Expert: Kitty Kavey - 1/18/2004

Question
What would be the best way for my 16 year old cousin to get into modeling in the South Florida/Miami area?  I don't want her to get scammed or taken advantage of.  Should she seek an agency or just send out pictures of herself to all local agencies?

Answer
Your cousin would need to send her information to the right type of agencies.  If she fits the height and size requirements for the fashion agencies, she could either send her information (two photos and a cover letter) to the few local fashion agencies in Miami, or up to the agencies in NYC.  If she does not, she would need to send her information to local commercial print agencies.  She might want to contact them first individually to confirm what type of information they want from new models, as some of them may only want to see a professional modeling composite card. There are modeling agency directories that cover both fashion and commercial modeling agencies.  You might want to direct her to http://www.theatercraft.com/AgencyList.php
which has personal comments and agency information, and http://www.Florida-Models.com
which has how-to information, scams, and agency lists.
Best of luck to you both,
~Kitty