There are a lot of opportunities for teenage models nowadays. In fact, a lot of the best models started their career when they were young. Gemma Ward is a prime example. The Australian supermodel was scouted when she was just 14 years old. She walked at Sydney Fashion Week a mere year later! Naomi Campbell was discovered at 16 years of age, whist Kate Moss started modelling at 14. In fact, the world famous British supermodel saw something in Devon Aoki at the age of 13 and signed her to her own modelling agency, Storm, a mere year later. The stunning Daphne Groeneveld began modelling for Giorgio Armani and Givenchy when she was just 15 years old. Other stars that started modelling in their teens include Tanya Dziahileva (14), Chanel Iman (13), Jourdan Dunn (17) and Lily Cole (14). If you have dreams of being a top model, why wait? There is a wealth of exciting opportunities for teenage models and it will stand you in good stead for the future, as you will quickly learn about the industry, how to behave on set and all of the technical lingo.
Nonetheless, not everyone can be a teen model! It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. This post is here to provide you with some great tips. One thing you will need to do is make sure your parents are onboard. Those under the age of 18 need their parents’ permission to model and you will also require adult chaperones to all of your casting calls, shoots and interviews. Your parents will also have to make your applications to model agencies on your behalf. This is required by law. Plus, your parents’ support will prove to be extremely valuable.
Once your parents are onboard the next thing you need to do is get some photographs for your portfolio. A portfolio is essentially a model’s CV and thus you need to make sure yours is on point. It is always best to get professional photographs taken. However, not everyone can afford this. So, why not consider using a photography student instead? You will both be helping each other. You need professional photographs, they need to build their portfolio – it’s a win-win for both parties. You will need body shots and head shots in several outfits, various poses and showing different expressions. You need to show your versatility. The worst kind of portfolio is one where the photographs look the same the whole way through. It is also important to keep the images as natural and simple as possible. The agents want to get a feel for how well you photograph and what you actually look like. They don’t want to see how good you are with a makeup brush. You should then select all of your best shots for your portfolio. Don’t put them all in. A few good shots are much better than lots of mediocre ones. You will be able to add to your portfolio once your career advances and you secure some modelling jobs.
It is also advisable to get composition cards printed. These are also referred to as zed cards or comp cards. You should have your head shot on the front of the card with some of your crucial statistics, such as your name, age, height, weight and hair colour. You should then include various other photos on the back of the card.
It is worth pointing out how competitive and difficult the modelling world can be. This applies for teen models as well. There are no exceptions. One thing you need to learn quickly is how to take criticism and rejection. You should never take it personally. Some of the best models in the world get rejected because their look isn’t the right feel the company is going for. You should never take rejection personally and you should learn from criticism you are given. You would have to be pretty lucky to land one of the first few jobs you are going for. However, so long as you learn from the experience you are on the right path.
You will also need to choose your modelling agency with a lot of care. Firstly, you need to make sure they are happy to represent a teenager and that they have experience in doing so. Some agencies will only accept those over the age of 18 years old. Moreover, you want to be sure a lot of teenagers are represented for two reasons. Firstly, it displays that the agency in question knows how to get jobs effectively for teens. Secondly, it is likely that companies looking for teen models will contact the agency in question because they know they represent a significant degree of them. You should always get your parents onboard when researching the best modelling agencies; their wisdom is a great tool. It is also a good idea to take a look at the portfolios and such like of models they represent and have represented. This will give you an excellent idea of what they will do for you. Read reviews that have been left by previous models as well. If the agency has a bad reputation or even worse is a scam, this is something you should be able to pick up on, as you will come across negative comments online warning you to stay away. You should also never have to pay upfront fees for an initial meeting or consultation. Authentic agencies never expect you to sign something straight away ether. They will give you the time to take the paperwork home so you and your parents can read over it and ensure you are happy.
On a final note, it is imperative to understand that you are essentially going to be thrown into the adult world. Yes, modelling is a dream career for many. Yes, it does have its glamorous points. But, it also takes extremely hard work and dedication to make it. You could end up travelling a lot and the hours are often long and unsociable. There will be no exceptions because you are a child. You will be expected to arrive on time and to act professionally. It is definitely not going to be a walk in the park. However, it can also be very rewarding at the same time. Once you land a job and see your pictures printed there is no greater feeling.
So there you have it, all you need to know about making it in the world of teen modelling. There are definitely a lot of opportunities for you to take advantage of. However, the first thing you need to do is make sure you get your parents onboard. This doesn’t simply mean getting them to sign everything for you. Have a serious talk with them and get their genuine support. You will need their advice and guidance along the way. After you have done this, you can then begin making moves in the modelling world. Don’t rush anything! Take the time to perfect your portfolio and locate the ideal agency for you. And remember, a ‘no’ is never personal. Don’t let rejection break you, instead let it make you! Follow this advice and you will give yourself the best chance of making it as a teen model.
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