SUPPLIES
- Photos of your face and body
- Piece of paper with your age and other statistics
Overview
There are many prestigious modeling agencies in California, including Ford and Elite. Both of these agencies accept teen models in addition to models in their early 20s. Most teen models are between the ages of 13 and 19 with heights between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches. Some of the biggest names in the modeling industry, like Nikki Taylor and Tyra Banks, began their careers as teenagers.
Step 1
Prepare photos that show your face and body. It's best to have at least three photos: a close-up of your face, a profile shot and a full body shot.
Step 2
Prepare statistical information about yourself. On a sheet of paper, type your name, age, height, weight, measurements (bust, waist, hips), hair color, eye color, dress size and shoe size.
Step 3
Send copies of your photos and information about yourself to various teen modeling agencies in California. You can mail or email them to agencies like Ford or Elite in Los Angeles, but make sure to provide contact information such as a phone number or email address where you can be reached. A modeling agent will be in touch with you if he's interested. The address for Ford Models in Los Angeles is: 9200 W Sunset Blvd #805, West Hollywood, CA 90069. The address for Elite Models is: 345 N Maple Dr. Suite #397, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. If you happen to be in the area, consider going to an open call for the agency where you will meet agents face to face.
Step 4
Consider moving to Los Angeles. If you are serious about pursuing a modeling career as a teen, then you should relocate to Los Angeles, which is considered the entertainment capital of the state. The movie and television studios that may hire you for a modeling job and the magazine publishers that use models in their editorial are mostly located in Los Angeles.
Step 5
Sign with a modeling agency. A modeling agency will protect you as a teen model and will send you on legitimate castings for jobs that will pay you for your work. Modeling agents will make sure that you are well-groomed and well-prepared before you go to a casting. They will also teach you the proper etiquette as well as be there to answer any questions you may have. For a teen model in California, it is much safer to work for a modeling agency then to be a freelance model. A freelance model is someone who works without representation from a modeling agency.
Step 6
Go to castings and go-sees. This is how most models get work. Castings and go-sees are brief meetings or interviews with potential clients looking to hire models to represent their brand or product. As a teen model in California, you will have to attend many castings in order to gain exposure and work opportunities. Keep in mind that most of these castings will be held in Los Angeles. It is much safer to attend the castings with a parent or guardian.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Always have a parent or guardian accompany you to photo shoots and castings, especially if you are under 18.
Dress professionally when you go to meet prospective clients.
Take good care of your body, hair, skin and teeth.
Stay in good physical shape.
Make sure to maintain a blemish-free complexion.
- WARNING : Don't sign with any agencies or "modeling schools" that ask for money up front.
Beware of photographers or clients who will ask you to pose nude or provocatively. If you feel uncomfortable, simply leave.
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