Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Diana. My 11 year was spotted at her school fair last weekend by the owner of a mother agency. They are based in America and we live in Asia. We've been told we have to wait 4-5 years and see how my daughter will grow and change but wants to sign a contract with her now. Is this wait and see period enough ? There are not many opportunity to start any experience where we are now, meaning that when she reaches 15-16 years she will have had 0 experience. Thanks for your advice. Hey, Anonymous! Since there aren't many modeling opportunities where you are currently in Asia, it sounds like a good chance for your daughter to have the first steps of her modeling career set up over the next few years. Have you read the contract to see what the business relationship with the agency would look like during this waiting period? It would be nice if they set up test shoots for her in the meantime to get her feet wet and give her some experience in front of

Anonymous Wrote: Hey there, I have to go to a modelling interview and I have no experience what so ever, anyway I'm stuck on a few of the question like "What are your strengths and weaknesses ", "where do you think you'll be in 5 years" with the last question I love studying but am wondering I that would make me sound geeky and ruin my furure in modelling. Thanks Hi, Anonymous! I'm sorry I'm answering your question so late and I'm sure you already had your agency interview--I hope it went great! I've been working out of town and am now recovering from dental surgery so I just haven't been on top of my blogging and email inboxes at all. :-( However, I still do want to answer your question in the hopes that others in your situation will be able to get some guidance from it (and you can also compare what you did with what I wrote, although I'm sure you knocked it out of the park!). When it comes to strengths and weaknesses,

Kierstynn Pettit Wrote: hello, about two months ago i signed an open contract with a modelling agency. I have since entered a modelling competition and the winner goes to Barcelona and can have the opportunity to sign with other agencies, i was just wondering if I am allow e d to be in this competition if the outcome can be signing with another agency! is this allowed? Hey, Kierstynn! If the contract you have with your current modeling agency is an open one (I'm guessing it is a "non-exclusive" agreement?), then there shouldn't be any issues with signing with other agencies. However, in order for the non-exclusive contract arrangement to work, the other agencies you sign with will also have to offer a non-exclusive contract. Of course if you win the competition, you'll have to notify your current agent and discuss with them what your options would be and next steps. I would suggest reading the fine print in the modeling competition rules to find out wh

AlyssaN Wrote: Hi Dania. My name is Alyssa and I just turned 24. I was signed with Elite models for high fashion modeling when I was younger, but I became sick and was unable to follow through even though I had people in New York interested in me. My question is, knowing I have the right look, am I still too old to get work? Hi there, Alyssa! Being 24 in the NYC market is past the age maximum for a majority of high fashion agencies. I don't know that you'd be readily considered by those same agencies for high fashion and runway BUT you may be considered by those same agencies for their lifestyle and commercial/print divisions. Although print modeling is typically known to be for "shorter" models, in markets like New York many agencies require their print models to be the same height as their runway models. So that is common. I would suggest contacting Elite and letting them know you were on their roster when you were younger and see if that can get your foot

ksbirish Wrote: I read your description of mother agencies, and it seems the way to go for me, at least for now. I was thinking this before I saw your blog. My problem is that I cannot seem to find any in my area. There don't seem to be "magic" keywords to find them on places such as Google.  Do you know how I might find mother agencies in Oregon, for example, around the Portland area? Do you know of any? I understand you might not be able to recommend any but just their name, or something about them for searching purposes, would be a great start. Thank you for your time, kelly Hey, ksbirish! Many modeling agencies don't say outright that they are mother agencies on their websites. Some common clues that usually mean they are include keywords/phrases like, "placement," "we place our models with top agencies nationally and internationally," "develop models locally and globally," etc. You can usually find this information in the

Unicorn Model Wrote: Hii!! I'm 11 and I live in Kansas. When I read your page my mom said that she is not driving me to Ohio. What should I do??? P.S. I am already with a agency Hi, Unicorn Model! The fact that you're already with an agency is great, that definitely puts you ahead of the game. Ohio is quite a distance from where you live so I don't think that being a model for Justice will be an immediate possibility for you since your mom isn't willing to take you all the way there. However, I have a feeling that if you actually got booked for a job with Justice and it was well paid, maybe that would change her mind. The only thing I can think of to suggest is asking your agent if they've ever worked with Justice or submitted models to their castings. If they have, ask them what the process is and what you would have to do. Then go from there and see if you'd have a shot and if your mom would end up being supportive and on board if there was a real

A Wrote: Hi, i am a 15 year old girl. I am 5'11 and my measurments are 32-24.5-35 and i was wondering if i had a shot i nmodeling. I am a little bit insecure becuse my fullest part of my thighs are 20 inches. I am skinny is just that my thigs are a little bigger than my upper body. -A Hey, A! Given your height and measurements, I think you'd be great for modeling. Your hips are the max and your waist is just under the max, too (25"), so you'd still be ideal for an agency to represent you for fashion and runway. As far as your thighs, that topic has always been hotly debated in the industry. Ultimately, it boils down to an agency's preference and that of the designers/clients you'd be working with. The average model that is 5'9" and taller has a thigh measurement range of 16"-19". Is that absolute and mandatory? NO. The UK market is the strictest (so I've heard) when it comes to the thighs and they prefer their runway models

Aly Wrote: Hi Dania :)  I'm Aly. and im 15 years old im skinny and my height is around 5,4 or 5,5. I really want to be a model its been my passion since i was child. And I want start modelling but I one ptoblem. My teeth aren't very straight and I need to put braces in ither to make them straight, but it will take at least 2 to 3 years. but in that time i will already be 18 and can't do modelling especially in VS which I would love to. But then my teeth is not very nice. What should I do? please diana I'll really appreciate if you answer. =) Hi there, Aly! Having nice teeth is pretty important, especially in modeling, so get those braces on now and ensure that you'll have a picture perfect smile by the time they come off. I know it'll be hard but even though you'll be 18 by the time they come off, you'll still be young enough to be considered by modeling agencies. You have to be 18 to even be considered for VS so you'd be fine in that respec

K.A. Wrote: Hi I'm K.A. from mongolia. First of all, thank you so much for this blog. It's really helpful. :)  Okay, so.. I'm moving to Cyprus next year. And I really want to be a model, especially a runway model. And I'm just seeking about it through the Internet. I'm 15 now so when I move to Cyprus I'll turned to be 16. My measurements are 75cm, 57cm, 77cm (29; 22; 30 inch) and my height is around 5,5 (I guess) and weight is 45kg (I guess). Are my measurements compatible or am I too skinny to start modelling? (by the way I never get fat by eating) If I'm too skinny, should I do fitness to gain more weight and to fill my body? And will I be able to grow tall anymore and do a runway? And is there any top modelling agency in Cyprus or isn't there? And how do I start modelling industry?  I'm sorry for too many questions, and I'm really looking forward to hear reply from you. Thanks a lot :) Hi, K.A.! You're very welcome, I'm happy

AspiringTalent Wrote: Hello my 6 year old has an appointment with BMG Modeling Agency and I was wondering if you had any tips on questions I should be asking them. Also what is your opinion of BMG Modeling Agency? They haven't asked for money which is a good sign. Please help Hey AspiringTalent, BMG is one of the agencies that is known for being legitimate and reputable. They've been around for a long time and I've even attended an open call for their LA office (they weren't interested, lol). If your son got signed to them, it would be a good decision. As far as questions, those should revolve around the contract and possible fees/expenses you can expect to incur, as well as asking what (if any) fees/expenses they would cover for you. A few key questions to ask should include: 1) How long is the contract term for? 1 year? 2 years? 3 years? Longer? 2) Is it Exclusive or Non-Exclusive? 3) How much is the commission? 4) What is the "Exit Clause"

Nichole Boyce Wrote: I signed a contract a couple years ago but have not had a ride to do the photo shot I payed the commission would I still be able to do the photo shot knowing that I payed even tho never showed up I really want to model still Hi Nichole, There's a lot of information missing from your situation that I would need to know in order to understand what your options would be. Based on what you wrote, I'm understanding that you got booked for a modeling job but did not show up. As a result, you paid the commission to your agency that was owed regardless since you did not fulfill your duties. I doubt you'd still be able to do the shoot after not being available the first time. Have you talked to your agent to find out what their advice is? Did you get in trouble for not showing up to that gig? Are you still being represented by them? Was the shoot for an actual paid client or was it for something else? If you want to discuss your situation in furthe

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I recently submitted my photos to a IPM model management in NY. I was contacted back asked to send for photos which i did. I was offered a 2 year contract and told that I need to pay for a shoot, for high quality anywhere from $700-$1200. I was nervous about this because i read that the agency should be investing in you. After i read you post i feel a little better. However they also mentioned a $300 a year fee for the agency to maintain you profile on their website. This seems steep to me. I also feel like 2 years is a long time. What if I don't get sent out enough? I am just nervous about all of it and worried about being taken advantage of. What is your advice or 2 cents on the matter ? Hey there, Anonymous! The $300 website fee is terribly high. I've never heard of that high of a fee before. If there are models out there paying it, I haven't heard about it. That would make me very uneasy, too. The most I've been aware of for havi

Amanda Appels Wrote: Hi there! I am 17 and live about 40 minutes from NYC. For months I have been trying to get signed with an agency through everything from online submissions to open calls. Some agencies expressed interest, but didn't contact me after the until meeting. A few weeks ago, I tagged some of my Instagram photos to IMGs we love your genes hashtag. Yesterday Social New York contacted me and asked for an email which I provided. After asking a few basic questions about me, they set up a visit for me to meet with them next week. The email was verified by the contact info on the website and from my research it LOOKS like a legitimate mother agency, but I can't be sure. It is even listed under models.com as a mother agency which I took as a good sign but I want to be cautious. Do you have any experience with Social or know of them? If they offer me a contract, in your opinion, would it be a good idea for me to take it? Thank you, Amanda Hi Amanda, I don't

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania. I am 21 years old and always wanted to model. Recently I have gained some weight and became a US 6. I used to be 0-2 (and I am naturally supposed to be thin) but due to stress and school gained a bit. I am on track to shaping up. I was wondering, do you still think I should send photos to agencies? I was self conscious that they would write me off right away, but now I'm thinking that I should still try? Thanks! Hey there, Anonymous, I always recommend submitting to agencies when you feel 110% confident in yourself. Any kind of self doubt or self consciousness and it will show in your snapshots and/or when you attend open calls. But at the same time, there is nothing wrong with going to open calls to see if you get any feedback from the agencies related to your weight/measurements. That can be an effective way to give yourself a starting point, especially since you'd be hearing the feedback straight from the horse's mouth. If you feel

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm Really interested in becoming a model it has been a passion of mine since I was young. Do you thing I could still be a fashion/runway/editorial model if I were to dress modestly (no lingerie, bikinis, crop tops and such) Hey Anonymous, The type of modeling you want to do doesn't really mesh well with conservative personalities. The clothing items you mentioned are all items that fashion/runway/editorial models wear in their various modeling assignments. However, when you sign with an agency, they will typically have you fill out a sheet that states what level of comfort you have when it comes to modeling things like fur, tobacco, alcohol and levels of nudity or implied nudity. So you will be able to communicate that way what kind of modeling you will and will not do. But if you are too restrictive in what you will or will not wear, an agency likely won't want to represent you because they can easily get many other models to work wi

Anna Wrote: Hi Dania, My name is Anna. I am 19 years old and 5'7. Im very interested in starting Petite Fashion Modeling. However I do have a big tattoo of a lion on the back of my right shoulder, do you think that would be okay? If so awesome. I would like to take some snapshots of myself and send them to you to get an opinion from you on from where I should start or go. If you could do that then that"s even better! Thank you so much for taking your time!:) -Anna Hey Anna, Large tattoos could be an issue for you. Smaller ink can easily be covered with makeup or Photoshopped out but if it's a really large tattoo, I don't know that an agency and/or clients would be willing to deal with it because it would take too much to work around. But definitely send me snapshots, including your tattoo, and I'll see if I can give you more advice on the matter. You can email me directly at: daniadenise@gmail.com.

Michelle Davis Wrote (in response to the blog post, "Modeling & Taxes (Recording Incomes & Write Offs)" : What about tattoo removal? Hi there, Michelle, I'm not a tax professional so the first piece of advice I would give would to be ask your CPA this question. My take on it is that as long as you provide a receipt of the cost and documentation of your modeling career, it should be enough to show the IRS that it was a modeling-related expense. Sometimes it can be as clear cut as that but definitely run the idea past the person who does your taxes to make sure you have the most accurate information on how to handle this.

Alora Gress Wrote: Hi Dania I'm 26 years old and know I'm too old for fashion modeling. I'm wondering for commercial modeling when I search on VISION or FORD or just about any other well known agencies site for casting calls I don't notice where the commercial vs fashion/runway is specified. Is this because these agencies don't do commercial? I'm just confused because I know someone who signed with FORD in LA at 26 years old and she went on to book jobs. Also I get confused when I see models who my age and similar measurements, who are signed to major agencies are these models considered high fashion or commercial? For example Sara Sampaio.  I'm 5' 8' 3/4  34 26 36  I weigh 130 but my total body fat is only 16% and I don't work out so if they wanted I'm sure I could lose 10-15lbs quickly. I'm a size 2-4 and have been told I should model for years. Also I'm mixed so I look like I'm 21 not 26. Hi Alora! A lot of fashio

Lauren Wrote: Hi, I wanted to know if you have any suggestion on a great brand(not too too expensive if possible but would love to hear ur options) pair of heels that can been my got to hills for go sees. I have some but feel and could get better. It is amazing how much better I walk the higher the heel. Thank you for your help. Hey Lauren! I use the site heels.com to find affordable high heels. My favorite brands I've used so far include XOXO, Jessica Simpson, Guess and Michael Antonio. They're reasonably priced, the material is durable and I know I'll be able to continue using them for years to come so I'm not wasting money burning through pair after pair. I personally stick to nude/beige colored heels because I don't want my shoes to take away from what the client should be looking at: me. Of course that's not a hard and fast rule so feel free to pick any colors you want but that's just something I operate by when it comes to attending castings

Berna Wrote: What are your thoughts on a self stamped envelope included with your snapshots? Do or not do? Thanks Hi Berna! Including a self stamped envelope is beneficial for getting your snapshots back, which you can then reuse for other agency submissions. So that's great for saving money and photo paper but as far as it having an effect on your chances with an agency, that doesn't really influence their decision so it's more of a practical and cost-effective method when dealing with the whole submissions process. Hope that helps!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I am a 13 year old girl, standing at 5"41/2, applying to a modelling agency. I really want to further a career in modeling; do most agencies (like IMG Models or Whilemena) have a "requirement" for you to have a thigh gap? Are these measurements 25 in. waist, 29 in. chest, and 29 in. bust, accepted in the modelling community? Hi there, Anonymous! Your measurements are perfectly fine for modeling. At your height, however, you're going to want to submit to agencies that represent teen and/or commercial/print modeling. Fashion agencies like IMG and Wilhelmina won't be able to consider you for fashion or runway because you don't meet the height requirement. So you don't need to worry about the thigh gap thing, either, because it doesn't apply to you. But your height is perfect for print work so that's where you'll want to focus your efforts when it comes to finding and submitting to modeling agencies. Best of

Anonymous Wrote: I am 12 I have really big green eyeswith long dark eye lashes. think blond hair I am thin with long legs peopel have always said that I was pretty and I have always wanted to be a model but I am only 5 2 tall I have won kid with the most butiful eyes when I was 2 .  I just need some help Hi, Anonymous! At your age, you are ideal for tween and kid modeling. Don't worry about your height because you're still too young for runway and fashion modeling so that shouldn't be a concern for you. Look online for modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and visit the websites to find out if they represent kid/tween models. If they do, then check out the submission guidelines/instructions and follow them to submit yourself. That's all there is to it!

Dawn Peach Wrote: Hello Dania, My 19 year old son is elegant, handsome .... and 6' 7" !! He has been asked many times if he 'models'. Is his height totally out of the question? Dawn. Hi, Dawn Peach! Wow, that's quite a tall son you've got there! I'll never say never, but I really don't know if an agency could market your son at that height. I say that mainly because when it comes to models and height, agencies and clients also have to take measurements into account. Fashion models have to meet standard sizing for designers and if your son's measurements don't work, the client isn't going to take the time (and money) to resize and refit their clothing for one model, when there are dozens of others who already fit their clothes as is. So it's simply a matter of logistics that would be the issue. However, it couldn't hurt to submit him to agencies and/or attend open calls to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. I

Unknown Wrote: Hi Dania,  I'm a 19 year old model that cuurently is one year into a 3 year exclusive contract with a top agency. After spending the past few months in NYC, I figured out that modeling isn't for me, and I'll be going back to school starting jan. 2016. My issue is, I've racked up copious amounts of debt with my agency and have no idea what's going to happen if i don't get enough jobs to pay it off. Their model apartment is insanely expensive (6 girls each paying 2200/month in a 2 bedroom), and i got very few jobs while i was here. The most frustrating part is for an entire month and a half of my 4 month stay, my agency booked me out and wouldnt let me work because my skin was bad. They insisted i stay in new york even though i wasnt working. I have 2 more months to try and get my debt down, but they're very mean to me, unapproachable, and not understanding of my VERY tight finacial situation which is hindering me from staying here now that

Unknown Wrote: Hi Dania! Its funny your name is Dania because that is my bfs sisters name. I've never heard it other than when I met her but anyways... Haha So I just got the offer to be signed with The Bella Agency in LA. and I've also done some freelance modeling work before that. At the same time right now, this is my last semester in school and I got a job offer to work in Medical sales which can be very lucrative with a good company. The hours are Monday though Friday 9am to 5pm I haven't officially accepted both of them but the Medical sales job will be sending me my offer soon and the modeling agency my contract. I don't know what to do because I'm currently unemployed and am about to move out with my little sister to help her with rent. Modeling has always been a passion of mine and I honestly love it. I'm just scared of the uncertainty of jobs. Please let me know what I should do? I've asked friends and they are 50/50 it's like secure incom

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I have a nose piercing, belly piercing and several ear piercings. Would that be a problem in a modelling career? What if I used clear studs? Hi, Anonymous! If the piercings can be taken out temporarily when you attend castings or paid modeling assignments, an agency should be able to work around it. When submitting to agencies, you do have to tell them about any and all piercings you have. But doing so doesn't mean they're automatically going to reject your submission. It's just something they'll take into consideration when it comes to deciding whether or not to move forward with interviewing you for possible representation. So prepare your snapshots and be honest about your piercings and see what happens. I would suggest attending open calls at the agencies that have them so you can get real time feedback about whether or not your piercings would be an issue. Ultimately, that's going to be the best way to find out for sure.

Meagan Wrote: Hi Dania! I am 15 and roughly 34-27-36. I would like to pursue high fashion, but I'm moving to Florida, so I will have to look for a modeling agency there. Do you think I would have a chance? If not, what else could I pursue? Thank you! Meagan Also Wrote: Hi! I am new to modeling (at least I would like to start!) and I am 15 and 34-27-34. I would like to pursue high fashion (I can do exercises to lose waist sizes), but I don't know where to start! Do you think I would have a chance? If not, is there something else I could pursue? Thanks! Hey there, Meagan! I don't know your height so although you said you want to pursue high fashion, without knowing how tall you are, I can't say for sure whether or not that is a category you should pursue when you get to Florida. However, given your measurements, you will want to get your waist down to at least 25", which is the max that high fashion agencies will allow (24" is the ideal). You'l

Ellie Wrote: Hi Dania, I've never done any modeling but have been told I'm highly photogenic. I'm a 5'4, 23 year old Caucasian, brunette. Measurements were 36/23/36, but as I am currently 6mo. pregnant, I hope my waist dimensions don't matter anymore! I am "clean cut" no tattoos, and have super curly waist length hair. I'm having a hard time finding options to even apply for, as most of the maternity I've seen requires travel. I live in a corner of the LA basin and regularly drive through Simi, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and California city. Any help would be appreciated!  Ellie Hi Ellie, Congrats on your bundle of joy! Needless to say, agencies would understand that your measurements aren't going to be the same, lol. Have you submitted to Expecting Models? They have locations in New York and on the West Coast. Their West Coast office is located in Woodland Hills and should be the perfect match for you. Here is a link

Jennifer Silva Wrote: Hi, I just wanted to tell you this is my first time on your blog and it really did help me in a way. the thing is I live in a small town and well, I'm actually 5.5 and I'm 15. what can I do to start my modeling career? I just want to start out small so later on I can go into the city and go a step higher. I am very slim but still fit I work out as much as I can, I was just hoping if u could give me any advise, to start out here in my small town?? Hi there, Jennifer! Glad to have you a new blog reader! If you live in a small town then you'll need to find modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live to submit to. You have to be accessible to agencies, otherwise, your options are going to be very limited. At your age and height you will want to look for agencies that represent teen models and/or commercial/print models. Check out the agency websites to see what methods of submission they offer and make sure to only give th

Alyson A. Wrote: Hi, Thanks for posting up so much information. I have to admit that I am feeling a bit discouraged... you only mentioned those with heights of 5'5" or higher. Does that mean those of us that are shorter have no hope?  I actually feel like I have height and age against me. I'm 28, but I look younger, most people tend to go very round in the eyes when they find out.  I've always been interested in modeling, but being 5'1" and 28, should I give it up? Hi, Alyson A., Being shorter than 5'5" can be discouraging but print modeling is always more flexible and accepting of those outside of the standards, compared to the other categories of modeling. That being said, your age and height would still open you up to look into agencies that represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models. Many print agencies have models on their roster that are shorter than 5'5". That shows that they make exceptions to the rule. You shou

Anonymous Wrote: Thanks for the article! What are your thought on a freelance photographer offering a percentage of the sale of their photos - what percentage is reasonable?  Many thanks! Hi there, Anonymous! I don't know if you're a photographer or a model asking the question but that type of payment arrangement would only be beneficial to a model if the photos were being used for publication (namely stock photography) and/or sale of a product or item (i.e. calendar, posters, promo material). Regular modeling images from a shoot usually aren't going to generate high profits for the photographer (if they're only using it for their portfolio then clearly no money is going to be made), which means not much gets kicked back to the model, either. But if the images are being used for the purpose of selling/licensing the rights to third parties to use the photos, then a model could see some income from that type of arrangement. So the details of the way the imag

Kira Wrote: Hey Dania, I am 19 and curvy. I have a hourglass shaped body which is proportional, but curvy. I am interested in Plus Sized modeling. I'm a size 14, but I am 5'5. Do you think that is too short for modeling in the field I am interested in? -Kira Hey, Kira! Plus size models (aside from their size, obviously) are pretty much required to meet the same standards as fashion/runway models--especially height. That being said, you wouldn't fit the requirements for height to pursue plus size modeling. However, you are the ideal height for commercial/print modeling. Print modeling is very flexible when it comes to size and height so even though you are plus size, the fact that you are proportional and healthy in appearance is what will work in your favor for print modeling. I recommend looking online for agencies that represent commercial/print models, submitting your snapshots and seeing what kind of response you get. Hope that helps!

Lucy Wrote: Hello, Dania I got signed with an agency a short time ago and as I was re-reading the contract, I noticed some things I initially didn't. What is bothering me is the part stating something along the lines of "the mother agency is allowed to sign contracts in the name of the model." Is this common or should I be worried? (I don't want others signing stuff for me without my consent or knowledge as to the particular contracts) I haven't found any information about this on the Internet. Also, it's stated that they are allowed to use my name, photos, voice (which is ok, but also...) and something like "CV information" in the media. Any idea why it is even there? I am a little worried, because "CV information" includes my address and contact information. Otherwise they seem like a solid agency, judging from the fact that they will only expect payment for their initial investments after I earn money via their help. Thank you.

Katreena Jones Wrote: Hello, Dania Densie. My name is Katreena. For my portfolio for modeling, can I got to a poritrat place to get my portfolio done ? Or do I have to get my pictures taken by a photographer for my portfolio? This is my first time doing a portfolio and I'm 26. Hi Katreena, Do not go to a portrait place or one of those studios in the mall to put together your modeling portfolio. They do not produce the right quality/types of images needed to be in a portfolio. Are you pursuing freelance modeling or are you trying to find an agency to represent you? Models who want to get represented by an agent do not need a portfolio of professional images in order to be considered so if you want to get an agent, do not worry about this step right now because it isn't mandatory for you. Clear quality, digital snapshots are more than enough for newbies. However, if you want to freelance and find your own work without an agent, then you will need these professional im

Virginia Wrote: Hi Dania, I know it sounds a bit stupid, but are models allowed to have hair extensions (not the clip ins ones, the ones that last like 5 months and barely damage the hair) ? I have had mines since 3 months and they look really natural but I dont know if its considered as 'cheating' in the modelling industry? I have a modelling contest coming up so I wouldn't want to be excluded from the contest because of my hair, even though I really dont want to remove them! Thanks a lot xx Virginia Hey, Virginia! That's not a stupid question at all. Sew-in weaves/extensions are acceptable but the key is that if you go into a modeling contest or submit to an agency with them, you have to be committed to keeping that look. So if you want to stick with the sew-in, you can but you'll need to make sure to keep it fresh and get them redone as needed. You'll want your look to be consistent, which is important.

Jenny Wrote: Hi Dania, I have never seriously considered modeling since I am very short, but I just wanted to see if there was anything out there for me. I am Chinese-American and I have shoulder-length platinum blonde hair, a nostril piercing, a septum piercing, a medusa piercing, an industrial piercing, small gauged ears, a small heart outline tattoo on my wrist and a crescent moon on my finger. Yeah, it's a lot to take in and imagine. I am also only 5'3. BUT, I am also from the Bay Area in CA where it is not uncommon to see edgy/trendy people around. I've done modeling at my school and have been asked to model runway for student designers despite my many piercings, or rather because I have these. It's probably a long shot, but doesn't hurt to know. And I know that there's more edgy models breaking out into the modeling industry that have visible facial piercings and tattoos. Should I just try submitting to an agency just to test the waters? And if so, w

Anonymous Wrote: Hello! I'm a 15 year old girl. I was planning on getting a tattoo on the back of my arm, like right above my elbow. It'll be about and inch wide and an inch in height. How much would that effect my chances in modeling? Thanks! Hi, Anonymous! The location of the tattoo is one that is always exposed at some point so it could be a hindrance to an agency wanting to sign you. However, the fact that it won't be very big could work in your favor, especially since that should be easy to cover with body makeup if needed. If your physical look is what an agency wants, then they'll overlook a small tattoo like that but I would suggest submitting to agencies now (if you're ready) and seeing what feedback you get. If an agency wants to sign you, ask them about the tattoo and see what they say. Ultimately, hearing from the agencies about the matter is going to determine whether or not the tattoo you want to get will effect your chances. But in general

Ryanne Valdez Wrote (in reference to the Modeling 101 blog post, "Tips for Finding Modeling Jobs on Craigslist" ): what about the ones that ask for 18+ and photo shoots are for non nude and nude photos ?  Hi Ryanne! If a CL poster says the nature of the shoot is 18+, then they can ask for photos that may or may not be nude. BUT if you do not want to do nude work or even anything remotely close to that, then this is the kind of post you may just want to skip. Sometimes they'll say "non nude and nude," with the hopes that people will submit because they offer modeling opportunities that don't require nudity but then usually they'll end up trying to pressure you to submit to the nude jobs. If you're not comfortable with that, then just pass on those kinds of posts altogether.

Magen A. Wrote: Hi Dania, I wanted some advice on if I would still have a chance in commercial modeling at my age? I am 26 standing at 5"10. I know I am to old for high fashion but this has been on my heart since I was younger but my family was not to supportive of the venture and did not let me pursue it when I was younger. I don't have very little experience with modeling but have done a few shoots when I was younger. I would like to get into this fashion/entertainment industry preferably as model but not sure if that would be an ideal career with such a late start. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Magen Hi there, Magen! You absolutely have a shot at commercial/print modeling. The print world welcomes models of all ages and sizes. What I would recommend is doing an online search for modeling agencies in your city/state or that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and look for agencies that represent either commer