Modeling Questions Answered - Do I really need to be 6ft and 100lbs to model?
The fast answer to that is a NO!
Most work in modeling is commercial, not runway fashion. There is a stereotype that everyone associates with models, tall, flat chested, anorexic thin. In the last few years we have seen a rise in that model image due to popular TV shows like Americas Next Top Model and others that offer contestants that fit that image a modeling contract at the end.
However, that type of High fashion model is only a very small percent of the industry and caters to few clients at certain times like “fashion weeks” and such. Most pro models do commercial work which has far less requirements in physical shape.
There are many more models that work daily that are 5′6″ than there are 6′. We only hear about the few Fashion superstars on TV, but go to your mailbox and grab one of the dozen catalogs there and you will see people modeling everything from kids clothes to cell phones.
Everyone appearing in any ad is a model. Maybe not a famous one, but still a model… and 1000’s of new ads are put out daily if not more. Those advertisers need to find models for the product, which is not Prada, and they will search high and low to find the perfect person.
Look at all the cosmetics ads, again 1000’s, hair products, electronics, etc. Many products such as nail polish may only use certain body parts and most manufacturers of consumer goods do not care if you are 5′0 or 5′11″ because they are not using your entire body. What they care about is that you have that “look” the campaign needs and that has nothing to do with high fashion.
A great example is the old “where’s the beef” campaign that ran 4ever using an elderly woman.
So there is no height, weight or age restriction, all are welcome in modeling, just not high fashion.
So never fool yourself. If you are not at least 5′9″+ look at other forms of modeling aside from high fashion, there is more work to be found there anyway.
Comments
Comment from Nana Ayiwa Achanfuo-Yeboah
Time: May 21, 2008, 2:51 pm
Modeling I thinks makes one looks sharp
Comment from Evelyn
Time: June 11, 2008, 3:13 pm
I love modeling but iam not a model
Comment from jade
Time: October 17, 2008, 4:13 pm
is there a age thing how old do have to be to model? i am 13 turning 14 and i want to model i am 5′5” my measurements are 35, 25, 35. and the other thing is my hair its superlong and dont want to cut it.please email me back.thank you.
sincerly,jade
Comment from chris
Time: April 21, 2009, 3:49 pm
Hi im new to the site and i have a question.
i went to this modeling interview and the director said that he would like to work with me. The problem is, he wanted me to schedule an apointment with this guy to make me a composition card. He was very strong about me getting this right away. It costs $750 which i dont have. Is this guy telling me the truth about modeling? He also claims that any private photographers are not professional and he wont accept any composition cards unless they are laser prints and are done by fashion photographers in newyork. Ive heard that you only need a portfolio to do modeling, not this fancy looking composition card.
Comment from admin
Time: April 21, 2009, 5:59 pm
Hi Chris,
I would be very, very careful. There are just so many scams out there. The rule of thumb is that any agent makes money when you make money. Since jobs can not be guaranteed, that money to the agent comes AFTER the job, not before.
The photo/comp card scam is one of the oldest. Legit agencies do want the models to have books and comp cards, but this does not sound like a large agency.
If you in fact you auditioned for a “director” then he already knows what you look like and would not need a comp card. If he is an agent, then you need to do A LOT of research and checking of reputations before shelling out any money. Call his other clients, ask if he booked jobs for them, ask around on some forums about the company etc.
Generally, brand new models can get away with booking a few gigs with good snapshots. Once you start working, with an agency, the agency will direct you in comp cards, etc.
The only type of service for modeling that requires upfront payment are casting submission services. They are not agents or agencies, basically you create a profile and they match auditions to what you requested or matches the profile. These services are normally cheap, a dollar or 2 a day and some services offer by submission. These casting services do not take any kind of commission from jobs you book, they just help you find the jobs, the rest is on you.
Other than the online casting services, there should not be any reason for anyone to demand payment upfront.
Another thing about these compcard scams is that the models usually end up with useless, substandard comp cards.
Comment from chris
Time: April 22, 2009, 10:32 pm
Thanks! well like i said he was real picky showing us these comp cards. This other woman i worked for didnt ask for anything to do the shoot. The nice thing is she is giving me a portfolio for my work. The thing i dont understand is that this director said that we should get these genuine vinyl books to display our pictures. Also he said that we need to have laser prints in them not glossy because they stick. Does that matter? I mean to me, showing me you’re pictures is enough no matter what kind of print they are. A Picture is a picture. The company is crest modeling management. I dont know how to ask the alleged people about it bacause i have no conatct information.
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