Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/20/2005

Question
Hi I had a question about modeling. I am a 25 year old female, who hasnt done a whole lot of modeling in my life and I am inexperienced.I have done a few things here and there but for the most part I am new to the industry. How old is too old to start out? I just got my first comp card made I think it turned about pretty good. What im wondering though is if agencies are going to work with me since I am an older model and lack experience. What is something they want to see.  Do they usually think in the back of their minds you cant teach an old dog new tricks? Any advice you could give me would be great.
Thanks!
Tara

Answer
There is no age limit for commercial print modeling, so no one (of good health) is too old to begin.  Resumes are not used by models, so your lack of experience should not be a factor.  Commercial print models are generally booked directly from their comp cards, or asked to come in just to confirm that they do indeed look like their photos. You comp card should already indicate how photogenic you are, whether you have a range of looks, and whether you look comfortable in front of the camera or not.  Agents love to see that you have a believable range of looks (not just that you changed clothes but appear the same in each photo on your comp card).  Since you're not usually doing fashion or beauty work, characters and 'real people' can do well in commercial print modeling.  As far as teaching an old dog new tricks, there are some who would say 'you either have it, or you don't' - you are either photogenic, or you aren't, you are either comfortable and confident, or you aren't.  You can't teach that, although by practicing you can overcome shyness to some extent--it still is something that one might always have to deal with.  So, if you already have the photogenic part covered, leave shyness and any insecurity behind, remember that this is a business so timeliness and professionalism are very important.  Keep that in mind and you'll be ahead of a lot of other people.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty