I'm 15 and I want to model?

[Katherssss]

Hi! I'm Kat and I've ALWAYS wanted to model. I've showed my guardian numerous opportunitys and agency's to model for and she just doesn't believe I can't model because I don't smile?!? This sounds ridiculous because most models don't need to smile once it comes to modeling. I have a very nice personality and I'm very warming to new people and strangers and I'm pretty shy but I can open up gradually ( I just can't smile on cue; believe me, if you make me laugh - that's where my real smile shows ) This was not the main issue though; the main issue is that sometimes she does not believe in me when it comes to modeling- I have been wanting this since I was 13. I see models on covers of magazines or runway models and I ALWAYS tell myself ( this is gonna be me one day) because I believe In myself.


I have so many people at school telling me or asking me "do I model?" Or "you should model" "your so skinny and beautiful" <----- these compliments give me so much encouragement and it makes me really believe I can do this.
I was once scouted to be a model ( I was stopped at mall once and they felt I had potential for that agency)
How do I convince my parent that this means everything to me?

My aunt is already helping me with my walks and my posing ( she used to model) but everytime I even ask my aunt I want to sign for a agency she never listens to me :/ I know this is a patient thing and it does take time but I feel as if I waited long enough and no one should waste time for a opportunity like this.

[Mandy]

It sounds like your family isn't taking you seriously, Maybe you should make it absolutely obvious to them you want to be a model! Give them numbers to photographers that can help you with portfolios, And agencies and if that doesn't help, Maybe you'll just have to try doing it on your own without help of your family.

[marcus]

So does every other starry eyed teenager. Being skinny and pretty mean nothing in modeling. Hell the ugliest girls on earth were on Top Model but they created beauty out of the structure. Keep up your school work and forget modeling you will never be a model!

Oh and skinny is definitely out if you look anorexic

"I was once scouted to be a model ( I was stopped at mall once and they felt I had potential for that agency)"

Bulllshit all they want is YOUR money not to pay you. Just read through here at how many idiot girls have fell for this and got taken for thousands of dollars.

"no one should waste time for a opportunity like this. "

WHAT OPPORTUMITY some goof ball in the mall who wants your money.

[klang]

Okay first off what type of model? Runway modleing? Commercial? If you wnat to be a runway model you have to be very tall (around 5'10) and skinny. Commercial modeling is more laid back and you earn more money from it. Watch this video from a professional model around your age:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEkhnCO02Lk

[Michelle]

I was a commercial print model for 6 years. Modeling has much more to do with body awareness than anything else. Knowing how to find your lighting and body angles is most important. Also, they key to being a successful model is being able to easily portray a variety of looks in your portfolio. This is important because different designers and advertisers look for different kinds of "looks" depending on the designer's style and also what is being promoted for the upcoming season. You will have the most success if you can easily change your look using your body position and facial expressions and the most successful models are typically quite androgynous.

If you want to go ahead and start breaking into the modeling world here are some first steps I would recommend:

1. You need to put together a portfolio and a comp card. A "comp card" or "compilation card" has your headshot on the front along with your name and 3-4 pictures from your portfolio that best demonstrates your "range" of looks. I highly recommend that this be done by a real photographer because it is always quite obvious when your portfolio consists of pictures you are tagged in on facebook...

2. You can start getting your look "out there" by setting up a profile on Model Mayhem. I used Model Mayhem primarily for online branding exposure and to book the occasional odd job after my modeling contract with my agency ended (because MM is where photographers can find you and book you for shoots locally) but I only accepted paid work from MM because you always need to be careful as model. Since you are just starting out you can have the option of doing TFCD or TFP shoots (Time for CD or Time for Print) which is where you model for the photographer for free and in exchange they give you professional photos to build your portfolio. This is a great option and much cheaper than hiring a photographer (but make sure to call or contact their references and other models on MM they have worked with in the past to make sure they are legit and not a creeper).

3. Attend local auditions! I found my agency, Victor's International, through the Pro Scout auditions. I was signed with them for 3 years and was even able to continue going to college and modeling at the same time. They would notify me of go-see auditions for shoots no matter where I was living which let me go away to college in a different state and continue to model.

4. On you auditions the most important thing to do is to MAKE YOURSELF MEMORABLE! When I did my audition for Victor I waited until all the other girl's auditions were over and ask him a few business questions about his agency being an international agency. Out of all the 1,500 individuals that tried out at the Pro Scout auditions, I was one of 13 girls that Victor signed and it wasn't because I was the tallest or skinniest or prettiest or had the most experience - it was because I had a variety of looks in my portfolio and most importantly because I talked to him about business for 5 minutes before he left because that is what made him remember me. Modeling is a business and the best models are smart models. Show them you are intelligent and willing to learn and you will do well!

Best of luck!
Michelle