Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: heyy,
my name is shimolee and i live in nj. i am 18. i always wanted to be a model but i am just 5'4 and i dont know if i m too short to be in this profession. i know i can become a great model if i get 1 chance. and where do i start from?? where can i find a good agent? and would it be too expensive to hire an agent??

ANSWER: There are no height requirements (other than what an individual agency might set) for commercial print modeling.  While there may not be many commercial print agencies in NJ, there are a lot in NYC - so if you're close enough to commute, I would definitely look for an agent there first.  There are modeling agency directories on newsstands there, or you can look in your local library, bookstore or online for agency directories.  One of the best lists of agencies that have a commercial print division are on the Screen Actors Guild website - www.SAG.org under Resources, Agent Information, Find A SAG-Franchised Agency.  Those marked FS, (full service) are those who represent commercial print models in addition to repping actors.    
Many agencies also have websites that detail what they are looking for in new faces, as well as submission instructions.
An agent earns their money by taking a commission (usually 10-20%) off of the money you earn through them.  
The one thing you may be required to get first, is a modeling composite card.  There are some agencies that want to see a modeling comp card, and some that will accept snapshots for consideration - but most commercial print agencies will need composite cards from you in order to submit you for work.  But check fist with the agencies you are interested in what they want to see first from new faces.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty  


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

QUESTION: thank you very much for such a quick respond. but i have one more question. how do i get modeling composite card?
ANSWER: A modeling composite card contains photos that show your range as a model.  You can work with one or more photographers to get the shots you need, and contact a printer to have them printed.  You can do a search in your favorite search engine for modeling composite cards to see samples, or visit sites like http://www.modelcards.com and http://www.zedcardprinters.com for samples and articles.  Some agencies have lists of photographers or bulletin boards contain advertisements from local photographers, or you can check around other advertising resources in your local area for commercial print photographers, or ask a working model in your area what photographer(s) they used.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty

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

QUESTION: i tried to look for professional photographers in my area but i found a good one in New York. this is the site where they have listed their prices "http://www.1-b.com/HEADSHOTS/index.asp". i don't know if it is too expensive as i don't know how much is it supposed to cost me. and i don't know anyone in my area who is a model. do you think i should get an agent first and then go for comp card? and what about modeling portfolios? do i have to get them too?

Answer
The prices on modeling shots vary widely from photographer to photographer, anywhere from free to thousands of dollars.  You can contact the agencies you are interested in or visit their websites to see if they need a composite card from you for consideration, or will accept snapshots.  Generally, a modeling portfolio is used by fashion models, not commercial print models - and would contain work that you have done (tear sheets) rather than test shots.  It's not a requirement to have a portfolio as a commercial print model.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty