Expert: Kitty Kavey - 11/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi!  I love your name by the way!
Okay my question is, that I have a rather large nose for my face and I think it looks bad.  Some people say, "Deff get it reduced a little before trying to model" while others say "Leave it!  it gives you character and makes you stand out!"  Personally, I have no problem with a little plastic surgery and I basically want to know what is the best decision in this case?  Whatever it takes to myself look better and be more successful I'm willing to do. Should I reduce it just a little, nothing drastic; or leave it as is?

Here's a link to a couple of my pictures.  In most of them I'm not really at my best--they're mostly bored at home pictures where I didn't work on my hair/clothes/appearance, but at least you can have an idea of what my nose looks like.  Well thanks a lot, and I hope to hear from you soon!!!!

ANSWER: There are two things to consider - one, how you feel about it.  

People in general (friends, family) should have no bearing on your decision.  While they may have an opinion one way or another, the decision is yours.  

The other thing to consider and the only other person I would ask for advice in your case, is your agent.  A good agent knows the market, and the clients.  They know whether it might be better for you to keep your character and individuality, or blend in to the "norm".  I should imagine you could work either way.

In the end, the decision is still yours, and it is something you have to live with.  Changing your looks for a job, or the possibility of a job, is not always a wise decision.  There are tales of celebrities who have changed their noses with both bad and good results.  What's important is how you feel about yourself.  

If this is something that affects how you feel about yourself, your confidence, and your ability to project that image, then go for it.  But not just for the job, or because some people suggest it.  I feel that surgery like this should be done for yourself, if that's what you believe will bring you more self-confidence, and help you be comfortable with yourself.

Good luck to you, I know it's not an easy decision.
~Kitty


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You're reply was great so thanks!  I have one more question though which you brought up.  I really don't have an agent, because I'm just studying everything now before I start pursuing it, but don't you already need to look good to get signed by an agent, and doesn't modeling work with agencies (ex. img, ford) and not just a single agent?
Thanks again!!!

Answer
If possible, if you attend an open call at the agencies you are interested in, you may have the opportunity to ask the interviewing agent/booker if they think it would be helpful for you to address the nose issue.

Sometimes they can be helpful to suggest a change in appearance, although generally it's more along the lines of a hairstyle change, or to gain/lose weight, tone up that kind of thing rather than altering your appearance more drastically (such as with surgery.)

I believe many models who work in the fashion industry, obtain representation first and foremost because they fit the agency's criteria, height, size, and age.

Of course there are absolutely models who fit whatever the current ideal is for "beauty," and there are also many models who work full time because they fit the clothes, but are not necessarily described as being gorgeous or fitting the current ideals for "beautiful."

One of the websites you can look at, is http://models.com

While they do have the top models (male and female) be sure to browse the Top Ten Newcomers: http://models.com/oftheminute/index.php?cat=14

Keep in mind that these are the top of the list, and not all of them are what one might describe as a breathtaking beauty.  Certainly, there are many less-famous fashion models who do earn an excellent living without fitting the "perfect" look.

And again, in the end, if all the agents you send your information to would love to represent you but for the nose, then you may want to take that opinion into consideration.  But when you decide if your nose is something you want to change, it is something that should be done only for you.  Unlike a career in fashion, which is rather short, your original nose (or your new nose), will be with you for the rest of your life.

If it's something that makes you unhappy, and you just don't feel confident about it in all parts of your life, change it.  If it's something that hasn't hindered you, and isn't causing you issues personally, then perhaps keeping the nose you have is something to consider.  

You can always resubmit your information to agencies again after a short time, and particularly after your look has changed - it's not a one shot thing where if they don't like your look today, they won't ever consider you again.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty