Expert: Kitty Kavey - 11/30/2009

Question
Kitty,
Hi, I am thinking about pursuing a modeling career and wonder if I am too old or too short for it to be a viable option.  I am 5'4" tall and 44 years old.  I do spend four or five days a week at the gym and I always receive compliments on my figure and how much younger I look.  One of the hobbies that my husband and I have is photography, and I've probably posed for 200 photo shoots.  I receive a great deal of compliments on my photos and I'm told I pose and look like a professional model. I've been reading about modeling agencies that want models who are older, to pursue the over 35 market.  What do you think?  I can send a photo of two if that would help.

Thanks in advance for your advice,

Christine  

Answer
It depends on where you're located, but if you're in or near one of the larger markets such as New York, Miami, LA or even Dallas or Chicago, there's a good chance there are commercial print agencies for you to submit your information to.

Commercial print agencies for the most part don't have height or age requirements, and can be found as single agencies, or as a division within a talent agency.  There are books written about commercial print modeling that often contain agency listings, or you can use one of the modeling agency directories that list agencies other than just fashion.

Many agencies nowadays also have websites that detail submission instructions for new faces, as well as give some idea of the work available in that area.  It already sounds as if you are photogenic, which is the only absolute requirement for commercial print (also called lifestyle) modeling.

With your husband, you also have a photographer available should your local agencies want to see a modeling composite card for consideration.  If you are interested in a particular agency, you can ask them for a sample of composite cards they really like, and often they will give you a pile to refer to.  And if you decide you want to try acting or voiceover as well, since quite a few commercial print agencies are a part of a talent agency, it can be easier to start in one division and cross over to another if you decide that's also something you want to pursue.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty