Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/19/2009

Question
How is one noticed for modeling if they live outside the greater metro area of Los Angeles,CA?  It seems that you would need lots of money for traveling to and from the metro areas just to obtain a chance to be noticed or selected for a modeling job.

Answer
Yes, in essence that's true.  There are quite a number of (commercial print# models and actors who work in Los Angeles, but live outside of the metro area.

However, models are more often directly booked than actors are.  So there is a chance that you can work something out with your agent or manager that you are unavailable for general open calls or go-sees, but can commute for work.

How far you are from LA is also a factor as far as commuting costs go.  There are people who have gotten quite creative with ride sharing, or have a friend in LA with a spare room or couch.  Or they live part time in Los Angeles, #such as when schools are off for the summer, or during pilot season) and part time somewhere else.

If you're referring to fashion modeling, often the models are sent to other locations/countries to work, so even if you had a home in LA, there might be whole seasons where you don't get to see it.  In that case though, you'd be earning enough money to be able to commute.  

To get to that point, you could try the agents in LA, New York or even Miami.  They are used to getting out-of area queries from new faces, and sometimes can help with shared housing in the model's new home base.  If you are signed to a well-known and reputable agency, you have already been "noticed."  Your agent doesn't earn money until you do, so it's in their best interests to get you working as soon as possible, and they wouldn't sign you if they don't think they can get you work.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty