Answering a Reader Question #827

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 should do an online search for modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and check out the websites of the agencies that are listed in the search results. First, find out if they represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models.

If they do, the next step is to look at the photo galleries of the female print models and see if you can find anyone who is shorter than 5'5". If you see at least one model who is shorter on the roster, that is a good sign that they make exceptions to the rule and you should submit yourself.

Even if you don't see any shorter print models, there is nothing stopping you from submitting photos and info. It's not like you aren't allowed to submit. Anyone can send their photos and info and that's really the only way to know if you have what agencies are looking for.

So get together your list of agency websites, start reviewing their submission guidelines/instructions and go about preparing your submissions accordingly. Then sit back and see what responses you end up getting.

Don't give up before you've even started. :-)

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