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Short models?
Hi. I see you're very cute and pretty, so I'm sure you'll find something if you look hard enough, though I'm not sure if it'll be enough to make a living. I don't know about modeling outside fashion and commercial (to a lesser degree). I'll tell you what I know about that, hoping it will clear things out.
If you want to do fashion modeling, your best bet is to be signed by an agency. The thing is, they won't sign a girl if she is under 5'8 (5'9 in the major markets). For asians, they're less adamant, but 5'2 is definitely out for them too. I've seen some asian models who were 5'6, 5'5, but nothing under that. They're the smallest models I've seen doing fashion. Catalogue work is given to agency models, from the fashion or 'lifestyle' (aka commercial) division, depending on what the client wants. Some models (like yours truly) are too short, at 5'8-5'9, to do a lot of runway, but for catalogue, they're fine. The clients want very tall girls, always. So if you're not signed, forget catalogue. As for editorial modeling (aka the fashion spreads in the magazines), they're *always* given to agency models. The only exception are the smaller magazines, but they don't pay the models 90% of the time (they'll say it's for 'exposure'). That's for fashion, anyway.
For commercial modeling, height doesn't matter as much, but at 5'2, your chances of getting signed are very slim. Anyway, you won't know until you try, so call the agencies in your area and see if they'll consider you.
You may still get fashion shoots here and there with photographers who like you look, but don't expect to be paid much (if at all). Expect a lot of beauty work (aka make-up artists and photographers who need headshots for their portfolios). Most designers who are just getting started often don't have the money to pay agency models, you can always try to contact some of them and see if they need you. The pay isn't all that great, though. Odds are they'll offer a bit of money, or that they'll propose you clothes as payment. You can try small clothing companies on the web too (I've seen very short goth girl do that). They're not paid, but they get to keep the clothes. Anyway, from there, it's all about word of mouth. So if you're good at networking, you might be able to get some jobs here and there.
There's always other kinds of modeling (art modeling, import, alternative modeling...), but I can't help you there.
I hope it helps!
If you want to do fashion modeling, your best bet is to be signed by an agency. The thing is, they won't sign a girl if she is under 5'8 (5'9 in the major markets). For asians, they're less adamant, but 5'2 is definitely out for them too. I've seen some asian models who were 5'6, 5'5, but nothing under that. They're the smallest models I've seen doing fashion. Catalogue work is given to agency models, from the fashion or 'lifestyle' (aka commercial) division, depending on what the client wants. Some models (like yours truly) are too short, at 5'8-5'9, to do a lot of runway, but for catalogue, they're fine. The clients want very tall girls, always. So if you're not signed, forget catalogue. As for editorial modeling (aka the fashion spreads in the magazines), they're *always* given to agency models. The only exception are the smaller magazines, but they don't pay the models 90% of the time (they'll say it's for 'exposure'). That's for fashion, anyway.
For commercial modeling, height doesn't matter as much, but at 5'2, your chances of getting signed are very slim. Anyway, you won't know until you try, so call the agencies in your area and see if they'll consider you.
You may still get fashion shoots here and there with photographers who like you look, but don't expect to be paid much (if at all). Expect a lot of beauty work (aka make-up artists and photographers who need headshots for their portfolios). Most designers who are just getting started often don't have the money to pay agency models, you can always try to contact some of them and see if they need you. The pay isn't all that great, though. Odds are they'll offer a bit of money, or that they'll propose you clothes as payment. You can try small clothing companies on the web too (I've seen very short goth girl do that). They're not paid, but they get to keep the clothes. Anyway, from there, it's all about word of mouth. So if you're good at networking, you might be able to get some jobs here and there.
There's always other kinds of modeling (art modeling, import, alternative modeling...), but I can't help you there.
I hope it helps!
Eloise has replied so well and it's all so true. This is the way it is. In the commercial world, clients approach agencies they have a relationship with and put in their requests for a particular assignment. Agencies put forward possibles and then via castings or interveiws, models are chosen. There are a many different types of agencies out there but for fashion/ad work, the top ones will be looking for girls that have a widest possible range, that is, can do runway, (where you just HAVE to be tall for mainstream) and do editorial, commercial etc. Most agencies will not take on short girls simply as they cant get them as much work as the taller models and while the taller ones tick all the boxes, agencies will not bother with shorter models. The chances of getting signed by an agency if you are short, are very much less than if tall and with many agencies it is just impossible.
Areas where height is less of an issue are in glamour and art photography. The first no one should really go near but the second can be exciting but the amnount of work and money is limited as many, as Eloise says, will just be looking for TFP type deals. Also though you are very pretty so you may get make up/hair shots as well so dont be put off by our replies- go for it:)
But, the key point is to try, reseach all of your local agencies and try them all out but beware of just being conned out of money. Read my "Modelling Advice" missives on here..
In terms of a portflio, try and mix it up as much as possible to show a range of expressions and looks as this will help show a prospective agency your range.
Hope that helps a little.
Alicia
xx
Areas where height is less of an issue are in glamour and art photography. The first no one should really go near but the second can be exciting but the amnount of work and money is limited as many, as Eloise says, will just be looking for TFP type deals. Also though you are very pretty so you may get make up/hair shots as well so dont be put off by our replies- go for it:)
But, the key point is to try, reseach all of your local agencies and try them all out but beware of just being conned out of money. Read my "Modelling Advice" missives on here..
In terms of a portflio, try and mix it up as much as possible to show a range of expressions and looks as this will help show a prospective agency your range.
Hope that helps a little.
Alicia
xx
Yeah it's pretty depressing being short. I keep wishing I'd been born a few inches taller because I feel that I have the face and figure for modeling.
It's hard because I know major agencies won't even look at me because of my height, but I'm not really sure about how to go about finding other kinds of work. I would love to do commercial or print - I guess it's just finding the jobs in the first place that I'm having difficulty with.
x
It's hard because I know major agencies won't even look at me because of my height, but I'm not really sure about how to go about finding other kinds of work. I would love to do commercial or print - I guess it's just finding the jobs in the first place that I'm having difficulty with.
x
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