Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/28/2008

Question
my daughter is almost 13 and she is petite. she wants to be a model and is often told that she has what it takes to be a commercial model. now, i thought height didnt matter when it came to that division, but some agencies even have a height requirement for commercials. is her height going to keep her from succeeding? she is 5ft. 2in. she probably will not be tall, iam only 5'4 and her dad is 5'9. also we live in ohio , are there alot of agencies that will represent kids from different states?  By the way, we turned down Barbizon school of modeling because of the bad rep I've read, whats your feelings on those modeling schools? thanks so much!!

Answer
My personal opinion is that modeling school is a waste of money.  (Modeling) schooling is neither required nor necessary to become a model, and most types of models don't use a resume - unlike actors, who do list training on a resume.

For commercial print modeling, much of the US does not have a height requirement, other than some individual agencies that do set minimum heights.  Los Angeles for some reason does have a lot of commercial print agencies who set a minimum height, while places like Miami rarely do.  Although because of your daughter's age, if she's modeling in the teen or children's range, that's usually less of an issue.

For Ohio, you may have to search a larger market that you can get to - perhaps Philadelphia, Chicago or if possible, NYC.  Some agencies do not mind representing models outside of their area - but you may have to prove that you are able (and willing) to get your daughter to go-sees or bookings even if it means a lengthy commute each way with not much notice.

Perhaps one of the modeling agency directories will have a selection of agencies close enough to you so that you won't have to worry about that, though.  You can find agency directories in your local library, bookstore or online, and additionally look up the agencies you are interested in online to find out what their criteria is for new faces, and what they will want to see from your daughter for consideration.

Of course keep doing what you are doing - find out as much information as you can about a particular agency, the laws in the state or states where you're looking (usually the state has a licensing/regulation department that may handle talent/model agencies) and I trust that you and your daughter will find just the right agency for her.

Good luck to you!
~Kitty