Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania! Since I was in my teens I was either asked if I was a model or told I should. When I was around 16 my mom and I decided I should give it a shot, especially since I live very close to NYC. We had head-shots taken (no make-up, natural hair) and sent them in to countless agencies and never got a response.  I am now nearly 24, still get the same comments/questions, and would love to give it another shot. I've grown and slimmed out since (5'10, 130lbs, hourglass figure). I also don't quite look my age and can easily pass for a few years younger. The only thing that's been holding me back from perusing is my age. I'm afraid it will get me tossed aside despite how much agencies like my looks. What are your thoughts? Any advice? Hey, Anonymous! At 24 you won't be getting signed to fashion/runway agencies so it is important to know that reality up front. NYC agencies typically set their maximum age cut off at 21 and very few at ...

Anonymous Wrote:  Hi, Dania. I was reading through your answering a reader question and i saw that you said that agencies whose websites have lots of "coming soon" or something like that aren't a very good agency. (or i could've read that from just your dania denise blog. sorry if I confuse them up :L) I suddenly thought about Boss models Australia. I thought they were one of the big companies but their paris and milan sections of the website says coming soon... so...is this just that they haven't done it or does this mean something else? Because I have had interest in Boss Models for a long time and their paris and milan section is always coming soon...  Thanks a bunch!  Hi, Anonymous! How long have Boss's Milan and Paris sections been showing the "coming soon" message? If it's only been a few weeks, maybe it's just that they've yet to get around to building/gathering enough content to properly display. However, if it's be...

Jenny Colomy Wrote: Hi Dania, my name is Jenny. I am 13 and I have never modeled in anything and have no experience but I really want to be a model. Where should I start if I'm around 5'8" and interested in commercial or magazine modeling? Hi, Jenny! Being 5'8" at age 13 actually qualifies you for fashion and runway modeling but if you're mainly interested in commercial/print, that's totally cool, too! Although you've got the height for fashion/runway, print work also uses taller models as well as shorter ones. It is okay that you don't have experience, that is something you will gain "on the job" during your first test shoot, which the agency that signs you will help arrange. That being said, I would recommend doing an online search for modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live and then checking out each agency's official website to find out what the guidelines are for submission and the types of p...

Anonymous Wrote: Hello, Dania. I am going to go to a casting call next week and I wanted to wear short pants. I was just wondering if we have shave?? I don't shave because when you start shaving you have to shave continously... also there are things people say, if you shave, your hair gets thicker, etc... Are they true? Thank you :D Hi there, Anonymous! It is true that shaving does end up becoming a constant chore and that the hair does grow back thicker, however, this isn't the only option you have when it comes to hair removal for the legs. Waxing is a popular alternative that actually causes the hair to grow back much thinner over time. You also don't have to do it as often as shaving with a razor. There are plenty of nail salons and day spas that offer this service for a very affordable price. All you need to do is an online search to find out what places are near you or simply drive around town and chances are you'll spot a nail shop that also does waxing...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I've been thinking about starting to do modeling lately. But I'm already 23. Isn't it too late to start a modeling career? And also I am 6'1" ..are there any agencies that would hire a model this tall? Hi, Anonymous! I don't know if you're a male or female, which would help me give you a more accurate answer so I'll just answer for both situations.  If you're a female, being 23 is considered too "old" (I'm using this term very loosely) for fashion agencies but this mostly applies if you're located in a major market like New York, Miami or Los Angeles. These markets set very rigid requirements and typically set the cut off at 21 or 22.  Living in a smaller or medium sized modeling market means most agencies will be flexible with the age requirements and most likely would be fine with you being 23 and just starting out. As far as your height, fashion agencies tend to set the maximum height at 6'...