Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was wondering if model agencies can move with me or find work in other countries? I am an upcoming senior in high school this fall of 2014. There is a lot on my mind about college and what I am wanting to do after graduation. I am going to be attending college in Amsterdam, hopefully the fall semester of 2015. This summer one of my modeling friends recommended that I attend the Runway Loud fashion show in August. She guarantees that I will get signed with an agency if I go. Considering that I am "exactly what they're all looking for" at 17 and 6ft tall, and as thin as a board. She says they would snatch me up in a heartbeat.  Should I sign with a modeling agency if I have the chance? Even though I will be leaving for college in just a little over a year that is halfway across the world? Hi there, Anonymous! There are agencies that have offices internationally so location wouldn't be an issue and there are also agencies that operate ...

Karrie Wrote: In order to be any type of model, to you have to have a certain type of body type and/or a certain measurement of your shoulders and legs? Hi, Karrie! Each modeling division/category has its own ideal standard, especially when it comes to body type. Runway and high fashion is the strictest and while there isn't an exact measurement of shoulders and legs that models should meet, they are required to be tall, thin and typically within the following measurements: 34-24-34 (that's bust, waist and hips in inches). Fashion/runway models can be smaller than this but no larger than 1 inch in any or all of those areas. Commercial/print is much more flexible because they don't have strict height or weight requirements but they do expect models to be proportional in build and healthy in appearance. Models that do stuff like lingerie (i.e. Victoria's Secret) must have a body type that is curvy, voluptuous and, obviously, sexy. Here's a link to a blog...

Jamie Wrote: Hi Dania!  I'm new to NYC and live in the heart of Manhattan and want to try modeling. I'm from the south and have a lot of experience doing national and local work on a smaller lever but am looking for proper representation in the city. I've been told I have a very "sexy" look with a "girl next door" beautiful face. I'm 23 years old, 5'10" B-36" W-24" H-36" with long blonde hair and blue eyes, and want to find the right type of modeling for me. I don't think I'm ideal for runway but I love print, commercial, and editorial work. I would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions! Thanks so much!  Hey, Jamie! New York is definitely one of the hardest markets to start in if you're already in your early 20s. However, there are some agencies that have bumped their maximum age requirements up. That being said, don't throw in the towel just yet on runway if you're interested in that ca...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania!  I was just looking at the websites and I went into Boss model management. There was a section called 'Physique' and I was wondering what that was.  And in lifestyle, there are 'women' and 'classic women' what's the difference? Also, there's another agency called Boss models in Australia. (if you type it into google, it comes up :) ) I'm just wondering if they are one of those agency where they have agencies around the globe. But like the logo is different... but they have the same name... one of the website looks more professional then the other one... So... do you think they are same agencies?? Thank you!  Hey there, Anonymous! Physique is a division that deals with models (male and female) with really amazing bodies. They're hired specifically for work like underwear modeling (for men), lingerie (for women), athletic gigs and other types of work where they need well built bodies. Not body builders but pe...

Anonymous Wrote: Hey Dania, how important are nice teeth in general. I had braces during my teens so my teeth look ok. The problem I have is a peg lateral tooth due to a genetic discrepancies. I only have the peg on one side. Literally the other side of my mouth on the top row are normal and one side isn't. My bottom teeth are normal too. Would this be a hindrance in submitting to agencies. Commercial print is right up my alley. I'm just wondering if my peg lateral tooth is unmarketable or could it be considered a unique trait. What would be best for my career?? Hi, Anonymous! Teeth are important but not to the extent that your peg lateral tooth would prevent you from pursuing modeling. Having a clean and healthy smile is ideal, especially in commercial/print but your particular situation wouldn't be a hindrance at all. My teeth are far from perfect, lol. I have "spacey" teeth on the right side of my mouth and I never had braces, however, my "unique...

Tia Wrote: Hi I'm 16 and gonna get braces but want to try my luck with agencies because I'm looking more into hair and fashion rather than catwalk, I live in the uk, Oxfordshire, and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction agency wise, I've tried myself but can't seem to find anything, and there's no harm in trying to find an agency even with braces, thank you Tia Hey, Tia! There are a crap-ton of agencies in London, which is good for you because that's not too far from where you live (according to Google Maps, lol). Below is a link to a list of agencies and their websites that are in London. Definitely check out each one and submit to all of the ones that you meet the requirements for. Make sure to look for red flags, such as if they mention paying any upfront fees or enrolling in modeling classes or training programs that are mandatory. http://www.kmodels.com/London-modeling-agencies-links1.htm If there's any agency on t...