Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi dania.I want to get signed to an agency. Im african- american and i have really short hair. When going to an open call should I wear my natural hair? Hi there, Anonymous! The rule of thumb is to wear your hair the way you do on a daily basis so if that's natural, then that's the hairstyle you should wear to an open call, especially if your hair is that short. If an agency asks if you'd be okay with wearing extensions, that's one thing but if they like you with your natural hair, then you won't have to worry about committing to a hairstyle that you don't normally wear. It's okay to mention in the open call, however, that you'd be open to a different hairstyle if they feel your short, natural hair wouldn't be as marketable (but only offer that if you truly are okay with it). Hope that helps!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I have no experience in modeling but I have always loved fashion and the idea of modeling. I have been invited to an agency interview this tuesday. My question is, is there any hope or place for a model who wants to be on the modest side of dressing as a model? Meaning requesting not to wear bikinis, short skirts, super low cut shirts.... thanks for your advise! Hi, Anonymous! It depends on the type of modeling you want to do. Commercial/print is known for being "family friendly" and not requiring showing a lot of skin. Fashion, runway and editorial modeling often comes with that territory you're referring to. While agencies will respect a model's decision to be on the more modest side, for them that means the fewer gigs they can submit you for. That means they can't fully market you the way they would like. All the things you are not okay with doing, many other models will have no problem with and an agency won't hesitat

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, what are some workout routines? And healthy eating tips? Thank you!  Hey, Anonymous! Those two subjects are super broad but to help narrow it down a bit, below is a pretty cool link to insider info about what some of today's most famous models eat and examples of their workout routines: http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/how-eat-model-diets/ http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Victoria-Secret-Model-Full-Body-Workout-21416942#comments

Anonymous Wrote: Hello, I am completely inexperienced in modeling and I have a 9-5 job not to mention I am 30 years old; however I have a young looking face. I have always been pretty top heavy with a slight hourglass shape. My weight fluctuates and based on my research I currently would be considered curvy/plus size. I assume because of my height (5'4/5'5) and weight (185 lbs) I would best suit the commercial/print side, but am I waaaay to old to start? How do I pick the right agency or know if the agency is legit? Hi, Anonymous! I don't believe you're too old to start, especially for print/lifestyle modeling, which is always in need of models of all ages. Below are links to blog posts I've written that will give you more insight about looking for agencies: http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-real-agency-does.html http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2011/12/easy-ways-to-tell-if-modeling-agency-is.html http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2007/0

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I hope you day is going well. I am 15 years old and I'm 5'10 I want to get into the modeling industry. I have a cousin who is a model in Germany and she was giving me tips but I don't know if they apply the same in the u.s. but, I have had surgery on my belly button and it has left a scar. Will that affect my chances for modeling? And do you know any good modeling agencies in Houston Texas? Thank you!  Hi there, Anonymous! I don't know what your scar looks like so I can't say for certain whether it would be something that could affect your chances at modeling. But in most cases, if the scar isn't huge and can be concealed with body makeup, then I doubt it will prevent you from getting an agent so that's the good news. Make sure you're applying some kind of cream that will fade the scar's appearance. Vitamin E oil and products like Mederma are great for treating the appearance of scars. The more you can get it to f

Anonymous Wrote: Hey.. I live in New York but I am currently working 9 to 5, 5 days a week.. Is it possible for me to start modelling  Hey, Anonymous! It is possible to model while holding down a full-time 9-5 job BUT it will be a juggling act that could get crazy at times. I only recommend pursuing modeling for "9-5ers" if you have a job that is flexible and that will allow you to miss work randomly--if your goal is to get agency representation. Notifications for castings and bookings can happen as last minute as 24-48 hour's notice and if you keep telling your agency that you can't make it because of your job, then they're less likely to submit you or may not want to represent you further because you can't make the necessary commitment to them. That's not to say that models can't make the two work because they can but it can be stressful at times and will cause you to have to choose between one or the other at certain points (i.e. taking

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I'm looking to become a freelancer/part-time model because I have done a few photoshoots for my photographer friends and I really enjoyed it. I have a medium sized tattoo on my side stomach that I got a few years ago. Didn't think I was going into modeling but now I kind of regret it. The tattoo is well done and I don't think anyone would consider it offensive. I'm Chinese-American, 22 years old, 5'8' and slim. I'm really worried that this tattoo might prevent my from getting my foot in the door. Although I don't plan to pursue modeling as a full-time career as I already have a well paid job in the financial industry, it still would frustrate me a lot if I could not get into modeling just because of my tattoo. I don't have any other tattoos or body piercings. What do you think of my chances in getting signed by an agency? Thank you so much! Hi, Anonymous! With larger tattoos, it's always a possible obstacle wh

Allison Ciarcia Wrote: Hi Dania....my daughter is 10 and new to the business and she was offered a verbal non-exclusive agreement with an agency...is that normal? Hi, Allison! I've heard of (and known of one or two people) that had a verbal type of agreement with an agency so it does happen but I personally wouldn't feel that comfortable agreeing to such an arrangement without knowing the answers to the following questions: 1) Are you allowed to sign a physical contract with another agency? 2) Are you allowed to find your own work independent of the agency? 3) How long is the term of the verbal agreement with the agency you have a verbal non-exclusive agreement with? 4) How do they enforce their terms? 5) How would you terminate a verbal non-exclusive agreement with them? On the one hand, a verbal agreement typically means flexibility and less of a commitment to the agency on your end but on the other hand, you do want to know the protocol in case you want t