Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Do you think an agency will sign you if you have some acne scars?  Hi there, Anonymous! Scarring of any kind isn't ideal but it all depends on a couple of factors. If the scars are faded and easy to conceal with makeup, then most agencies will sign a model with them. However, if they're pretty bad in appearance, discolored, etc. then it's not likely. If you have acne scars, do what you can to improve their appearance and try to get your complexion as healthy as possible before submitting snapshots or attending open calls at agencies.

Anonymous Wrote: Your answer was so helpful!  Okay I'll try for fit modelling and commercial/print. The thing is... I've read your blog post about commercial/print modelling...but I don't really get it :L Do the photographers like take the photo and they get the right to use it anywhere? Like use your photo for any commercial or something? Sorry, your commercial/print post was great. I think it's just me not being able to understand D:  Hi, Anonymous! Hope you don't mind that I created a new post for answering your latest question. I was going to just answer it right in the comments section (for #707) but figured your questions could help other readers that subscribe to this blog that may be wondering the same thing. :-) Commercial/print can be a bit confusing as far as the usage and what exactly you're modeling for. The best way to look at it is this way: - Commercial doesn't mean TV commercial when it comes to modeling. Commercial/print is a f

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania! So you definitely think that going to an open call is better than submitting an application by e-mail? Also, if the agency likes me, do they schedule an interview or do they just say that they want to sign me? Also, what are the hints the agency use/say to say that they are not interested in me? Thank you! xx Hey there, Anonymous! I definitely recommend attending an open call over submitting online. Just make sure they hold open calls for the division/category of modeling you qualify for (i.e. some agencies only have open calls for fashion models and not print models). When attending an open call, if an agency likes you, they'll schedule a one-on-one interview for a later date and time. Remember, open calls are pretty informal and are a much shorter amount of time for the model to meet with the agency staff. But an interview means more time with the agency, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour and you'll be meeting with a specific person or p

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I was reading this answer and saw that you wrote "although you are 5'2"...". Does that mean you can still do fashion shows even though you are not as tall as high fashion model? Its just that Im slightly shorter than 5'4" but i want to do fashion shows as well as fit modelling. Right now I am going to apply for fit modelling because thats the only modelling I think my height is suitable for. But if i could do fashion shows as well that woukd be great! Should I mention in my fit model aplication that I want to do local fashion shows as well? Or should I keep that to myself and if I get signed as a fit model, then I should tell the agency? Im so sorry for asking so many questions but this modelling industry is pretty confusing ahahaha. Thank you so much and I wait for your reply! P.S Congrats about Jennifer :D  Hi, Anonymous! Thanks for the congrats! Don't worry about all the questions...that's what I'm he

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania!  I read a bunch of your reader questions so now I have one of my own: I was wondering how much models get paid. Like, is it enough to make a living off of? Also I'm in 8th grade and I'm not sure if I should consider modeling in the future. I would love to model, but I'm scared the pay won't be enough. Thanks! <3  Hey, Anonymous! Sorry again for accidentally deleting your original comment you posted on my Modeling 101 blog. I really hope you get a chance to read this reply back to your question. Modeling is extremely hard to make a living off of in terms of money. In most cases, it works as extra income and many models in the industry, commercial/print and fashion/runway alike, also have other jobs/careers in addition to modeling. For more info about how much models get paid, you'll want to visit this link to the section of my Modeling 101 blog that contains all the posts related to money and modeling as a career: http

Amanda Wrote: Hi Dania! My name is Amanda, and i just turned 16, and i have a bit of a problem.. I really wanna be an elite model, as it has a lot of perks. Problem is, I'm 171 cm (think its 5'7? might be wrong tho).. Am I too short to even have a shot at elite? And problem nr 2 - should I go for stockholms elite office (aka a 2 hour drive) or wait until I'm 18 (I've decided to move to NY then as its my dream city) and apply for elite in new york then instead, or does being 18 give me minus points as its fairly old? So, should I go for the local one now, or wait? (i commented a few days ago and i dont know if it got sent cause my phone was being stupid, so if i spam comment you now, im very sorry) Hey there, Amanda! I didn't get your other comment from a few days ago, just this one so I'm glad you reposted it. :-) You're one inch shy of the minimum height requirement for Elite in Stockholm BUT I would suggest that you still apply to them there while

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania! Firstly, congratulation about Jennifer! You must be so proud! Secondly, I was wondering about some type of modelling. I dont really know how to word this question but here we go. For online clothing stores (formal dresses, just normal clothing shop etc), people who model for the storew, are they high fashion model or commercial and print model? Some people are tall but some people are pretty small. If I want to do something like that, what type of modelling do I submit myself as? Please let me know if you dont understand my question! Sorry for not being clear abiut it :L Thanks in advance! :) Hi, Anonymous! Thanks for the kind words about Jennifer...my chest will be puffed out with pride for quite some time, lol. I do get what you're trying to ask so no worries. :-) Both commercial/print and traditional fashion models are hired for that type of modeling. By "traditional fashion models" I don't mean the ones on the runway

Anonymous Wrote: When submitting basic stats for a 14 year old girl, should it include chest/waist/hip and weight? Or ok to just include dress size?  I really appreciate your well written and constructive feedback in these posts. Hi, Anonymous! Thanks for the positive words and for being a reader, I appreciate you! :-) To answer your question, yes, full stats should be provided even for a 14-year-old. The ideal stats/measurements you should always include (unless otherwise noted) are: - Age - Height - Weight - Bust - Waist - Hips - Pants - Shoe - Dress There is optional info like "inseam," which is the measurement from your ankle up to the crotch (this is relevant for pant size), shirt size, etc. but the list of items above is more than basic enough for agencies to get an idea of your physical appearance.

Anonymous Wrote: I was wondering if you new if CP Talent Management has a non exclusive or exclusive contract? Also How do I find out about open calls from brands/stores, etc on my own for my 1yr old son? Hey there, Anonymous! In most cases agencies do not publicize outright whether they work with exclusive or non-exclusive contracts. I did take a look at the CP Talent Management website, however, and on the "About Us" section, they do have a sentence that says, "Remember, you can have only one person representing you." In the context of what the rest of the page says, this leads me to believe that they work with exclusive contracts. As for the other question you have about finding gigs for your son, that is going to be very difficult to accomplish on your own. Brands/stores that work with models in general, especially baby/child models, solely provide that information about upcoming castings and work opportunities to agencies directly. Brands/stores

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania,  I just turned 17 and I want to began a career in modeling. My questions sounds silly but, when I go to a photoshoot, send face shots, or go to an open casting should I keep in the extensions that I have ? My hair isn't healthy anymore so I don't know what to do. Hi, Anonymous! That's not a silly question at all. Having extensions is fine but if you choose to submit your snapshots to agencies with them then you'll have to commitment to maintaining that hairstyle. Do you plan on wearing your extensions for the long term? I don't know what hair type you have or the issues you're currently dealing with that have led to it being unhealthy but what you could do is try taking snapshots with both your natural hair and with the extensions, then seeing which version you feel most comfortable with sending in. If you opt for the extensions, you'll want to make sure to tell the agencies if you get invited for an interview. If the

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania! A really quick questions! Is there any fees that I'm expected to pay for fit modelling? Like does fit modelling have comp cards or something? Also, what have you been up to these days? :D Thanks a lot!  Hi, Anonymous! Great question! Fit models are represented through an agency like any other type of model so there will be headshots and comp cards involved. Whatever agency you end up signing with will guide you through this process so don't panic about putting those materials together just yet. Legit agencies will help you find the most cost effective methods of getting everything together as well. So rest assured, you'll be in good hands and shouldn't end up paying a fortune. Thanks so much for asking about what I've been up to lately! I actually plan on posting an update on my Modeling 101 blog that will go into more detail about what's been going on in my world since the new year has started. But since you asked,

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I just had a baby about 2 months ago and I have stretch marks on ny stomach, butt, thighs, even my calves...I just signed on with a modeling agency, but I didn't think to tell then about my stretch marks. What do you think will happen when I do? Hey, Anonymous! What kind of modeling are you going to be doing with the agency? If it's something like commercial/print where it's not likely that you'll be showing a lot of skin, then I doubt it will be an issue. However, it is important to be honest with your agent. I doubt they'd terminate your contract over something like that. Tell them right away and see what feedback they give you. You wouldn't be the first model an agency has signed with stretch marks. With that info, they'll know how to market you accordingly to the right clients. They liked you enough to sign you so I'm sure they'll work around it to continue keeping you on their roster.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania!  This is a really random question but yeah ahahahaha. How come female models' don't wear bras when they are doing a fashion show??  Thank you! Hi there, Anonymous! LOL, no worries, I like random. :-) To put it simply: logistics. Fashion shows are nothing but a huge frantic rush backstage to get each model ready in time to go onstage. Models barely have time to get out of their outfits, let alone fumble with bras, bra straps, changing into different bras, etc. Aside from them being a hassle when it comes to being ready in time, they also interfere with the outfits themselves. No one wants to see the outline of a bra peeking through the fabric (unless it's supposed to), deal with pesky straps that could slide off the shoulders, have the back of the bra riding up the model's back when it's supposed to be tucked or risk a strapless bra possibly sliding down while a model is walking on the runway. Going without a bra saves time