Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Meagan Wrote: Hi Dania! I am 15 and roughly 34-27-36. I would like to pursue high fashion, but I'm moving to Florida, so I will have to look for a modeling agency there. Do you think I would have a chance? If not, what else could I pursue? Thank you! Meagan Also Wrote: Hi! I am new to modeling (at least I would like to start!) and I am 15 and 34-27-34. I would like to pursue high fashion (I can do exercises to lose waist sizes), but I don't know where to start! Do you think I would have a chance? If not, is there something else I could pursue? Thanks! Hey there, Meagan! I don't know your height so although you said you want to pursue high fashion, without knowing how tall you are, I can't say for sure whether or not that is a category you should pursue when you get to Florida. However, given your measurements, you will want to get your waist down to at least 25", which is the max that high fashion agencies will allow (24" is the ideal). You'l...

Ellie Wrote: Hi Dania, I've never done any modeling but have been told I'm highly photogenic. I'm a 5'4, 23 year old Caucasian, brunette. Measurements were 36/23/36, but as I am currently 6mo. pregnant, I hope my waist dimensions don't matter anymore! I am "clean cut" no tattoos, and have super curly waist length hair. I'm having a hard time finding options to even apply for, as most of the maternity I've seen requires travel. I live in a corner of the LA basin and regularly drive through Simi, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and California city. Any help would be appreciated!  Ellie Hi Ellie, Congrats on your bundle of joy! Needless to say, agencies would understand that your measurements aren't going to be the same, lol. Have you submitted to Expecting Models? They have locations in New York and on the West Coast. Their West Coast office is located in Woodland Hills and should be the perfect match for you. Here is a link ...

Jennifer Silva Wrote: Hi, I just wanted to tell you this is my first time on your blog and it really did help me in a way. the thing is I live in a small town and well, I'm actually 5.5 and I'm 15. what can I do to start my modeling career? I just want to start out small so later on I can go into the city and go a step higher. I am very slim but still fit I work out as much as I can, I was just hoping if u could give me any advise, to start out here in my small town?? Hi there, Jennifer! Glad to have you a new blog reader! If you live in a small town then you'll need to find modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live to submit to. You have to be accessible to agencies, otherwise, your options are going to be very limited. At your age and height you will want to look for agencies that represent teen models and/or commercial/print models. Check out the agency websites to see what methods of submission they offer and make sure to only give th...

Alyson A. Wrote: Hi, Thanks for posting up so much information. I have to admit that I am feeling a bit discouraged... you only mentioned those with heights of 5'5" or higher. Does that mean those of us that are shorter have no hope?  I actually feel like I have height and age against me. I'm 28, but I look younger, most people tend to go very round in the eyes when they find out.  I've always been interested in modeling, but being 5'1" and 28, should I give it up? Hi, Alyson A., Being shorter than 5'5" can be discouraging but print modeling is always more flexible and accepting of those outside of the standards, compared to the other categories of modeling. That being said, your age and height would still open you up to look into agencies that represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models. Many print agencies have models on their roster that are shorter than 5'5". That shows that they make exceptions to the rule. You shou...

Anonymous Wrote: Thanks for the article! What are your thought on a freelance photographer offering a percentage of the sale of their photos - what percentage is reasonable?  Many thanks! Hi there, Anonymous! I don't know if you're a photographer or a model asking the question but that type of payment arrangement would only be beneficial to a model if the photos were being used for publication (namely stock photography) and/or sale of a product or item (i.e. calendar, posters, promo material). Regular modeling images from a shoot usually aren't going to generate high profits for the photographer (if they're only using it for their portfolio then clearly no money is going to be made), which means not much gets kicked back to the model, either. But if the images are being used for the purpose of selling/licensing the rights to third parties to use the photos, then a model could see some income from that type of arrangement. So the details of the way the imag...

Kira Wrote: Hey Dania, I am 19 and curvy. I have a hourglass shaped body which is proportional, but curvy. I am interested in Plus Sized modeling. I'm a size 14, but I am 5'5. Do you think that is too short for modeling in the field I am interested in? -Kira Hey, Kira! Plus size models (aside from their size, obviously) are pretty much required to meet the same standards as fashion/runway models--especially height. That being said, you wouldn't fit the requirements for height to pursue plus size modeling. However, you are the ideal height for commercial/print modeling. Print modeling is very flexible when it comes to size and height so even though you are plus size, the fact that you are proportional and healthy in appearance is what will work in your favor for print modeling. I recommend looking online for agencies that represent commercial/print models, submitting your snapshots and seeing what kind of response you get. Hope that helps!

Lucy Wrote: Hello, Dania I got signed with an agency a short time ago and as I was re-reading the contract, I noticed some things I initially didn't. What is bothering me is the part stating something along the lines of "the mother agency is allowed to sign contracts in the name of the model." Is this common or should I be worried? (I don't want others signing stuff for me without my consent or knowledge as to the particular contracts) I haven't found any information about this on the Internet. Also, it's stated that they are allowed to use my name, photos, voice (which is ok, but also...) and something like "CV information" in the media. Any idea why it is even there? I am a little worried, because "CV information" includes my address and contact information. Otherwise they seem like a solid agency, judging from the fact that they will only expect payment for their initial investments after I earn money via their help. Thank you. ...

Katreena Jones Wrote: Hello, Dania Densie. My name is Katreena. For my portfolio for modeling, can I got to a poritrat place to get my portfolio done ? Or do I have to get my pictures taken by a photographer for my portfolio? This is my first time doing a portfolio and I'm 26. Hi Katreena, Do not go to a portrait place or one of those studios in the mall to put together your modeling portfolio. They do not produce the right quality/types of images needed to be in a portfolio. Are you pursuing freelance modeling or are you trying to find an agency to represent you? Models who want to get represented by an agent do not need a portfolio of professional images in order to be considered so if you want to get an agent, do not worry about this step right now because it isn't mandatory for you. Clear quality, digital snapshots are more than enough for newbies. However, if you want to freelance and find your own work without an agent, then you will need these professional im...

Virginia Wrote: Hi Dania, I know it sounds a bit stupid, but are models allowed to have hair extensions (not the clip ins ones, the ones that last like 5 months and barely damage the hair) ? I have had mines since 3 months and they look really natural but I dont know if its considered as 'cheating' in the modelling industry? I have a modelling contest coming up so I wouldn't want to be excluded from the contest because of my hair, even though I really dont want to remove them! Thanks a lot xx Virginia Hey, Virginia! That's not a stupid question at all. Sew-in weaves/extensions are acceptable but the key is that if you go into a modeling contest or submit to an agency with them, you have to be committed to keeping that look. So if you want to stick with the sew-in, you can but you'll need to make sure to keep it fresh and get them redone as needed. You'll want your look to be consistent, which is important.

Jenny Wrote: Hi Dania, I have never seriously considered modeling since I am very short, but I just wanted to see if there was anything out there for me. I am Chinese-American and I have shoulder-length platinum blonde hair, a nostril piercing, a septum piercing, a medusa piercing, an industrial piercing, small gauged ears, a small heart outline tattoo on my wrist and a crescent moon on my finger. Yeah, it's a lot to take in and imagine. I am also only 5'3. BUT, I am also from the Bay Area in CA where it is not uncommon to see edgy/trendy people around. I've done modeling at my school and have been asked to model runway for student designers despite my many piercings, or rather because I have these. It's probably a long shot, but doesn't hurt to know. And I know that there's more edgy models breaking out into the modeling industry that have visible facial piercings and tattoos. Should I just try submitting to an agency just to test the waters? And if so, w...

Anonymous Wrote: Hello! I'm a 15 year old girl. I was planning on getting a tattoo on the back of my arm, like right above my elbow. It'll be about and inch wide and an inch in height. How much would that effect my chances in modeling? Thanks! Hi, Anonymous! The location of the tattoo is one that is always exposed at some point so it could be a hindrance to an agency wanting to sign you. However, the fact that it won't be very big could work in your favor, especially since that should be easy to cover with body makeup if needed. If your physical look is what an agency wants, then they'll overlook a small tattoo like that but I would suggest submitting to agencies now (if you're ready) and seeing what feedback you get. If an agency wants to sign you, ask them about the tattoo and see what they say. Ultimately, hearing from the agencies about the matter is going to determine whether or not the tattoo you want to get will effect your chances. But in general...

Ryanne Valdez Wrote (in reference to the Modeling 101 blog post, "Tips for Finding Modeling Jobs on Craigslist" ): what about the ones that ask for 18+ and photo shoots are for non nude and nude photos ?  Hi Ryanne! If a CL poster says the nature of the shoot is 18+, then they can ask for photos that may or may not be nude. BUT if you do not want to do nude work or even anything remotely close to that, then this is the kind of post you may just want to skip. Sometimes they'll say "non nude and nude," with the hopes that people will submit because they offer modeling opportunities that don't require nudity but then usually they'll end up trying to pressure you to submit to the nude jobs. If you're not comfortable with that, then just pass on those kinds of posts altogether.