Expert: Kitty Kavey - 11/13/2003

Question
I am 21 yrs. old and I would like to get into fashion modeling.  Right now I'm spending the time working out and getting back into the shape that I was in high school.  Seeing that you said you've been a model since you were 9, what stands out in becoming a model?  How do I avoid the scams that are out there?  What are the requirements?  Also, how do I find a good agent?  I would love to make modeling a career and I'm serious about this.  So please help me out. . .Thanks!

-Christof
(C.T. for short)

Answer
I think that it is easier to succeed (and you are less likely to succumb to a scam) if you are educated and knowledgeable about the industry before you try and get into it.  
There are general rules you can follow:
Never get involved with an agency that wants to make money off of you in ways other than getting you work, i.e., they try to sell you photos, have you take classes, or suggest an expensive webpage/website.

I suggest using a list like this one:
http://models.com/model_culture/top10agencies/top10men_agencies_nyc/nyc_top10-6....

It changes from time to time, and lists the top ten male modeling agencies.  You don't need to be a member of that site to view the list, just to get the agency contact information, which can be found for free on the Internet, or in one of the modeling agency directories (available in your local library or bookstore).  

If you aren't in the NYC area to attend an open call, you can mail most agencies your information; two snapshots--a face shot and a full body shot, along with a cover letter that includes your stats and contact information.  There are many modeling books that can suggest good cover letters, show you examples of snapshots, and many of them also contain a modeling agency directory.  

If an agency does not have a website that tells you about their submission process, you can call them to inquire about their height/age/size criteria for new models.  I looked briefly at the top ten list.  #10, Next Models has a crappy website (in my opinion), and I found it difficult to find their criteria. (www.nextmodels.com).
Q Model Model Management, #9 on the list was easy to locate on the Net. (www.qmodels.com) Their company takes submissions via email--which may make it even more convenient for you--and lists their minimum height for male models as 5'10, which is shorter than some of the others.  
#8 on the list, Request Model Management, is new to that list, and is harder to find on the Net. (www.requestmodels.com) They have a minimum height of 5'11, and list their open call time.  You should call them to confirm that you can mail in your information, although that should not be a problem.  

Anyhow, you can go through the rest of the list, make sure you are at least as tall as their minimum height requirement, and get someone to take two clear snapshots of you. Mail out your information, and see who ccontacts you.  
If you get no response from the top agencies, you can go through one of the modeling agency directories to locate other agencies.  I would avoid going to "model searches" or seminars, as many of them charge huge fees for information/classes and/or to meet the same agents you can mail your information to for free (other than the cost of postage, of course).  

Once you get an agent, just be as professional as you can be--and that alone can make you more marketable than the next guy.  Being reliable, on time and polite are qualities that stand out at times in this industry, and can take you farther than just being photogenic.
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty