Expert: Laura Interval - 8/30/2008

Question
Hey there I'm 16 going into my first year of college and very interested and keen to model its all I've wanted to do the past three years and i am rather interested in acting too. Ive read that you have been traveling the world and i would like that very much too. Anyways moving on please may you give me some advice on modeling and acting because i don't know where to start i live on this island between France and England i am half Spanish lived in Spain ( Barcelona ) and England ( near Manchester ). Should i start to look for a modeling job when I'm in university? I don't know please help. I know i have the confidence and i love traveling. I think i know I've got what it takes.

Answer
Hi Carlos
Glad you came here to ask!  I think it's a great idea to start to learn about modeling and acting while you're in university.  You're still really young.  You've got plenty of time.  
I began modeling in my second year of university... just when I had time.  (mostly in the summers) Then, I was ready to go full time after college.  
London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich... all the bigger cities have great resources for modeling and acting.  I'm not sure where you are exactly... but, I would start with trying to find agencies near you.  Look online... or in the phone book... see if there are "talent" or "modeling agents" that you can contact.  They should be able to guide you more on the road that would be specifically good for you.  But, beware.  You shouldn't have to pay any large fees upfront... or to be on a website.  Agents make money when you do.  They take a commission from your paycheck.  Anything else is a scam.
Get into an acting class!  Start putting yourself out there.  Every time you perform, it's experience.  You need to begin to develop your craft as a performer.  It will help your modeling skills as well.
If you don't have agents near you, don't worry.  Just begin to get all the performing experience you can.  And then, maybe during breaks from school, you can get to a bigger city?  
My big advice to you ... finish university first.  Modeling and acting will be there waiting for you when you are done.  The men's market is much broader for men in their mid 20s and older.  So, learn as much as you can while you're in school... try to work on your breaks and just when you have time....
and then, you'll know if it is really a business that is right for you!
Hope this helps.
Feel free to contact me again if you have any specific questions (regarding agents, the business...etc...)
All the best,
Laura I.