Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Kitty

I just wanted to write and say thank you for taking time to write back to everyone's questions they have about modeling.  You can really tell that you enjoy advising people and I just wanted to say thank you for all your amazing advise.  I've spent about an hour reading over all your e-mail from everyone and it has been very helpful!!  So thank you very much.....I'm in the middle of changing jobs and have decided to get into commercial modeling...I'm 31 and I think I've passed the hump of fashion modeling....I'm in Ft. Lauderdale Florida and the only hurdle I'm having now is finding an agency to work with me....I went on to Floridamodels.com and I'm going to check out some of the companies you have mentioned from this site.....I'm 5'10, blonde, blue eyes and 135lbs in great shape and its better time then no time to start to follow my modeling dream head on!!!!I really want to write a page in my life that has to do with modeling...i know I'm getting older and i better get moving on this dream, but i have this strange pulling inside me that keeps telling me to go for it!!!! For the last 5+ years I've been wanting and trying to do this, so now that i have the time and energy I'm jumping in head first....thanks again for all your advise from your past comments on this site, i feel like I'm going to make it this time and not give up......

If you have any other words of wisdom please pass it on....


Thanks again for your time and effort you put into this site!!!

Carrie


ANSWER: Look for commercial print modeling agencies in the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area - there are quite a few, and they represent models and talent up into their eighties (and even nineties).  

I had a good time with Famous Faces in Ft. Lauderdale, they've been around for years.  And you may do well with Wilhelmina Miami - I believe they may have a commercial print division and/or a talent division as well as representing fashion models.

You can be listed with multiple agencies in Florida, so take your time and shop around for the agencies that are right for you.  I had several agents there (back in the day) and had a wonderful time.  Although one may not earn as much money as the high-fashion NYC models, one can earn a living there.  

I'm glad to hear you are following your dream, and wish you nothing but success.  It was very kind of you to write such a lovely thank you.
:)
~Kitty



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

QUESTION: Thanks again Kitty....I got right on the phone with Famous Faces and have an appointment with this this week......Thanks again...one other questions..will agencies make you pay for pictures after they want to use you as a model...who will be responsible for getting my professional head shots....will my agent pay for it or will I....

Thanks again Kitty!!!

Have a great week!!!

Carrie

Answer
For commercial print modeling, you will need to get a modeling composite card.  A lot of agencies will let you take a sample composite card if you ask, or they keep a list of area photographers for you to choose from.  You can use your own photographers, just make sure you get to see what each agency likes to see from their models - as each may have different tastes or what they look for from their models.
You are responsible for getting the photos and the printing done for your composite cards.  Same thing with actor's headshots/resumes.
You get to choose the photographer you like, although you may again want to ask for a sample resume to be able to follow the agency's format/preference, as it does vary a bit from agency to agency.

And make a few more appointments, you can be multi-listed, and you really only want to work with the agents/agencies that you connect with and feel good about.  They are all so different from one another over there!

You'll do great, I'm sure, and I'm proud of you for going after your dream.
:)
~Kitty