Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, should I let my agent know before accepting the job they didn't book for me , and can I find job alone even if I'm in an agency. For example, Some designer contacted me the other day and told me can I be on their runway, should I let my agency know Hey, Anonymous! How long have you been signed to your current agent? If you're fairly new and haven't been with them long, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and let them know about the designer contacting you and what the details are of the modeling gig they want you for. It's easy for people to contact models directly and if you're not experienced enough in those types of situations, not having the guidance of your agent could open you up to be taken advantage of in a variety of ways. In nearly all modeling contracts, it states that you either cannot or should not engage on your own with booking work outside of what your agent submits you for. Do models always follow that? Defini

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, do you have any advice on first time model. What should I wear for my first shoot? Hi, Anonymous! Since I don't know your age, gender or other details, I'll have to answer pretty broadly so hopefully some of the info below applies to your situation. As far as what to wear, that all depends on what the purpose of the shoot is: Is the shoot for putting together your portfolio for an agency you just signed to? Is the shoot for yourself for fun or because you're attempting to become a freelance model? Is the shoot an actual modeling gig you booked and you're preparing for that? Based on which of the scenarios the shoot is for, below is basic information you can use for reference/to keep in mind: Portfolio Shoot for Your Agent The agency you sign with typically provides some kind of guidelines as to what wardrobe you should bring for your first portfolio shoot, as well as reference images. If you haven't received this type of info, email your agent t

Anonymous Wrote: My mom thinks that even doing a modelling program breaks young girls heart when they don’t get gigs and stuff like that😭 What should I say to her? I’m 12, and I really want to at least attend a modelling program. Hi, Anonymous! If you haven't already, I would suggest doing your research and finding a modeling program that clearly states their purpose/mission and present that information to your mom. Many programs do state that in addition to teaching skills related to modeling, they also focus on positive mindset, developing self confidence and how to feel comfortable in your own skin. Now, not all modeling programs focus on this, however. Many -- especially if they're labeling themselves as a "modeling school" -- will just take your money, teach you basic modeling walks, poses, hair and makeup tips and set you up with either photoshoots and/or have you participate in a fashion show and that's it but these days, there are others that combine a ty

Randomix Wrote (in response to the blog article, " How Old Is Too Old To Model? "): Hello. Thanks for an informative article. I'm just wondering, if 23 is the cut-off point, how come models who were famous in their young years (Snejana Onopka, Gemma Ward) still do runway shows and they are now in their 30s? So you think for a runway show you can't be over 23 when starting if you look young and have no wrinkles? Hi, Randomix! You're super welcome, glad you enjoyed the article. The names you mentioned belong to the elite 1% of runway models that reach "Supermodel/It Model" status.  The age ranges I describe in my post refer to the every day, average working runway model's career. Once you hit Supermodel/It Model status, your career longevity is basically set. Unfortunately, this is not the case for so many. There are certainly a number of models who can easily pass for younger. But to start a runway career in your early to mid 20s isn't standard--a

Anonymous Wrote: Hey, I visited an agency just about 3 weeks ago where we took some Polaroids and they said they would contact their international offices and let me know the news by the end of the week, however I haven’t got any news yet. I was wondering should I send a follow up email in case I wrote my email wrong or should I give it more time in case there is a delay and instead wait a bit longer til they contact me Many thanks 😊 Hey, there, Anonymous! The waiting part can be the hardest and when an agency gets busy, it's easy for them to forgot who they're supposed to get back in touch with. I would say give it another week and if you don't hear back by then, you can follow up with an email. Usually, I discourage sending follow up emails/calls BUT your situation is different because you already met with them and have an established line of communication. So sit tight for a week and then send an email to your designated contact person at the agency and go from there. F

Unknown Wrote: Hello, I live in El Salvador and I am 16 y/o . I want to be a model so applied to mother agencies and most of them are in New York. A part of my family lives there but I don’t know if I could be singed to an agency there and travel each vacation or time where I have a casting. Can that be possible? I heard of Models that live in the uk and are signed to agencies in the US but I don’t know. Hi, Unknown! If you plan on having a mother agent represent you instead of a regular modeling agency, then it would be possible to travel back and forth depending on your schedule and school. Mother agencies have working partnerships with other agencies in different countries so they would work with you to arrange when you'd be able to take on projects in the US as well as elsewhere. Since you have family that already lives in New York, that is a huge advantage in your case because you don't have to worry about where to stay. When you get an interview with a mother agency, this

Just Curious Wrote: Might sound daft but could I be a model with a bigger bust? I'm quite petite but have done some work for the likes of 38hh bras etc but what about other industries? Hi, Just Curious! Not a daft question at all. Being busty up top can prove to be a challenge for certain categories of modeling, such as runway and even commercial/print (to an extent). Runway and high fashion are big on using sample sizes. It's much more affordable to work with strict clothing sizes and just plug in the models who fit. That typically means smaller busts to accommodate the sample sizes. Commercial/print is quite different, in the sense that they don't use sample sizes or anything like that when it comes to wardrobe for models but having a very large bust can be a "distraction" that would make it difficult for clients to overlook. This is mainly dependent on the product, company/brand, idea/concept being showcased. So it's not like that all the time with all clie

Anonymous Wrote: I Belong from Asian household (not Chinese or Korean asian). I am really interested in modeling, but my father don't like revealing clothes he always "says you are tall,why are you wearing this dress (length is till knee).he is always concerned what I wear and all.i really want to do modeling and yes he's always like what will thr world think if you do this , the world won't like. He's strict , but I don't want to live normal life. Please, hope you reply. Hi, Anonymous! How old are you? If you are underage and still living in your parents' household then pursuing modeling will be a big obstacle. When it comes to cultures and being conservative you are not the only person in such a situation so please know there are many young people going through a similar challenge. I am half Filipino but thankfully my mother was very encouraging and supportive of my decision to get into the entertainment industry as a model and actor but I know many other

Anonymous Wrote: I am 6’0.5, and 19. Is that fine to start modeling? I think I’m pretty good looking as I’ve been told that by a bunch of people so I was just curious. Thanks in advance Hey, Anonymous! Your age and height is great for fashion and runway/editorial modeling. So if you've got an outgoing personality and solid work ethic to match, I'm sure you're exactly what a modeling agency is looking for.  Definitely start with an online search for agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and see what the submission guidelines are and see what happens. Best of luck to you!

Shreeya Wrote: hi, This is Shreeya I am from India and i going to get braces soon but i am totally looking forward to modelling as my career. i am 16 years old is it ok to start modeling at age of sixteen in India Hi, Shreeya! Modeling at 16 is a great age to start. There is a lot of work for teen models and agencies have a lot of experience working with guys and gals within this age range, with or without braces. It's good that you're getting braces now so that when they are set to come off, you'll still be young enough to continue your modeling career with no issues. Wishing you the best of luck with your career!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I have a non-exclusive 2-year contract with a new, small modeling agency. I have been signed with them for almost three months. I also have another non-exclusive contract with another agency, which is working out way better. I'm new to the industry, so my initial goal was to have a couple of agencies to work with to further my career. I have not received any jobs from particular boutique modeling agency. I only did a couple of monologues, per their request, and that was it. I sent them an email, stating that I would like to terminate my contract and that I am no longer available for any modeling or acting opportunities. I looked over the contract a few times and it does not have a termination clause; it mentions nothing about termination whatsoever. I've been researching and discovered that most agencies will grant your request with ease. There's a few contradictions in the contract. It says "for loyalty and exclusivity purposes, I will under

Anonymous Wrote: Hi mam, I found your blog helpful and informative. Im 16 and 5"3 (without heels) can I become a runway model? My dad is super tall so does my paternal family. will I grow anymore taller? 5"9 height criteria are with or without heels? Hi, Anonymous! The 5'9" height criteria for runway models is without heels. Agencies will measure to verify height so it is important to be truthful. At 5'3" without heels, you wouldn't be considered by runway agencies until you grew to at least 5'8". I'm not a medical doctor so I can't say whether or not you have the potential to grow taller as you get older. The best way to get an idea about what your full height could be is to make an appointment with your family doctor, who will be able to evaluate your family's medical history and make a better educated guess about that information. In the meantime, you are the ideal age and height for commercial/print modeling. Check out those type

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was offered a contract with an agency in Belgium, which is a few hours away from where I live in the Netherlands. But now an agency in Amsterdam has asked me to come in for an interview, which I think would be more beneficial for me since it is a lot closer to where I live. How do I tell the other agency that I don’t want to sign with them yet and want to wait and see how this interview goes? They have said I can sign with agencies in the Netherlands too if I just tell them but I would rather have the first agency I sign with not be international. Since I will probably build my portfolio with the first agency I sign with. Should I just be honest and explain the situation? Hi, Anonymous! Congrats on the interest you've received from both agencies so far, how exciting! :-) Has the Belgium agency given you a deadline for when to return the signed contract by? Typically, agencies let you "think on it" for several days and will provide a deadline.  Did y

Anonymous Wrote: Hi there with the modeling industry changing do you see models with a smaller height breaking into the industry. I have the body measurements of a runway model but I’m lacking in the height department because I’m 5’6. Do you think it’s possible I can have an editorial/runway career if i work hard enough? Hey there, Anonymous! As far as the potential for shorter models to break into editorial and runway, there's still quite a ways to go -- at least as far as it being mainstream enough to get yourself walking for a major designer/brand.  There are more designers using models of various heights in their shows -- which is super promising -- but you'd really have to put yourself out there and network to find out when and where the castings for those opportunities are happening.  Not living in or near a major market for fashion and editorial work will make things more challenging but if you are within city limits of where the action is, I would recommend doing an onl

Unknown Wrote: Just what I was looking for.Thank you for this.am a freelance model and am still doing some test shooting and it's hard to get a photographer to collaborate with mainly because am not yet a pro.how do I step up my A game Hi, Unknown! I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post about Modeling & Pay Rates ! Without knowing more details about your situation and what resources you're currently using or what your portfolio looks like, I would recommend the following to improve your opportunities to network with more photographers until you've built a portfolio you feel confident moving forward with: Join Facebook Modeling Groups: do a search on Facebook in the Groups section for modeling communities. Narrow down the results by location so you're able to join groups with photographers and other professionals close to you. These groups are great for networking and collaborating with others. Plus, many people post castings as well, so you can kill two birds with o