Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/27/2005

Question
Hello,

I have been desperately trying to be a model for the past three
years and wasted thousands of dollars. I am planning to go to
the photoggrapher yet again to re-make my portfolio.

I am 5'8 or 5'9 for sure somewhere in between and have a very
well proportioned and balanced face. People say I look like
Kristen Kreuk.

I am skinny and lean looking with no curves.

It is just frustrating when things dont work out. Please give me
some advice and tips to break into the modeling industry.

Thank you so much
Kylie

Answer
It really shouldn't cost you anything to become a fashion model.  Your portfolio is supposed to consist of work you have done, not photos you just took with one photographer.  The majority of fashion agencies specifically ask for non-professional snapshots for consideration for representation.  If you have the luck to live in an area where you can visit the agencies during their open calls, you can sometimes get suggestions for what they are looking for.  Of course, if they are only searching for all-American blonde, blue-eyed girls and you're an exotic brunette, you'll have to wait until the trend changes, and the next hot look comes onto the market.  Most agencies will allow you to resubmit after a few months, particularly if your look has changed.  If the top agencies aren't interested, but you fit all the parameters of size, height, age, etc., you should try the boutique agencies.  I love the list of top 10 modeling agencies found here:
http://models.com/model_culture/top10agencies/
but you can certainly use one of the modeling agency directories.  In the end, you may also want to consider commercial print modeling or acting, (like Kristin Kreuk) as neither of those have height/size/age restrictions, and often share the same agency.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty