Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/2/2006

Question
Hello Kitty,
My names Elle and im 15 years old(almost 16) and 5'11.  I have been told that I could model and I have "perfect porportions." I have done soem work, but not much and I really want to get into modeling.(maybe runway)
Do you have any advice for me? I live in southern califrnia- orange county. What are the best angencies for someone that tall that I could contact? Could you possibly name me some? Am I just wasting my time, so ive heard most models get scouted?
I really want to pursue it tho and I have been told my many professional in the busniss that I do have potential. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Well, thank you so much for your time.

    - Elle

Answer
The next time a professional in the business tells you that you have modeling potential - smile politely, thank them for the compliment, and ask them for a referral to an agent.  
In the mean time, have a friend or family member take a couple of snapshots of you; a face shot and a full body shot.  Make sure your hair is off your face as much as possible, and you are wearing little or no makeup.  For the full body shot wear something very simple (or even a swimsuit) that clearly shows your figure - nothing baggy, loose, heavily patterned, nothing in the background, etc.

Either attend an agency open call, or send copies of the snapshots and a cover letter that includes your stats (height, weight, age, sizes, hair/eye color) contact information and a brief paragraph about yourself to agencies in L.A.  I've included a four agencies (below) for you to start with.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty
----------------------------
Ford Models
8826 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-276-8100
Open calls: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30-4pm
Women 5'8+, age 13-22, must come with photos.
www.fordmodels.com
----------------------------
Next Management
8447 Wilshire Blvd, PH
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 323-782-0010
www.nextmodelsusa.com
----------------------------
Q Model Management, Q Los Angeles  
8618 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles
Phone: 310-205-2888
Open Call: Tuesdays 10-11am
Bring snapshots, females 5'8+
www.qmodels.com
----------------------------
Elite Model Management
345 North Maple Drive, Suite 397
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310-274-9395
Open Calls: Mondays and Thursdays, 3-3:30pm
Ages 13-24, 5'6+ if under age 18, must have parental consent
www.elitemodel.com