Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/14/2006

Question
Dear Kitty..

I was wondering if my daughter has what it takes to make it into the modeling carreer. She has wanted to model ever since she was about 6 years old, and every time she tells me that she wants to model, I say 'Why would you want to model? The life is hard and competitive' But I just don't want her to get hurt. Now she is 14 and STILL wants to model. She has also been talking about acting and she has been in a lot of plays. But that is an entirely different topic. Here is her myspace which has pictures of her:: www.myspace.com/imamime_xseriouslyx

Do you think she has what it takes to model? She is about 5'3 and is supposed to grow another 2 inches. I know that is still a LITTLE short to model, but there are models that are shorter than that. She weighs about 90 pounds so she is about average wait. What do you think? Do I keep on telling her not to persue modeling, or do I take her to auditions? I also have absolutely NO idea how to get her started in the carreer. Anyways, thanks!

Answer
If she's interested in fashion modeling, she will have to grow a lot taller, and quickly.  Generally, the minimum height is around 5'8-5'9 for females, and they generally start their careers around age 16-17.  Since there is extensive foreign travel in fashion modeling, a tutor might be a requirement to be able to finish school.

Perhaps she could consider commercial print modeling instead.  There are many books written on the subject available in your local library, bookstore or online, many of which also contain a modeling agency directory.  

You will most likely need professional photos and may be asked for a modeling composite card before you submit her information to agencies, but certainly inquire if you can use snapshots for consideration.  

A list of agencies in the US can be found on the Screen Actors Guild website (www.SAG.org under Resources, Agent Information).  Those agencies marked FS (full-service) are those that represent commercial print models in addition to representing actors.  You will still need to confirm that they handle children of your daughter's age - as some commercial print agencies represent adults only.
 
Ask also what their criteria is for new faces.  If your daughter fits the agency's parameters and is photogenic, and you live in or near a major industry market (NYC, LA, Miami) or a smaller market (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta) there's a good chance she'll get representation that can get her work.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty