Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: Hello! Do you think if you were 5'6 or 5'7 and 14 and you submit photos to a High Fashion agency and they like your look they would offer you a meeting despite your height?? ~ Thanks Hey there, Anonymous! The answer is yes and no. Let me explain. :-) Yes, because many fashion agencies do make special exceptions for the height requirement based on age. They recognize that a model who is 13 or 14 but already at a height of 5'6"or 5'7" usually means she is going to be taller as she gets older. That is good news for them. So oftentimes an agency will be interested in a young model who is at a certain height and will offer representation. No, because not all fashion agencies have this exception. There are some that want their models to be the minimum height of 5'8" regardless of age. The good news is you can find out which high fashion agencies have this allowance or not by checking out their official websites. Doing an onlin...

Unknown Wrote: Hi Diana! Can you help me find a good model agency? I'm plus sized, so it's been hard to find a good one near me that accepts me. I live in Killeen, Texas. Thank you! Hi, Unknown! Below are agencies in Texas that either represent plus size models or that don't specify but do represent commercial/print models, which can include plus sizes depending on the agency's preference and interest in your potential as a model: Calllidus Agency http://callidusagency.com/ *Click on the "Submit" link to see how to submit yourself for the Fashion & Runway division. The Clutts Agency http://www.thecluttsagency.com/information.html# DMG Management http://www.dmgmanagement.com/new_site/contact.html The Campbell Agency http://thecampbellagency.com/opencalls The links go straight to the part of the site that tells you how to submit yourself so as long as you follow what each agency says for you to do, you should be golden. Best of luck!

Liz Wrote: Hi Dania! My name is Liz I am an aspiring model with no experience. I have always been told to go out for modeling (I'm 5'10" and measurements are 34/25/34) but I have always been slightly self-conscious and too afraid of being rejected by agencies. Now I am not self-conscious and I actually want to go for it, but I have one slight problem. I'm from NJ but I will be studying abroad in Hawaii starting in early January until mid May, I have been looking at a few agencies in New York but I am unsure as to if I should try to get signed to an agency here in NY or wait til I go to Hawaii. I have heard the term "Mother agency" but I do not know exactly what that is or how it would work. I could really use your advice, thank you. I tried to post this comment earlier but idk if it went through so I'm trying again, if it did go through then whoops, my bad. Hey, Liz! I screen my comments to weed out spammers so I do receive all comments posted...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I recently responded to a craigslist post about Modeling. They contacted me within a week and scheduled a photoshoot with me! I found out though, that the cost is 995$ and no contract was offered. It sounds scretchy! What are your opinions? Hi, Anonymous! This sounds like the definition of sketchy. I'd say politely decline the offer. Craigslist isn't known to be the most credible resource for finding modeling work, especially in the last few years (I used to use CL a lot for modeling jobs but not anymore). I would suggest turning to other alternatives, such as looking for Facebook modeling groups in your city and/or setting up a free profile on modeling networking sites like Model Mayhem where you can view people's profiles, portfolios and also use their Casting section to find and submit to opportunities. No resource is 100% foolproof or perfect but is by far better than relying on what Craigslist has to offer. Hope that helps!

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, Someone told me I need a "model number". I've never heard of this before. Where would I get one, and what is it? Thank you!!! Hi, Anonymous! I've gotta admit: you've stumped me! I've never heard of a "model number" before but then again, I need more information about what you were told to have a better idea of what they may have meant. Were you at a casting call for a modeling job? Were you at an open call for a modeling agency? Who is the person that told you this? Was it someone from an agency or a friend/family member who randomly mentioned it to you? I'm super curious about this, haha, so I'm hoping you're able to reply back and give me more details so I can see if I have an answer for you or not!

Courtney Wrote: Hey! So I recently became interested in modeling and was wondering if you could give me advice on some things. I am a senior in college about to graduate and I have two tattoos. Do modeling agencies prefer models to not have tattoos? Both of mine are small and could be hidden if need be. Also, I was thinking about going in the direction of a promotional model like a Budweiser girl. I am 5'4 and a size 6 because I have natural curvy hips and a bubble butt. Do you think that is a good route to go? Hey there, Courtney! Tattoos have become more commonplace for models in the industry, although agencies prefer that models not have them. However, yours are small and easily hidden so I doubt an agency would have a problem with that. It is the large, excessive tattoos that most agencies tend to want to avoid. Promotional modeling is a fun field to get into and is open to all heights and sizes so I think it would be a great way to get your foot in the door as far a...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi, I just recently signed with a Donna Baldwin Agency in Colorado and I was wondering where you'd place it in terms of "big" or not.  Thanks. I've been getting into your blog recently for help with my first few jobs and casting calls and it's been a great help:)  Hey, Anonymous! I'm happy to hear that my blog has been of use to you in your modeling career--I'm always thrilled to hear that and congrats as well on getting signed! I'm not as familiar with the Denver market in general for agencies but based on the agency's website and their listing in online searches, it does appear that this particular agency is definitely one of the better ones for that area. The quality of their talent is very impressive and I wouldn't be surprised if they had a strong clientele base for CO. Colorado by comparison to other "large markets" wouldn't be considered "big" as an agent in a place like Los Angeles,...

Anonymous Wrote: Hello, I am interested in becoming a teen model, but I am 13 and only 5'6". I have no prior experience in modelling at all, do you think that will lower my chances of getting into an agency? Also, I am self conscious about my wide face and broad shoulders--I haven't seen any models with that body structure--do you think I still have a chance to become a model? Hi, Anonymous! Teen modeling doesn't have strict height requirements like fashion and runway does so that usually isn't a major factor for most agencies. Previous experience also isn't mandatory to be considered for agency representation. Teen and print models come in all shapes and sizes. Don't focus so much on whether or not your "look" would be good for modeling or not. Instead, focus on getting definite answers about your potential for modeling by researching the websites of local agencies in your city/state, finding out what the submission requirements are and...