Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hi,Dania!Great blog! My questions is the following one:I have read in some places that a model's inseam should be AT LEAST half of her height.And that most models have an inseam of 36 or 37 inches which sounds very long.Is this true?Thank you. Hey, Anonymous! Thanks for being a reader! :-) I haven't heard that before about the inseam but given that they're probably talking about fashion/runway height models, it makes sense, considering that the height range is anywhere from 5'8" - 6'0". Tall models with longer legs would definitely be the ones with longer inseams. If you're not fashion/runway height (aka "under 5'8") then that inseam info wouldn't apply as much and you shouldn't be too worried about it. Even if you are fashion/runway height and for whatever reason your inseam isn't 36 or 37 inches, that doesn't mean you would be automatically ineligible for this type of modeling. Inseam meas...

Anonymous Wrote: Hey there! I'm looking into commercial/print modeling, and I'm 15 years old and around 5'5. My proportions are around 31/25/31. Do you think I would have a chance with a buisness like JCPenney, or Sears, ect.? Thanks!! Hi, Anonymous! Absolutely! At your age, height and stats, you're ideal not just for commercial/print but teen modeling as well. Companies like the ones you mentioned use print models and teen models all the time so you're in luck. However, these kinds of clients go through modeling agencies to hire their models so it's important that you go online and start looking up the websites of agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. When searching for local agencies, be sure to submit to the ones that represent either commercial/print and/or teen models (some have these divisions listed separately while others may lump teen models under the commercial/print division). The websites will state clearly what kinds ...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi!! I am 14 and my proportions are something around 33/23/35. I'm also about 5'5. What category do you think I would fit best in? Hey there, Anonymous! You, my dear, are ideal for teen and commercial/print modeling. Make sure to do an online search for modeling agencies that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live that have either or both of those divisions. Read/follow any specific submission guidelines or instructions listed on their websites and you should be good to go. Word to the wise: you don't need professional images, headshots/comp cards or a portfolio in order to be considered for representation. Digital, non-professional snapshots will be more than enough to get you in the door. Best of luck!

Anjuli Wrote: Hello, I have a 15 year old petite female model just getting started, she has a portfolio, has walked in several local and regional shows. Recently we were contacted by Universal Modal group who says they are a mother agency. They talk the talk but I can not find much info on them. Are they a good choice? Should we even talk to them? We are ready to make the next move but are struggling to find an agent specializing in teen petite models, 5' 4". We are located in Northeastern Connecticut. Hey, Anjuli! My personal and professional opinion is that mother agencies are mostly beneficial for fashion/runway/editorial models because those are the types of work the international markets demand and thrive on. You will be just fine working with a credible local agency moreso than focusing on trying to snag a mother agent. I've never heard of the agency you mentioned and based on an online search, the few things I came across weren't really that impressive...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi,Dania! I am so glad I found your blog! I have a question which bugs me:most agencies say they prefer models between 5'9-6'(I am refering to female models)but I have noticed that pretty much all the models are listed at 5'10,which I have read is the ideal height for a runway/editorial fashion model.So,my questions are:is 5'9 or 5'9.5 too short for runway or editorial modeling and are really all the models 5'10 or the rumor which says that they round up or down their height is true?Thank you! Hi there, Anonymous! I'm glad you found my blog, too. :-D 5'8" is the minimum height requirement for a large majority of agencies so 5'9" will certainly get your foot in the door. It is a common move for agencies to round up models' heights so I doubt that all of them are truly the height listed on the websites. Of course there is no way to know for sure what those models' heights are but as far as your concerns go...