models in major print campaigns. Anna Sui, an American
fashion designer, named one of the “Top 5 Fashion Icons of
the Decade,” used an incredibly young model in her jewelry
campaign, and controversial 14-year old Monika Jagaciak
took the fashion world by storm, modeling for Hugo Boss and
gracing the covers of magazines such as Bazaar and Elle. While
most young models cannot expect this kind of coverage, there
is definitely more work than ever for young models.
Modeling Fast Track: Best ways to get noticed
There are several ways for a young model to get noticed, but
there are a couple of tried and tested ways to catch the eye of
the modeling industry
•
As mentioned before, get a really strong
set of test shots and send them around to
different modeling agencies, there is a list of
good ones to try at the end of this article.
•
Search online and in the local papers
for model searches. Although not all of them
are legitimate, they can be a great way to get
yourself noticed. An especially good idea is to
look at actual agency websites like the ones
listed below, as many agencies will hold their
own model searches.
•
Try and attend fashion events and shows.
British model Erin O’Connor was discovered at
the Clothes Show Live event in the UK.
a far younger look will work as “teen” models up until the age
of 24. As well as looking for the typical tall, skinny model type,
agencies will look for a model with originality and confidence.
Someone who is still young needs to have the confidence and
maturity to face what can be quite a harsh world at times.
Agencies are often very wary of taking a teen onto their books
that is under the age of 16, so you must think very carefully
about whether you are ready or not.
List of Modeling Agencies
Below is a list of the top agencies. Even if you do not apply to
any of these agencies, they represent some of the top models
in the industry and the photos are a good
representation of what is expected.
Photo Courtesy of Seventeen Magazine
Warnings for New Models
The modeling world can be a harsh and unforgiving place,
especially for a teenager. It is important to know what you are
getting yourself into before pursuing a career.
•
Scams are rife in the modeling world and there are
many people out there whose sole purpose is to get money
out of people, especially online. A legitimate agency should
never ask for money from you before you have signed
a contract with them. Even if they do ask that you pay for
something like test shoots or initial air fares, they will take it
out of subsequent paychecks rather than ask for it up front
before they have found you any work.
Many clients will be heavily critical of your body. At
•
interviews they will pinch you and prod you and say that you
should lose a bit of fat here and tone up there. This can lead
to many girls having issues with their bodies. Even though
clients may want something very specific from you, it is
important to remember that you should not give it to them if
it will affect your health to do so.
When traveling to shoots it is advisable, at least at first,
•
to take a chaperon. If nothing else, it is a friendly face to keep
you focused on the job at hand, and it is insurance if anything
unprofessional or unexpected happens during a shoot.
The good news is, great strides are now being made in order
to protect modeling for teenagers. There’s still a long way to
go, but legislation like the one in New York State in 2013 are
really big steps in the right direction to make modeling safer
and more conducive for teenagers.
What a Modeling Agency Looks for in New Teen Models
The definition of a teen model, or junior model, is someone
between the ages of 13-21. However, many models that have
Elite Model Management: One of
•
the top agencies in the industry today. Made
famous by America’s Next Top Model http://
www.elitemodel.com
•
Models One: The most popular agency
in Europe. Discovered popular models such as
Agyness Dean http://www.models1.co.uk
•
Ford Models: A worldwide agency
that holds a lot of model searches http://www.
fordmodels.com
•
Wilhelmina Models: Well established
agency that also represents celebrities like
Fergie and Beyonce http://www.wilhelmina.
com
Supreme Models: Quirky New York modeling
•
agency promoting “intelligent beauty” http://www.
suprememanagement.com
Trump Models: Agency founded by business mogul
•
Donald Trump. http://www.trumpmodels.com
•
Premier Models: One of the best UK agencies http://
www.premiermodelmanagement.com
W Model Management: An agency with offices
•
all over the US. The only agency in Utah http://www.
wmodelmanagement.com
APM Models: New York agency that focuses on
•
strong personal relationships with the models http://www.
apmmodels.com
Bloom Models: A small New York modeling agency
•
http://www.bloommodels.com
•
Phoenix Agency: Local Albuquerque Modeling agency.
www.thephoenixagencynm.com/
MTM Model Management: Local Albuquerque Modeling
•
Agency. http://www.mtmmodelmanagement.com/
Armed with resolve and your good looks (conventional or
unconventional they may be), you just need to sign yourself up
for some interviews and auditions and you’ll be on your way to
what will hopefully be a promising modeling career. Remember,
most people don’t get in on the first try, so keep believing and
working on your game. You’re young, after all, and you certainly
have a bright future ahead of you—so don’t hesitate to aim for
the stars!
So there you have it, some modeling advice for teenagers,
accompanied by a few of the best modeling agencies for you
to look at. If you decide to pursue this career, I wish you all the
success you deserve on your modeling journey. Just remember
what the great philosopher Confucius said, “Choose a job
you love, and you will never have to work a day in your
life!”
NM CliQ Magazine | July 2015
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