Expert: Kitty Kavey - 9/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am an aspiring model, however my situation is unusual to mainstream modeling. I am a female who looks like an attractive male.I have always been told that I should model and actually have been interested in doing so for years. I know that my situation is unusual and requires me to deal with an agent who is willing to take the risk in working with me. I do not know where to start because when asked my gender, of course I say female, but I don't look like one. I am confident that I will be successful in the business, its just about finding someone who is willing to think outside of the box.

ANSWER: I'm not sure that your situation is unique, although of course I don't know what you look like.  But, it is not unusual for well-known models to be androgynous.  

I'll give you a few examples, and if it fits your situation, I suggest that you contact the same agencies they use.

Omahyra Mota (http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/Omahyra_Mota) is known for modeling both men's and women's clothing, and her first agency was Boss Models NYC.  There is also a list of other agencies she's with on that page.  Use your favorite search engine to locate the websites of her agencies.

Jenny Shimizu
(http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/Jenny_Shimizu) is also considered an androgynous model, although she is a (butch) lesbian.

There are other examples of both well-known and aspiring models who fit an androgynous look.  (Nudity in the following link)
http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=7257468

Generally they do not have a problem in the fashion world, and judging by the list of agencies who represent the well-known (female) models, they do not have any more difficulty obtaining representation than the more classic looks.

Most agencies nowadays have websites that detail the criteria for new faces.  Assuming you meet the height/age requirement, and are photogenic, I suggest ignoring the measurements requirement if that's appropriate to your situation (bust-waist-hips) and submitting your photos to the agencies who represent models like the two well-known models above.

The worst thing that can happen, is that you submit your photos to agents, and they are not interested.  With most agencies you can wait a few months (perhaps three to six) and usually you are welcome to resubmit.  Sometimes it helps also if you change your look a bit (longer or shorter hair, gain a little muscle, that sort of thing).

Since you usually only need a couple of snapshots to submit to fashion agents, the cost (mailing supplies, postage, photo copies) is fairly low, and if you stick with the list of agencies known to be legit, you should be fine, and hopefully end up represented and working.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty





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

QUESTION: (kind of laughing) I visited their page, however they still look like women. I don't at all. See, they have a somewhat tomboyish look, but can still look feminine. I can't. lol.......I have been keeping an eye on the industry (only in the U.S. though) and I've never seen anyone that will bring it the way I will....Maybe I should send you a picture and you will understand better.

Answer
Certainly if you fit the height requirements and age requirements and are photogenic, the fashion industry is always looking for the next "look."

It's not so much about what you look like, more about do you fit the clothes the client wants to sell.  If you're photogenic, and appear to be a male, there are still plenty of assignments other than perhaps modeling lingerie that would most likely be fine.

If you take two good snapshots, and send them in agencies, or attend an open call, it may be even that you will catch the attention of the agents because you are different.  

You only need one agency to represent you, and there are quite a number of markets to select from, other than NYC - if you feel they won't give you a chance there.

Or try the list of agencies who are known to represent androgynous models - they are at least halfway there by representing models who can portray either female or male.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty