Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/11/2009

Question
Hello :)

I'm only fourteen years old, and a bit on the chunky side, but I have been told I'm quite pretty. I have no idea what it would take to be a model, or why people think I have what it takes, but apparently my mother has gotten two calls from separate agencies in the past week.

The thing is, I have NEVER seen, nor heard, of an underage plus sized model. I'm not a planet or anything, I mean, I'm pretty average weight, but compared to any model I'm very large.

With the culture of todays world, I've found that girls are under constant pressure to be skinny. I haven't the faintest idea of why anyone would want someone of my size.

Should I go for it and attend an audition, or will I just be laughed at for my size? I would also like to know if I would have any control over what is shot- Like, I have extremely nice legs, to the point where I could be a pin-up girl from the waist down. Would that be ignored or would it be a focal point? I'm afraid that me being underage would make modeling short shorts or panties impossible.

Thank you for your time,
Kellie C.

Answer
For plus-size modeling, one needs to be photogenic and meet the minimum height requirement.  Generally, the sizes agencies are looking for in plus-size is 10-20, with a proportionate figure.  

What the minimum age is for the plus size divisions varies from agency to agency.  I recently answered another question for which I looked up the Ford and Wilhelmina agency sites (http://www.fordmodels.com and http://www.wilhelmina.com).  Ford states that their women's division starts at age 14, so perhaps their plus size division is similar.  Wilhelmina has a children's division that stops at age 12, so presumably their plus size and women's divisions start at ages not far above age 12.  You can contact both to find out.

If you fit their criteria (height, age, size# and you're photogenic, you can mail in a couple snapshots for their consideration, attend an open call, or possibly submit online directly to the agency.

Once you are represented by an agency, you do have some control over what types of shoots you choose to accept.  For example, some models won't do underwear/lingerie, some won't do print for alcohol or other products they find objectionable for personal reasons.  

You could discuss with your #fashion) agent the possibility of doing parts modeling with your legs.  If you'd rather do pin-up or glamour-type work, then you would have to wait until you were of age to legally do so.  

Good luck to you,
~Kitty