Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Unknown Wrote: Hi, thank you so much for your advice. When you said if you have reddish stretch marks I was really nervous but when I read all of it I was relaxed. But if you have a scar on your lower back would you be able to enter the fashion business? Hey, Unknown! Glad my post about stretch marks helped you out! I don't know what your scar looks like so I can't say whether or not it would be an issue for you. That mainly depends on the following factors: - Size of the scar - Color of the scar (if it's faded and not really noticeable unless you were up close, that would be fine) - If the scar is flat on your skin or if it is raised - If it can be easily covered with body makeup Photoshop is great for airbrushing scars and other blemishes (and body makeup is often used as well) so I doubt your scar will be a problem but it shouldn't stop you from submitting to agencies. After all, the only way to know for sure if you'll have any issues is to ge...

Casey Wrote: what if you have gauged ears that are 00g? Hey, Casey! Unfortunately, having gauged ears are going to be a hindrance if you want to pursue mainstream modeling categories like commercial/print, fashion, runway, etc. Agencies can't successfully market models with what they consider "body modifications." Even a 00g sized gauge is pretty obvious when you take them out and it would limit the types of modeling you could do in the mainstream, such as jewelry modeling and I doubt many retouchers would want to spend the extra time (and money) to fix their appearance after the fact. However, alternative modeling is one category that embraces body modifications of all kinds, including gauges so that might be something you want to consider if you do want to pursue modeling but don't want to have to choose.

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, this blog is so helpful... I appreciate all the help you've given!. I was reading through reader question #845 and I actually recently submitted photos to both IPM Model management and MSA New York for the curve division. I received an email from IPM telling me to give them a call. I called and was told they love my look and was asked to send more photos which I did. I also got an email from MSA requesting more photos as well. How long should I wait before sending a follow up email or just assuming that it's a no for right now? I know its a waiting game and all about patience but I've wanted it for so long and just very anxious :). Thanks for the help!  Hi, Anonymous! Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it! Sadly, it is a waiting game and follow ups are typically discouraged. But in this case, since both agencies have already reached out to you with their initial interest, I say it is okay to send an email to inquire whethe...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm 27 years old 5'9" 123lbs. I've always been told that I should be a model. I still get asked if I'm a model and that I should consider doing it. I'm African-american and Korean mixed so I do have unique features. I am often mistaken for still being a teen (sometimes as young as 14) because I have doll-like features even though I'm in my late 20's. I never really saw myself as pretty or a model, I'm a bit of a tomboy and for a long time I'm just recently overcoming low confidence, but after being told for years how I need to get into modeling I started developing an interest in it. Do you think its worth pursuing at this age? In your post 'How Old Is Too Old To Model' you say that commercial/print is the best route but what if you're like me and you have more of a high fashion look and not the normal conventional beauty? Also where do I begin if I don't live near any of the big cities like NY or L...

Unknown Wrote (in response to the blog post: http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2008/02/modeling-and-gasp-that-time-of-month.html ): What about implied nudity on the runway?? Hey, Unknown! When it comes to implied nudity on the runway and the occurrence of PMS, I doubt there will be too much to worry about because 99% of the time, models are required to wear underwear so if your concern if about your period causing issues, it shouldn't be that major. I say 99% instead of 100% because there always seems to be that pesky 1% that are extreme exceptions to the rule so I prefer to "never say never", haha. In those instances, tampons will take care of any possible problems. However, it is a good idea to make the designer aware if you know that you will be on your period by the time the show comes around. I'm pretty sure they'll either change the outfit you have or will take whatever necessary precautions are needed to remedy the situation. A majority of fashi...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, Dania! Thanks for the wonderful blog :) I was wondering how aspiring models find out if they have the potential to make it in the industry, except for being told by friends and family (who aren't professionals). Other than having the correct height, weight, and bone structure, how do they know if they have the right facial "look"? I ask because I was discouraged when I appeared at an agency in Chicago (where I live) and didn't get any face time with an agent - a receptionist simply snapped a couple of photos and told me I'd get a callback if I fit their needs (I didn't). I called them the next day and asked for some feedback - they said they weren't willing to supply that. There's only two other well-known, legit agencies here that I know of and I'm nervous to go. So, here are my questions: How does one find out if they are fit for modeling, if not through an agent at an open call? Does getting turned down at one agency m...