Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Maranda Wrote: Should you list jobs that you don't get paid for on your resume? Hi, Maranda! The answer to your question is yes! Paid or not, modeling assignments, shoots, fashion shows, etc. all count as work experience and should be listed on your resume. And you don't have to specify which ones were paid and which weren't. For the purposes of the resume, that doesn't matter at all. Hope that helps!

Steve Wrote: Hello Dania: After reading your post, I see that I am missing lifestyle and family man shots in my portfolio. So could a father-daughter shoot serve both these categories? When I visit the Bay area in April, if there is a TFP photographer who can shoot me in these categories aside from the beach shots we discussed, can you connect us? Since I look younger with my beard now trimmed short, do you think my agent is less likely to cast me in roles targeted to the over 50 audiences? Thank you, Steve Norwood Hi there, Steve! Having a father-daughter type of shoot would certain qualify for lifestyle and family man shots for your portfolio. There are modeling groups on Facebook that are great resources for networking and posting travel notifications for those that are location-based for its members. It couldn't hurt to reach out to those groups and ask to join or to post your availability and interest in doing trade shoots with local photographers in the Bay Area...

Steve Wrote: Hi Dania, When I did a google search for talent agencies in Arizona, then one for casting agencies, the list of companies displayed was essentially the same. The distinction can be a little vague for the newbie. From a model/actor who is serious about the business, after recently signing a contract with a talent agency, my agent referred me to a couple of different casting agencies. I feel like with my lack of experience, do you agree talent agency is more likely to find me work? For aspiring models and have to have to work in other fields to support themselves for a couple of years while establishing themselves in the industry, and thus have a limited amount of time to read all the casting agency listings, is their time better spent with the talent agency doing the leg work? Btw, please see my related comments for your blog, "The difference between casting agencies and Talent/Modeling agencies". Thank you, Steve Norwood Hey, Steve! Because talent a...

Steve Wrote: Hi Dania, If an aspiring model is lucky enough to find a talent agency to sign them, this seems like a great career booster, the best place to start? I'm wondering if a newbie who has no headshots or related background such as Pageantry, can reasonably expect success with a casting agency. Before spending money on casting agency fees, is it more financially sound for the model to to begin establishing social contacts and obtaining a few headshots first? Btw, see please see my related comments on "Tips for finding a good casting agency". Thanks for your New Years commitment to keep your blog alive! You are the only trained model in the U.S. of A who is offering free advice! Thank you from all of us Dania!!!! Thank you, Steve Norwood Hi there, Steve! Thanks for the kind words of support and being a fan of my blog, I appreciate you and the questions you ask for the benefit of yourself and others in your position! Starting with a traditional model...

Anonymous Wrote: What does Video Buyout re-up: +10% per year per spot (+20%) mean? Hey, Anonymous! Because the term "re-up" is mentioned, the rate listed is only applicable if the client chooses to renew the spot you're in and run it again in the future. So if they decide to run it again for, let's say 1 additional year and 1 spot airs within that time and if the original video buyout rate was (for example) $500, the numbers would break down something like this: Original video buyout rate: $500 + 10% (1 year with 1 spot aired) = $550 + 20% = $660 Depending on what the original video buyout rate is, that could add up to some really good residual income for work you only had to do once. Of course if they never air the spot(s) again, then you wouldn't be paid the rate above but even if they only air 1 spot for 1 year that means you'll get a decent check coming your way. :-)

Anonymous Wrote: Hi,  I love your blog I was wondering if in the modelling indistry you can change or shorten your name when the agency asks for your name when applying. For example can I change my name from Lucinda to Lucy as it is what people call me. Or is it better to use your full name then see if the agency suggests shortening it?  Hi, Anonymous! Thanks for being a reader of my blog! When you are applying for agency representation and are filling out the forms you need to use your legal name for legal purposes. Sometimes the forms have a field where you can list any nicknames or other aliases you use so that's where you'd put that information. Or if there is a comment box you can mention that you go by Lucy and are open to using it as your "Model Alias" instead of Lucinda. Once you get an offer for representation and move forward with signing the contract that's when you can discuss your name further with the agency and see what feedback they ...

Steve Wrote: Dania, Commercial/print is a dominant type of work I will be doing in the future. When my talent agent says 90% of their work is acting, but talk about doing a lot of commercial/print work, are these primarily modeling or acting jobs? Steve Norwood Hi there, Steve! When they specifically reference "commercial/print work" they are referring to modeling jobs. In most cases if they are talking about acting work, they'll make sure to use the word "acting." Sometimes the word "theatrical" will be used in reference to acting work. Although it may imply "theater" as in stage-plays, in the entertainment industry "theatrical" is commonly associated with acting work in the TV/commercial and film categories. If at any time you are unsure, it's perfectly acceptable to ask your agent for clarification. That's what they are there for. :-)