AboutKitty Kavey Expertise I can answer questions from those looking to get into the fashion or commercial modeling industry. Specifically, the requirements, what is needed, how to find an agent, what they look for, how to avoid scams, the difference between what a commercial model does, and a fashion model, would travel/relocation be required, what is on a comp card and in your portfolio.
Experience Both my acting and modeling resume/portfolio is available online on my website. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and also have available my actor's demo reel and voice-over demo online. I founded both the Florida-Models.com and Florida-Actors.com websites, which provide free modeling and acting info to the public. I have moved into directing, producing and screenwriting - and have won awards for my writing. I have worked in the industry as both a model and actress in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles until October 2007. I now reside in Europe.
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.
