Tips for Aspiring Fashion Models

I thought I would share some tips and knowledge that I learned along the way when I was working full-time as a fashion model. I have a young cousin who is interested in entering the world of fashion modeling, and talking to her about it has prompted me to jot down some things every newbie in the industry should know....

1. Legitimate agencies will NEVER ask you for any money upfront. Agencies make their money by charging you a comission (20% for print and 10% for commercials) on every job you do. They will advance you the cost of travel, tests, comp cards, lodging, etc. and these expenses will then be taken out from your earnings.

2. The average height for a female model is between 5'8" and 5'11" and for male models it is 5'11" to 6'1". There are exceptions made once in a while. Kate Moss, Devon Aoki, Beri Smither, Letitia Casta and a few others have been able to break into and work quite well in the fashion industry at 5'7". Body proportion is key with measurements of 34-24-34 for female models being considered the most desireable, again, exceptions can and are made as long as you are proportionate.

3. The younger the better. I hate to say it, but it's true. Although for catalog modeling, which is very lucrative although oftentimes unglamorous, models between the ages of 25-35 are highly sought after. Commecial print models can work well into their senior years as well. But if you want to be a "top model" younger really is better. Agencies and clients love babies.

4. There are many, many markets besides New York and Los Angeles for modeling in. Some of these include Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Milan, Paris, London, Munich, Hamburg, Barcelona, Madrid, Capetown, Vienna, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney...tehlist goes on. Once you acquire an agency in your hometown, they will them work as your "mother agency" and will be able to place you in the whichever of the markets I mentioned above that they think you would work best in.