Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Amelia Wrote: Hi Dania, Is it possible to sign with a modeling agency but only do it as a part-time job? Also can I sign with an agency without having to go to castings? In other words get booked directly? Amelia x Hi there, Amelia, It is absolutely possible to do modeling part-time with agency representation. Agencies understand that being a full-time model often isn't realistic for many, especially those in school (high school/college) so it won't count against you if you let them know that you plan on doing it part-time. There are "direct bookings," however it isn't as likely that an agency will want to take on a model who will only accept direct bookings. Even the most professional models with a lot of experience are still required to attend castings--it's a major part of a model's career. Many clients don't offer direct bookings as an option and require meeting with potential models in person in order to consider them for work. It i...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I have question i washoping you could answer. I read somewhere that you have to be from america to be a vs model. Im currently living in canada, but im hoping to move to new york when i turn 18. Is it true that you have to be born there or could you just have a citizenship? Thanks :) Hi there, Anonymous! You don't have to be an American citizen in order to do VS modeling. A very large number of the VS models were born in other countries so you don't have to be concerned on that subject. Because you live in Canada, however, you will need to obtain a work visa that will allow you to model professionally in the New York market, which is where VS scouts out of. I would advise doing your research now to find out how to get a work visa and what the process involves so that by the time you turn 18, you'll hopefully have everything in place so that you'll be free to pursue your goals. Another option I would also highly suggest is trying to...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I was scouted yesterday by Select and I was wondering if they are interested when they would get back to me?  Thanks! Hey Anonymous! Congrats on getting scouted, that's wonderful! :-) It can vary but the fact that you got scouted usually means the response time should be a bit faster. If you haven't already been contacted, it should take between 3-5 days to one week (at most) for them to get in touch and set up the next step, which would be to invite you to an interview at the agency's office. Hopefully you've heard from them by now and have already moved on to that exciting next step!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I'm 14 and 5'7 and three fourths (though I usually say 5'8). I weigh 113 pounds and I don't know if runway would consider me. Would losing weigh accommodate for my lack of height? If there are any suggestions for me I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much. Hi, Anonymous! At your age, many fashion/runway agencies lower the height requirement from 5'8" to 5'7" so the fact that you're currently a little under 5'8" still works in your favor. That means you can definitely submit yourself to agencies that represent runway models, yay! :-) Do NOT lose weight--at 113 pounds you are fine! Wait until you attend open calls and/or submit your photos so you can get feedback from the agencies themselves. You always want to hear what they have to say first so that if there is anything you need to change/work on, you'll have the most accurate information directly from the source. I hope that makes sense? So stay as you ...