Expert: Kitty Kavey - 12/26/2006

Question
hello Kitty Kavey,
 I'm Tosh S. I'm 16 years of age I'm 5'10" (white)  
I was online looking for a web site that could help me on modeling, and i came across this one. i was reading some of the questions people were asking you, and it seems you what your talking about, so what i was wanting was to know if i could still get into modeling even though i haven't started any type of modeling yet? i would also like your help on if i wanted to start, how would i get started?
I'm a photogenic person. i have a web page on "Myspace" that i try and get my pictures out, but I'm sure that wont help me on getting started in the modeling career. so if you cloud also check out some of my pictures and tell me if i have what it takes.
thank you for your time, and if you could please get back to me.

Sincerely,
Tosh S.

Answer
I suggest you submit your info to commercial print modeling agencies in your area.  If you're in the NYC or LA area, you can use the Ross Reports agency guide (www.rossreports.com or available on local newsstands).  They list some of the other agencies nationwide - but if you're outside the NYC/LA area, it might be better to use the Screen Actors Guild franchised agency list (www.SAG.org, under Resources, Agent Information).  The list is searchable by location in the US, and those agencies marked FS (full service) are those who have a commercial print division in addition to representing actors.  
You will need to find out from each agency you are interested in firstly if they are looking for new faces, and what they'll need from you for consideration.  They may want you to have a professional modeling composite card, in which case you'll need to get that before you submit your info to them.
There are many books written on the various types of modeling available in your local library or bookstore that you may find helpful as well.  One I like is titled: How to Become a Successful Commercial Model: The Complete Commercial Modeling Handbook by Aaron R. Marcus.
Since models (other than promotional models) do not use resumes, there's not much significance attached to what work you have done before.  If you're comfortable in front of the camera, know how to convey what you're selling in a framed shot and are photogenic, you have all the skills you need to begin.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty