Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Sam Wrote: I was wondering if you believed Explore Talent.com was a legitamite site or if it is a scam?  Thank you! Hey there, Sam! Okay, so here are my thoughts about sites like Explore Talent...I wouldn't call them scams because they are pretty upfront about what they are and do. However, I don't believe they are as effective or worth a person's time compared to trying to sign to a model/talent agency directly. Explore Talent is a casting website, which is a huge database filled with a gazillion profiles of models and actors and ET's goal is to "match" talent up with casting directors, agencies, clients, etc, etc. BUT what makes me not encourage people to utilize these kinds of resources is the fact that they are extremely broad in the opportunities they offer. How so? Think about it: it's all about location. Modeling and talent agencies will only actively consider people who are within a 2 hour's drive from where the agency office...

Olivia Wrote: Hello, my name is olivia and I just got 'signed' with a mother agency..the reason there are air quotes around signed is because I never signed anything..I think this is sketchy, but am I wrong? Also the owner is knowingly lying about my measurements, and they're not an inch off theyre about 5. Also her name is Sparkle and she says we'll never meet. I just want to know what I should do, personally I want out of this situation. Help! Olivia Hi, Olivia, Whoa, that sounds all bad and definitely not a situation you want to find yourself in. The fact that you didn't sign anything is certainly in your favor and to be honest, since nothing was signed, I don't see why you can't just walk away and not look back. Has "Sparkle" (I couldn't help but chuckle when I read that part, sorry, lol) contacted you since you "signed" with her in regards to modeling assignments or anything similar? If so, what has the communication ...

Beatriz Wrote: Hi! I'm 17 and 5'1. I'm an aspiring model and I was wondering what type of modeling I fit into? I am also economically unstable are there any economic friendly agencies available and I'm from California, San Diego Hey there, Beatriz! Because of your height, you'll be limited to commercial/print. Depending on how soon you turn 18, you may also be able to still qualify for teen modeling depending on what divisions the agencies in your area offer and what their set age ranges for teen models is. As far as the money situation goes, agencies work with people from all economic backgrounds. As long as they are a legitimate and reputable agency, they'll work with you to put together the materials you'll need for them to begin marketing you to potential clients. However, at some point there will be things to pay for so it is important to only pursue modeling with an agency if you know that you'll be able to have the finances available w...

Keni Wilson Wrote: Hi, Dania! I am 18 and am looking to pursue a career in modeling. Recently I've lost 18 pounds by committing to a vegan diet and a good workout plan. I was measuring at 40-34-43 and am currently measuring at 37-32-39. I am also 5"11. I am committed to being a model but I have no idea where to start. I currently live in Clearwater, FL. I want to reach out to agencies when I lose a little more weight but I don't know where to start. I don't know how to determine if an agency is a scam or if they are the real deal. Can you help? Hi, Keni! Congrats on the progress you're making with the weight loss and leading a healthier lifestyle, that's amazing! To save you the trouble and anxiety of finding agencies to submit to, below is a list of the names and websites of agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. Based on what I could tell, these agencies appear to be legitimate but you won't know for sure until you submit and...

Tatianna Wrote: Hi so i'm currently 22 years old & i want to pursue high fashion modeling but i'll be 23 soon ! do you think agencies will accept me ? Hi Tatianna, It depends on where you're located. If you're in a small to medium market, those agencies usually have more flexibility with the age ranges. The big markets like Los Angeles, New York and Miami tend to be a lot stricter when it comes to age and female fashion models. Many fashion agencies in big markets set the maximum age at 21, a few have upped the bar to 22. If you're 22 at the time you submit to an agency and they're interested in signing you, I don't think you turning 23 will be a huge deal, especially if they feel they can get you work. So I would say if there are agencies you meet the requirements for and are at their max age (if it's set at 22), then submit. You have nothing to lose by submitting to agencies, even if you think it may be a long shot due to your age. The ...