How to Become a Young Model

Evaluate the industry need for young, teenage models. There are a plethora of magazines, books and products targeted toward the young person market. Therefore a high need exists for fresh and attractive faces in an age bracket that the audience can relate to. Consider magazines such as Cosmo Girl, Seventeen and Teen Vogue; clothing lines such as Abercrombie and American Eagle; products like baseball gloves and cell phones and services like educational tutoring. Each market requires a young model to represent the brand. Examine favorite brands and take notes to the similarities between the models. What things do you have in common with these individuals? Make a list of long-term goals and desired future clients. The niche teen industry can offer plentiful jobs for a young model; Ensure you have your guardian/parent's full support, as parental consent is required for agency contracts.

Study the successes of the greats. Evaluate your favorite models--from Gisele Bündchen to Naomi Campbell--and determine what type of career you hope to have. Understand the reality of obtaining such goals, but do not deter from your dream. Practice posing, consider professional training services and learn about photographers, magazine editors, models and fashion designers. List your favorites for future inspiration and motivation as you pursue a modeling career.

Understand industry standards for young models. Modeling jobs often require long hours on your feet; the result can be a tired and stressed model. Photo shoots may require extensive travel, offer little money and require you work well in a group. Additionally, casting directors and modeling agencies have strict standards of beauty, often criticizing young individuals with negative feedback. Maintain a professional and positive attitude and discuss concerns with a parent or respected adult. Practice healthy behaviors, such as eating the right foods, taking care of your body and follow excellent hygiene habits. Industry leaders may prod and criticize specific body parts or features; do not let negative behaviors lead to a poor self-esteem. Instead, utilize your strengths to set you apart from the competition and put your health above other's criticisms. Oftentimes, modeling agencies are looking for a specific look--not fitting into a boxed category only means there is another place for you. Although traditional models are tall (over 5'9") and thin, the modeling industry can be welcoming to all body types, nationalities and unique looks for catalog, plus-size and commercial jobs. Stay motivated and, with hard work, you can find a modeling agency that values your skills and cultivates your talent.

Contact a local professional photographer that specializes in teen modeling. Have head-shots taken in natural lighting and with virtually no make-up. Ensure poses feel young (avoid seductive looks). Agencies look for young models that possess versatile capabilities. Have photographs taken of the head, full-length body, in several outfit options and in both black-and-white and color. Choose different (but complimentary) photos for a composite card, which will serve as proof of modeling ability to prospective agents.

Apply to an agency that specializes in teen modeling. Ensure the modeling agency is credible and follow all application guidelines. Research the agency through online venues, references and signed models. Consider big-name agencies that have experience with young models, such as Elite Model Management, Ford Models and Wilhelmina Models (see Resources). Although highly-competitive, modeling agencies provide maximum opportunity for long-term success. Additionally, consider entering a modeling contest, such as America's Next Top Model and Seventeen's Model Search. These contests are open to the public and provide an opportunity for young, prospective models to get discovered.