I’m just looking for some guidance. I have big dreams and goals. I’m only 15 but I been modeling since fourth grade. Living in virginia and having a dream like this is super hard because as everyone know virginia isn’t a fashion capitol. My luck hasn’t been too good. Only things I keep running into is modeling schools that charge a arm and a leg for everything and then I end up getting nothing out of the deal. I’m only 5’3 and my niche is runway but everytime I google about petite model I see they can’t do runway only priny films commercials. Could you please give a little guidance? Thanks,have a good day.
Avoid modelling schools, they charge extortionate fees with no guarantee of your being signed by an agency. Most agencies won`t consider model school trained applicants. You are better off applying direct to the agencies. If accepted they will train you for free.
You cannot be a runway/fashion model at 5’3. You`ll have to re-think what modelling you would like to try.
Runway & fashion have measurement criteria. Adult females 34″-24″-34″ & height 5’8-5’11” (within an inch is acceptable). Other modelling categories don’t have measurement criteria – proved by 1000s of successful female models between 4’11 – 5’8. If you`re under the runway required height, don`t apply to a runway agency – they use the same models for their commercial & editorial divisions.
Modelling categories are : 1) (All ages) Fitness, Runway, Catalogue, Fashion, Print, Magazine, Advertising, Character, Commercial, Editorial, Parts Modelling, Hair, Photographic, Syndication. 2) (All ages but restrictions apply to under 18s) Swimwear, Lingerie, Underwear. 3) (Over 18s only) Promotional, Plus Size, Alternative, Topless, Glamour nude, Playboy Nude, Concealed Nude, Implied Nude, Art Nude, UK Magazine, US magazine, Continental, Hardcore, Fetish
Select the style of modelling you wish to try then search for ‘Type’ Model Agencies ‘area’ eg Editorial Model Agencies in London. Apply at open calls (details on websites), by email to agency offices, or by online website application forms with the standard required images 1) Head & shoulders front facing 2) Head & shoulders side profile. No make -up, hair off the face. 3) Full length front facing 4) Full length side profile – top of the head & the feet in view. Wear either a swimsuit or bikini, or plain coloured fitted vest top with skinny jeans & heeled shoes. Any photo-images other than these are rejected.
Under 18s need written parental permission to model & adult chaperones to all photoshoots, agency interviews & casting calls. Parents must ensure work is within government guidelines with regard to hours, pay etc. If applicable a youth work permit will be needed. By law, only parents can make model agency applications on behalf of anyone under the age of 18.
You can freelance for paid work on model networking sites such as Model Mayhem / Purestorm / OneModelPlace. All modelling is paid pro rata. Hourly rates are comparatively high but there is no guarantee of ongoing work. Keep up with your messages, be professional, & keep your own paperwork in order for tax purposes if applicable. Check site T&Cs as there are lower age limits to join. As a site guest you can view the information & use the search facilities for agencies & photographers.
If you have a portfolio, include images in your chosen genres. Professional un-edited & clear amateur shots are acceptable. Include images from several photographers -you will need their permission as they own the copyrights. Some photographers work TFP/TFCD i.e neither model & photographer are paid but both get to use the images in their portfolios. Some photographers charge for their work-ensure the price they quote is all inclusive. Do not use portfolio studios – most are considered scams by the industry. For further portfolio information use this link http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…
3 out of 4 agencies are scams. The quickest, but not exclusive, check is to google ‘name of agency scam’. Be aware that where there are negative reviews scam agencies often write bogus positive reviews. For further information on how to avoid the scams : http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind… (both replies are relevant)
Genuine agencies receive 1000s of applications direct to their offices & have no need to scout in malls or at model conventions. These ‘scouts’ are selling agents for modelling schools or portfolio studios.
Genuine agencies DO NOT advertise on the internet by using Facebook, FaceParty, Google Ads, YahooAds, Gumtree or any other classified ads websites. To make this clear, when making an internet search relating to modelling ALL the modelling adverts on the right of the screen & in the pink or blue shaded areas are ALL scams.
Modelling is visual advertising of a product or commodity, either for fashion in the runway, catalogue & fashion catagories, products in commercial, promotional & editorial modelling, or fantasy in the glamour & photographic categories. Acceptance into the industry is not only based on physical features. Agents look for a model`s ability to make a product marketable via the camera & the resultant image. Agencies reject 98% of applications.