In my last post, I gave out a few tips to online submissions and open call etiquette to break into the modeling industry. Follow these tips all you want, but unless you are what an agency is looking for, you may never acheive the modeling dream.
THE STATISTICS:
Height Requirements: Let's be real. Most models, especially high fashion models are 5'9"-5'11". Yes, you get a few models out there that are shorter. We have girls that are 5'7.5", but they are usually 14 and still growing. And yes, Kate Moss is 5'6", and Devon Aoki is by far the shortest of all runway models at 5'5". BUT, unless you have the ability to change the entire industry by becoming the muse for Calvin Klein and the heroine chic generation, or your dad is the founder of Benihana, chances are, if you aren't 5'9", you are too short.
Yes, there are agencies that represent petite models out there. They are rarely high fashion, and much more likely to be based in commercial modeling. Even petite models have to meet certain height requirements, usually 5'4"-5'7".
For men, it's much of the same. Height requirements are usually between 6'0"-6'2". Unless you are gorgeous, and Abercrombie worthy, even then, shoot for 5'11" or taller, and you'd better have a pretty great body.
I know that the height requirements in the fashion industry are brutual and unfair. Towering at a massive 5'2", I realized very young that my dreams of strutting down the runway swathed in Christian Dior couture were never going to be an actuality. Unfortunately, this is just how it is, and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.
Weighty Decisions:
Okay, say that you are hovering between the 5'9" and 5'11" range, step one is acheived, but the second most important thing? Your weight. Weight is a very touchy subject in the fashion industry. I really hate to see girls that are starving themselves to meet the requirements, sometimes it's just not worth it. Most of the girls that you see in high fashion are a size 2-4. Not a lot of room for error there, and an agency will tell you to do some more cardio and drop the excess pounds if you want to be successful.
If you are a size 6, and you fit what the agency is looking for, they may be willing to work with you to get those last few pounds off, but you have to be willing to work with them!
For guys there is more of a range. It really depends on what kind of modeling you are looking to get into. If you want to do high fashion and runway, then be a skinny little rail with no significant muscle. Most male models acheive this by a combo of yoga and cardio, lay off the weights!
However, if you plan on being an Abercrombie, GQ, Ralph Lauren type guy then by all means, build up that muscle. Get your stomach in shape, define those shoulders, and become a sex god.
Age:
Most female models start around the age of 14-16, and around age 24 it all starts to go downhill. Yes, some models can make it work beyond that age, but if you are already at that age, chances are, unless you want to be doing JCPenny ads as the mom, it just may not happen.
The Look:
So you're the right height and the right weight, but do you have the look of a model? The most important advice I can give on this one is to know your target market. Start researching. Look on agencies websites for what type of models they represent. Some agencies look for interesting looking girls, they may have very generic faces when you see them on the street, but photograph beautifully. Some agencies look for the "sexy-type" model, think Alessandra Ambrosio the rest of the VS girls.
Just know what you're getting yourself into. Be aware of your limitations, and restrictions. I know it can be a great disappointment to have your dreams crushed, but it will save you a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run.
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