Overview
The ideal age for a young woman to become a model is 13 years old. By the age of 13, it should be apparent how tall the young woman will be and whether she has modeling potential. Starting a modeling career at 13 gives the young woman time to learn modeling skills, put together a quality portfolio and make contacts in the modeling industry before she hits her modeling prime.
Step 1
Measure yourself. Female models should be at least 5-feet-7-inches tall. Modeling agencies will want to know your exact proportions. Do not lie. Get a tape measure and write down your bust, waist and hip measurements. Also record your dress size, shoe size, ring size and hat size. Modeling agencies realize that 13-year-olds are still growing, but they have lots of experience predicting how a body type will fill out.
Step 2
Get photographed. All you need is a few good head shots and full body shots. Keep them simple. A friend or a parent can take them. You just want to be able to show legitimate modeling agencies that you are photogenic. Do not pay a bunch of money to a professional photographer or modeling school to get these pictures. You should never pay to be a model. You should get paid.
Step 3
Shop your pictures around at legitimate modeling agencies. Be sure to do this with a parent. Most agencies will not talk to 13-year-old girls alone. First try the big names like Ford, Elite and Click. Most offices have a set time every week when aspiring models can drop by with their pictures. They will not be impressed by an expensive photo layout, so don't bother paying for one. They are only interested in your potential as a model. If they like you they will accept you as a client and tell you how to get a decent portfolio. If they are not interested they will give you a list of other legitimate modeling agencies.
Step 4
Sign with a legitimate modeling agency. This can be a challenge since there are so many scams in the modeling industry. In general, if you are asked to pay fees up front for pictures or modeling lessons, they are not a legitimate modeling agency. The only function of a modeling agency is to get you work so they can take a cut of your fee. If a modeling agency seems more interested in making money off of you than getting you jobs, don't sign with them. Thirteen-year-olds are too young to make these decisions. Parents must guide them.
Step 5
Work on your modeling skills. A legitimate modeling agency might recommend a modeling coach. They can teach you the basics of the modeling industry. Good models take direction well and do not complain about discomfort. Most of modeling is waiting around for photographers to set up. Thirteen-year-old aspiring models must get used to the idea of being told what to do and following photographer orders. Many 13-year-olds lack this maturity.
Step 6
Go on auditions. Modeling agents call unexpectedly to tell you about modeling auditions. You must always be prepared to go on these. You cannot get modeling jobs if you do not go on modeling auditions. Sometimes you will get a few days' notice, but often you only get an hour or two notice. You must clear your schedule and get to the audition location. This is why most aspiring models live in fashion capitals like Los Angeles, New York or Paris, and don't have 9-to-5 jobs. Thirteen-year-olds are often in school when auditions are held. Parents must decide if the auditions are more important than staying in class. Since 13-year-olds do not drive, a parent also must take the time to transport them to the auditions.
Step 7
Be professional. You may go on dozens of auditions for every modeling job you get. This is the nature of the business. Thirteen-year-olds must not take this personally and must not get upset. Many times you will spend all day getting to an audition only to be told you aren't right for the job with hardly a glance. Be polite and thank them for their consideration. You never know when you might be working with them in the future.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : A 13-year-old model has several years to develop skills and contacts before hitting her prime. Use those years as a learning experience and don't get discouraged if you don't get a lot of jobs right away.
- WARNING : Avoid getting any tattoos or unusual body piercings. These will only reduce the number of modeling jobs you will get.
