Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anon Wrote: Hi! My question is, how do you deal with rejection from agencies? I submitted photos about 3 to 4 weeks ago to 15 different agencies. None responded. To be honest, I am surprised by how...heartbroken I feel. I am upset to the point where I am struggling to leave bed and I cry too much. I guess I am having a really tough time not taking it personally. It sounds messed up but it is like, how do I not let it impact how I view myself? As pretentious as it may sound, I genuinely do think I am (physically) beautiful/pretty/attractive/whatever, so I guess I am jusr sitting here thinking, "Wow, I am obviously delusional then and I am just super....bleh looking..."  I guess I took the leap because I have had total strangers come up and ask if I am a model, etc...and because it is something I had a more lowkey interest in doing. I am also 5'7.5, 22 going on 23 soon, and wear a US size 6 if that helps. I am mainly interested commercial and print and catalog, ...

Anonymous Wrote (responding to my blog post, "Location: You Gotta Be Where the Action Is!" ): Hi! Does this concept still apply in this day and age? I got rejected by over ten agencies (sent photos and got no response)...the thing is, all these agencies are also more than a 5 to 10 hr car ride away. Could that have been a factor? (Event though we live in a super connected world) Hi, Anonymous! Despite how long ago that post was written, the situation in regards to location has not changed even though a lot of things about how the modeling industry operates has. The main rule of thumb for submitting to agencies is--and continues to be--to choose those that are no further than a 2 hour's drive away from where you live. The reasons why are stated in the post you commented on so I won't rehash that here but believe me, there is method to the madness. Not being available for last minute castings and jobs because a model can't physically get there on time, i...

Derrione Mobley Wrote: Hello. I would like to get into modeling, but I don't know which specialty right for me. My measurements are 31-25-38 and I wear a 34B. I could do regular print work but I fear my hips are too large for it. I have thought about parts modeling but I think my feet are too large. Which specialty do you think is right for me? I feel discouraged Hi there, Derrione! Don't be discouraged...I think you're over analyzing and picking yourself apart unnecessarily. Instead of trying to box yourself into one specialty category or another, it's important to first look at the various general requirements and then see which one(s) you fall under and go from there. The most important stat you left out of your comment was your height and age. That plays a lot into what category a potential model could pursue. For commercial/print work the good news is that measurements and age are not as strict or almighty as they are in the fashion/runway world. A majori...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi! Love the post...I submitted some photos online to an agency, and an agency responded by telling me to go to an open call. Is this a good sign? Hey there, Anonymous! Getting invited to an open call is definitely a good sign. It means they want to see you in person and learn more about you, gauge your personality and see if what was submitted on paper matches the person in front of them. Open calls are a great way to meet the agency staff and make a strong first impression. So go for it and have fun. Best of luck to you!

Andrea Wrote: Hey Dania  I'm Called Andrea and I want to start modelling and boost my modelling career  I love fashion and culture but for an upcoming model what would be your advice? Hey, Andrea! My first piece of advice would be to know what category of modeling you fit in, as well as if you want an agency to represent you (that would be my recommendation) or seek your own work as a freelance model. Below is a link to a blog post I wrote that breaks down the different types of modeling and beginner tips for where to go from there: Where Do You Start in Modeling? Once you know where you belong in the industry, that narrows down the options dramatically and will give you a better idea of what to do next.

Unknown Wrote: Mam can you plz tell which type of heels are used in runway....plz and also tell the siz of the heels in inches....plz Hi, Unknown! When it comes to runway heels, the style varies from show to show and each designer's preference. So there isn't one specific type of heel. However, the styles range from stilettos to wedges and even boots. The minimum size of the heels are 4 inches and some are as tall as 6 inches. Your run-of-the-mill 4 inch stiletto heel is a good way to start off if you're interested in practicing your fashion walk.

Unknown Wrote: I know that oldies model in Us is 82 years old. I m 42 and used to mofel in Russia. So no chances to pursue my dream to become a model in this country too. Is it too late? Hi, Unknown! Being 42-years-old in the US and wanting to model isn't impossible. Of course, you wouldn't be considered as a runway or high fashion model BUT there is the commercial/print and lifestyle category, which is the ideal one for male and female models that are in their mid to late 20s and older. There are many print and lifestyle models who lead careers well into middle age. So that is the category of modeling you would want to focus on if you wish to do modeling of some kind in the United States. There are also modeling agencies that represent commercial/print and lifestyle models so whether you wanted to do it as a hobby/part-time for fun or on a professional level with an agent to represent you, there are options to explore. You can also check out a video on YouTube I ...