Expert: Kitty Kavey - 1/30/2008

Question
Hello, I was wondering if you had to be 5' 10" to model? As well if your not how can you grow taller? Are there certain diets that can be taken? My age is 12 going on 13. I am Canadian and I wish to model. Any information you can give me would be helpful.

Answer
The requirements are a bit different in Canada than in America, but you can certainly contact the agencies closest to you to see what criteria they have for lifestyle models (also called commercial print.)  In the US, there is generally no height requirement for commercial print models, so you may find agencies there that are similar - but each agency may set different criteria for their commercial print division.

You can use ACTRA's list of agencies:
http://www.actra.ca/actra/control/branches?menu_id=1001

and select the branch area closest to you.  Each branch has a list of agencies for that area.  Some of the branches list agencies by type (if it says acting only, then you can assume that they don't represent models) while other branches you'll need to look up the agencies you are interested in online, or contact them to see if they have a lifestyle/commercial print or children's division.

If they do, you'll need to ask what their criteria is for new faces.  For those agencies with a website, quite often that information is online so you won't need to telephone.

If you fit the agency's criteria, then the next thing to ask would be what they need to see from you for consideration.  They may ask for a headshot, a couple of snapshots of you, or a modeling composite card.  You supply that to them, and then if they are interested in your look, they may agree to represent you.

Once represented, your agent will find modeling work opportunities for you.  The way they make their money, is by taking a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of the money you earn through them.  

There are also a few international modeling agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that list Canadian agencies.  The fashion agencies will all have height requirements, so look for agencies that have a lifestyle/commercial print or children's division.

Presumably, since you're still young, you will continue to grow throughout your teens, although there is no specific dietary information I'm aware of that helps you grow taller than you would normally.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty