Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hey D, Thanks for the great info so far. I wanted to ask if you might be able to go further into the agency selection process. More specifically what to take into account when selecting which agencies you want to be with and apply to and then if and when receiving offers how to go choosing an agency and not hastily signing with one before opportunities with others have arrived. I am in NYC are there are of course all the huge agencies and tons of smaller ones and I am a bit lost as to where to start in the application process. Also on another note what do you think about incorporating as a model? As in registering an LLC (or equivalent) for a modeling career. How would one then sign with an agency as an entity? Thank you in advance for your help! ;) Hi, Anonymous! Below are links to blog posts I've written that address the subjects you mentioned...it should give you much better insight into the whole process of applying to agencies: Easy Ways to...

Lexi Wrote: Hi, if I want to model what's the max hips agencies would accept for fashion/runway/editorial? Because I'm 5'8 and 16 so hopefully still growing but my measurements are 34-26-38 and I wouldn't be able to slim my hips down more because it's my bone that's big, though I'm between the sizes 2-4 US and Tyra Banks is a size 4. Do you think agencies would turn me away? Thanks so much! Hey, Lexi! The maximum hip measurement agencies would accept for those categories of modeling is 35 inches. The preferred measurements are 34-24-34 and while you can be smaller, you can't be larger than 1 inch in any or all of those areas. That means you'd need to get your waist down to at least 25 inches as well. I definitely understand what you're saying about it being difficult to slim down the hip measurement because it is bone. Although you are small size-wise, I don't know that agencies would be able to take you on simply because your ...

Anonymous Wrote: I'm 14 this year and I really want to become a model I'm 5'4 with brown hair with green-brown eyes ,, I weigh 55 but I've got braces! Is this a problem? Please Reply Hi, Anonymous! The only person that can really tell you whether or not your braces would be a problem would be agencies. That being said, I would recommend looking for websites of agencies that represent teen models and/or commercial/print models because that is what your age and height qualify you for right now. The good thing about teen models is that it is easier to get away with having braces. But it's more than just the braces agencies take into consideration. It's also about your overall look/appearance and personality. If you have a good look that is marketable and a great personality, then an agency might be willing to overlook the braces. Or they may tell you to come back after you've gotten your braces off and then they'll sign you on. It could go either...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I'm 18 yrs old and I've always wanted to model but I've large hips and big bum with strech marks to make it worse, I've lost hope but I'm scared no wants to hire me ...and time grows by I'm adding weight  Hi, Anonymous! I don't know your height or measurements so I don't know if you're hoping to pursue fashion/runway or commercial/print. If fashion and runway is your goal, having large hips can be a hindrance and might not be a possibility for you as far as seeking an agency to represent you. But if you're the ideal height for commercial/print (5'5"-5'7") then you don't have to worry as much. Print agencies are more flexible with its models and mainly care that the models look healthy and are proportional. Also, print models don't show a lot of skin so chances are you won't have to be concerned about your stretch marks being really visible. It's important that you maintain a hea...

E Wrote: Hi Dania, First off, thanks for all the tips and information you share! This blog is amazing :) I finally made up my mind and will go to my first open call at the age of 24 (I hope I'm not too late!) and being 6 feet tall, I wonder if I should just stick to heels that are 3-inches high max or is 4 more of a standard? The higher it is, the longer and thinner it makes your leg look after all. Also, does it matter if it's open toe or pointed or etc. I want to leave a very good first impression so I'm getting lost in details :) Thanks so much! E Hey, E! You're very welcome, glad the info has been of help to you! Since you're already tall, 3 inches will be plenty. Style doesn't matter so much and it's not like agencies are going to be judging you based on the footwear. As long as the color and style is neutral and not super distracting, you'll be fine. They should be paying attention to you, not your shoes! :-) At your age, however...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I know a girl that has been modeling a long time now and she told me that her contract has her getting six figures to a million but she doesn't get it til the end of her contract which has been extended to over a year. Is that true?? You do not receive anything til the end of your contract?? Thanks Hi, Anonymous! I can't claim to have seen or know about every single type of modeling contract out there but I've never heard of such an arrangement. The closest thing I can think of is a modeling contract that's been awarded to someone who wins a modeling contest or something similar like what's offered when you win ANTM. I won't go so far as to say that your friend is lying because there could be agencies that use this type of contract but in my experience, it's super rare. Models with traditional contracts through agencies get paid after each job they book. It may take a few days or a few weeks for them to receive the payment...

Katie Wrote: Hello! My name is Katie and I am 13. I have always wanted to be a model (as many of these girls and guys on this site)! I guess modeling comes naturally, but are there any tips? I really want to get a resume started! I also was wondering what the "normal" measurements were for models at Ford or Elite. Or are there "normal" measurements? Right now I am 5'8 and 125 pounds, do you think that would pass? Thank you SO much! Hi, Katie! Being 5'8" at your young age is definitely a huge advantage for seeking out agency representation in runway and fashion modeling. 125 pounds is the max weight you can be according to agency standards, so you're totally fine there. At this point don't worry about trying to lose a bunch of weight. You haven't even seen any agencies yet so wait until you get their feedback before even thinking about that. As far as measurements, the preferred agency standard is: 34-24-34. That...

Shalycee Wrote: Hi Dania! I love your blog. My question is, when it comes to tattoos would that be something that could make or break an inspiring model? I'm nervous about submitting photos because of this. Can you help? Thanks! Hey, Shalycee! Glad to have you as a reader! :-) Tattoos can definitely work against models just starting out in the industry. Tiny ones that can be covered or easily concealed with clothing or makeup is okay but it's the larger ones in more visible areas that tend to cause the issues (back, shoulders, arms, neck, legs, etc). It's all about the placement and size. Having tattoos won't automatically cause an agency to reject you but it could play a role in whether or not an agency will take on a model or not. Submit your snapshots and don't hide the tattoos. Be honest because if you get invited to an interview and there is interest, they'll eventually find out. It doesn't hurt to submit and see what happens. At least tha...

Mary Wrote: Hey! I was intersted in doing modeling and I read your article on where to begin. Do you know of any modeling agencies near Oxnard, California? Thank you so much for your time. Mary :) Hi there, Mary! Given your location, you'll want to look into agencies within the Los Angeles area and surrounding cities. That's good because there are a ton of agencies there for you to submit to. Of course you'll want to make sure you're submitting to the ones you meet the requirements for. Since I don't know what type of modeling you qualify for, it would be too broad to try and give you all of the agencies in the area. Instead of giving you one long list of agency websites to try and browse through on your own, if you could let me know your age and height, then I can narrow down that list to the most relevant ones, which I can give you the names and websites of in this post. :-)

Sarah C. Wrote: Hey, my name is Sarah I have ALWAYS thought of being a model for Justice but no one like my parents ever support me to help me get into an agency and nominating for a girl in the mag. I really don't know what road goes ahead of me because no one helps me get more into it :( i need help ! I have a great smile and great long brownish goldish hair and I think its a cool opportunity to go along into talent agencies :) I have tried for modeling once but my parents said no because it was more than 7,000 dollars >:( help! :) Hey, Sarah C! Ugh, it sounds like the modeling opportunity you tried out for was a scam...it's no wonder your parents have a negative view of the modeling industry. Definitely frustrating, especially since you're underage (I'm assuming you're underage based on what your situation sounds like). You can't even submit photos and info to agencies without your parents' consent if you're under 18. However, I th...

Frida Wrote: I've always been interested in doing modeling and I've been told I have the looks, height ect for it. But not long ago I got to know that I was supposed to have gotten braces when I turned 15 but at that time we were moving abroad and my parents forgot about it. I'm 19 now and I've had braces since the beginning of this year (they'll come off when I'm 21). I can see how this could be a huge problem if I'd like to start modeling, so I don't know what I should do. I appreciate any advice I can get! oh and btw, I look younger than I am I've realized from several comments I've gotten. Some months ago I was in a fashion store and since they were advertising their new club card I asked about it and the lady looked at me and said: "You need to be 16 to become a member." That was almost offensive, I'm 19! xD :) Hi, Frida! While having braces (mainly the traditional kind) might cause you some challenges with f...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I am about to take my commercial modeling snapshots but I don't have a digital camera, what is an alternative that I can use? Hey, Anonymous! Can you borrow a digital camera from a friend or family member? Other than that, the next best thing would be to buy a disposable digital camera. They have them for sale at places like Walmart and Walgreens for really cheap. Make sure it says "digital" on the box. I've never used one before so I can't speak for the quality but it is a camera that will take clear photos, which is what you want. Since these are snapshots, the camera doesn't have to be top notch. What matters is that it takes decent photos.

Sabrina Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm 16 and I'm only 5'2. Is there any place that would willingly accept me? I'm only 89 pounds and otherwise also petite. Hi, Sabrina! I think you're best bet would be to look at commercial/print agencies. 5'5" is the minimum height but they are usually really good about accepting shorter models--if they represent teen models that would be even better. It boils down to your overall look and whether they feel you'd be marketable. Check out the websites of commercial/print agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and find out how to submit yourself. Also check to see if they represent teen models. If so, then you'd be considered for that division. If they don't, then submit for the print division.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi I'm 15 an I've been interested in modelling. I'm 5'7 but I look taller then my height. My measurements are 34-27-31 but I'm trying to slim down in the waist a bit. I'm also half black and half white which supposedly makes me appear more exotic haha. Do I even have a shot in the industry? Or should I just look into another field of fashion/modelling? Be completely honest! :) Thanks so much  Hey, Anonymous! Some fashion agencies lower the minimum height requirement for models ages 14-16 to 5'7" if they know there's a chance the model will get taller as they get older. So your plan A should be to look into fashion agencies that have this exception listed on their website. For the ones that don't, submit anyway to see what happens--if they feel you have an exceptional overall look, then they won't mind that one inch. However, you'll want to wait until you can get your waist down to a 25 (in a healthy way, o...

Rosalyn Wrote: Hey, I was just wondering if having brace (though since it's private treatment, they're clear so not very noticeable) would be a big problem for modelling, especially since I'll need to submit a photo of me showing my teeth! Please help x Hey, Rosalyn!   If you only have a few months left, I would recommend waiting until the braces come off and then submit to agencies. It will increase the chances of an agency wanting to sign you in general. But if you have a long time before the braces get removed, then clear braces would give you a better shot compared to traditional ones so I say go for it and see what happens. Just make sure that you only submit snapshots with your braces if you still have quite some time left before they need to be removed. That way an agency has an idea of how long they would be marketing you as a model who has braces.

Anonymous Wrote: Hello Dania!! Can you please recommend good agencies based in Lisbon? Thank you Hey there, Anonymous! Below is a list of agencies I was able to find in Lisbon/Portugal that you may be interested in checking out. Please remember that I don't have any personal or professional contact with these agencies, nor do I know any models represented by them so when you're checking out their sites, make sure to use common sense and be aware of any red flags (trying to sell you classes/workshops, pressuring you to sign a contract, etc.). Best Models Agency http://www.bestmodelsagency.com/en/ Elite Models http://www.elitelisbon.com/ L'Agence http://www.lagence.pt/ Levant Models http://www.levantmodels.com/ Just. http://www.just.pt/index.php

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! I was wondering are the hips measured in their largest part (including the butt) or a bit higher?  Hi, Anonymous! The traditional hip measurement should be taken at the widest part, slightly above your butt. The area you're talking about is referred to as the "low hip" measurement and does include your butt.