! Each modeling division/category has its own ideal standard, especially when it comes to body type. Runway and high fashion is the strictest and while there isn't an exact measurement of shoulders and legs that models should meet, they are required to be tall, thin and typically within the following measurements: 34-24-34 (that's bust, waist and hips in inches). Fashion/runway models can be smaller than this but no larger than 1 inch in any or all of those areas. Commercial/print is much more flexible because they don't have strict height or weight requirements but they do expect models to be proportional in build and healthy in appearance. Models that do stuff like lingerie (i.e. Victoria's Secret) must have a body type that is curvy, voluptuous and, obviously, sexy. Here's a link to a blog

Jamie Wrote: Hi Dania!  I'm new to NYC and live in the heart of Manhattan and want to try modeling. I'm from the south and have a lot of experience doing national and local work on a smaller lever but am looking for proper representation in the city. I've been told I have a very "sexy" look with a "girl next door" beautiful face. I'm 23 years old, 5'10" B-36" W-24" H-36" with long blonde hair and blue eyes, and want to find the right type of modeling for me. I don't think I'm ideal for runway but I love print, commercial, and editorial work. I would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions! Thanks so much!  Hey, Jamie! New York is definitely one of the hardest markets to start in if you're already in your early 20s. However, there are some agencies that have bumped their maximum age requirements up. That being said, don't throw in the towel just yet on runway if you're interested in that ca

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania!  I was just looking at the websites and I went into Boss model management. There was a section called 'Physique' and I was wondering what that was.  And in lifestyle, there are 'women' and 'classic women' what's the difference? Also, there's another agency called Boss models in Australia. (if you type it into google, it comes up :) ) I'm just wondering if they are one of those agency where they have agencies around the globe. But like the logo is different... but they have the same name... one of the website looks more professional then the other one... So... do you think they are same agencies?? Thank you!  Hey there, Anonymous! Physique is a division that deals with models (male and female) with really amazing bodies. They're hired specifically for work like underwear modeling (for men), lingerie (for women), athletic gigs and other types of work where they need well built bodies. Not body builders but pe

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania, how important are nice teeth in general. I had braces during my teens so my teeth look ok. The problem I have is a peg lateral tooth due to a genetic discrepancies. I only have the peg on one side. Literally the other side of my mouth on the top row are normal and one side isn't. My bottom teeth are normal too. Would this be a hindrance in submitting to agencies. Commercial print is right up my alley. I'm just wondering if my peg lateral tooth is unmarketable or could it be considered a unique trait. What would be best for my career?? Hi, Anonymous! Teeth are important but not to the extent that your peg lateral tooth would prevent you from pursuing modeling. Having a clean and healthy smile is ideal, especially in commercial/print but your particular situation wouldn't be a hindrance at all. My teeth are far from perfect, lol. I have "spacey" teeth on the right side of my mouth and I never had braces, however, my "unique

Tia Wrote: Hi I'm 16 and gonna get braces but want to try my luck with agencies because I'm looking more into hair and fashion rather than catwalk, I live in the uk, Oxfordshire, and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction agency wise, I've tried myself but can't seem to find anything, and there's no harm in trying to find an agency even with braces, thank you Tia Hey, Tia! There are a crap-ton of agencies in London, which is good for you because that's not too far from where you live (according to Google Maps, lol). Below is a link to a list of agencies and their websites that are in London. Definitely check out each one and submit to all of the ones that you meet the requirements for. Make sure to look for red flags, such as if they mention paying any upfront fees or enrolling in modeling classes or training programs that are mandatory. http://www.kmodels.com/London-modeling-agencies-links1.htm If there's any agency on t

Anonymous Wrote: We just signed to take our inexperienced 8 year old son to a Launch Showcase in Chicago with a 'mother agency'. From your blog sounds like a good start in this case? We were told about the 20% for signed agencies, but they say they don't take any extra % once signed with someone outside the mother agency, but want to be present if a contract is signed during the showcase. Is this typical and can you legally sign contracts if you are called outside such a showcase without a mother agency being involved? Hi, Anonymous! I typically advise dealing with agencies directly instead of attending showcases and conventions, however, after looking through the Launch Showcase website, I was happy to see that they state upfront that they are not a modeling school or agency. Being direct about what they are and are not is a good sign, especially if money is going to be involved. 20% is the current commission rate for agencies so that is legit. When it comes to m

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania So I signed with an exclusive agency in Minneapolis about 5-6 months ago for 5 years and I just found out i will be moving to California in the summer and I haven't had the chance or guts tell my agents that I'm moving. I want to continue to model in Cali and wasn't sure if I can be with other agency like la models or elite and also with my agency now because agencies like that are also exclusive? Would i be possible? Do i just do a submission to cali agencies or do I let my agency deal with it? Because my agency and ones in cali like elite or la models are exclusive would it still be okay to sign with an exclusive one in cali and also be with my Minneapolis agency? Hi there, Anonymous! If you don't plan on moving back to Minneapolis, then you need to tell your agent right away. This isn't the kind of news that should be kept to yourself for too long. Does your agent have "Mother Agency" powers that would allow them to c

Catt Wrote: Hey Dania it's Catt! I was wondering if the photographer doesn't have the model release form, should I bring one? -Catt xxx Hey, Catt, great to get a reader question from ya! :-) Did the photographer tell you he/she didn't have a release form? If so, you can bring one although it would be better if they provided you with it, since that's how it usually works. But if they're okay with you bringing one, then there shouldn't be any problems. There are many general model release templates available online that you can print out and bring with you. Sometimes the photographer will give the model the release form to sign after they've shot together (i.e. via email), which also works fine but it's typically better to have that document signed before shooting to avoid any issues or miscommunication as to what's being agreed to. Hope that helps!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I love your blog... this is the best info on modeling I've come across yet! I have a question/scenario for you... I'm currently 19 years old in college. Next spring (2015) I'll be studying abroad in London and graduating in May. I'm in college because I was forced to go, and am unfortunately stuck in the South/midwest (aka zero modeling jobs). I've done all that I can to get out of school ASAP, and when I graduate I'll be 20 years old. I'm 6 feet tall, razor thin, have a clear complexion and healthy hair. I have minimal experience in modeling, but people have told me my entire life that I should pursue it. My plan is to submit photos to multiple agencies in London before I leave, and visit them if I hear back, and to also attend open casting calls while I'm there. I'm wondering what your thoughts were on pursuing modeling in London, if there were any specific agencies I should look in to, and how much of a factor m

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I read on your post that you had some additional resources on finding modeling agencies. I live in upper Michigan and will be moving to Kalamazoo in July- maybe earlier, but definitely after I graduate high school which is at the end of may. I know of a few agencies in Chicago, like Ford, BMG, & Factor women but are there any other agencies in the Midwest? (*Or parts of Canada) that are respectable agencies? I would be interested in commercial or editorial. I'm 5'10 and my measurements are 33-24-35, Hey, Anonymous! It is important to consider submitting to agencies that are no farther than a 2 hour's drive away from where you live or will be relocating to later in the year. If you're farther than that, agencies won't be able to consider your submission because they wouldn't feel confident that you could attend last minute castings and go-sees on short notice. Plus, they don't cover travel expenses for castings so that w