Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/14/2010

Question
when you want to become an model what does it takes to become one and im a sophomore in high school and i was wondering was anybody available for me to interview them about this career. it would be very helpful thank you

Answer
For most types of models, the main requirement is that one must be photogenic.  Fashion models and fit models must fall within agency criteria for height, sizes and age, and sizes, respectively.

Depending again on the type of modeling one was interested in doing, it may be that travel and living in a large market (such as NYC or Paris) is required.  For spokesmodels, promotional models and similar, being well-spoken and fluent in the local language (or bilingual) would be important.

Many commercial print models are represented by talent agencies and do acting as well - so it might be more advantageous in that situation to learn acting.  You can contact fashion and commercial print or promotional agencies closest to your area to see if you can interview someone who works in your region.  There are agency directories available in your local library, bookstore, online and on newsstands in the larger markets.

Since different states have different laws concerning modeling and talent agencies, and of course countries differ - the requirements for models in each location may be different.  But generally across the globe being photogenic would be the single most important thing.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty