Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: What if you're modeling for an artist that's drawing you, instead of a photoshoot? What kind of rates would you charge then? You tend to be holding a pose for much longer than a photoshoot... Hey, Anonymous! Great question. Even though the nature of the work isn't the same, the logistics are so that being said, you can choose from an hourly rate or a flat rate per session. Depending on your experience, how long the session is, etc. you can charge anywhere from $25-50 an hour. Flat rates per session could range from $100-150. You have to remember, most artists are not rich, lol, so their budgets are very limited in many instances. Below is a link to a pdf that lists the rates for the Bay Area Models Guild here in Northern California. This is the current going rate for the art models that get hired by local art studios, independent artists or other similar organizations: http://bayareamodelsguild.org/pdfs/rate_sheet.pdf The rates may seem low ...

Anonymous Wrote: What about lip piercings? i really want snake bites (two lip piercings on the bottom lip) but i also want to be a model because i look up to Edie Campbell so much and i wanna be just like her someday. :) :D  Hi there, Anonymous! Sadly, the kind of piercings you described are not going to fly with a modeling agency. They simply can't market you as a model if you have those piercings in because it will make you too "alternative," which is a look a majority of clients just cannot use. There is alternative modeling, which specifically uses models with piercings and tattoos but those types of models are mostly freelance and find their own work since there aren't very many (if any) legitimate modeling agencies that represent alternative models. So if your goal is to be a mainstream fashion model like Edie Campbell, you'll have to either opt for not getting the snake bite piercings or be willing to take the piercings out each time you go to a...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I've always wanted to try modeling since i was about 13. I am now 19 and about 5'5''and weigh about 109. I have very long legs and have always been told I should try out modeling just don't really know how to get started and is it too late?? Help me out!! thanks :) Hi, Anonymous! At your age and height you are ideal for commercial/print modeling. Because this type of modeling has a very flexible age range it is not too late for you to get started. The best place to begin is with an online search for modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. Look up the websites of the agencies that comes up in the search results and see if they represent commercial/print models. If so, then click through the site to find information about how to submit yourself and make note of the types of photos they ask for (whether they want snapshots or professional images). Follow any given instructions for each of the agencies (remembe...

Ryan Green Wrote: Hi there! I was wondering if you could help me. I've never had the confidence to enter the modeling industry but now something within me is constantly telling me too. However, when I took my measurements I realised I am literally 2cm off 5'11'' whilst bare foot but when wearing shoes or boots I actually go over the 5'11''. Could you please advise me on whether I am still able to enter the fashion model industry? Also, I've had a little concern with some other measurements, I found that my chest size is actually 32 inches and I am concerned with whether that is too small? I am very thin and it is almost impossible for me to gain muscle mass or ''fat''.  Thanks, Ryan :)  Hey Ryan! I think in your situation you should stick to plan A and submit to fashion agencies because if the difference is that slight for being barefoot compared to wearing shoes, then it's likely than an agent may still take interest i...

Anonymous Wrote: i have braces but since september i haven't got any openings but because of my brace i am finding it hard to start my modelling career and do a shoot or anything! is there any way of me getting a shoot or a runway show. ITS SOOO HARD Hi there, Anonymous! I hate to say it, but if you're currently having this much difficulty getting your foot in the door modeling with your braces you may have to wait until the braces are removed before going forward. How long do you have to keep them on? I don't know if you're trying to find an agent or are looking for your own modeling gigs as a freelance model but the braces will be your biggest obstacle. However, you have to keep searching. Only by exhausting all your possibilities can you get a better idea of what options could be out there for you. If you haven't already, you could set up a free profile on Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com), which will let you network with local photographers who may ...

Teresa Jiang Wrote: Hi I'm 15 and I'm considering modelling as a job of my future (not my only job of course!) but lately I've been wanting a belly piercing followed by another two ear piercings, one on either ear (totalling 2 on each ear). But I am hesitant to get these piercings because I'm so worried it will cost me my modelling career (my ultimate goal is VS). So do you think I can get them?  I know Adriana and Alessandra had belly piercings but in late photos I don't see them? Thank you I hope you can answer these two questions Xx P.S. I love this page thank you for sharing all your experiences and giving such good advice :) Hi, Teresa, I'm so glad you're enjoying my blog!!! The type and number of piercings you described would be totally fine and shouldn't hinder any of your goals with modeling, VS or otherwise. Many models have several piercings. Below are my thoughts/guidelines about what would be acceptable in terms of modeling: - N...