Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: dear ms/mr,
I LOVE MODELING!!!!!!  I AM VERY GOOD AT ACTING SINGING AND MODELING BUT THERES ONE PROBLEM!!!!! I AM A LITTLE FAT AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE A PLUS SIZE MODEL I LIVE N DAYTON,OHIO N I AM VERY SCARED TO GO TO DIFFRENT STATES FOR A AUDITON FOR PLUS SIZE MODEL! WHAT SHOULD I DO I WANT TO FOLLOW MY DREAMS I AM 10 AND I WOULD LIKE TO COME A PLUS SIZE MODEL AND I NEED HELP!!!!!

ANSWER: You may have to wait until you are at least 16 or 17 before you can consider becoming a plus-size model.  Like fashion models, unless you are working as a child model, you will most likely be travelling.  Also, there is very little modeling work of any type in Ohio.  Your best bet at this point would be to commute to Chicago, as there are quite a few agencies there - although again, not much for fashion/plus-size work.  I believe the minimum size for plus size modeling is a woman's size 10, and a height of at least 5'7 or 5'8.  If you fit that, then you can submit your information to the agencies in NYC - although be prepared for travel, that's part of fashion modeling.  There are modeling agency directories available in your local library, bookstore or online, as well as many books written on the different types of modeling.  Often, the books contain an agency directory as well, who specialize in that type of modeling.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: DEAR MS KITTY,
THANK YOU BUT WHAT DO YOU MEAN?? DO I HAVE TO TAKE A PLANE TO CHICAGO OR NYC???

Answer
If you are close enough to Chicago to be driven there every time you're asked to go on a go-see/audition, then you can look into the agencies in Chicago to represent you.  If you are not close enough to them to be able to commute (or get to work) then they probably will not be interested in representing you.  Same thing with NYC.  You can submit your information to a New York agency, but if they want to represent you, they will expect you to move there in order to work.  A lot of young models (and young actors) arrange tutoring to finish school, as work takes priority for them.  Fashion modeling in general also requires a lot of travel, even for plus-size fashion models.  There's fashion week in NYC, shows in Paris, Milan, Asia, and photo shoots all over the world.  If you have a chance, watch one of the shows like America's Next Top Model.  On some of the seasons now, they have had a plus-size model competing with the regular models, and it's a very similar experience.  You'll also see where they travel, and, other than the challenges, what a photo shoot or runway show is like for the new girls.
~Kitty