THE REAL DEAL OF THE MODELING WORLD

   Myths and lies run so rampant in the modeling industry that I named my own South Beach modeling agency, "Rumors". But you know what? I want to get past the rumors to the real deal. Having owned three major modeling agencies in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami, and client credits including such leading models Lauren Hutton, Kristy Hume, and Amber Valletta, I believe I can set the record straight.

   One of the most difficult but important truths of this industry is that you must be tall, thin, and photogenic. For us women this means measuring 5'9"-5'11" tall, and for men it means standing at least 6'. Are there exceptions? Absolutely. There are many successful models who are an inch or even two taller or shorter, but remember the exception always has it a bit tougher, and those who vary from "the truth" more than two inches in either direction are probably out of the ballpark.

   As for weight? Well, it's true that the camera adds 10 pounds, so if you're aspiring to this industry, you should be 10 pounds too thin to look as good on film as you do to the naked eye. On average, the 5'9" female model weighs 118 pounds, the 5'10" model around 120 pounds, and the 5'11" model weighs around 122 pounds. Male models, on the other hand, are held to their size rather than weight -- "lucky things". For those 6' to 6'2", their jacket size should measure between 39 and 42 inches; their shirt size between 151/2 and 161/2, their inseam between 32 and 34 inches, and their waist between 30 and 32 inches. Men, in general, also have much longer careers, their prime time being between age 18 and 27 but beginning as early as 14 and extending often into ones 50's.

   Many people take exception with the weight issue, but until consumers change their ways and stop buying clothing advertised on overly thin girls, the weight is a requirement and there is nothing you or I can do to change it. Understand, I am not emphasizing weight loss in this article; I am simply trying to tell the real truth about modeling so that if you or your child does not have the requirements, you won't go chasing an empty dream.

   Age also is a critical factor. The best time to start developing a career as a model is between ages 13-16. By the time you are 18, you should be ready to work and by the time you are 20 your career should be in high gear. Yes, once a successful model you can work into your thirties. But the probability of beginning a career past age 21 or 22 is very doubtful unless you look much younger.

   So you say your height, weight, and age are perfect? What next?

   You need to get an agent. Most top agencies have an open call day, but that can be pretty intimidating. To find out more info on open calls, just call the agency you're interested in and ask.

   Your other alternatives are showcases and schools. Of course I believe in showcases, because I produce one and it is an excellent way to be seen by numerous agents at one time. But schools can also be a good option if you go to the right school for the right reason. I went to one myself at age 16 that really helped me; it didn't make me a model, but it did give me confidence, which I sorely needed at the time. Let's be real about what else a modeling school can do.

   First of all, it can't make you into a model if you don't have the requirements. A school cannot make you beautiful nor can it make you taller, but what a good school can give you is the self-assurance, style, and skills you need to succeed in an industry that demands interview skills, confidence when moving in front of a camera, a fashion sense, and a look that is stylish and complimentary. They say a model can learn all of this on the job, and they can, but why risk your chance at a great career because you don't have the skills going in? You may even be able to get an agent without these skills, but the lack of them can certainly backfire on you. As a modeling agent myself, I have seen many potentally successful models lose their momentum because they lack impressionable interview skills and are just too stiff in front of the camera. And to put it plainly, a modeling career is like a snowball. The more jobs you get, the more your clients and agents are excited about you. But then, the reverse is also true. If you aren't booking jobs because you don't know how to move or interview, your agent is bound to loose faith in you.

   If you aren't able to gain these skills from a modeling school, don't loose hope. There are other ways. Dance classes give confidence and awareness about how to move, and a visit to a top, hip hairdresser can help with your look. But don't go too wild!

   As for confidence in front of the camera? Have a friend take lots of pictures of you for fun, and use the experience to try different poses and expressions. Look through fashion magazines and start looking at how the models are posing and practice. Get comfortable with the looks that fit you best.

   Interview skills, on the other hand, are a much harder skill to acquire. Look into your high school or local college for debating or communications courses; set up imaginary interview scenarios with your parents, or videotape yourself entering a room and introducing yourself. Then learn from watching. Remember, keep your head up, smile and make eye contact. That's the key.

   In all? If you measure up to all of these truths; if you are tall, thin, photogenic, have style, confidence, the ability to move in front of the camera and can blow the industry away with your terrific interview skills, I'm simply going to level with you one last time. There is no reason why you cannot have a successful, financially rewarding career as a model. So go for it. Get yourself an agent, and be a star!