Overview
You can become a model at 15 with the help and encouragement of your parents. It is a good age to start a modeling career, since most 15-year-old girls have reached their final height and no longer have the girlish look characteristic of child models. Getting into the modeling industry takes some time and a lot of effort. Becoming a model at 15 allows you to have time to begin the process and peak when you reach your modeling prime in your late teens and early twenties.
Step 1
Weigh your modeling potential. Mainstream models fall into a narrow range of body type. You must be at least 5 foot 7 inches tall to do print work and 5 foot 8 inches tall to do runway work. If you are not this tall by 15, you probably never will be. Most of these models are quite thin, wearing a size 4 or smaller. Plus-sized models generally are between size 12 and size 16, and must meet the same height requirements.
Step 2
Show that you are photogenic. Have a parent or friend take pictures of you. Two essential shots are required. One is a face shot with the 15-year-old model smiling. The other is a full body shot showing the model's shape. It is important that these pictures are in focus, well lit and show what the model looks like. Don't try anything fancy. Exhibit the natural beauty of the model.
Step 3
Display the pictures to modeling agents. Don't waste your time with dinky modeling agencies that you have never heard of. Go to agencies representing your favorite models. If you live in a city where they have an office, make an appointment and meet with them. If you live far away, you can mail or email your photos. These agencies will be brutally honest. If they like you, they will take care of you. If they don't, they may refer you to other legitimate agencies.
Step 4
Be honest with yourself. If every modeling agency you meet with is interested in signing you as a client, then you obviously have great potential. If you meet with a dozen agencies and no one wants to sign you, you may need to reconsider a modeling career. Scam artists prey on teenagers who want to be models. They flatter you, then ask for money for pictures or modeling lessons. These are all scams. If the major modeling agencies do not want you, you may not be model material.
Step 5
Get a driver's license. By the time you have signed with a modeling agent and prepared yourself for auditions, you will be close to 16. You will need to go to modeling auditions in different parts of town at different times of day. Unless you have a parent available and willing to drive you at a moment's notice, you will need to get yourself there. Get your license and a car as soon as possible. Also work with your parents to determine when it is OK to miss school for an audition.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : You must be determined to make it as a model. Auditions are time consuming and inconvenient. You will be rejected far more than you will be accepted. Many 15-year-olds lack the fortitude for this. Make sure that the model realizes the amount of work involved and the odds of success.
