Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am sixteen,and i want to be a model, but I am unsure about who to go too or how to start?

ANSWER: Depending on what type of modeling you are looking to get in to, you may need either a couple snapshots (face shot and body shot) or a modeling composite card to submit to modeling agencies.

There are modeling agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that cover fashion and commercial print modeling.  Many agencies now also have websites that detail agency criteria and submission instructions for new faces.

Your local area, or the area where you are considering agency representation may have rules/regulations concerning model/talent agencies.  Florida, California and New York, for example do, while some other places do not license/regulate agencies.  You can check with your state licensing board to see if they license model/talent agents.  If they do, you can check to make sure any agencies you are interested in there are licensed, and if they have any complaints against them.

Otherwise, the general guideline is: a legitimate agency earns its income by taking a commission off of the money you earn working through them - usually 10-20%.  If they are earning money in another way, such as selling modeling classes, photography or printing services, then you may want to look elsewhere for representation.

There is no training or schooling required for modeling agency representation, nor do most types of models use resumes.  There should not be a fee to submit your information to an agent for consideration.  For more information on the type of modeling you are interested in, you can look in your library or bookstore for books that cover the specific types of modeling - and some of those books also contain their own modeling agency directory as well.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

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

QUESTION: What agencies do you recommend

Answer
For fashion modeling agencies I recommend the ones on the Models.com list: http://models.com/agencies/top/

That list is updated from time to time, and you can use your favorite search engine to locate a website and/or contact information for any of the agencies listed there.

For commercial print agencies, I would suggest using the Screen Actors Guild list of franchised agents:
http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

Those agencies marked as being full service generally have a modeling division in addition to representing actors, and they include some of the top agencies.

Again, you can use your favorite search engine to locate the website and/or contact information for any agencies listed there you are interested in.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty